We love Willards. This is our go to barbecue place in Northern Virginia. We order family style barbecue from here when family comes to town. They always take care of us. Their brisket is pretty solid for a northern Virginia take on it. The pulled chicken and pulled pork are delicious and moist and cooked in a savory, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Not your typical dry cornbread. The cornbread is robust and moist. As brisket goes, the brisket is soft and tender, juicy and crispy charred on the outside with a fatty crust. We loved it. read more

Been a while. Got the platter and was great. Served 3 with leftovers. Excellent, inexpensive and delicious. Highly recommend Reston and Chantilly VA locations. read more

I used to work in the Chantilly several years ago and the location there was amazing. Loved getting take out or dining in. Food was good. Restaurant looked great. So this past weekend I was in Reston for a bit and got hungry. To my surprise I saw there was a new Willard's location right by the town center. Sadly this is a pretty far cry from the original location. Stuffed in a sad little spot in a strip mall. I got the Cuban sandwich which was mostly everything I remembered. Although it was weird to get it on a sub roll. The sides were terrible though. The Cole slaw had no soul at all. The Mac and cheese was clearly from the night before it was so dry. I hope their first location is still good. I'll have to find out next time I'm in the area but I'll be skipping the Reston location. read more

I used to go to Willard's all the time when it first opened, and it was delicious. Tonight I went and spent $43 on a rack of ribs and brisket platter. The ribs are very tough and not even chewable. The brisket tastes like pork and is also dry even with sauce. I asked for white rice and got seasoned rice with corn. The coleslaw was not that great either but was somehow the highlight of the meal. Wish there was a feedback portion on their website so I could ask for a refund and do it privately but I'm forced to do it on Yelp. Can I have a refund? read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Ate a couple pieces of brisket, rice was undercooked and not what I asked for - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

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My family got takeout from here and got a whole variety of meats. The ribs were the most memorable and I would order that again next time. Quite delicious. The berry cobbler was alright. I always feel dessert is overpriced at restaurants and this place is no exception. If you are looking for a good pie, try Pie Gourmet in Vienna, it is very good. Everything else was fine but nothing mind blowing. Try the ribs!! read more

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Huge portions! Loved the brisket!! The mashed potatoes and gravy have so much flavor and I love all the sauces they have.

One on the better bbq restaurants in the northern VA area with salad options. The pulled chicken has lots of flavor as well as the turkey. For a healthier option, opt for the big salad greens with a side of protein and vinaigrette. Skip on the corn bread (delicious) that comes as a side and sub for green beans. read more

Willards has delicious food, the staff is great...my one complaint is whenever we order delivery, the sauces are never included, although we specify what we wanted. Make sure you have bbq sauce if you order delivery. Just got a delivery tonight...not a sauce in sight. Sweet Baby Ray's to the rescue...oh, and their preferred delivery service charges a crazy service charge! - Toast, a subsidiary of Doordash. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

I purchased a feast for 8 as part of an employee thank you lunch. I will comment on each item I tried from that. 1. Brisket- tasted like an antiseptic was brushed on.. terrible taste 2. Ribs- only flavor was smoke (dirty smoke) not pork or any spice 3. chicken- there were two types bbq and jerked.. I could not tell which it was because it was cardboard dry and no flavor 4. sausage- nice flavor in comparison to everything else. 5. burnt ends- burnt ends shredded so they looked like a pot roast, dirty smoke flavor was all I tasted. 6. corn bread- I liked the corn bread 7. beans- holy smokes they were awful 9. rice- bland 10. key lime pie-dont bother 11. pecan pie- this was the one bright spot of the meal, whoever makes this for willards should keep making them... well done I normally do not go this in depth, but this was truly bad bbq. I placed the left overs (which were plenty) in the breakroom and normally when food is placed there it is gone in minutes... no one would take any... sorry, read more

Not impressed whatsoever. Ordered brisket and half of it was loaded with FAT. This brisket would never fly in the south. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Mostly fat on the brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

