Our family really enjoyed this restaurant. It was very busy, and I can see why. The food was amazing—excellent BBQ all around. The poblano mac and cheese was incredibly flavorful and the best I’ve ever had! The service was great, which made the experience even better. The giant pretzel was delicious, and my sandwich was amazing .
Overview
If you're in the Williamsburg area and looking for a place that serves up authentic, mouth-watering barbecue, then Old City Barbeque should be at the top of your list. Located at 700 York St, Williamsburg, VA, this charming diner brings the true flavor of Southern barbecue to the heart of Virginia. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this spot offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and a dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
One of the standout features of Old City Barbeque is the inviting atmosphere. The moment you walk in, you're greeted with the rich smell of smoked meats and a warm, rustic vibe. The decor combines a classic diner feel with modern touches, making it a comfortable spot for both casual lunches and family dinners. It's the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed, which is exactly how you want to experience great barbecue.
The menu at Old City Barbeque is a true reflection of its expertise in Southern cooking. With a variety of smoked meats, such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, there's something for everyone. The meats are cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of smoky flavor and tenderness. What makes the barbecue at this place stand out is the attention to detail in preparation. Each piece is carefully seasoned, smoked low and slow, and then served with a selection of house-made sauces that complement the flavors without overpowering them.
But it's not just about the meats at Old City Barbeque. The sides are equally impressive. Their mac and cheese is creamy and rich, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the smoky meats. And don't miss out on the cornbread-it's a crowd favorite. It's fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp outer layer, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. For dessert, the banana pudding is a must-try, offering the perfect sweet ending to a savory feast.
What really sets Old City Barbeque apart is the passion for quality. The owners and staff are truly invested in creating a top-tier barbecue experience, and it shows in every dish they serve. The cooking process is rooted in tradition, yet they aren't afraid to experiment and innovate. If you’re not sure what to try, the pulled pork sandwich is a great place to start. Tender, smoky pork piled high on a soft bun, paired with pickles and tangy sauce-it's a simple, classic choice that never disappoints.
Located in the heart of Williamsburg, VA, Old City Barbeque is conveniently situated for both tourists and locals. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the historic district or just passing through on your way to other destinations, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and indulge in some flavorful barbecue. Plus, with outdoor seating available, it’s an ideal place to enjoy your meal on a sunny day while soaking in the local atmosphere.
In terms of customer service, Old City Barbeque is top-notch. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend dishes or share the story behind their cooking methods. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll always feel welcomed and valued at this family-owned restaurant.
If you’re someone who values quality ingredients and authentic flavors, you’ll appreciate the care and effort that goes into each dish at Old City Barbeque. From the perfectly smoked meats to the delicious sides and desserts, every bite is a testament to the skill and dedication of the kitchen team. So, next time you're in Williamsburg, VA, make sure to stop by and experience the best in Southern barbecue. It’s more than just a meal-it’s an experience that you'll want to repeat again and again.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Fireplace âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Cheques âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2047 reviews
We were at the rec center across the street for some basketball games. Had a break in between games. We could smell and see the wood smoke coming from the restaurant. Upon walking in I was pleasantly surprised. Nice bar and dining area with also outside seating. Our waitress was absolutely amazing! Personable and knowledgeable. Seemed to enjoy her job. Some of the best baked beans I've had. Fries were great and seasoned well with a good crisp. My girlfriend was making mmmm sounds as she bit into the blt with burnt ends. We will definitely be back to try more selection of meats and sides.
This place was recommended to me by several locals… and I am so glad. Wow. I love a good BBQ joint and I love pork belly, when it’s cooked correctly. Here it was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Beyond that the sides were delicious. The service was awesome. I’m a huge fan of the food and the people.
Server was great and friendly. Helped me accidentally order off the secret menu. It was a touch pricey but that’s kind of just the way BBQ Joints are going these days. The sauces on the table were pretty good. The main sauce is realllllly sweet for a bbq sauce but the tidewater had a nice mustard kick and the vinegar sauce was standard in a good way.
My husband and I just happened to be driving to a different restaurant when we drove by and smelled the BBQ. We decided to turn around and give this place a try. I loved how down to earth this place was, not only were we greeted right away but we were also seated within a few minutes. Our server’s name was Mayor, and she was absolutely amazing! Mayor gave us exceptional service, recommended some delicious platters and was very friendly. There needs to be more servers with Mayor’s charisma and attentiveness to the customer. We ordered the Pork Belly bites and those are to die for! My husband had the Buttermilk Chicken Thigh Sandwich with the Mac’n’cheese and he absolutely loved it. I ordered the 3meat sampler, more pork belly bites, ribs and brisket, with cornbread and sweet potato fries. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our food and the service received, my husband and I were glad we stopped and tried this place out. If you’re in this part of town, make this a stop and hopefully you can have Mayor serve you.
It's a nice enough place and within walking distance of where I was staying, good atmosphere inside and good enough service. I got brunswick stew, which had PLENTY of meat in it, plus a side of fried brussel sprouts, which were good, but not as good as other versions I've had. Cornbread is very soft, like cake, and with whipped honey butter was basically dessert. I asked for some saltines for the stew, and she said they didn't have any, but (after a while) brought me a plate of ritz crackers. But then when I got the bill, I realized I was charged $2 for them! Plus there is a Williamsburg restaurant tax and a credit card surcharge, so the whole thing made me feel nickel and dimed and like I wasn't getting a good value. I don't regret going, but if I lived here, I wouldn't be a regular at Old City.
This spot offers a laid-back atmosphere with a modern, rustic interior that feels both clean and welcoming. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and pork belly, accompanied by classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The portions are generous, and the pricing is reasonable, making it a good value for the quality of food provided. While the meats are flavorful, they seem to be more oven-roasted than traditionally smoked, lacking the deep smoky flavor some might expect. Nevertheless, the dishes are well-prepared and satisfying. Service was prompt, though our server appeared somewhat rushed or preoccupied, despite the restaurant not being particularly busy at the time. This didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, but it’s something to be aware of. Overall, this is a solid choice for above-average barbecue in the area. It’s a great place to enjoy a hearty meal in a comfortable setting.
Very good: Collard greens, Poblano mac, Pork belly, brisket, fries, the service! Good: Ribs, everything pickled Okay: Coleslaw, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sauces Notes: Excellent mac n cheese and collard greens! Expected sauces and pulled pork and coleslaw to have more flavor, just a bit plain for me