This hamburger stand is named Johnny Mac's. I'll take Yelp's word for that. Because, nowhere on this establishment's exterior do you see "Johnny Mac's". But if you see "N.C. Style Barbecue" on a sign, you've come to the right place. Hunched over a computer all morning, I needed some outside air and a quick bite. I had never been to Johnny Mac's before, so I thought, why not, give it a try. The inside is small. No indoor seating except for a counter that runs the length of the storefront. There are a couple sheltered picnic tables to the side. To give Johnny Mac's a whirl, I ordered a simple bacon cheeseburger with default toppings. My conclusion? The Johnny Mac burger is better than one from any of the other fast food establishments along Richmond Hwy: McDonalds, Five Guys, Wendy's, Burger King or Roys. Yes, the price was a li'l steep: $9.35. But the patty was huge; it might have been even approaching 1/2 lb. Also, my order was prepared quickly and the counter service polite. Johnny Mac's uses good sturdy buns. The default burger comes with neatly sliced lettuce, tomato, bacon and a tad of mayo. The toppings were neatly placed on the burger. The meat itself was juicy though probably could have stood more seasoning. But to remedy that, there is a tray on the counter inside the restaurant with about 8 different sauces, including mambo, which you can add to your burger. In addition to traditional hamburger and barbecue options, there are some Latino options. I want to come back and try the Elote (corn in a cup). It looks like you might be able to also get corn on the cob (with cotija cheese and mayo). read more

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Johnny Mac's is a roadside stop that is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. In the mid-afternoon, I was eyeing the soft serve I saw on the menu online. There is a counter to place an order, but they also have a self-order kiosk. That likely helps the small kitchen staff out. Waiting for my treat took a while because of a few other orders ahead, but when it came out I got a nicely swirled strawberry ice cream on a cone. The pink trim reminded me of a frozen yogurt spot back home. I enjoyed the ice cream on the picnic benches located outside on the side. There is a standing counter space to eat on inside, but I imagine during busier times between the line to order and the diners it could be crowded. The ice cream seemed to be popular. I saw two other guys leaving with their own tall swirls for the road. Johnny Mac's has a decent array of flavors, so I would come back if I'm back down here. read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Strawberry ice cream - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Food: Delicious. Service: Great. Ambiance: Awesome. The banana split was really delicious. Same along with the Steak and cheese sandwich. The concentrate milk shake was very tasty. The mangonada was great especially with the candy stick. The mango and strawberry iced smoothie was very mouth quenching. read more

Ribs and Mac&Cheese were microwaved for at least 5 mins making them essentially inedible. Ribs were not cutable with a fork and knife and so hot you couldnt hold them. Mac&Cheese was gross, watery, grainy cheese. Really disappointing to call yourself a BBQ spot and you commit a cardinal sin to your ribs. Cost was 20$ too which is highway robbery for what you get read more

This is our go to on a nice hot day for soft serve. Lots of selections and choices for a yummy dessert. My husband recently had the chili and loved it. A tad on the spicy side and very meaty. A friend of ours loves their breakfast so we came for lunch today! We both had the steak and cheese with fries and a soda. $41 for two sub combos. Sandwiches were large and fresh but the meat was very gristly. Would like to try other things. Def a hole in the wall. Friendly staff. Reminds me of an old drive in. read more

After Pre-Thanksgiving trip to big box store and filling up for gas on Richmond Hwy, made a great decision to stop for lunch at Johnny Mac's. I had a delicious chili half smoke that was split, grilled and covered with meaty chili. From the large selection of sides, I chose mean greens, seasoned with meat. The food and service were both very good, there is room to stand at a counter that runs the width of the restaurant, or you can sit at picnic tables outside. Look forward to returning and trying other items on menu as well as smoothies and sundaes. read more

