What's the Best BBQ Restaurant in Hopewell, Virginia?
"When clients ask me where to get the best barbecue in the Tri-Cities area, I send them straight to Saucy's in Hopewell. This is not just another BBQ joint — it is a two-time Southern Living award winner run by two musicians who turned a lifetime love of smoked meat into something truly special. If you are relocating to the Hopewell or Prince George area — especially families heading to Fort Gregg-Adams — put Saucy's at the top of your list."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
If you are searching for the best barbecue in Hopewell, Virginia, you do not need to look any further than Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. at 207 East City Point Road. This locally owned smokehouse has been earning national recognition — including a place in Southern Living Magazine as the "South's Best Butt" not once but twice (2012 and 2018) — while serving some of the most memorable smoked meats, homemade sides, and craft beer in the entire Tri-Cities region.
As a Virginia real estate agent who works with buyers relocating from all over the country — especially military families doing a PCS move to Fort Gregg-Adams — I always tell people: finding your go-to restaurant is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in a new place. And Saucy's is exactly the kind of place that makes you feel like you have been a regular for years from the very first visit.
The Story Behind Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q.
Every great barbecue joint has a great origin story, and Saucy's is one of the best I have heard. The restaurant was co-founded by Erich "Erock" Wolfgang (lead pitmaster) and Tom — two longtime friends who spent years touring the country together as members of a band called Mean Flower. During their touring days, they made it their mission to eat barbecue at every restaurant they could find, from roadside shacks in Texas to legendary smokehouses in Kansas City and Memphis.
In 2004, Erich bought a copy of the Southern Living Barbecue Guide, which he credits as the spark that started it all. He was a "very, very amateur griller" at the time, but that guide lit a fire that never went out. Over the next several years, he and Tom honed their craft, learning the art of low-and-slow smoking, perfecting their rubs and sauces, and dreaming of opening their own place.
In 2010, they turned that dream into reality, opening the original Saucy's location on Bank Street in Petersburg. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Locals loved the food, and word spread fast. By January 2018, they opened the Hopewell location at 207 East City Point Road — their second outpost, featuring a drive-thru for the first time, along with the same award-winning smoked meats that had made the original a destination.
What makes the story so compelling is that Saucy's was not built by restaurant industry veterans. It was built by two guys who loved barbecue, paid attention, put in the work, and created something genuinely special. That authenticity comes through in every bite.
A classic Saucy's spread — award-winning smoked meats with all the classic Southern sides.
What Is Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. Known For?
The short answer: everything that comes out of the smoker. But some dishes have achieved the kind of local fame that makes people drive across county lines. Here are the must-orders:
Brisket
This is the headliner. Saucy's brisket is smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect balance — a deep, peppery bark on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Customers consistently rave about the smoke ring and the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Order it as a platter, a sandwich, or piled high on nachos.
Ribs
One of the most praised items on the menu. Full racks of pork ribs with a beautiful smoke ring, tender enough to pull clean off the bone without falling apart. One reviewer called them the "BEST RIBS" — all caps, and well-earned.
Pulled Pork
The dish that earned Saucy's its Southern Living distinction — twice. Perfectly smoked, hand-pulled pork that is moist, flavorful, and piled high on a soft bun or served as a platter with sides. This is Virginia barbecue at its finest.
Brisket Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips piled with tender chopped brisket, melted cheese, jalapenos, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. It is the kind of appetizer that quickly becomes the main event. Shareable, but you will not want to.
Mac and Cheese
The side that steals the show. Creamy, rich, with a subtle kick that customers love. It pairs perfectly with any smoked meat and has a devoted fan base of its own.
Other standouts include the chicken quarters, brisket tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, and creative items like Cue Balls and Mac Balls. There is even a tofu taco for non-meat eaters — proof that Saucy's welcomes everyone. And with 36 beers on tap, including a great selection of local Virginia craft brews, the drink menu is as thoughtfully curated as the food.
What's the Atmosphere Like?
The rustic, industrial-chic dining room at Saucy's — equal parts smokehouse and neighborhood hangout.
Walking into Saucy's, you are greeted by an atmosphere that the owners describe as an "inviting industrial garage" vibe — and it works beautifully. Exposed brick walls, wooden beams, metal light fixtures, and string lights overhead create a space that feels both rustic and modern. It is the kind of place where you can show up in work boots or a button-down and feel equally comfortable.
The vibe is casual, lively, and community-driven. You will see families with kids digging into racks of ribs, groups of friends sharing brisket nachos and a round of local craft beers, and solo diners at the bar enjoying a pulled pork sandwich with a cold one. The staff is known for being attentive and genuinely friendly — the kind of service that makes you want to come back.
The Hopewell location also features a drive-thru for carryout, making it easy to grab dinner on the go — perfect for busy military families or anyone who wants award-winning barbecue without sitting down. Saucy's also offers catering and onsite parties, so if you are planning a neighborhood gathering or a welcome-home event, this is a great option.
One tip: Saucy's is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and closed on Sundays. Because the restaurant is popular — especially on weekends — arriving early for lunch or calling ahead for carryout can save you a wait during peak hours.
Who Is Saucy's Great For?
Kids love the ribs, the mac and cheese, and the laid-back atmosphere. The drive-thru is a lifesaver for busy family evenings. Saucy's is built for the whole crew.
With 36 beers on tap — many from Virginia breweries — Saucy's is a fantastic spot for beer lovers. Pair a local IPA with your brisket plate and you have got a perfect afternoon.
