Love this food and the people serving it!! We enjoy the beers at Bold Mariner, but the Bar-Q is the main attraction for us!! read more

Bar-Q - Two Meat platter with Collards, Christmas Beans, Smack&Cheese, Peggy's Corn and Cornbread. - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

#26/2020 "Firstable" lemme just say this place is the bomb! Their BBQ is spot on! Y'all don't know just how long it has taken me to finally find brisket done correctly. There's only ONE other bbq place that makes it good but we won't get into that right now. Anyway... I don't even know where to start! I guess I'll just drive right in. - Location: Right on Shore Drive however FAR from where I live in VB. Google maps tells me 34 minutes. Yowza! Besides that, you'll find them inside the Bold Mariner Brewing Company's "house." It's a really pretty establishment when you walk in. Industrial, open, friendly, casual, loud'ish, and just fun. Small parking lot yet I was able to find a spot up front but I don't know where you'd park if that little lot was full. - Service: AWESOME! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted warmly and with a smile. You'll notice one big counter with a side for beer and a side for BARQ. I really wanted a beer but I was hungry more so I passed. They come and check on you from time to time, which I really didn't expect. I assumed that if I needed anything it was up to me to approach them and inquire. Nope, only time we went up there was to ask for a refill on waters. - Food: Absolutely 10/10. Well, maybe 8/10 because our food wasn't piping hot. Also, we didn't care too much about the collards greens. Needed more seasoning and spiciness. Other than that, all the meats were perfectly prepared and served. Despite the temperature, the entire meal was to die for. You know what else was to die for? - THE PRICE! Yikes! For 2 trays (each with 3 meats + 2 sides + corn bread) rang up to be.... Brace yourself now.... $75 + tip. (Just have a look on my receipt.) I legit almost choked and if I'm being completely honest, everything inside of me wanted to say "tell them you changed your mind!" but I don't operate that way. The price was the whole reason I had to dock a star. It was way too pricey for my blood but hey, it was an experience AND it made for 3 meals. Would I come back? Absolutely!!!!! I just know now that I would exercise better judgement and order accordingly. But to be fair, the folks did tell us that the meal was good for 2 people. It's just that my son and I wanted to challenge them and prove them wrong, I guess. Us: 0, BARQ: 2. Lol! read more

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I love barbecue. I sent my husband to Bar-Q and told him that I really want brisket. He came home with brisket, ribs, and sausage along with a couple sides as well as a carrot cake for the kids. I'm pretty picky about my brisket, it has to be...moist (cringe). I can't stand dry brisket. After reading the reviews on Yelp, I was super excited for the brisket from here. But, it was dry. Did it get dry on the 3 mile drive home? What happened? I still ate it and and to be fair, the sauce really made up for the dryness. Maybe I just need to go and eat in next time. The ribs were great and the sausage was also really good. As for the sides the potato salad was okay, it was potato salad (to be fair, I'm a die hard Hattie B's potato salad fan and it is what I use to compare all other potato salads to). The beans were good and the collards were good too, all pretty standard barbecue accompaniments. The carrot cake must have been amazing (my husband said it was 'insane') because it was gone in minutes. Crumbs and all. I will definitely be back to try again. Nothing was bad, it's super close to me, and warrants another go for sure. read more

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Just wanted to give a shout out to Jayme and crew for providing some of the best wings I have ever had at today's Octoberfest at the Bold Mariner Brewery. If you get a chance, be sure to check them out for all of the other amazing food they serve up as well. When you cook from the heart you can always tell. Great job you guys!!! Keep up the great work! read more

Holy Smoking Fuckballs, this place is legit! I'm a BBQ aficionado, and have had some of the best brisket in the nation. Bar-Q easily --EASILY -- has the best brisket I've had on the East Coast. So, if you're a Midwest transplant, and have that air about you of, "You gotta go to Texas or Kansas City for decent brisket" you can stop saying that. Nestled inside Bold Mariner's brewery, in what best can be described as a symbiosis of dank ass beer coupled with BBQ so good that you'll keep eating it long past the point that your body says stop, you literally get the best of both worlds. I saw pitmaster Jayme Campbell there, but didn't get a chance to tell him how amazing it was. But bro... if you're reading this, all the love, my dude. You're doing it right. I got the "small" sampler of everything. There was no way I was going to finish it. But I put a dent into everything on the tray. I've already discussed the brisket, but it bears mentioning that I got both the lean and the fatty cuts. If you know... you know. The St. Louis rib was perfect. The pulled pork was juicy and again, amazeballs. The sausage had the right stuff as well. The sauces were legit as well. The vinegar sauce had a bit of South Carolina meets North Carolina going on. Respect. The mahogany sauce was deep and complex. Too much going on to pinpoint everything in there. But damn. It was good. Oh... get the brownie. You think there's no room left, but make it happen. Trust me. Long story short, go to Bar-Q. Now. Stop reading. The end. read more

