We asked our readers to weigh in on the best barbecue in NoVA. And after four rounds, the votes are in. Stupid Good BBQ has been crowned the inaugural champion of our 2026 NoVA Wars: Barbecue Edition.
The fast-casual restaurant defeated Ashburn’s Carolina Brothers Pit BBQ in the final head-to-head matchup to take the title. Leading up to the final round, Stupid Good BBQ also defeated HammerDownBBQ in Aldie, Smokecraft Modern Barbecue in Arlington, and Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls.
“We’d like to thank all of our voters,” says Kendra Jackson, the manager of Stupid Good BBQ. “Being named the top barbecue spot is an incredible honor, and we’re just getting started. We look forward to serving the Northern Virginia community with the same passion for high-quality smoked meats and hospitality that got us here.”
Stupid Good BBQ opened its first location in December 2024 as part of the Great American Restaurants (GAR) family. Before opening its standalone eatery, the fast-casual barbecue spot was originally located in GAR’s former Sterling food hall, Good Eats Emporium.
The menu is full of high-quality meats and sides. But fans keep coming back for the choice, prime and wagyu brisket, duroc pork ribs, and dino beef ribs (which are only available on the weekend). The restaurant’s signature dish — the smashed baked potato — is served with butter, sour cream, cheese, and green onions. Diners can opt to add chili, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and brisket. The bread pudding is a fan favorite to top off a meal.
Stupid Good BBQ is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6125 Backlick Rd., Springfield
Feature image by Rey Lopez