If you just moved to the Tri-Cities area for a PCS assignment to Fort Gregg-Adams, Saucy's is the perfect introduction to Virginia barbecue. It is welcoming, unpretentious, and unforgettable.
The catering options and onsite party space make Saucy's a great choice for group events. Want to throw a welcome barbecue for your new neighbors? Saucy's can handle it.
Location, Hours, and Parking Tips
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Saucy's has its own parking lot with ample spaces, including room for trucks and larger vehicles.
Street parking is also available along City Point Road if the lot is full during peak hours.
Best tip: The drive-thru is a great option if the dining room is busy — you get the same award-winning barbecue without the wait.
Why Do Hopewell Locals Love Saucy's?
The Tri-Cities area has no shortage of good restaurants, but Saucy's holds a special place in the community for reasons that go beyond the smoked meats.
First, there is the authenticity. Saucy's was not dreamed up by a corporate team or a restaurant group. It was built by two guys who loved barbecue so much that they spent years traveling the country eating it, studying it, and learning how to do it right. That passion is not something you can fake, and it comes through in every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Second, there is the national recognition that feels local. Saucy's has been named the "South's Best Butt" by Southern Living Magazine twice — a rare honor that puts them in elite company. But walk through the door and you would never know it. There is no pretension here, no ego. Just the same friendly service and incredible food that has been winning people over since day one.
Third, there is the craft beer program. With 36 taps featuring Virginia beers and regional favorites, Saucy's has built a beer list that would impress any craft beer enthusiast. It is the kind of selection that makes you want to try something new every time you visit.
And finally, there is the community spirit. From catering local events to welcoming military families from Fort Gregg-Adams, Saucy's is deeply embedded in the Hopewell community. It is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name, where regulars greet each other across the room, and where newcomers are treated like they have been coming for years.
"Saucy's is proof that Hopewell is one of the best places to live in Virginia — not just because of the affordable homes and strong sense of community, but because you can get award-winning barbecue right in your own backyard. I send every relocating client here, and not one has ever complained."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
Frequently Asked Questions About Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q.
Does Saucy's take reservations?
Saucy's operates on a walk-in basis. The dining room is first-come, first-served. Because the restaurant is popular during peak hours — especially weekends — arriving early for lunch or early dinner is the best way to get seated quickly. The drive-thru is also available for carryout if the dining room is busy.
How much does a meal cost at Saucy's?
Saucy's is a $$-priced restaurant. Most platters and sandwiches range from around $10 to $20, making it excellent value for the quality and portion size. A full meal with a drink typically runs $15 to $25 per person.
Is Saucy's family-friendly?
Absolutely. Saucy's is very family-friendly, with a casual atmosphere where kids are welcome and the menu has something for everyone. The mac and cheese and pulled pork are kid-approved favorites. The drive-thru also makes it easy for busy families to grab dinner on the go.
What should I order at Saucy's?
The brisket is the standout signature dish. The ribs and pulled pork are also exceptional. For a first visit, order a brisket platter with mac and cheese and coleslaw on the side, and start with the brisket nachos if you are hungry. Pair it with a local craft beer from their 36-tap selection.
Does Saucy's offer catering?
Yes, Saucy's offers full catering services and can accommodate onsite parties. It is a great option for neighborhood gatherings, military welcome events, family reunions, and corporate functions. Call (804) 504-3075 to inquire about catering.
Where exactly is Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. located?
Saucy's is at 207 E City Point Road in Hopewell, Virginia (ZIP code 23860). It is located in the heart of the city, just off the main thoroughfare, and is a short drive from Fort Gregg-Adams, Prince George County, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area.
Living Near Saucy's: The Hopewell & Prince George Area
One of the best parts of my job is helping families find homes in communities that fit their lifestyle. If you are the kind of person who wants award-winning barbecue within a 15-minute drive, the Hopewell, Prince George, and Tri-Cities area should be on your radar.
Hopewell is a city with deep history — it played a key role during the Civil War (City Point was General Grant's headquarters) and later became a thriving industrial and waterfront community. Today, it offers a blend of historic homes, new construction, and waterfront properties along the Appomattox and James Rivers. The cost of living is very affordable compared to the broader Richmond metro, making it especially attractive for first-time home buyers and military families.
Prince George County — just minutes from Saucy's — offers excellent schools, growing new construction communities, and easy access to Fort Gregg-Adams. It is one of the most popular areas for military families doing a PCS move to the region, and for good reason: great schools, short commutes, and a strong sense of community.
If you are considering a move to the Hopewell, Prince George, or Tri-Cities area and want an agent who knows the neighborhoods — and the best places to eat — I would love to help you find the right fit. Whether you are looking for a starter home, new construction, or a property with room to grow, this area has more to offer than most people realize.
Shannon Russell, MRP
Shannon Russell is a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) with Better Homes and Gardens Base Camp in Richmond, Virginia. She specializes in helping military families, first-time home buyers, and sellers across New Kent, Charles City, West Point, James City, Newport News, Mechanicsville, Hanover, Henrico, King William, Chesterfield, Richmond, Prince George, Petersburg, Hopewell, Amelia, Goochland, Beaverdam, and surrounding areas. As a Navy veteran's wife and mom, Shannon knows firsthand how stressful — and exciting — relocating can be. She was awarded the 2025 Silver Award from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate for selling over $3 million in 2025.
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