Mission BBQ on S. Independence Blvd. Virginia Beach is definitely a favorite of ours to visit. Everything about this place is just awesome, from their “mission” to their employees and their food. Let’s go there…

We happened to find them one day just passing by. There was a very large Army truck at the front of the parking lot that caught my wife’s attention. So we had to check them out.

As soon as you walk in the door several people welcome you. The restaurant is pretty good sized and very clean. I think they clean your table before you even make it out the door. Their décor is mainly military. They have photos, patches, football uniforms, etc. There is also some fire and police items mixed in. It’s really pretty cool. You go to the counter to place your order. Their meats are smoked on-site and the sides are made there also. Hard to beat. I once questioned one of the managers about serving fried okra and she told me that they had to figure out how to do it fresh because they will not buy frozen okra and just fry it. I’m good with that. They do have seasonal sides too. These sides stay on the menu for about a month and then get replaced by another one.

I do need to mention a couple of employees since I never seem to remember their names. I believe them to be managers since they are always there. My favorite is my “Jeep” buddy. Always glad to see us and speak no matter how busy they are. And they are usually pretty busy. The other is the nice blonde lady. She too is always very friendly when we see her. Not to down play any of the staff. I don’t know how they pick their employees but then have a great system in place. Everyone works together and keeps things running smoothly. They’re great together.

OK, now the food. I almost always get at least a 2 meat combo plate. My favorite choices are the pulled pork and sliced brisket. They have two types of brisket. One is lean, which is a little dryer and the other is moist, which pretty much says it all. The moist has a little more fat making it a little tenderer. I’ve also had the jalapeno sausage a few times. All of these choices are fantastic. You can’t go wrong with any combination of them. Everything is slow smoked and pulled/sliced on location.

However…My all-time favorite here are the baby back ribs. They are right at the top of my list when I want ribs. I love a dry rubbed smoked rib and that’s what they serve. No fear, if you like sauce on your ribs they offer several choices at the table.

As a footnote I’ve been told, though I’ve never been there at this time, that every day at 12:00 noon they stop serving and play the National Anthem. I’d love to be there for it but just haven’t made it.

Awesome place, you need to go there. See what you think.

Their website is: www.mission-bbq.com