I plan to update this review every time I try something new in their menu. I just wanted to make sure I post this review on their ribs now since none of the reviews seem to mention the ribs. I give the ribs 3/5 stars. The reason is because they were pretty dry and barely juicy. They come with sauce though, whatever sauce you want that they offer. The taste was a tad bland but again, the sauce will help with that. This was my first time coming here so I'm not sure how their ribs usually taste or if I visited them on an off-day. Their Mac and cheese was nice and HOT, but the cheese was no longer gooey and melted if that makes sense. In taste, it was a tad bland. I could not really taste the cheese. The half-smoke was decent. They said it would be larger than a hotdog though and it wasn't when I got it. It was still good. You can get whatever toppings you want on it; I just asked for ketchup and mustard. I'm willing to visit them a few more times to see if their other food is good and if the ribs will taste better on another day and with a different sauce. I didn't like the bbq sauce they had. read more

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Dogs and chili were ok, but not remarkable or memorable. The fries, while well-cooked and plentiful, were lacking salt or seasoning of any kind. The menu is as big as the restaurant (more like a roadside shack)! At 2:30 pm on a Tuesday. there were 5 unrelated customers. That says something about the food! It's counter service only with a few picnic tables outside. The atmosphere is straight out of the 50s. Remember, my first McDonald's was clad in white tile with outdoor seating ONLY. read more

Don't let the little shack fool you. Everything we've order is great! Not sure what to order, you can't go wrong with their subs.

Drove past this place and knew it was going to be a great experience. We got a few chilli dogs, chilli half smoke, burger, onion rings, greens, bbq beans, and some ice cream (cotton candy, pina colada, green apple, and butter pecan). Only gripe is that the large onion rings were lacking in size. That said it was the right amount so when we go back will be getting small. Ice cream wasn't to my taste but the rest of the family loved them. The staff was amazing, detailed, and quick. Granted there weren't many people in the shop when we went (~4PM on Friday) but for the complaints that I've seen in other reviews I'd have to assume they're just impatient people and won't be happy anywhere. Go check this place out! read more

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What you can approve is that the cook wear gloves while preparing food for customers. I went in yesterday October 22, 2024 we ordered a steak and cheese. Well she was cooking our food with no gloves or hairnet. Unsanitary and Unsafe to the customers. I didn't even see her wash her hands. That a No No No I reported to the VDH department about this. Very concern. Please everyone wears gloves while dealing with food. Thanks. read more

Love the soft serve ice cream it's nice and thick and tasty . The chili half smokes are great also

Stopped by for a quick bite. Had the rib-eye steak sandwich, which was very good. Only downside to the plane was they were out of a few things I wanted to try. I got the onion rings and they were oily with no flavor. I would pass on those. Otherwise it wasn't bad. read more

Every time I go back, I love this place more. I can't quite give it 5 stars... but it's close! This place just has some good food. And the people that work there are always really friendly. I do love going back. And I kick myself that it took me so long to discover this place! Side note: I do wish they would post their hours because I usually have to call first and find out when they're open...but I also don't know if they have set hours. read more

This is such a cute little shack off of Route 1. I came here with 2 co-workers - I was treated to a chili cheese dog combo (came with 2 dogs (!), french fries, and a drink). The chili was pretty decent on the dog itself, and the fries were nice and crispy (thick kinds)). My other co-worker had a fried bologna sandwich with onion rings, and she said it was mighty tasty, as the bologna was thin and there were multiple layers of it, fried perfectly. There is only outdoor seating (about 3 picnic tables), and the girl who was working at the cash register was sooo sweet and so friendly! I would love to come back and try some of their pulled pork and other items on the menu. The price is pretty decent. There's a small lot to park your car. +chili cheese dogs +french fries read more

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I'm writing this and very disappointed as I've been going to Johnny Mac's for years. I called in a pick up order, which I've done before. My order was wrong even though she confirmed before I hung up. Items were missing - fine I paid and it was prepared. I then discovered another item was missing (all before I left). I asked where was the paper that documented what I ordered. She said she didn't have that. I responded that I asked for this item initially and was told that's not ordered until you come in. Huh? I said I asked for these items, why wouldn't you capture that in writing or ask my name or something and I was told I didn't give my name and that wasn't her responsibility. What bothered me is that she read it off and I confirmed and then I'm missing two items but you want me to keep paying and then you put it on the customer instead of saying my apologies; here you go. I just paid 30.00 for food. Give me a break. And she was rude and that is the first time I've encountered that type of customers service there. read more

This is why I want to go into the bbq business because the food was terrible and the service was poor. I order a rib platter and slaw, and only received overcooked, non seasoned baby back ribs. Let's say I will not recommend this place to anyone. Customer service took my order first, and my food came out last-go figure. An unhappy customer. read more

Ordered two Chili Half Smokes with onions and mustard. Got home and no onions. How can you mess that up?

