Looks like a dive, but those usually have the best BBQ. This place does NOT disappoint. We had the regular pork sandwich, fries and a drink - $12 for the 2 of us and that included tax! Cash only, but luckily we saw that on yelp, so we were prepared. WOW! Hubby and I are big fans of vinegar based BBQ, and this is NOT, but it was amazing. Finely pulled (no huge chunks that can have bones like some places that don't care) and the sauce was outstanding! It's easy to see why it has won so many awards. Smoky, slightly sweet and a little hint of salt. The fries were nothing to write home about, but who cares? So good that Hubby went back for a second sandwich and we got a pound to take home with us. Definitely worth a stop when you are in the area. Just don't go on a Sunday - they'll be closed. read more

My fiance found this spot as soon as we moved to Va Beach and the food is amazing. First off its black owned and I love supporting my people! Second the ribs are some of the best I've ever tried and the sauce is banging. You have to go just to try the ribs! The pulled pork is also good. It's smokey and sweat. Please go check this spot out! read more

"This Is The Best Ribs You Will Get in Hampton Roads" A Review By John Mizal "Thick," "tasty," and "fills your belly," three qualifications anyone looks for when it comes to eating ribs. Some restaurants pack you with quantity, but the flavor quite misses the mark. And, some are tasty, but not exactly filling. "Johnson's Bar-B-Que," located on South Military Hwy in Chesapeake, hits all three marks. This place satisfies the natural carnivore in all of us with the ribs cut to thick proportions with each bite showcasing a balance of fat that packs a whopping flavor accompanied by huge amounts of juicy pork ready to be chewed. And, I am talking huge! Ribs too dry? Never in this place! The sauce is not too sweet and not too bitter, but made exactly right promising your taste buds that it will live up to the expectations of the award winning barbeque! And, did I mention this restaurant is filled with championship winning trophies that cover up a whole window verifying and assuring the customers that this will be the ultimate quality of taste? Perhaps, the use of an outside smoker played a big role in adding the natural smoked flavor! The best part is, ever so humbly, Mr. Johnson, himself, sits in a corner observing guests and waiting for some feedback on what he is known for. That is, if you actually recognize him from the various pictures that decorate his back wall displaying his love in cooking this delicious masterpiece. I tried other places like "Rib City," "Wood Chicks," "Frankie's," and "Q Barbeque," but this modest barbeque place, sitting in a modest Chesapeake parking lot, conquers all of them! And so, it leaves no doubt in my mind that, by far, this is the best ribs you will ever get in Hampton Roads. Oh, and they accept only cash! "Johnson's Barbecue" 1903 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 545-6957 read more

Wow! Just... Wow! Amazing bbq and thoroughly nice people. The Johnsons not only maintain a restaurant in Chesapeake, but also compete in bbq competitions around the country. They've won Best Ribs in America six times, and other "best in America" awards many other times, and they absolutely deserve it. And the pie... Oh my goodness that sweet potato pie...! To describe how delicious it all was is beyond my degree eloquence. I cannot recommend it highly enough! read more

Best BBQ SPOT IN HAMPTON ROADS! my husband and I are regular customers. Today we ordered pork bbq sandwiches & two orders of fries. The sandwiches were smoked to perfection. And their bbq sauce is to die for ! Sweet and Tangy at the same time! Hopefully in the future they will be able to open up more locations, everyone needs to go here at least once. They won't let you down. Prices are affordable and the customer service is good. No shade but Mission BBQ could take some tips from Johnson's! read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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BBQ is a strange beast. Some cities have it, some cities don't. If you haven't spent a lot of time out of Hampton, I'll give you a spoiler... Hampton Roads is on the 'don't' list. But BBQ is very regional, you make due with what's available, unless you just like long drives. If you want to get ribs just this side of heaven, you can hop in your car and drive to 12 Bones in Asheville, NC. That's the closest place I know of that really knocks it out of the park. It's a 7 hour drive. Good luck, have fun. If, on the other hand, you are willing to trade the 7 hour drive to amazing for a short jaunt to the best ribs you can get in Hampton Roads, head on over to Johnson's and get yourself a rack or two. TLDR: Compared to the best BBQ available anywhere, Johnson's is maybe a two. Compared to the BBQ available in Hampton Roads, they are pretty close to a five. read more

