Bill’s Barbecue

A beloved Richmond institution– be sure to try their limeades and pies.

For a few years, Bill’s completely turned me off the idea Virginians could do barbecue. It was soupy and smelled bad. The dining areas look like they were blocked off from human traffic in the ‘60s and just recently opened again. I have no idea how any of these places stay in business — there is never anyone in one of them, yet they are everywhere and always open.

I was showing a friend around our beauteous capital city and was actually looking for Buz & Ned’s. Since I can’t see too well at night, this is where we ended up. We were both hungry and willing to give it a try, but I won’t be back.
We both ordered the sliced pork, which came with slaw, a little roll, and choice of one side. I’d asked them to hold the slaw, but it came anyway. However, the woman at the register offered to give me a second side, which she didn’t have to do. I was pleased by that and by the cinnamon apples I requested.
The pork was tasty enough, but very dry, and no sauce in sight except a hot sauce that I wasn’t willing to try, given my stomach’s predilections. A sign over the counter said something about condiments available on request, so while it didn’t list BBQ sauce, perhaps some was available. My friend could not resist the temptation of the displayed pies and got a slice, which he said was fine.
The meal was not terrible; I don’t want to criticize unfairly. But it wasn’t all that substantial, wasn’t cheap (approx. $ 9) and I left disappointed and unsatisfied. Live and learn.

This place still offers decent barbecue with quick service compared to some other places. While there are better places for barbecue, when going here, grab some pies and their limeades as well. Those are top notch, and a great addition to your meal.

This is the Bill’s location more familiar to travelers passing through town off of interstate 95. Unlike the classic Meyers Street location down the street which has car service, this location is walk-​in or drive through.
Literally the only two things that Bill’s has changed in the last 30 years are 1) the prices, and 2) accepting credit cards. You could add 3) smoke free but that was by law, not necessary by management choice.
The service still varies between «hey honey!» and «whatchawant?» depending on the mood and motivation of the staff. You still can’t find a sweet BBQ sauce here, which I suppose is heretical for NC BBQ purists, but opens the product to a wider audience… a sandwich identical to the one your grandpa ordered for your grandma on her first date. All the other stuff on the menu – burgers, hotdogs, fries, etc. are unremarkable and not justification for visiting.
Back to the BBQ sandwich… once upon the time before the food network and world class barbeque competitions and high-​end BBQ joints, a barbeque sandwich was the South’s version of cheap fast food. That’s what Bill’s is… nothing fancy. No smoky undertones, no fancy spices, no pitmasters, no blue ribbons… just chopped up pork topped with slaw. If you know that going in, you won’t be disappointed. If you want fancy ‘cue, head down the street to Buzz and Ned’s.
But since you’re here, try the limeade and a slice of pie. Personally, the french apple pie is one of my guity pleasures, but the sickly sweet icing and mushy red apple pie filling is not for everyone.
I understand Bill’s is still run by the same family and it seems they’re resistant to change anything. That said, they sorely need a boost into the 21^st century that maintains the dignity and tradition of the business, but updates the operation. Otherwise, they’re certain to join the ranks of Ukrops, Thalhimers, Miller & Rhoads, The Braves, Azalea Mall, Circuit City – defunct Richmond institutions that passed their prime. Their dining room needs a makeover, their menu needs an update, they need to reevaluate their marketing strategy. Perhaps a visit from Restaurant Impossible?

Man, what a disappointment. I’d heard good things (despite what I read on Unilocal) about Bill’s being a BBQ institution so I decided to check it out. Soggy, undercooked fries. Limp, dry pork without any flavor and something that tasted like Kraft singles smashed between two greasy buns. Ugh! Never again!

Food was average, BBQ sauce isn’t good at all. Too strong on the vinegar. Staff not very friendly either.

This is pretty mediocre barbecue. Not sure how this place became an institution, but it wasn’t the food… Or maybe it was back in the day.
Now its soggy meat and bad sauce.
All you can drink limeade would be good, if the limeade were good. It’s syrup

This location is another breakfast stop for me. I don’t know what they do to make the cheese n eggs so good, but they are really tasty. I also like the bacon here as well.
Bill’s Barbecue has been around since 1930 and for many older Richmonders was where dates were taken and memories were made. Many of the Bill’s locations had car service only for many years and they may still offer it at the main location but I don’t think it is well known. It has been in the same family for over 80 years.
All of the 8 locations serve pretty much the same menu. Bill’s has always been known for the fresh squeezed limeades and Carolina-​style minced pork. barbecue. This particular location does have a drive thru and is always a big hit with the crowds coming from the Richmond Squirrels games at The Diamond.
Bill’s has also always been known for their «Peak of Flavor» Pies, all made from scratch daily. The chocolate pie being especially well loved. Bill’s is just another layer of what makes Richmond feel southern, small town, and well loved. While it might not be haut cuisine, it is a good alternative to fast food and the daily specials are always well priced.