Best kept BBQ secret in Va Beach, Va - PICS

Is Malbon Bros BBQ!

I originially stubled upon this place back in either '00 or '01 when I stopped to gas up at the Citgo station on General Booth Blvd. (on the corner of where General Booth meets Culver Ln.)

I hadn't eaten there at the time but had planned on coming back to try it during my next trip in the area. (was living in NJ at the time)

When I tried to find it again on my return trips - I didn't have much luck due to the fact that I couldn't remember exactly which gas station it was located in and plus there wasn't a sign.(still isn't a sign but at least there are some clues that show it's there)

I did finally make it back some time later and was hooked ever since. It's definitely not the best BBQ I've ever eaten but definitely the best in southeastern Virginia and I definitely rank it in my overall top 5 (Only the Georgia Pig and Skylight Inn beat it out, and I've also been to other noteable places like Wilburs in Goldsboro, Pierces in Williamsburg, Parkers in Wilson and Ralphs in Weldon)

Well here are the Pics:


Well this is pretty much all you'll see as you pass by - these pigs/pig face was only added within the past couple of years - before that there wasn't much of anything to indicate that they were even there.


Here the front of the gas station market - can you see the sign?


Well here it is - this has always been there - the only official sign that indicates that they're there.


Located in the back of the market - that's pretty much all there is to it


Here's their standard menu - they do offer some other items/specials that change from time to time which include their mac n' cheese and maccaroni salad - both are VERY good. I've always gotten the "top hog special" BBQ, fries and a drink for $5.99 - It used to be $4.99 back when I moved to the Va Beach area 3 years ago


This is what you'll find on their tables. Of course the Texas Pete and Tabasco. Their house BBQ sauce is the "Pig Pickin' Billy's" - that the original sauce. They've recently introduced their second sauce "Tilli's" which is also good - definitely growing on me but I still like the original better. Tilli's is definitely more spicy - more of a cayenne pepper taste - while Billy's is more of a black pepper/milder flavor - both very good!


Here's the sandwich without the slaw


A Close up of the meat


With slaw - that's the way I like it!


Now with some Tabasco along with some of Billy's BBQ sauce - it doesn't get much better than that!


I even like to add both Billy's and Tilli's BBQ sauce on my fries as well - definitely some good stuff!

Well, that's my report. If anyone is ever in the area this is my #1 must try - I really don't think you'll be dissapointed.

I will eat here at least once a week, sometimes twice - for some more info click the following links

www.malbonbrosbbq.com

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp960210/02090057.htm

Good report and pictures! Thanks!

Yep, very nice report. Looks like my kind of BBQ joint if I do not feel like cooking, good prices also.

Not to be a food snob - 'cause this looks great!- but can it be called barbeque if they cook it in an oven? I'm not over there often, but I'll give it a try sometime.
Cathy

S.B.Man....Great report. This is my favorite part of Roadfood.com. I really enjoy reading about and seeing photos of places we enjoy. You can call this barbeque as I have eaten "stuff" called barbeque cooked on wood that tasted like crap. I enjoy good food on the road and try not to get hung up on what the purist would have us to believe might not be the "real" thing.

The pictures may be a little decieving as to how the bbq is prepared. I know for a fact that it's not cooked or made in the actual building/kitchen that is pictured. They have a grill/fryer for burgers, cheesesteaks, fries, etc...but the bbq is brought in from another place and is pretty much just kept warm or refrigerated/frozen on the premesis. Don't let me confuse you all by saying that this is store bought bbq - it isn't. It's still made by the malbons just not at this very location. Whether it's pit cooked or not....I don't know for sure but it very well could be. Even if it isn't it's still one of the best either way

If it's cooked in an oven then I'd have to say no. Call it pulled pork. To me BBQ is cooked over wood or maybe charcoal. Not electricity or gas.

Not to say I don't ever eat pulled pork and when I do I usually really enjoy it.
MikeS.

Are you sure it's not Doughtie's? If so, I'll give it a shot.

It's definitely their own - the Malbons had a huge hog farm at one time - don't know if the same place is still in existance or what changes have been made etc...It's definitely the "real deal" taste wise. If you're ever in the area, do yourself a favor and judge for yourself

Wow! I don't get down there that often (folks are there) but I don't know how I missed this...

http://www.malbonbrothersbbq.com/locations.htm

I'll try it next time for sure.

Thank you!!

Hep

I use to like Doughtie's pulled pork. Back in the late 60s and early 70s it was quite common in the Va. Beach Va. area.
Wouldn't mind trying it again, nice product for the lazy guy. Chow Jim

Oh, Doughties is good. Actually, I think it's better for that style of BBQ than quite a few northern restaurant's versions. I think it's better than anything in my immediate area in DC. Is the original Smithfield pork bbq in a can still around? I'm thinking of the one with the tuxedo sportin' waiter with the silver platter.

I know the website lists various locations. However be sure to go to the "original" location which is on General Booth Blvd. The "Cafe" on Atlantic has since closed down - that was in the touristy area and I guess wouldn't make enough money in the winter time. I've never been to the Cheseapeake location so I don't know how in any way that differs? - Best bet would be the original location.