13 Virginia BBQ Joints That Locals Say Serve Fried Chicken Just Like Sunday Dinner
Virginia takes its Sunday dinners seriously, and you can taste it in the food. Around here, some BBQ joints know how to do more than smoke meat, they’ve nailed fried chicken that feels like something your grandma would serve.
I’ve stopped at a few of these places on a lazy Sunday, and there’s always that same feeling of home when the plates hit the table.
The mix of smoky BBQ and crispy, golden chicken is exactly what locals crave, and it’s the kind of meal that brings people back week after week.
1. The BBQ Exchange, Gordonsville
Family recipes get passed down through generations at this Gordonsville landmark. The fried chicken here comes out with a golden crust that cracks just right when you bite into it.
Each piece stays moist inside while maintaining that signature crunch outside. The seasoning blend hits all the right notes without overpowering the natural chicken flavor.
Last summer, I watched a regular customer order a whole platter for his extended family reunion. The sides complement the chicken perfectly, especially the mac and cheese that reminds you of home cooking.
2. Gordonsville Ice House, Gordonsville
This converted ice house brings history and flavor together under one roof. Locals swear by the fried chicken that gets prepared fresh throughout the day.
The batter includes a secret blend that adds extra flavor to every bite. You can taste the quality in the chicken itself, which comes from reliable suppliers.
Portions run generous here, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home. The atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, making it easy to settle in for a proper meal.
3. Shaffer’s BBQ & Market, Middletown
Walking into Shaffer’s feels like stepping into a country market where quality matters. Their fried chicken benefits from the same attention they give their smoked meats.
The coating stays crispy even after sitting for a few minutes, which tells you they know what they’re doing. Each piece gets cooked to order, so expect a short wait that’s completely worth it.
I’ve tried their chicken three times now, and it’s been consistent every visit. The market side offers great products to take home, making this a double-purpose stop worth planning for.
4. Old City Barbeque, Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s BBQ spot manages to honor tradition while keeping things fresh. The fried chicken here gets brined before frying, which adds moisture and flavor throughout.
You’ll notice the difference in the first bite when the juice runs down your fingers. The crust holds together beautifully without any greasiness that sometimes plagues fried chicken.
Families pack this place on weekends, which says plenty about the quality. The staff keeps things moving smoothly even during rush times, and the portions satisfy without overwhelming.
5. Beach Bully BBQ, Virginia Beach
Coastal living meets Southern cooking at this Virginia Beach favorite. Their fried chicken stands out because they use a pressure fryer that locks in moisture while creating that perfect crunch.
The technique results in chicken that’s ready faster but tastes like it took hours. Seasoning stays balanced, letting the chicken quality shine through without hiding behind heavy spices.
Visiting after a beach day makes perfect sense here. The casual vibe welcomes sandy feet and hungry appetites, and the portions match what you’d expect from a proper BBQ joint.
6. HogsHead Cafe, Richmond and Henrico
Richmond area residents have two locations to grab this excellent fried chicken. HogsHead keeps things simple and focused, which works in their favor.
The chicken gets a light coating that lets the meat quality speak for itself. Cooking temperature stays precise, avoiding the burnt spots that sometimes happen with fried chicken.
My favorite aspect is how the chicken never tastes greasy, even though it’s fried. Both locations maintain the same quality, so you can visit whichever sits closer to you and expect the same great results.
7. The Fishin’ Pig, Waynesboro
Waynesboro’s unique spot combines two Southern favorites under one quirky name. The fried chicken here competes seriously with their smoked offerings, which tells you something about the quality.
They use a cast iron method that creates an even crust all around each piece. The result tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all morning in the kitchen getting it just right.
I appreciate how they don’t oversalt the chicken, letting you add seasoning to your preference. The restaurant’s character shows in the decor as much as the food, making it a memorable stop.
8. Mojo Bones, Norfolk
Norfolk’s answer to great BBQ and fried chicken sits in a spot locals have claimed as their own. The chicken here gets a buttermilk soak before hitting the fryer, which tenderizes the meat beautifully.
That extra step shows in the final product when you cut into a piece. The coating includes subtle hints of spice that build gradually rather than hitting you all at once.
During my last visit, the server recommended their chicken with the collard greens, and that combination worked perfectly. The restaurant fills up quickly during dinner hours, so timing your visit helps avoid the longest waits.
9. Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar, Newport News
Newport News residents know where to go when the fried chicken craving hits. Smoke BBQ keeps their recipe straightforward, focusing on technique rather than gimmicks.
The chicken comes out hot and ready, with a coating that stays put instead of sliding off. Each piece gets cooked to the right temperature, avoiding the dryness that ruins fried chicken.
The menu offers plenty of variety, but regulars often stick with the chicken because it’s that reliable. Sides run traditional, which fits perfectly with the Sunday dinner theme this place nails.
10. Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill, Williamsburg
Another Williamsburg gem proves the area takes its fried chicken seriously. Rocco’s approaches their chicken with the same care they apply to their smoked meats, and it shows.
The breading includes herbs that add complexity without overwhelming the palate. Chicken pieces run large here, so even big appetites leave satisfied.
The grill adds a subtle smoky note that sets their chicken apart from standard fried versions. Service stays friendly and attentive, making this a comfortable spot for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
11. Bubba-N-Frank’s Smokehouse BBQ, Carrollton
Carrollton’s hidden treasure serves fried chicken that locals protect like a family secret. The coating here achieves that delicate balance between crispy and tender that’s harder to nail than it looks.
Each batch gets made fresh, so you’re never getting chicken that’s been sitting under a heat lamp. The seasoning tastes homemade, probably because it is.
When I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon, the place buzzed with families clearly making this their regular spot. The prices stay reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality you receive.
12. Rib City, Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s Rib City location maintains the standards that made the brand popular. Their fried chicken follows a tried-and-true recipe that delivers consistency every single time.
The meat stays juicy while the outside provides that satisfying crunch people expect. They offer both white and dark meat options, cooked equally well.
The restaurant handles crowds efficiently, which matters when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait forever. Their side dishes round out the meal nicely, particularly the coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
13. Risin’ Smoke Barbecue, South Hill
South Hill’s BBQ pride and joy rounds out this list with chicken that rivals any grandmother’s recipe. The small-town atmosphere adds to the experience of eating here.
Their fried chicken benefits from local ingredients and a recipe refined over years of practice. The crust shatters perfectly when you bite down, revealing tender meat inside.
Portions come generous, and the prices reflect small-town values rather than tourist trap markups. Visiting here feels like discovering a place locals have been enjoying quietly for years without much outside attention.