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I stopped here for take out. I got ribs, pulled pork, potato salad, and corn bread. Overall it was good. The ribs were a good portion and very tasty. The cornbread was a bit dry and the potato salad lacked flavor. I got the sweet BBQ sauce and hot BBQ sauce. Both were pretty good. The front staff was friendly and let me take my time picking what I wanted. They also have a special wall menu with specials not on their regular menu. Worth a gander if you're inside. For COVID-19, currently you may dine inside. I'm sure I'll be back here again for BBQ. read more

I like bbq and was excited. I ordered NC pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and collard greens($10). Old, dry, thick buns for the oddly spiced lukewarm pork next to flavorless baked beans and inedible collard greens, that i actually spit out. Sauce selection was great though, hopefully its not bacteria ridden. Cashier was nice. I overheard a manager or owner telling cooks to take out their own phone and take a picture if they" made something that looks good " so he can post it online. I should have walked out then but ive never experienced bad bbq till Willards. First of all, everythjng should look and taste good if not great. Secondly everyone knows the fecal matter on an average phone exceeds the amount you would want on your cooks hands and on your food. Dissapointing, disgusting, doubt most return In high school, I ate a better pulled pork sandwich from the cafeteria. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Nc pulled pork: dry bread, lukewarm pork Collard greens: gross Baked beans: flavorless - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

Who knew strip mall BBQ could be so good. After an unexpected stop for car troubles, lunch was the best idea. Dropped in on a chance. Several regulars were in and I overheard them discussing what they had tried in the past. Bottom line everything on the menu is recommended. I had the brisket and pulled pork. They were both very good. read more

This Willards location is small but packs a big punch with taste and customer service. The restaurant was kept very clean all over. Their customer service was great. The staff was friendly, patient, and cheerful. The food (in typical Willards' fashion) was good! If I'm in that area and am hungry, Willards will definitely be a place that I frequent. read more

Willards' food and customer service is outstanding. I have been going there since they open. It saves me from going to Willards' in Chantilly. The brisket is so tender you can cut it with a plastic fork and quite delicious with or without sauces! Additionally, their ribs, potatoe salad, greens, stringbeans are extremely mouthwatering! Oops, did I forget the cornbread, just a little something, something, very good. Oftentimes my wife and I sit inside the pleasant and clean atmosphere of the restaurant coupled with great music. This year and last, I have used Willards BBQ to cater my wife's retirement party and the Robinson's Family Reunion; what a outstanding treat! Thanks Misael, your questions and knowledge about the food and set ups was on point. Again thank you Misael and Willards for EVERYTHING !!!!!! With sincerity, Charles E. Robinson read more

Honestly, it's one of the most disappointing food experiences. Food is dehydrated, and they are very stingy with portions. Jerk Chicken isn't jerked it's roasted chicken. The sausages are the sausages that are bought in bulk from a restaurant depot for 30 dollars for a pack very disgusting. It's more like chorizo it's factory-made in bulk. The meats are dry and very average. Keep in mind they have already prepackaged, so they are just horrible old meats. The mashed potatoes are gross. The potato salad is from a bucket probably massed produced. If this restaurant were in another city, it would shut down in a few months. They are lucky they are in Reston, a place that has below average restaurants. No food competition. So upset, I spent over a hundred dollars to try their food. read more

I tried Willards BBQ in Reston for the first time 2 weeks ago and embarrassingly, I've been back 4 more times since. I've developed what's called a "dependency," but I'll just say I crave the stuff. The first time, I didn't know what to order, so Misael suggested the Texas Teaser platter and my life hasn't been the same since. It comes with pulled pork, brisket, sausage, & one meaty rib with 2 sides (I decided on dirty rice and red beans with rice) and 2 slices of bread. All for $14.99! Can't beat it! I've since gone back for the Duo platter 'cause I needed a double serving of brisket. I got a really generous serving of brisket and delicious mashed potatoes with gravy and red beans with rice! The platters come with corn bread. Yum! And if you're big into exploring different sauces (from hot to mild, sweet, vinegary, mustardy, or a combination of those), that's a fun adventure to embark on as well. Try all of 'em if you like (I did)! Give Willards BBQ a try. You'll be happy you did! read more