Got a carry out order at bar-q. It is inside Bold Mariner brewery. There are 2 types of platters I got the mixed meat version and that included all 4 types of meat - pulled pork, sausage, pork rib and brisket. 2 sides included. Now I am not a big pulled pork fan, because it tends to be drier and needs dousing of sauce for me to find it less cloying. I thought this pulled pork was of that same caliber. Good for its kind, but not something I go out of my way for regularly. The brisket was very good and high quality. Nice flavor, good texture, lovely bark on the brisket. I thought the sausage was even better. Sliced with a good crunch and nice melding of flavors. The ribs were the best of the 4. Great flavor, very fork tender, a whole rib (I don't like when they cut out the crunchy rib part). The platter was very well thought out. The pickled veggies really complimented the meats. Sides were very good. Had the corn and the smack and cheese. Above average for both. Would definitely go back. Caveat - just go and show up on the days they are open (I don't know if they are open every day, according to website). I tried calling and ordering online - did not work at all. Almost didn't go because of not being able to put in order via online or phone. Just show up. And the brewery is pretty good. read more

Ridiculously good. I'm a member of a competition BBQ team (as has the pit-master , Jayme). This is the best restaurant BBQ I have ever had. Perfectly cooked, juicy and tender. Brisket - make sure you ask for dry (flat) or Moist (w/ point) if you don't like fatty brisket - the fatty is off the hook though. Ribs, great, maybe a tad over as they will fall off the bone; pulled pork, excellent a bit of chopped NC style w vinegar sauce. Smack and Cheese is out of this world. Do not miss if in the Norfolk area. read more

Bar-Q - BBQ platter - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

There is no taste in the food. The cost is not worth a second visit. When I went, dogs were around on the porch (unappealing), nothing against dogs, by the way. read more

Oh my!!!!! Jayme and the staff throws down with some bbq! Not only BBQ but the sides are out of this world. Inside The Bold Mariner, this is such a hidden gem with chilled vibe, great beer and food. I am so glad I was told by my buddy to check this authentic Texas style BBQ out. One of the best in the area for sure. Only thing is the seating can be tight especially if it's colder out but so worth trying if you are in the mood for some fantastic BBQ! You guys rock!!! read more

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We used Bar-Q to cater our wedding and had an absolutely wonderful experience. The staff was nothing but exceptional. We had the pulled pork, smoked chicken, potato salad, green beans, mac n cheese, tacos with street corn, and mini bruschetta. The food was amazing and we received compliments throughout the night. The owner also made our wedding cake, apple cheesecake bars and pumpkin spice cheesecakes. You NEED to use Bar-Q for your next event! Best BBQ in the 757. read more

We were confused if we were at the right location, but it is located in a brewery. The line was long but most definitely worth the wait. All of the food was delicious! read more

Bar-Q - Menu - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Tore this meal up like a stack of newspapers. I mean the meat is as juicy and pulls apart super easy. I was making combos like a charcuterie board, I went pickled onion, jalapeño, and brisket. Also, Smack and cheese, sausage, and pickles. I mean they dress it up like I was sitting at a German restaurant. Super good would come back again and again. Wish I lived closer. Don't be fooled by the brewery outside Bar-Q does exist inside. Speaking of brewery loved the drinks I had the Frogman Lager which was smooth with a fruity bite. Potato salad brought me back to my grandmas house on a summer afternoon and the smack and cheese ain't your average it has crust and enough cheese to please all your cheesy needs. Overall a 10/10 would do again. read more

Bar-Q - 1/4 meat sampler - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This is the second time my wife and I have come down to The Bold Mariner to enjoy a beverage and some delicious BarQ bbq (the first time we devoured it before I remembered a photo). We always get a bigger tray to share and so far we haven't been able to try anything other than the brisket and pulled pork bc it's so dang good. Even the sides slap, the green beans are peppery and crisp, the collard greens deliver the perfect sweet and salty punch and the Mac and cheese is like your granny's. My favorite sauce is the vinegar base and my wife could drink the mustard sauce. Basically, we love this spot. read more

Bar-Q - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Delicious! As a Texan it is the best texas style bbq in Norfolk. Brisket is always moist and delicious, the ribs are tender and amazing! It is a small place so the line can get long but obviously being a small business this can happen! Just be patient and enjoy a beer or soda while you wait in line for your delicious bbq. read more

Food was delicious. It was hot and very for filling. I will return again if I'm in the area.

