Lakeside Barbeque & Subs — Restaurant in Virginia

Ordinarily I do not post reviews unless they are favorable; however, this one is truly warranted. I recently saw a video of apparently the new owner on News 12. The spread that he presented looked delicious, with sizeable portions, fabulous sauces, the whole nine!.... and for only a dollar more, an even larger portion of brisket! Sold! The next day I placed an online order for a brisket meal with hush puppies and baked beans. I specifically instructed for the bun and coleslaw on the side. In addition, I wanted the larger portion (for only a dollar more). Naturally in my mind, I'm visualizing this nice, well prepared container of food that I saw in the video. NOT EVEN CLOSE! The first indication that something was wrong.... my order was in a small white paper bag, sealed with staples. How could all of that food possibly fit into such a small bag? Long story short.... very small portions in small round containers. The brisket looked as if it had been sitting for quite some time, and the baked beans looked like they came straight from the can... with a little seasoning added, of course. The coleslaw.... I couldn't tell you, because there wasn't any! But at least I had my nice, dry sesame seed bun. This looked NOTHING like the spread I saw in the video!!!! Yes, I felt as though they got me for $18 and some change, because I always tip at least 15%. Bottom line.... from someone who's had good bbq all over this country, Lakeside BBQ is not ready, you're better off elsewhere. And to the owner/management.... I expect to receive what is advertised. You're not providing quality service at all, but your hustle is good... I...

I've had my fair share of North Carolina BBQ, and let me tell you, what we had today was more akin to a vinegar baptism than a proper BBQ. The lone morsel of meat I managed to rescue from the acidic deluge lacked any semblance of flavor—it was as if the spice rack had taken a personal day. Even the sweet and sassy BBQ sauce, which wasn't half bad, stood no chance against the tyrannical reign of vinegar drenching every bite.

On the side, the baked beans seemed like they'd leaped straight from a can, jazzed up with a lonely sprinkle of pepper and a half-hearted whisper of garlic bits. If these were homemade, it was a stealth operation meant to mimic mass production. The greens? Same canned charisma, zero zest. I dare not comment on the coleslaw; it was merely a vinegar sponge in disguise on my sandwich.

However, not all was lost. The hushpuppies were a crisp beacon of hope, and both of us found solace in their golden embrace. The girlfriend gave two thumbs up to the mac and cheese, so there's that small victory. While the atmosphere and staff were top-notch, it's a shame the food didn't share the same accolade. For those craving true BBQ in Richmond, there are certainly richer pastures—unless, of course, you prefer your meat served with a side of...

I never give reviews but I had to after visiting them today. I have lived in Lakeside for 20 years and Lakeside BBQ has always been delicious. However, it is apparently under new ownership and it is not the same at all. I was severely disappointed in the Pork BBQ sandwich which I always get. The pork was hardly cooked and it was served cold, not piping hot with blackened pieces like the previous owners served it. Same with the hush puppies. Barely cooked and served cold. I asked for Cole Slaw on the side and it just a thimble full that didn’t cover the sandwich. The vinegar sauce was plain vinegar and did not have the savory spices as what was served in years past. The drink machine was broken. Such a shame the food is inedible now and clearly after receiving quite a few bad reviews, the new owner is not taking the feedback to heart. The gentleman who took my order was so dour, no smile, barely spoke, it seemed like a big effort to take it. I wish you luck sir, in keeping what once was a great restaurant in Lakeside and a favorite place to eat going. Lakeside BBQ has taken a big slide downhill in food quality and service. To post this I had to rate it so I give it 1 star, but actually I have to...