Very good little spot, the food is very delicious. I would recommend getting the burgers,steak&cheese,bbq sandwich. For the sweet section the ice cream,milkshakes, and smoothies are splendid. read more

Unfortunately basic customer Service doesn't exist here! Proper business attire is nonexistant! Knowledge of the menu prices is nonexistant! Cashier had to ask another person about the price and tax of a menu item! There is no order or flow of how a business should be ran! Attitude and Atmosphere was disappointing! There's no order pick up system! The cashier had to ask me twice on what I ordered, because she couldn't remember what it was that I have ordered! The outside dining area needs work and upgrades! Cashier had to ask customers what they have ordered so that they can pay and pick it up! read more

I always pass by this place, so today I decided to stop by and give it a try. The place has a cool retro feel to it. The employees are very nice and polite. We ordered a bacon cheeseburger, a chilli cheese dog combo. Paid $20 . The order took very long to come out. I waited at least 15-20 mins. To be honest, it was not worth the wait. The food is not great. I've had a better chilli cheese dog at 7-11. The burger looked real good, but I did not try it. It was for my wife. The french fries were ok. The chilli is not good at all. You can tell it's canned chilli. I don't think I would come back again. read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Chilli cheese dog with onions and relish - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Awesome place! Great food and prices and fun throwback atmosphere. Highly recommend

It is good - no visible smoker on site so pork may be made offsite - but good minced Carolina style. Mac & cheese flavor was perfect with just the correct amount of pepper. Mean Greens were very tasty. Good value - don't let appearance fool you - grab and go style or eat in parking lot. I will be back read more

This place is a sweet throwback to that neighborhood Dairy Queen experience so many of us had in our youth. The soft ice cream here is the bomb and well worth the the trek down Rt 1, Ice cream Lovers. It's a smooth and creamy treat that is bound to put a smile on your face. Oh, and with such taste treats as butter pecan, cotton candy, and peach twist, there are flavors galore, However, I am a soft cone purist and opted for your always fantastic vanilla....Heaven. Johnny Macs also serves up some sweet Carolina BBQ, and I have to say that their pulled pork sandwich is choice. Still, I did think that my sandwich was just a tad dry, but this will be easily rectified on my next visit with a request to add just a bit more of that juicy Carolina goodness. Still, the pulled pork was good enough to make me want try Johnny Macs's ribs the next time that I'm down in the area. I'd definitely give this place a try for nostalgia alone. Johnny Mac's is sure to bring out the kid in you, putting a smile on your face and barbecue love in your heart. read more

I saw this place mentioned on Facebook and decided to try it out for the first time. Amazingly, I have lived in the area for 50 years and for two years I live in the apartments next to this place but had never even noticed it. When I saw it critiqued on Facebook I had to try it out. I am so glad I did. The food is excellent. It reminds me of the Andrea's Restaurant that used to be at 7622 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306 (Now a Five Guys). I thought I would never find another place similar to Andrea's but this place is it. The soft ice cream is fantastic and so are the subs. It's not a full sized restaurant like Andrea's but for a free standing drive up establishment, they are outstanding. I highly recommend this place. read more

Johnny Mac's. How I love thee so. Your soft serve ice cream so dense and creamy. So deliciously wonderful that it melts my heart away with each lick. In the summer heat, there is no better treat. 4 Stars - Well worth the drive to the "middle of nowhere." Try it with the chili half smoke with everything on it or even the Carolina pork BBQ sandwich topped with cole slaw. Tender and bursting with flavor. You will want to go back for seconds. read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Yeesh - I know better. If there's no visible smoke, bypass the bbq joint. I had already driven further than planned so I broke my own rule. I asked the very polite girl at the counter why there was no smoke and she replied "oh, he only pulls out the smoker on Mondays and Wednesdays"!!! So what, I'm eating food from 3 days ago?!? I should have left immediately. My bad again, I neglected to ask details about the wings and ribs 'platter'. I assumed the wings were bbq'd. They were fried ... but I don't think today. I got home and opened a container of the fattiest, toughest, blandest ribs I've ever encountered. I could give them another half star for the ice cream. It's pretty delicious. But I'm suspicious of the special 'flavors'. They come from some weird syrup they swirl onto it. Ordinarily every place deserves a second chance. I just can't make myself do it. This is OTO (one time only) for me. read more