Best BBQ I've had ever. The food is amazing quality and never disappoints . I went back again twice after trying it for the first time . Highly recommend the brisket , smoked sausage , Mac and cheese and collard or green beans . read more

Let's talk about it: Well I am a real BBQ eater (and I don't mean Mission BBQ) and let me just say I was definitely tricked by the reviews The restaurant/brewery setting is very nice and peaceful The food: The Mac n cheese- not bad had good flavor The "Christmas" beans- taste like Bush's baked beans with waaaaay to much cinnamon The Ribs- the rub on top is good but could not enjoy the flavor due to lack tenderness Brisket- Cold but the most tender and juicy part of the meal Pulled Pork-overcooked with no flavor The BBQ Sauce- awkward taste Spicy Pickles- Very good ! Sweet with a punch of heat Overall I won't go back but I will give it a 2/5 read more

Bar-Q - Dinner platter - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

A moment of silence for this quarantine... and the fact that this BBQ is so dang good, yall. Originally, I made a review about Bar_q through the bold mariner, but I saw that they have a yelp thang of their own now. Holleeerrrrr!!! I can't say enough bomb things about this BBQ. Everything, and I MEAN EVERYTHING, that i've tasted has been a flavor explosion. From the pulled pork, ribs, and brisket to the baked goods. It's all amazing. The meat is perfectly seasoned and immaculately smoked like a pit boss should. He knows what hes doing and he does it best. The menu rotates, so you never know what you get unless you look up on their website or their instagram @bar_q Sometimes they even do BBQ sushi. I havent gotten the chance to taste it, but I hear the line went out the door and sold out quick. Now that this quarantine has taken place, they're doing outdoor orders and put together "to-go bowls" along with to go beers supplied by the bold mariner. I'm so glad that I can at least pick up food orders while I'm stuck social distancing! read more

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We wanted to try this place out due to the good looking photos everyone else has posted so we gave it a shot one evening. The place was packed due to a Trivia game night but was able to find a small part of a long table to eat our food. We ordered half a pound of the brisket and pulled pork, a pound of the ribs, cornbread and banana pudding. We stood at our table and I didn't even take a picture because everything looked so good that I wanted to devour it. Unfortunately the brisket and the pulled park was bland. It didn't have any punch to it like you imagine bbq to have. The cornbread are individual muffins and it's a sweet potato cornbread. That caught us by surprise. I wasn't expecting sweet potato. The rub on the ribs helped it out but still kinda bland without it. read more

This place has the best brisket in Hampton Roads. Visited for the first time last week and was blown away by not only the food, but the service. I am writing this review days later because I am literally sitting here craving more and strategically planning my next visit. If you don't try it, you are missing out!! read more

The brisket was incredible! And we're picky about brisket. If you're not hungry when you get there, the scent will send you over the edge.

Best Brisket I've had in Norfolk. Also try the pulled pork and Mac and cheese sandwich.

Bar-Q is fantastic! I always go for the Brisket sandwich but they about to come out with this new Pimento Cheese Fried Chicken Sanwich! They gave us one to "try it out" and it was bomb dot com. read more

Bar-Q - New Chicken Sandwich - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Was excited when I saw the line. Ordered and got my food. What a disappointment. Brisket had nice smoke ring and good pull. Lacked flavor. Pulled pork was mushy. Collard green need salt but none to be found. Strangest looking and tasting cornbread I've ever had. Did not finish it. The only good thing from the meal was the Penny's corn. Even the cupcake was bland. After spending $100.00 on food it really was a waste. read more

This place deserves more than 5 stars!!!! What a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the food is to die for! The brisket melts in your mouth and everything is made from scratch (sauces to pickles) with Jamie's special recipes. Will be back tomorrow to bring the whole family!! read more

Bar-Q - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I've never been to this place before and me and my girl friend were looking for a place to eat dinner. The customer service is best of the best. They are maxing people. The food is also crazy good. Meat falls off the bone and it's all so flavorful. read more

BBQ - somewhat fatty - brisket flavor ok but not memorable GREEN BEANS - Really spicy CORN BREAD - sweet potato corn bread ..unexpected flavor The day we went it was super crowded, line was very long . The online ordering didn't work. A little pricy to go.. $50 For a pound of brisket, cornbread and greenbeans read more

Best BBQ east of the Mississippi. Brisket is fantastic and the people are super nice. I drive for hours to go here.

