Shaffer's BBQ & Market — Restaurant in Virginia

I visited late on a Saturday morning to experience what all the reviews were saying as I headed east from the Shenandoah region. The store and eatery, a converted service station from appearances, sits conveniently near the intersection of I-81 and VA-11. The back of the place boasts a welcoming view of the mountains in the distance, which if not for the slightly cooler temperatures would have been where I ate. Walking inside led me to a charming country store with all kinds of food items for purchase and more. Inside seating seemed to accommodate maybe 20 or so, including a window seat next to the freezer that suited me just fine. Service at the ordering counter proved welcoming, pleasant, and efficient, as my food was cheerfully handed to me within a reasonable time of roughly 15 minutes or so.

I opted for a sampling of the brisket sandwich about which I read in reviews plus a piece of fried chicken and fries. Desserts are conveniently pre-packaged but house-made, so I also got some banana pudding to eat there and a buttermilk pie slice for the road. I liked the sandwich as did other reviewers, as the brisket was portioned generously and sliced quite thin on a soft bun. I would have liked more flavor in the meat itself, but the table sauces helped address my tastes enough. The chicken was both crisp on the outside and still hot and a little juicy on the inside. Seasoning was not too salty for me either. Fries likewise were cooked well and seasoned nicely too. The desserts both tasted fine without being either too sweet or too rich.

The total bill came to about $38 including applicable taxes and such. Surely my visit was a satisfying way to send me on my way, and I would be glad to make a second visit to this uniquely country place if I were in the...

I eat BBQ all over the world and have written dozens of reviews. The BBQ at Shaffer’s in Middletown is… middling.

I’ve been eyeballing Shaffer’s BBQ for years—mostly because of the name. Finally made the stop, and while it was a fun experience for this Shaffer, the BBQ had a style all its own. Definitely not Texas, Carolina, Tennessee, or Alabama.

What Stood Out: Coleslaw – Nearly perfect. Finely chopped, great onion bite, and a creamy dressing that wasn’t too sweet. Easily a repeat.

French Fries – Excellent. Crispy, well-seasoned, and fresh. Some of the best fries I’ve had in a long time.

The BBQ: Brisket – Sliced extremely thin, more like cheesesteak than slow-smoked brisket. The flavor was unique, but not something I need to try again. No bark, no bold smoke—just not my kind of brisket.

Pulled Pork – Ground texture, but moist and decently seasoned. What it really needed was a better sauce. If I had a good Texas or Tennessee-style sauce, I’d gladly order it again.

Sauces: "Bold & Sassy" – Strong Worcestershire profile with an odd hot pepper finish.

"Tangy Virginia" – Thin, vinegary, and more like Tabasco than BBQ.

Both were far too runny and didn’t bring the meat to life. A thicker, richer sauce would’ve made a big difference.

Atmosphere: Friendly service, clean space, and a laid-back market vibe. It’s clearly a local institution with 70+ years behind it—and that says a lot.

Bottom Line: Come for the fries and slaw—they’re top notch. Try the BBQ if you’re curious about a truly regional take, but manage expectations if you’re used to Southern smokehouse classics. Glad I finally stopped in. Having my name on the sign made it extra fun—but next time, I’ll stick to the sides. Or maybe try the...

No masks worn by staff cooking or serving. The people serving the food had their masks around their necks. Patron without masks present, no one said anything. Food was edible, but they also got my order wrong...handed the old , cold order to the right person...who kindly accepted it. This place might have a reputation for good food, but I didn't taste anything that special and the customer service/complete lack of care for sanitation turned me off for good. Eater be wary this place is basically a petri dish for disease and they do not care.

Edit: having seen their reply....when a restaurant has to defend their health and safety compliance by calling a customer "some people" you should think about whether they are focused on the right thing. I love a good local small business and I am not fussy. I do want to get this pandemic over and done with and I found the way they served food grossly incompetent.

Second edit: They have since removed the insult from their comment, but it is still applicable to my review. Julie Shaffer has also taken to visiting my LinkedIn account for whatever reason...maybe she wants to be sure I'm a real person. I am...please also read the dozens of other rave reviews for BBQ and food of all kinds. I'm not a person who dumps on business just because "the internet". I made this post entirely out of concern for our country and the people of...