ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque — Restaurant in Richmond

BBQ by the pound. That can get you in trouble!

This was my first time going there, although many people have recommended ZZQ to me. I went there specifically to try the Beef rib(s). The helpful meat cutter lopped off a single rib which weighed in @ 1.45lbs. In terms of costs, that's $47.52 for one rib. Not complaining, it was a generous hunk of meat. Also ordered a pound of beef brisket and a pound of turkey meat. Wanted to try a pork meat offering but I'll save that for next time.

Had to try a few sides as well so I ended up getting the potato salad, Cole slaw, tomato pie, & collards.

Here's the run down on my meal... Beef rib(s) were the top dog, worth the hype. Reminded me of tender pot roast with a nice smokey flavor and a classic BBQ spice rub on the bark.

The beef brisket was very good but did not equal the taste and texture of my favorite brisket at Redemption BBQ. The turkey was tender and tasty and a nice lean departure from the heavier beef selections. Would definitely get that again.

I tried all the sauces, but none of those really wowed me. To be fair, the meats are quite tasty and do not require being smothered in sauce.

Side-wise, the collards were excellent if you are a collard greens person. The potato salad is almost like a chunky mashed potato dish with a definite dill flair. The cole slaw was maybe a little too "fancy" and didn't really meet my expectations for combining with a bite of the BBQ meats. Usually that is a symbiotic combination that goes hand in hand. In this case the cole slaw is more of a vinegary red cabbage salad which stands alone on its own. The tomato pie is like a pot pie crust with a cheesy tomato filling. Also very good.

I know that's a lot of info, but there was a lot of food to sort through. Bottom line, it's an expensive place to eat. Not a casual regular lunch spot, unless you are a recent lottery winner. Food quality is excellent, staff is helpful and personable, parking in a small lot is available (Scott's Addition is a nightmare for parking!) It's set up to be more of an outdoor dining experience. There are tables inside but the whole dining room opens up to the outdoor seating area. Go there at least once to get the food, it's really good.

I can see going to ZZQ on special occasions and after getting a fat paycheck. A lot to like, pounds and...

02/02/2024 Consistently Grade A food and service, worth every dime!! Wow, wow is all I can say about ZZQ!! As someone who does smoke meat on a stick burner and is a lover of BBQ, nothing could have prepared me for this level of BBQ in Virginia, like Virginia? My brother in law knows I know bbq and he told me before you head back home to Florida I need you to try this and lord have mercy!! What I ordered: Pork Ribs (5) cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection. The Beef Brisket (5) this is when I knew this was authentic Texas BBQ, order the lean if you want, I order the fatty, and got some burnt ends w/out asking, this was heavenly!! Smoked Turkey (5) was juicy, as in juices running off each and every slice and again seasoned to perfection. The Beef Rib (5) and always the subject of much debate amongst BBQ enthusiasts. Once again I could not pick my single favorite meat and the brisket and beef rib were OUTSTANDING, juicy, grade "A" bark on both, there's just no way for me to pick one. Beef Cheek (5) with a disclaimer, this was super tasty and super lean, just wasn't a texture that appealed to me personally but if Beef Cheek is your thing you'll love this selection. Sides: Jalapeño Mac, Baked Beans all a (4) Cole Slaw (2) unfortunately fell flat and sour for me, was very bitter and more cabbage like than a Slaw. The winner in the sides was that damn rice, I did not expect this level of expertise that was in this rice, this is the best rice side dish I have ever tasted, hands down!! This is a MUST VISIT!! Get there early, there will be a line, we were about 40 minutes before opening and were still 10th in line, ordering is by the pound and well damn worth the near $100 I...

Visiting family in Richmond and they took us to ZZQ BBQ and it was absolutely amazing. We got there right at open and had to stand in line for about 45 minutes just to get in.

We ordered way too much food but man was it amazing.

The special was the beef cheeks and they were literally melt in your mouth, incredibly tender and delicious.

The brisket was juicy and fall apart, I would say it rivals or beats Mitch’s. Incredibly good on its own for sure.

The chicken was fantastic and brushed with a glaze that was so tasty, the leg and thigh were falling apart it was awesome.

The hot guts sausage link is one of the better sausages I’ve had at any bbq joint it stacks up well, a little bit of heat and great flavor.

The French onion pie. My lord was this incredible. I love onions and this one just blew me away, savory, rich, salty, cheesy and the pie crust added a nice crunch with the onions and broth. Outstanding side.

The cornbread was solid, my wife felt like it was a little dry but I liked it personally.

The jalapeño mac and cheese was an ok side but I’ve had much better Mac personally.

I didn’t get to try the Cole slaw but my wife really liked it a lot.

Lastly was the Texas sheet cake. Again I didn’t get a chance to try it but my wife really enjoyed it as well!

Definitely recommend stopping here if you’re traveling through Richmond but get here early, they sold out of beef cheeks while we were sitting there then sold out of other sides before it even hit 12:30.

Everyone behind the counter was awesome, extremely helpful, and pleasant. From showing us the sizes and options to order, offering tips, and giving samples of...