MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

I just had the most unpleasant experience at the Independence Blvd Mission BBQ. This was my 5th(?) time visiting this particular location, and each previous visit was wonderful, but my 16NOV visit made me very uncomfortable.

With each previous visit, the employees were pleasant and cheerful and welcoming. This visit, my daughter and I walked in and were greeted with stares and nearly virtual silence. I thought maybe I had something on my face or in my hair and it was just me but my daughter voiced this same feeling when we left with our orders. My cashier had a reluctant smile, wasn't rude, but it was as if all the employees had looks of disdain or unacceptance towards us and I almost turned around and left. Usually the cashier and person making the order are all smiles and friendly. Not this time. The atmosphere was cold and univiting, my order seemingly tossed on the counter and those stares, uncomfortable. No thank-you and come again or smile as I picked up my order. I've just never felt this at Mission before.

Anyway, as we got into the car my daughter says that maybe they didn't think I was a veteran. I usually don't park in the veteran spot but I am a war veteran. A Desert Storm veteran. I am also a woman, who probably looks like any other because I am like any other. Most people do envision veterans to be old men with gray hair and maybe a cane or something. But we come in all shapes, colors and sizes. We are in our 20's and, with luck, our 90's. I was a little angry at first but then I realized that maybe they thought I was some horribly rude person parking in a spot not reserved for me. Misunderstandings can create uncomfortable environments!

The food was delicious, as always, but I'd just like to say to those employees, women of all colors have served in our armed forces and can be veterans too. If you are uncertain, asking would be more acceptable than an uncomfortable customer experience. We veterans love telling people how we served. Sometimes. LOL

I will still visit Mission, maybe not this location, and will forgive and forget this experience, because it might have been a misunderstanding, but I hope no other veteran or civilian feels the chill...

The staff was amazing, providing an overall lovely experience of southern comfort food.

We had to try a bit of everything. The baby back ribs (which fall off the bone perfectly), pulled pork, brisket (you can choose between juicy or lean, we opted for half and half, perfect with your favorite bbq sauce, or sauces, there were six different flavors to mix and match), jalapeños cheddar sausages were all delicious and had a mild heat. We also went back to try the XXL wings, which had crispy skin, but still juicy inside. They were a hint salty, so definitely recommend trying your bird with bbq (Smoky Mountain was a group favorite, but the Texas Tang also hit the spot nicely. Honey and hotsauce options were also plentiful, along with old bay and a BayBQ sauce for those which enjoy puns).

Sides: Sweet potatoes aren't overly sweet (not stuffed with marshmallows, thank goodness). If you are looking to add a vegetable option, that also feels a bit like dessert, this is a solid choice. Really loved the cheesy potatoes and the fries. Went back for more fries because they disappeared so quickly (they are also a great vehicle for trying all the bbq sauce varieties, especially if you want to combine and mix your own.) The stew is a seasonal choice, but definitely shouldn't be overlooked. Mac and cheese is also a classic that did not disappoint. Green beans weren't bad either if you're looking to add another veggie. They also offer small salads with ranch or Italian dressings. All the entrees come with a bite of cornbread as well

The brownie desserts were a great mix of cake and chewy if you are in the mood for something sweet after.

Bev: fountain drink options, lemonade, sweet tea, unsweetened teas, and also bottled root beers, and such.

Kids loved the decor because it features patches, photos, and stories of our veterans and all those sworn to serve and protect. Love their mission and highly recommend...

This Mission BBQ is located in a shopping center just north of the I-264 Interchange on the northbound side of Independence Blvd. It is on the corner of that shopping center, with Red Wing Shoes next door. My visit here was on March 6, 2020.

When you come inside, you will see the theme for decor being Military inspired, including thanks for all those who have served. You'll see the ordering area to the back from the entrance and there is quite a bit of seating in here as well.

The menu is located up at the ordering area. The staff were ready for us once we were ready to order. It wasn't too busy at that time. After looking over the menu inside, I ended up going with the Pulled Chicken BBQ XXL combo with fries and macaroni and cheese. Cornbread comes with the meal. My mom was with me and she went with brisket on that one.

A few minutes after ordering, our orders were ready to pick up. The cornbread was nice and moist, as well as soft. The pulled chicken was good as well. There were six different sauces to choose from at the tables as well. Overall, the chicken was good and so was the brisket according to my mom.

In the end, this was a solid first time visit here. It's a bit further away from where I am, so I won't be able to come here more often, but I would come back again. If you are up near the Town Center section of the city and looking for BBQ, this is definitely a...