Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Barbecue
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Barbecue has become out way of life at Virgil's, and we proudly offer what we feel are the best of a number of different styles: Memphis Pork Ribs and Chicken, Carolina Pulled Pork, Texas Beef Brisket and Link Sausage, Owensboro Lamb and Maryland Smoked Ham. Our fine meat products are smoked over a variety of hickory, oak, and fruitwoods in our genuine Southern Pride smokers. Each type of wood imparts its own flavor and unique color ... the sign of real barbecue!"
– Virgil's Real Barbecue website
"Virgil's is a wildly popular shrine to barbecue joints around the country. If the food isn't quite authentic, the formula comes close enough and it works."
– The New York Times
"The burgundy hand towel you get instead of a linen napkin is the tipoff. ... This is bar-b-q-food you're supposed to suck off your fingers and dribble down your chin."
—New York magazine
"Even the most skeptical Southerners vouch for the barbecue here."
—Time Out New York
"There's more Broadway glitz than Southern style in this big bi-level restaurant, but the hospitality is authentic."
—Newsday
"Best by far is still the plate of perfect biscuits with whipped maple butter."
—Village Voice
How Others Rate Virgil's Real Barbecue
The New York Times
Top Pick
Zagat 2008
20 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)