Pigging out at Willard’s Real Pit BBQ
As I was standing in front of Willard’s Real Pit BBQ and eyeing the antique Ford, the smell of smoke and barbecue came wafting around the corner and I knew I was in the right place. So I joined the line of men who were patiently waiting for 11:00AM and prepared to pig out.
Willard’s is about what you’d expect from a good barbecue joint. From the décor to the food, there are no frills, but lots of flavor. Drinks are self-serve in Styrofoam cups. There’s a limited selection of soda, but who needs that when there’s freshly-brewed tea and homemade lemonade?
I didn’t want to limit myself, so I ordered a Texas Teaser Tray. This tray features brisket, pulled pork, red hot smoked sausage, and one rib. It is served with, according to Willard’s, “cheap white bread.” It was $13.59.
I also had my choice of two sides. While I briefly considered the black-eyed corn and dirty rice, I opted for my two comfort food favorites instead. Those are green beans and macaroni and cheese. I know it isn’t very exciting, but I figured I’d save the specialty sides for next time.
As you can see, the portions are generous!
This macaroni and cheese reminds me of the kind you bake at home or make in the crock pot. It’s the kind that cooks together till it’s almost solid, requiring you to portion it out in pieces rather than scoops. Wow, was it delicious!
I’ve never met a green bean I didn’t like. These were no exception. They weren’t a standout, but they fit the bill.
I love ribs, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. They are, in that order, my three favorite meats when ordering barbecue. At Willard’s, it was a different story. All three moved down a spot to make room for this brisket! It was moist and tender, but not too fatty. It was somehow the perfect cut of brisket.
The house sauce has a rich, tomato-y flavor. It isn’t overly sweet or heavy on the vinegar. The sauce worked well on the rib, brisket, and pulled pork.
I ate every bit of this food… except the cheap white bread.
And the only downside is that I was too stuffed to order any cobbler!
Plan Your Visit
Willard’s Real Pit BBQ
4300 Chantilly Shopping Center #1A
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
website
2 Comments
Andrew Caro
Makes me miss one of my long-closed favorite restaurants from the 80s. They had a weekly lunch BBQ special of pork ribs (1/2 rack), chicken leg (drum&thigh) and a hot link, with baked beans, cole slaw, and corn bread. They had great sauce too, a little sweet, a little tangy, a little heat and a little smokey.
I think it was about $6. Wonder how much they’d have to charge today? Wonder how much less I’d weigh if I hadn’t had it so often? SIGH.
Holly
I hear you! BBQ is my favorite. I’m glad I don’t live closer to any good BBQ joints!