The food is just, not good. I had the ribs & the bbq sandwich. The sweet potato pie is OK. Just because a pie is sweet, it does not make it good, and it is super sweet. read more

Very basic menu (beef and pork sandwiches) and they do them well! Smoked right out in the parking lot! They compete all over the country and wall full of trophy's to prove it. Large pork sandwich and can of soda $4.75 so price is right. read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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The food that makes you want to dance. Mr Johnson is such a kind man he values his customers and the food is great so it's the quantity of it. Wife had the ribs and they tested amazing. This is my go to spot now for BBQ. But some advice I would recommend more bbq sauce on the pulled pork sandwiches. read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - The trophies to prove he's great - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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First, retired Lt Johnson, thank you for your service to our country. It is appreciated. I hope I have your rank accurate! My daughter and I stopped by after a soccer tournament in the area three weekends ago. They were getting ready to close so be sure to get by early. They don't stay open as late as a chain restaurant would. I had the pork (appears chopped) and really enjoyed it. We both enjoyed our dinner and my daughter made the statement we are stopping here any time we return to the Va Beach area for soccer. Thanks for the great food! read more

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HOLY FUCK. This the best dang bbq sauce I've ever had in my life!! A very quaint joint with DELICIOUS food. I highly recommend. Remember to bring cash. read more

This BBQ is amazing!!! Prices are very reasonable and they really feed you. I'll rate 5 stars once they start taking credit/debit cards. Bring cash!!! read more

Wow! This place has amazing BBQ and monstrous proportions of food. If you are looking for atmosphere, it's older and run down. If you are looking for great food, look no further than Johnson's. I had the sampler platter ($19 with tax) and I could barely eat 1/2 of all the food. Everything was delicious and the collard greens were simply out of this world! Honestly, I never knew collard greens could taste that delicious. Try it for the food, come back for the friendly staff. read more

Went there in the middle of May 2022. The prices on the menu I saw online said $12 for a pound of barbecue, it's now $14. I haven't been there in a few years and forgot that they put sauce on the barbecue. I don't care for their sweet sauce that tastes kind of commercial. I like North Carolina thin vinegar sauce. So to me it kind of ruined the barbecue because the sauce is more dominant than the barbecue flavor. This is the only barbecue place I know that puts sauce on without asking you if you want the sauce on it. When they take your order they should ask if you want the sauce on it or on the side! The barbecue has a good taste to it without the sauce. Also when I got home I put the container on my digital scale and it only weighed 15 and a half ounces with the styrofoam container (the container I'm talking about is the kind that has three compartments for putting a dinner in not just a small container. So they need to check their scale because they're not giving a full pound. Also the little container of coleslaw is overpriced at $2!! I won't buy their coleslaw anymore. read more

The barbeque is great. And, the sides are homemade! This is not the place for a "fancy" diner, but if that's not your hangup you'll be most satisfied at Johnson's Bar-B-Que. So while a little funky, the place is very pleasant & clean. And besides their tasty - homemade style - food, the other quality that strongly recommends Johnson's is the staff. These folks are just plain, down-home-decent, kind and warm people. I felt like I was at home with good folks. read more

There are BBQ places everywhere... All kinds of BBQ... Johnson's has Alabama southern BBQ and is best at cooking it slow and low and it is the best in the area if you're hankering some Q!! They're awards done an entire corner in the restaurant, they are that tasty!! The chicken, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and sausage are smoked to perfection and the sides are just what you need with some great Q... collards, corn, green beans, coleslaw and potato salad... yum!! read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