I'm from out of town and April helped me (over the phone) buy and set up a birthday night out for my friend. My friend and I both had amazing customer service and my friend said it was the best bbq she's ever had. Both of us are very pleased with Barq and April. Can't thank you enough. read more

this place never disappoints. the only downside is that i can't seem to enjoy brisket anywhere else because it's just not as good as Bar-Q lol. read more

Best bbq in this area hands down. Ribs are so tender and so much flavor. The brisket sandwich is on point, and the Mac and cheese, OMG! Phenomenal....I'm from Louisiana and am harsh on food, but me and my entire family were truly impressed. We will be back! read more

Bar-Q (Bark)is a delightful Texas barbecue discovery tucked away inside Bold Mariner Brewery and is in the perfect spot along the reclaimed Ocean View Blvd stretch. My wife and I arrived on lazy Sunday afternoon and discovered pretty much a full house at the brewery and thus also at the Bar-Q section of the shared space. Jayme, the Pit Master, was working the crowds and taking the customer's orders and also preparing the plates personally. It was a very nice touch to see the person behind the great barbecue actively involved in the total customer experience. They were offering 4 meats this day including beef brisket, pulled and chopped pork, sticky pork ribs, and jalapeño sausage. We decided on a full pound of the brisket and snagged a 1/2 lb of the sticky ribs. We also added a side of the slaw to break up the fattiness of the meats. We ordered ours to go so we could picnic at the nearby beach, but would have happily stayed and took advantage of the brewery and ambiance. There was plenty of space to sit and enjoy the meal inside and out despite the large crowd. The brisket was fatty and delicious and oh so tender. The ribs were also quite nice and would definitely order more of either. Next time I would also add the pulled pork to complete the trifecta. Sausage has never really been my favorite thing to get at barbecue spots but I'm sure it would have been delicious. We can't wait to go back and will very soon. read more

Bar-Q - To go order of brisket and sticky ribs with a side of slaw and a mustard based sauce. - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Brisket was mediocre, pork was dry, collards and potato salad were good. Staff was ok but not welcoming. Will not cross the tunnel again for this place read more

Great food as alway, wasn't sure what we were ordering at first until the bill came lol but it was worth it.

The best food. The best people. Hands down our favorite BBQ and the sides are always amazing.

Great bbq and sides! Love their mac and cheese, honey corn bread, cookies, and christmas beans! Everything is so good and they are super nice! read more

My wife and I saw them in the Virginian pilot as one of the top 3 places in tidewater for brisket. We decided to try it at lunch since he only serves meat on Friday through Sunday. We tried all their meats. The ribs were fall off the bone good, the smoke ring was nice and the bark was great. They also have jalapeño cheddar sausage links. They were pretty good. However the star on the plate was the brisket. Theirs was very moist, great bark and you could pull it apart with a plastic fork. We tried the pulled bbq as well. It was moist but not so drowned in sauce so you could taste the meat but great flavor. We WILL go back and I suggest anyone looking for good bbq to go visit them. They are located inside Bold Mariner Brewery so have a good beer while there. read more

Bar-Q - Brisket, ribs and sausage with sides of slaw and green beans. - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Had the invitation of conversing with the owner of Bar Q. Included in this invite my family & I had the choice of tasting the brisket, mac n cheese, & other foods. He's a bright young man w/a goal & talent that I honestly hope sky rockets. The sweet potato cornbread is sooo delicious, moist & flavorful. I'd highly recommended his food, the brisket was like no other. My favorite was the smoke chicken sandwich w/a white Alabama sauce on a brioche bun . Talina read more

So that last post I made about Bar-Q wasn't the best due to an unfortunate situation. After posting it, I was contacted by the owner, Jayme to meet with him so we could talk about the situation. I'm very glad to say that the second time I walked in I was greeted and approached kindly. Jayme( the owner) is not only an excellent chef but a very thoughtful person with a warm personality. Even though what happened wasn't his fault he was still very apologetic and kind. Now that I've tasted the food, let me just say it will bless your soul and if you ever stop by there DEFINITELY 100000% GET THE MACARONI AND CHEESE IT'S LIKE EATING FROM HEAVEN LOL. And the desserts are even better especially the sweet potato cornbread. read more

Bar-Q - TASTY KIND AND DELICIOUS (Pumpkin pie bar) - Southern Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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cute place right near the beach. food was great. dessert was even better! definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area