Although Richmond is traditionally in the pork barbecue belt, native Texan and self-taught pitmaster Chris Fultz has brought the Lone Star state to ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque in Scott’s Addition. Focused on the Texas trinity of 'cue — brisket, ribs and sausage links — here the meat can be bought by the pound or stuffed into over-the-top sandwiches. Hungry loners can tackle The Tres Hombres sandwich, a one-pound behemoth made with brisket, pork shoulder and beef sausage.

What is it: ZZQ started out as an insanely popular pop-up at a local brewery and now it’s got a sprawling space all its own. Stop in for a heaping tray of Texas-style barbecue (or smoked seitan if you’re not a carnivore). Wash it all down with a bottle of Lone Star beer or a glass of house-made agua fresca.

A little bit of Texas in Virginia, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is a solid choice for Texans missing brisket, links, and Texas sheet cake. All the familiar tropes are here, like the line that forms well before opening, the butcher paper plates, ordering by the pound, and plenty of stickers and memorabilia from other Texas-style joints (I spotted stickers from Jon G’s and Interstellar – let me know if you spot any of your faves!). You know the drill: order your favorite side of the brisket and find a table to indulge.

Texas native Chris Fultz opened this barbecue hotspot in 2018 to immediate acclaim from smoked meat connoisseurs across the south. While traditional Carolinean pulled pork is on the menu, brisket is the star of the show here, and the “Texas trinity” of brisket, a half a rack of spare ribs and several links of house-made sausages tends to sell out fast. Meats are sold by the pound, alongside a few sandwich options, side dishes like jalapeño mac and cheese, and a daily selection of desserts.

Eazzy Burger, is brought to you by the owners of ZZQ (so, yes, go right now). All burgers are a 5oz dry-aged Roseda Farm black angus blend of brisket, chuck and short rib, served on a buttered and toasted brioche bun. Eazzy Burger also offers gluten free and non-red meat options, hotdogs (but ones you’ll actually want to eat), as well as the must-try Cheazzy Fries (hand-cut russet potatoes, smoked cheddar cheese, bacon, pickled jalapeños, scallions, and fried pickle ranch).

That is, unless you’re the people at ZZQ, the Scott’s Addition smoke show that Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn — known as the “BBQ Snob” — dubbed “one of the first and best outposts of true Texas-style barbecue in the country.”. Pitmaster prodigy Chris Fultz, who owns the place with his vegetarian-turned-ethically-omnivorous wife Alex Graf, is a Texas native. So, if anyone was equipped to get in with the ‘cue, it would be him.

There’s nothing that makes you feel like an old-timer more than saying, “I remember when they were just a pop-up…” but I’m so glad to see ZZQ open up a permanent location. Despite the name, I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as Texas-style, although it is really, really good. It’s also right in Scott’s Addition, a neighborhood full of breweries, which makes it a great place to take a breather while your liver catches up.

Slow-cooked Texas-style barbecue enjoyed a warm reception in RVA when ZZQ debuted in 2018. The Scott’s Addition smokehouse is known for its long but fast-moving lines, punctuated by bites of burnt ends and co-owner Alex Graf’s smiling service. Open Wednesday through Sunday, there’s always a beefy bonus in store at ZZQ, from beef-and-cheddar sandwiches on Thursdays to Pastrami Fridays and smoked prime rib on Sundays.

Price range for meats: $16 to $38 per poundRecommended dish: Beef brisket. If you can actually get your hands on some of the more popular entrees and cuts of meat from ZZQ, then count yourself lucky. The joint has been a staple in the brewery-heavy neighborhood of Scott's Addition for almost five years and consistently sells out of its perfectly smoked and seasoned brisket, pulled pork and ribs.

In the heart of Scott's Addition, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is a temple for smoked meat aficionados. The beef brisket, with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and smoky depth of flavor, is a masterpiece of barbeque artistry. The lively, communal atmosphere, combined with the scent of wood-smoke, transports diners straight to the heart of Texas, making each visit an authentic barbeque experience.

When I rolled up to the ZZQ barbeque joint in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, the line was already out the door. It’s a popular restaurant, with a Texas-style BBQ that is widely regarded as the best in the Richmond region. ZZQ happened to be my last meal in Richmond and I was headed to the airport to catch a flight, so I passed on the ribs even though they looked delicious.

The thoughtfully brewed stouts and saisons at Ardent Craft Ales (3200 W. Leigh St.) are best enjoyed in its beer garden, which overlooks the Texas-inspired barbecue oasis ZZQ (3201 W. Moore St.). Try Ardent’s IPA X before heading next door for a platter of juicy brisket, buttermilk potato salad, and blackstrap collards.

Why Visit: If you can get your hands on meat from ZZQ, count yourself lucky. The restaurant has been serving people for almost five years and sells out of its perfectly seasoned and smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. The sandwich, meat, and sides like the jalapeno macaroni are seen on the diner’s tables.

ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque is another prime spot to get your fill of barbecue. Since 2013, thousands of Richmond locals have gathered at ZZQ to enjoy delicious BBQ and create new memories with their loved ones. The meats come in different sizes, from 30 pound Beef Brisket to 21 pound Turkey Breast.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (126 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Southwestern- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 3201 West Moore St, Richmond, VA 23230-4421- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in Richmond

In one of the most popular neighborhoods, there’s a BBQ restaurant serving up Texas-style craft BBQ. If you haven’t been to Texas, ZZQ will take your taste buds to the Lone Star state. The Tres Hombres sandwich is one of the best BBQ sandwiches in Richmond and it’s always piled high.

ZZQ – This Texas-style barbecue joint was named “Best BBQ in Virginia” by Food & Wine in 2018 and listed in the “Top 13 restaurants in Virginia” by US News Daily in 2022. Be sure to arrive close to opening at 11am, as orders stop when the barbecue runs out!

ZZQ’s outstanding success was born of Chris Fultz’s single-minded, decades-long obsession with brisket. Pho Tay Do and the surrounding small Vietnamese eateries on Horsepen Road are beloved institutions.

I said it the first time I ever came here, and I’ll say it again after trying many other Richmond BBQ joints. ZZQ has the best BBQ in Richmond. It might have the best BBQ in Virginia.

Texas Craft BBQ took this neighborhood (and Richmond) by storm. While there are several southern style BBQ options (such as Buz and Neds), ZZQ brings Texas to the south.

Fieri was last spotted in Richmond in September 2019 when he visited Perly's, The Fancy Biscuit, ZZQ, Soul Taco, and Pops on Grace.