Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co
About Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co
Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co is a historic family-owned barbecue joint in Hampton, VA, known for its Carolina-style BBQ. With a simple menu offering BBQ, ribs, chicken, and traditional sides, Wilkes has been a favorite spot for locals for over two generations. Customers rave about the flavorful chopped BBQ sandwich, tender ribs, and delicious potato salad. Despite its unassuming appearance, Wilkes delivers on taste and value, making it a must-visit for BBQ lovers in the area. Whether you're grabbing a quick takeout meal or catering for a large group, Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co offers quality eats at affordable prices.
-
The ribs and potato salad are to die for. Theres legit a mom and pop in the kitchen of this hole-in-the-wall spot.
-
I picked up 10 pounds of BBQ and some slaw to feed over 30 people for my great grandson's 1st birthday party. Everyone loved it. Wilkes is basic and always great, been coming here since way back in the last century. Hope to come back soon.
-
Wow. Great BBQ and great prices. I thoroughly enjoyed the big bbq sandwich with slaw.
-
A historic neighborhood spot, Wilkes is a bare bones operation that churns out some delicious Carolina style BBQ in Hampton. They are a small family owned establishment that has been in the same spot on Victoria Blvd for decades. It is take out only and can boast a line during the lunch rush. The BBQ sandwich all the way (coleslaw and hot sauce) is the way to go. It is a huge sandwich that will certainly fill you up and you can't beat the price. I alway get a small order of the baked beans which are sweet and thick and goes perfectly with the BBQ sandwich. They do accept cards but there is a $10 minimum order. Parking is street parking and the entrance is on the side of the building on Victoria Blvd. Don't let appearances fool you, the food and friendly staff are worth a visit!
-
The Rib dinner never disappoints! Cole slaw and baked bean side dishes works perfectly with the rolls they include. Don't forget to 'sop' the BBQ sauce with the rolls as you slow chew the tender ribs. Nicely hidden, but not from the faithful locals of this area that have supported this business for 2+ generations!
-
Great price with great food! We got the chopped bbq dinner and bbq rib dinner. Both dinners served with 2 sides.
-
This place has always been a go-to for Virginia style BBQ as they've been around for decades and will not disappoint on flavor. You can't go wrong with the taste of their chopped BBQ sandwich. It's packed with well rounded flavor, lil' bit sweet and twangy. It's so tender and no gristle as a poorly prepped chopped meat may be. That is a big deal peeps. Even though parts of the edge may be a tad soggy from the Coleslaw, it is still a delicious meal. This is a must have if you're in Hampton and looking for food which has your mouth singing in every bite.
-
I'm constantly drawn to food dives and there is no better example than Wilkes BBQ that fits a dive joint to a tee. Located in a bit of a seedy side of Hampton, but during the day I felt safe. Just the look of the building alone will have you convinced it's abandoned. Or in my case second guess how far I will take trying a food dive with graffiti signage. Parking is off street. Expect debris, weeds and possibly an odd looking pedestrian nearby. A few customers were already lined up just before opening on a weekday morning. Once open expect a friendly greeting as I did from a young black male who works in the kitchen. A menu board and flyers are available. There is little room for customers, so expect a line out the door. Most of the square footage is kitchen. I found everything clean. The menu boast NC BBQ which is not typically my favorite, but that's okay. As a foodie I do not discriminate. The menu is small and straight forward with bbq, ribs, chicken and traditional southern sides. An older woman I spoke with said she had been a regular customer for years. Wilkes also offer dinner portion combos and even pie. No drinks are sold per the menu. So when it was time to order the Big Sandwich made sense and my inclination was confirmed by other customers. My side of potato salad seemed safe and it is a dish I typically like. Wilkes is known for their collards offered in the Winter only. My card was processed without incident and order was out in a brown paper bag with napkins and a plastic fork in minutes. The male cashier/cook was more all business than friendly. In no way did I construe this as rude. With no eat in option and not wanting to eat in the car I hit a nearby McDonald's and got a soda. The traditional North Carolina bbq style sandwich offered a fresh bun. The meat was fresh and tasty, the sandwich large. However, I felt the meat was not applied thick. Maybe this is the traditional method. The amount of potato salad was surprisingly huge. Unfortunately it was a let down. Edible for sure, but not to my liking as it was mustard based and assume a Southern recipe. With no trips planned in the near future to Hampton I made the call on a single visit. Based on other items on the menu I feel confident I would enjoy and rounding a 3.5 up to a 4. I would recommend giving this tiny bbq landmark a try and will try to make it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the popular dishes at Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co?
Customers love the Chopped BBQ Dinner, BBQ Ribs Dinner, and their famous potato salad.
-
Do I need to make a reservation, or can I walk in?
You can walk in, but it’s a small place, so be prepared for a line during peak hours.
-
Is there an option for takeaway or dine-in?
Wilkes Bar-B-Q Co offers takeout only; there are no dine-in options available.
-
What is the atmosphere like, and when is the best time to visit?
The atmosphere is casual and historic, with a laid-back vibe. Lunchtime can get busy, so visiting earlier or later may mean less wait time.
-
What amenities does the restaurant have?
They accept credit and debit cards, offer free parking, and are wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all guests.
Are you the owner?
Claim this page to update business information and manage your presence.
Claim this page
the best great nothern beans in virginia, mike d from chesapeake, va. (check them out)