The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending a very special celebration: Virgil’s Real BBQ is marking 30 years of serving up authentic Southern barbecue right in the heart of Manhattan! Since opening in 1994, this spot has become a favorite for barbecue lovers not just in New York City, but from all over.
To honor this incredible milestone, Virgil’s unveiled a brand-new menu inspired by their iconic road trip through some of the best barbecue regions in the country. They’re bringing flavors from Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, the Carolinas, and Missouri straight to the table. The menu features some exciting new dishes, like the ultra-flavorful Compart Duroc Pork and the creative Veggie’Q Tacos made with smoked Portobello mushrooms. Of course, Virgil’s kept fan favorites like their Famous Smoked Jumbo Wings, which you can get tossed in sauces like Carolina Gold or Sweet Chili, and their irresistible Candied Bacon.
For sides, they’ve added Cheddar Cheese Grits and BBQ Fried Rice, which pair perfectly with their smoked meats and Southern specials like Fried Catfish or Smoked Tomahawk Steaks (if you’re lucky enough to catch them—they’re only available in limited quantities). To finish the meal, their signature Banana Pudding and seasonal cobblers are a must-try.
The drinks were just as impressive, with 16 beers on tap, including Virgil’s own lager brewed by Magic Hat Brewery. Their new signature cocktails were the highlight of the night for me. The Smoky Slice, made with mezcal, pineapple juice, and chipotle pineapple syrup, was smoky and sweet, while The Porch Sipper, featuring Kurveball BBQ Whiskey, sweet tea, and smoked vanilla syrup, was a refreshing Southern classic with a twist.
What truly made the night special was how Virgil’s celebrates the community. They’ve got weekly events like Margarita Mondays with $5 margaritas and $15 flights, live music on Tunes on Tuesday, Bingo and Trivia on Wednesday Game Nights, and spicy specials like their Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich on Fire it Up Fridays.
As someone who loves barbecue and good music, I couldn’t have enjoyed myself more. The food, drinks, and conversations were fantastic, and I’ll definitely be stopping by again for Tunes on Tuesday to enjoy some live music and more of that incredible barbecue.
Virgil’s Real BBQ has spent 30 years creating a space for great food and even better company, and it’s clear why they’re a New York City staple. Here’s to many more years of smokin’ good times.
While Disco Fries and Trainwreck Fries are pretty hard to resist, Chef Shaw-naé Dixon of Shaw-naé’s House—featured in The New York Times as one of America’s 50 Favorite Places, has created mouthwatering Savage Fries in collaboration with Virgil’s Real BBQ to celebrate their 30th Anniversary in NYC. This showstopper was ready just in time for the weekend ahead of Thanksgiving–boasts a mountain of fries topped with Braised Oxtail, four cheese mac & cheese, and Chef Shaw-naé’s famous Collard Greens Available now through the end of the year at Virgil’s Real BBQ, the collaboration also features a notable charity aspect as Virgil’s is targeting a $10,000 fundraising goal for The Lotus Bridge – a charity based in Staten Island that provides pantry meals to those in need and offers classes on sustainable urban farming–by donating 20% of the proceeds from the sales for the dish through December 31st. So meet me at Virgil’s for dinner!