I agree with Jennifer...This is VERY GOOD BBQ, wood smoked right in the parking lot. Simple menu with all the standard fare. Be careful of the rib bones in the 'Rib Sandwich', though. [I wonder if they still serve it that way???] I should say that I'm a BBQ fanatic; have eaten at some of the best places in the US, chains and otherwise. Even smoke a little myself. There's lots of beautiful pimped out places in HR for Q, but I prefer Johnson's down home atmosphere and unpretentiousness where the meat is the center of attention. Don't fall for the reputation of the Wood Chicks. They might make championship BBQ on the circuit, but so does Johnson's. The difference is the meat at his restaurant is top shelf whereas the Wood Chick's are serving some much less than what they have won awards for. In Chesapeake, go to Johnson's for real Q. "Tastes so good, make you want to slap yo momma" (from one of those Friday movies) read more

Tasty simple BBQ, do not come for the sides they were a bit lack luster. I had the pork BBQ and my mom had the ribs. It was a pain that but they only take cash and the area is kind of sketchy and ATM were hard to find. When we go back we both decided that we would tell them to go easy on the BBQ sauce, and I would not get the pork platter but only get the ribs. I had greens and potato salad, the greens were okay but the potato salad was just eh. Mom had the beans and she said they were too sweet and she had fries and they were fine. This place is very southern, so much that the sweet tea was way too sweet for us, but made perfectly if you love Southern Sweet Tea. We will be back but probably do take out for ribs only and easy sauce! read more

In a non-descript shopping mall...I didn't get the address before we left the house and just remembered it was further down south on Military Hwy. This was a a last minute decision and the Hubs knew I wanted to try this place after reading all the great reviews on it. So with no address in hand, I rolled down the windows and let me nose find the way...and it did. We stopped by here Friday evening and apparently in the nick of time...the place closes at 7pm. Forewarned is fair warned. The lady at the counter was turning away people left and right and said "We may not be strict about opening on time, but we are about closing!" You could be offended coming from someone who was pretty rude, but this woman was really nice. And...we came earlier, so our order was in already! Score! The Hubs had a large beef brisket sandwich. It was pretty big and unlike the two previous establishments we've had brisket at (you'll find them in my reviews), it wasn't drowning in sauce nor was it relying on the sauce to earn it's reputation. The smokiness beef flavor shined through and was pretty good. The Hubs prefers more sauce...but I thought the execution of this dish was pretty good. It could've used a few more hours to tenderize some more...but still pretty well done! The kids and I ordered full slabs of pork ribs...each (well, one for me and one for them to split). The woman thought I was crazy and I'm just accustomed to ordering baby back ribs. I see why she thought I was cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. The portion of these bad boys (@ $19.50/full slab) was ginormous. They had a decent smoke ring on them...but again, it could've used a few more hours as well. Some of the meat was dried out too. But still...those that were juicy still had a pretty good amount of smoke to them and the sauce was great. Still...a few more hours (and some TLC while smoking) would've allowed the meat to fall of the bone and be way more tender & juicy. Although it's hard to compare baby back pork ribs to non-baby back pork ribs...I'd say these ribs were the best we've had (grading on smokiness alone and not relying on boiling the ribs for tenderness with a quick slap on the grill before serving like other establishments). We also ordered large fries and they came out hot with some Old Bay/Cajun seasoning. Although we had a substantial wait for our order, our time was spent reading all the different signs, various awards, new articles, and trophies they have up around the dining room. Go...you won't be disappointed...just don't go after 7pm! read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - Full slab of ribs...minus one. - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

It's always a good indication the food's going to be good, or at least fresh when you pull into the parking lot and see the wood-fired smoker going. I've been meaning to try this place for a while but I guess I always seemed to be in the neighborhood on Sunday when they are closed. Stopped by for lunch and tried the pulled pork sandwich special which included fries and a drink for a verst reasonable $7 (included tax). A very large sandwich arrived with a generous helping of barbecue, just enough sauce and slaw (you can get on the side if you prefer). This is NOT vinegar based pork barbecue, just so you know. I was very happy. The sauce was rich, smokey and a hint sweet. The barbecue had a nice hint of smoke with a clean pork flavor. The coleslaw was a nice compliment - a bit sweet, not overpowering. Bun held together well. Went back the following day to try the ribs. The place was packed. And Mr. Johnson was holding court in his usual seat. Ordered a half-slab of pork ribs. My ONLY complaint would be they over-sauced the ribs. I scrapped off the first rib, and found it perfectly cooked - not fall off the bone; just enough bite and pulled clean. The sauce was REALLY good and I found myself dipping the rib into the sauce I scraped off for the next bite. It's truly a "down home" mom-n-pop place. This place has a lot of character and looks like it's been in the same location for many, many, many years. The furnishings are nothing to write home about but easily overlooked checking out the walls full of awards and memorabilia. Don't forget, it's one of the few cash-only places and they are closed on Sunday. read more