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This is not it. An empty restaurant in the late afternoon should have been the red flag I paid attention to. Food tasted old and reheated. Sides were not good. Baked beans had the texture they were reheated over and over again. Hardly any smoke ring around the brisket. Sauce was no frills. We threw away most of our food and at some where else. I was tempted to ask for a refund but decided to just take the lost. read more

It's tough to find great BBQ in N. Virginia, but relatively easy to find average. Such is the case with Willards. I stopped in for for lunch and really liked the look and layout of the place; bright and clean with a friendly cashier. The menu is easy to figure out and features different types of cue. I absolutely love Kansas City BBQ and was happy to see burnt ends sandwich on the menu, so I grabbed that and two sides (collards and beans). It was a good size sandwich but once again I never have had burnt ends as tasty as when I get them in KC. The meat was very dry, and I found myself having to douse it with sauce (they offer a variety, I liked the spicy one). It looked fantastic but was just an average sandwich and a pretty poor take on burnt ends which should be fatty, juicy and flavorful. They sides were better; really tasty greens (I added some pepper vinegar) and the beans were satisfying. Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing and should've opted for the pork. I've some to realize that places that try to do too much in BBQ or offer many styles usually come wanting. May be the case here. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

All fat no meat it's like pockets of meat Chantilly location better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

I door dashed Willards Real Pit BBQ as a last-minute decision and I wasn't too sure on what was good/recommended by people. I ended up ordering the duo and trio Barbecue combos: Ribs x 2, Pulled Pork, and Beef Brisket x 2 with sides of coleslaw, macaroni salad, mashed potato, mac and cheese. Honestly, the sides were the only good thing, especially the macaroni salad (hence the two-star rating). The beef brisket and pulled pork smelled like bleach... I'm not sure if a smoked flavor is supposed to smell like that... but it did. Definitely won't be coming back a second time, but good to say that I've finally tried Willards Real Pit BBQ! read more

I went to this place based on reviews but I did not enjoy my food. I got the duo with burnt ends and pulled chicken. The staff was friendly and fast and that's what the stars are for. I went to get some bbq sauce which is right above an open trash can and noticed a smell similar to vomit. I proceeded assuming it was the open trash can. Got my food and went home, opened it up and got a wiff of the same unappetizing similar to vomit smell. This was already a turn off but I wanted to try the food thinking I prejudged it....it was bland and some of my chicken looked pink (not a good thing). I ended up only eating the greens and cornbread. I give them credit for having cornbread which is traditional as some places do not. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Burnt ends, pulled chicken, beans, and collards - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

My first time here. I got a trio of burnt ends, ribs and sausage. The ends were just ok and we're more shredded than I've seen before. The ribs and sausage were great. The cornbread was nice. Baked beans a little above average and black eyed peas and corn was a touch bland. I prefer thicker sauces for bbq, but I'm not knocking them for theirs, it's just a different style than I prefer. I really did enjoy my experience there and can't wait to explore more of the menu. Service was fast and friendly. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

Disgusting cold, bland worst BBQ I ever ate...ate a few bites and threw the rest away.... Horrible

The brisket, pulled pork and side dishes were OK. There was mold on the sandwich bun, though. Finding mold on the food was bad enough, but also, our order was messed up. We hadn't ordered a sandwich at all. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Moldy sandwich bun - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

So far so good! I definitely recommend their BBQ ribs and the briskets. Burnt end were good but slightly on the salty side. I haven't tried their sides...since I keep getting the meats by the pound. I like their sweet BBQ sauce, it's not overly sweet and slightly vinegary. Their spicy BBQ sauce is more vinegary and definitely pretty spicy. I also like their golden BBQ sauce. It's sweet and just a bit tangy. Friendly service and the food comes out pretty quickly. The most I waited was about 3-5 minutes on a week day afternoon. Inside the restaurant is small, so if you plan to go with a big group to dine in...call ahead and make sure there's tables available. read more

I was in the area and was trying to find something good to eat. We stop in order our food and it was trash I'm so piss we paid $13 food it and trash it within three mins of getting it. Don't waste your time or money read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

Quick update, we went back again today. This time I ordered the sausage platter and ordered the same sides as my last visit. Fantastic! Now... I'm going to go ride my bike and work off this BBQ.... Updated: Willards added another sauce table in the back of the restaurant. Yay! read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Burnt ends, collards, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread. - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

