King's Barbecue — Restaurant in Contiguous United States

People, you have to realize what this is. This is an authentic local style BBQ. It's a unique style of this area of Virginia. If you are looking for some other sort of BBQ, they're a dime a dozen. This is one of the last in the way of a truly local experience. Since I was raised on this stuff, there are words here you're not used to. First of all, you can get sliced or minced. This is what you come for, this is not a ribs place, it's sliced or mince BBQ and delicious pies. Sliced is more like the 'pulled pork' you may may be used to. When they ask you how you want it, they're not asking rare/medium rare, they're asking slices or minced. You can also ask for inside or outside, or a mix. Outside is the crispy outside of the BBQ and the inside is the moist inside stuff. The outside is drier than the inside, so it's best to get a mix. I might order slices inside/outside. If you want a molasses bases sauce, this is not your place. It has more tomato in it than "North Carolina" style, but not a much tomato as traditional Virginia BBQ of places towards Roanoke. The result is a unique Central/Southside Virginia style that is all its own.. You come here for the experience of a dying breed of unique style of BBQ in a market of BBQ that has become more standardized than regional. Enjoy it for a taste of Petersburg that is all it's own. Now, why did I give it 4 stars? Because It's not as consistent as it used to be. I usually get it takeout by the pound. I've had a couple of times where it was dry or cold, but if you get it warm off the fire, it's an experience not to be missed. You may not appreciate it, but this building/dining experience is a snapshot in time from 50 years ago. It's well kept, but it's a piece of history.... if you eat it, the locals even give it a feel of a time gone by. In a strip mall/franchise world, this place stands out as authentic and real. If you don't like it, that's fine, but don't say it sucks just because it's not what you...

I will start by saying the staff were spot on. My server was fast and courteous, and checked on me with reasonable frequency. The table was clean and the overall impression of the restaurant was that of a local mom & pop kind of diner. Food came out of the kitchen very quickly. When I left the cashier was very pleasant.

The prices were very reasonable and the food came with a generous portion of the main course and adequate portions on the sides. However, there was a blandness to the meat which left me wishing I had gone elsewhere.

Only one bar-b-q sauce was available at the table, and it was a strong vinegar-based variety. The sauce reminded me an overly vinegar Heintz 57. I would have enjoyed the meal more if I had a variety of sauces to select from. I admit I did not ask for alternatives so there may be other sauces available upon request.

Given the price, portion sizes and staff I would rate the place overall as a 3.5 with the food a firm 2, but the apple pie was the final torpedo in the meal. It tasted overly processed with a stale crust. I have no idea what was done to the apples, but it was not good for the flavor. I'd recommend the staff switch to any of the fine Mrs. Smith pie products and bake them in house at the start of each day.

If you are really starving for bar-b-q and your wallet is a touch on the empty side, this is the place for you. If you are taking someone out on a date, do not bring them here. You won't make a good impression...

5NOV21 Back for another DELICIOUS BBQ meal.😃😋🤩👍 I came to see my Sister this morning and before heading back to Richmond I had to treat myself to lunch at KINGS. AUG21 😃🤩😃🤩😋🤩FINALLY!!! KINGS is back with "dine in" service!!!😃 I have really missed eating here since the Covid epidemic intruded in everyone's life. They have redecorated and the place really looks NICE!!!👍👍👍 I had my usual: the large sliced pork dinner with baked beans and french fries and a sweet tea. DELICIOUS!!!😃😋👍 As always. KINGS BARBEQUE is the VERY BEST BBQ!!! I have been going to this restaurant since I was a child. My Family ( Mom, Dad, 2 Sisters, Grandma, Aunt and Uncle and numerous cousins) used to go there every Sunday after Church. Their sauce is the secret that makes Kings "The King of Barbeque". Sure will be glad when this Covid mess is over so I can enjoy "dine in" meals again. The place hasn't really changed all that much in all these years. A lot of my Family members aren't here anymore but my Children, and their Children, are loyal fans of this AWESOME restaurant and are carrying on a Family tradition of enjoying DELICIOUS barbeque in a place we all love...