Their food must be better on the road because at the restaurant is wasn't good. First of all, the atmosphere inside is just depressing!!! It looks like they're just one bill away from shutting the doors. Second, when a receive my ribs, some were very hot and others were like refrigerator cold!!! read more

The Mild Sauce was indeed excellent. However, Johnson's failed miserably at operations, delivery and service at the Reno rib fest 2014. Specifically: * Had run out of all sauces; except mild by 2nd day of festival (I wanted to really try the Thermonuclear) * Only one cook servicing hundreds of orders an hour, backed up by confused, disorganized, unmanaged staff of junior high school girls. * Waited in line for 45 mins. All other BBQ stands processed the same volume in 1/3 of the time. In my opinion, it was NOT worth the wait. Perhaps Johnson's FOH and BOH is excellent at their restaurant in Virginia, but I will not be ordering from their stand at any BBQ cook-off or festival ever again. read more

Holy sweet baby jjeeebuusss the bbq is addictive. Perfectly cooked, sliced and sauced. There is absolutely nothing I'd change about their amazing food. The gentlemen working there are exactly that, good southern gentlemen. Polite and kind. Took pride in making sure we were fully satisfied and enjoyed our food. For the love of God have their ribs. Sweet tea was awesome ! Pricing is perfect and affordable. read more

I love this place for BBQ. I won't eat ribs anywhere else except Memphis of course. My visit to Memphis is what brought me to Johnsons. I was looking for a BBQ spot that didn't do the traditional NC style most of the people in this area love, you know heavy on the vinegar and heartburn. Johnson's was the perfect answer to my culinary cravings for Memphis BBQ. They have that sweet savory smoked just right taste that allows you to eat an entire rack alone. They give great portions for the price and the customer service is usually good. And that delightful smoky whiff of pork and beef ribs in the smoker in the parking lot gives your taste buds a peek at what's to come. I gave 4 stars because Mr. Johnson refuses to take credit cards as this is a cash only establishment. read more

A very GOOD BBQ family-owned restaurant less than a mile from my home. It is probably the best BBQ within Chesapeake. Please treat yourself a lunch at this place sometime! This restaurant does cater to the parties or whatever. It has a huge BBQ on a trailer for this purpose. I will must use their service if I ever host a party in Chesapeake. read more

The BBQ ribs were amazing! I will definitely be back to try the ultimate sandwich! The staff is ppl friendly. The only con is that they do not take card ONLY CASH read more

Service was at the counter, menu on the wall. The guy was patient and very friendly. Menu was the usual BBQ fair and expected sides. I got the pulled pork, which was served mixed with BBQ sauce and coleslaw on top as an option. The meat was a generous portion and cooked perfectly. Just the correct amount of sauce blended in which enhanced the rich smokey taste of the meat. The best pulled pork I have had, period. For a side I got French fries which were good, but paled in comparison to the pulled pork. Their décor inside is pictures and trophies from various competitions. Worth the visit and so much better then the chain crap. read more

Not bad at all! Service was friendly, the price is right, and the portions were good enough for me (although my husband still had to finish my meal). I ordered a pulled pork sandwich that totally filled a BBQ craving that I've had for months. I would definitely return. Head towards Home Emporium and follow your nose...or the smoke. read more

Johnson's Bar-B-Que - Pulled pork sandwich and fries, OH MY! - Barbeque Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