The staff forgot a part of our order so we called and the manager offered to replace the missing Brisket. We drove back to pick it up and the young woman behind the counter began to fill and single serving container when the manager came over to tell her to only give us a half order because we'd mistakenly been given an order of pulled chicken. So we wasted 30 minutes driving back and forth for a half order of brisket? If we ever go back, i guess we'll open each container and taste each item before we leave to make sure they fill ours order properly. read more

Average BBQ at best....we've been to the Willards in Chantilly and recall we weren't too impressed, however, we wanted to give the new Reston location a shot as it is close to home. Ordered the pulled Chicken sandwich, baked beans and cole slaw for the sides. The portions are quite large as is the sandwich but the taste is just ok. Beans are pretty flavorless as is the cole slaw. Mookies in Great Falls is definitely better. read more

Worst Beef brisket. under cooked, wet, no flavor. In fact it had a pre and after taste (Chemical) Blueberry dessert, frozen/thawed tasted like a health hazard. Threw both things away after tasting them at home. please don't waste your time and money at this place. read more

I don't understand why this place is not 5 stars?! Amazing bbq. Ribs were absolutely the best I've ever had. We had ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage. Also tried potato salad, Mac n cheese and baked beans. All were fabulous. The cornbread is to die for...sooo bomb. The only we didn't care for was the peach cobbler. The prices are so cheap for a bbq restaurant. My Texas trio plate was $14!?? The owner or maybe it was the manager, not sure but he was super friendly and helped us order. The place was super clean and cute decor. Highly recommend this gem! read more

I meant to stop at the one in Chantilly but work took me north. Searched for a BBQ spot and it was 4 mins away so I stopped in and had no idea what to order so I ordered the meal for four. It was FIRE!!!! Everything was FIRE!!!! And the people working there were great and very friendly. Awesome place. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - FIRE!!!!!! Best ever!!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

The sides were okay, but the meat (be honest, it's the real reason you're checking this place out) is very tasty. I second the remark by a previous reviewer: get some sauce to flavor to taste! They have cups with lids for to-go orders, so never fear! I had the pulled chicken, which was perfectly cooked - falls apart and not dry. If you go during a busy time, consider takeout as an option because there is limited seating for dine-in. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

Willards wasnt so good this time unfortunately. $14+ for a few slices of mushy brisket and 3 sides. The dirty rice was so salty I could barely eat it, would not recommend to anyone. The mashed potatoes and gravy were still good, creamy. The green beans just so so and kind of bland. The potatoes were really the only good part of the meal and it should have been about half the cost for the quality. read more

I smoke my own meat at home so I know good smoked meat when I see it. I was itching for some brisket so I decided to give this place a try after my Home Depot run. I ordered their beef brisket and omg was it terrible. Absolutely no smoky flavor, no smoke ring, no tasty bark and it was so mushy it didn't even look like brisket. I had to force myself to finish it. The baked beans side was also not good. I won't go here again. If I need some smoked meat outside of my home I will go to Mission BBQ which is 10x better. read more

I am a huge bbq fan. The bread was soft and nice and everything was cooked well. The meat was very tender, my major disappointment was the severely lack of salt in everything! because I have been looking forward to trying this place forever. read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Pulled chicken sandwich with mashed potatoes and green beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

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Good Bbq, but not sure if I would go back. The prices were fair for quality. Lower prices than some of the other Bbq joints around here, but I wasn't impressed with the sides, and that they forgot the meat in our salad. We made a very large order, so the chances of every being exactly how you'd want it is much lower. I will say, the people that worked there were very kind, and gave us good and quick service with our order. read more

Nice, cozy, place for bbq. The chicken was dry and the sides was mediocre. The staff was great And gave great Customer service. I accidentally ordered white meat Chicken and brought it to the counter and they gave me the Dark meat chicken for free read more

Willards Real Pit BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Reston, Virginia

I've been to both the Reston and Chantilly location multiple times. For some reason I always like the food at the original Chantilly location more... I don't know why. My favorite dish is the brisket with dirty rice and Mac and cheese. Price: a-little high but fair Food: Atmosphere: Would I recommend it: yes read more