About Redwood Smoke Shack
Real Texas BBQ in VirginiaTransforming the Hampton Roads BBQ Scene
Our Story
From humble beginnings as a driveway pop-up to three locations across Hampton Roads, we've been smokin' up the Virginia BBQ scene one brisket at a time. We're proud to serve award-winning BBQ, earning the title of Best BBQ in the area for multiple years in a row. Our commitment to quality, authentic wood-fired barbecue, and bold flavor has also earned national recognition, with Texas Monthly naming us one of the 50 Best Texas-Inspired BBQ Restaurants Outside of Texas.
Our story began with the passion of Owner & Pitmaster Bob Roberts and his wife, Lindsey. What started as a weekend passion project quickly grew into a local favorite. We opened our first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Norfolk's historic Ghent district—now known as the OG Redwood—before bringing the smoke to Virginia Beach. Most recently, we expanded with our newest location in Suffolk, which opened in February 2025. No matter which location you visit, you'll find the same low-and-slow barbecue, genuine hospitality, and dedication to doing things the right way.
Why We Lead the Pack in Virginia BBQ
Premium USDA Prime Cuts
We don't settle for average. We exclusively use the upper 50% of USDA Prime brisket. This means more marbling, more tenderness, and an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you're a local or just passing through near Town Center, you'll taste the quality difference.
Authentic Pit Room Traditions
Our Suffolk pit room is a temple of smoke, featuring six top-tier smokers from M&M BBQ Company, Primitive Pits, and A.N. Bewley. We use real oak and real fire—the traditional Texas way. Feel free to ask for a tour next time you're visiting our Suffolk location.
Bold Specials & Texas Sips
From one-of-a-kind, off-the-wall daily specials you won't find anywhere else to exclusive sips like Texas' own Big Red soda on tap, there's always something unexpected to discover. Our interactive counter service creates a more personal experience, and our welcoming atmosphere brings people together.
Meet the Pitmaster: Bob Roberts
The journey of Robert's BBQ excellence began with a dream shared by Bob and his wife, Lindsey. What started as a local weekend favorite has evolved into a regional staple for meat lovers. Known to many as "Bob the Meat Man," Bob has spent years perfecting the craft of wood-fired smoking.
At the heart of every Robert's roadhouse-style feast is a respect for tradition. We aren't just serving food; we're serving a slice of Texas culture right here in Virginia, minutes from the Elizabeth River and a short drive from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Smoketown
The soul of Redwood lives in our pit room. Our Suffolk location features "Smoketown," a dedicated space housing six top-tier smokers from M&M BBQ Company, Primitive Pits, and A.N. Bewley. We believe in transparency and the craft of the smoke, which is why we welcome our guests to tour the pit room. Want to see the gear and the pits that produce the best BBQ in the 757? Visit our Smoketown page to meet the heavy hitters behind our wood-fired flavor.