Very pleasant experience the manager greeted within seconds of walking in, she was very friendly and welcomed my questions about the flavors toppings and their unique "concrete mix" which is like a blizzard soft custard with your choice of topping mixed in. I was very impressed and satisfied with the rich creamy decadent custard I received! The oreos inside the mix were a little off though it didnt taste like true oreos at all but Im looking forward to trying other flavors such as the cotton candy and pina colada! read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Delicious generous slices of carrot cake, brownies & pound cake yum - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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We took other Yelpers' advice and went for the Pulled Pork Sandwich with NC Style BBQ Sauce & Slaw on the side. It had a nice rub and was as delicious as I had hoped. The Not-Too-Sweet Sweet Tea was also spot on for this 90+ degree summer day. Hubs & I shared the old school meat & spice chili fries that were tasty and plentiful enough for 2. The patio provided enough shade to keep us comfortable, and we also appreciated being able to have our pups with us. We will definitely be back and hopefully next time save room for ice cream. read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Dog Friendly! - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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First off the the name confuses me a little lol as the sign says Johnny Mac's N.C. Style BBQ not Rib shack. Putting that aside I love this little place. The ladies who were running it today were so very friendly. I had a fantastic NC Eastern style BBQ sandwich with coleslaw (of course). No additional sauce was necessary. Just the right amount of bite and a crunchy tasty cole slaw. Fries were hot and crispy. I've eaten here a few time and had a great experience each time. BBQ sandwich, fries and a drink for $8.75 plus tax. Count me in! read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Doesn't say rib shack? - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

When we were there it was a 2 women operation, one running the cash register the other was cooking. It worked very smooth. The food was cooked fresh, the service was outstanding. We will definitely be back. 5 stars for sure. read more

Love this place. Best ice cream in America. We usually go for the deserts, but the entrees are just as good. I ordered the fish sandwich and was surprised at the quality. This is our Friday night date night favorite! read more

Sadly the pulled pork is not what it used to be. It was wet, watery and the coleslaw was basically chopped cabbage with no seasoning. The fries were good though and the staff polite. read more

I saw this written up in the Washington Post in an article about barbecue. I have passed this humble spot a thousand times previously, but each time I do now, I do so quite reluctantly. This is a great little place....authentic Eastern North Carolina BBQ, and excellent soft ice cream, in a number of flavors. The staff is good as well. It is a carry out place with a table or two on the side, and there are no lack of customers, as well. Y'all come on in now, and enjoy the great grub, you hear?? read more

2 stars because of the soft serve only. Everything else is a no. I don't know if they've just given up or if it is a big joke that the rest of us aren't in on, but come on now. Do better. read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - This is their hot dog with cheese and onions. So absurdly bad. How can they serve this? - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Come out and give Johnny Mac's a try ! You will love it , it's a great old fashioned shop with great flavor burst ice cream that kids& adults love ! The food is DELICIOUS read more

Johnny Mac's Rib Shack - Barbeque Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I heard a rumor Johnny Mac's will be closing soon as Johnny is set to retire. If you have never had his BBQ pork, I strongly recommend you go soon. It is NC style and it is amazing. read more

The absolute best soft serve ice cream. Not too sweet and wonderfully creamy.

They're food is good asf the steak and cheese just hits the spot all the time and their ice cream is so good you should try the green apple soft serve it's the best read more

Johnny Macs is quick, cheap, greasy and good. Nothing there is "slap your momma" good but that's to be expected. It's a small, to-go only restaurant but has its own unique charm. Being from NC, I had to try the bbq and it wasn't bad at all. It was a little fatty but so am I, so who am I to judge. My wife had the hot dogs and said she would go back for more. Gonna try the ribs on my next go around. read more