A real, good ol southern BBQ spot that's tucked away in a spot you wouldn't expect (random strip mall). The service (David) is friendly and fast and the BBQ is spot on. The ribs, brisket and chopped pork sandwich (Get it with coleslaw) are slow cooked with hickory and delicious. The sauce is something I wished they bottled and sold. If you're anywhere near the area and like BBQ, this place is a must stop! read more

I came to this area for an event. Looking for some cheap barbecue, I stopped here, and it was great! I got the 1/3 ribs, $9. It was great! I got coleslaw and fries. Coleslaw is mayo based, and tasty! Fries were fresh, crispy, and good. Ribs were really tender and flavorful! In fact, when I came back, I tried to find some bbq place to satisfy my craving and it was underwhelming because it was so good here. Go here if you can! read more

It's not terrible, but it's certainly not 4 stars average like Yelp says. I had a beef and a pork sammich. I always get BBQ plain so I can taste the meat and sauce separately. The meat in both was pretty much tasteless. There was no seasoning or even smoke flavor to it. It was tender and moist, though, and it was a good portion for the price. The BBQ sauce was passable, but definitely not award winning by any stretch of the imagination. The baked beans were edible, but like everything else, they were forgettable. The collard greens were a disappointment; pretty much no flavor there either. I'm still scratching my head about how people in this town rate the place 4 stars. But don't let my review discourage you from trying it; you might love it if you've never had good BBQ. read more

Heads up: Cash ONLY. BBQ was really good. Wife and I both had the chopped pork dinner. Greens were really good. Coleslaw was not good. Baked beans were really good. I would eat here again certainly. They seemed to have a pretty standard BBQ fare menu and it looks like they have different specials as well. There were also signs and awards posted for their ribs but we did not eat any so I cannont comment. read more

Dropped the address in the iPhone and it took us right to the front of the building. We ordered the pork sandwich combo (great value!!), which came with fries and a soft drink, and the rib sandwich with an additional small slaw. The pork sandwich was loaded with flavor but the rib sandwich was definitely a home run! Two thumbs up! Good food with friendly service. Definitely recommended. About $15! **Note: come here for the food--not the ambience, charm, or bathroom. read more

This place is hands down best place for any type of bbq you're heart desires it's way better than the border station in N.C. It is fantastic

Just wow! Hidden little gem..smoker outside wafting that delicious smell is what drew is in. Steak tip dinner with 2 sides, $8.20. Talk about moist, smokey flavor with a dark sweet sauce. Cole slaw on point, mayo based. French fries with a hit of old bay seasoning, my husband just ate in silence! My large chopped pork sandwich combo was also just as delicious. Potato salad also a bit sweet. This place is a do-over. Total for lunch $17.59! read more

I was highly disappointed in this establishment I just thought I was going to get some good ribs from this place. The ribs were not seasoned the beans tasted like they just opened from the can . I will not go back. Wasted my money, should have asked for my money back. read more

Great BBQ. Had the combo w/ pulled pork and brisket. They both rocked!! Best brisket I've had since left Texas. Pulled pork great too. A sweet sauce, but added a little hot sauce to make the pork more my style. Will go back . Came back & tried a sweet potato jack. One of best desserts I've had in years!!!! read more

I came in for lunch on a Friday finally after seeing this place for years when I went to work meetings nearby. I loved the setup: classic barbecue decor, simple tables, simple everything. Fans instead of AC. Cash only was kind of annoying. I got two sandwiches and fries: a pork sandwich and a beef sandwich. Fries were uninspired, beef was unmemorable. The pork, though, went very well with the sauce and slaw on it. I wish they'd had more of their sauce, though, for me to add at the table. Instead there was just ketchup and several hot sauces. read more

Best hidden gem in chesapeake! The place is small, and it is counter service, but it is truly truly a down home, just like your grandma cooked it, Place. Everything I have ever had was great. read more

I LOVE the food here. My parents came into town and I couldn't wait to take them! They enjoyed the food also. The customer service is great and I am always pleased with what I order. I tried the Sweet Potato Pie for the first time and it is WONDERFUL! You must try it if you haven't . I will continue to make regular stops at Johnson's Bar-B-Que! Carenda D. read more