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Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que

3.8(1,055 reviews)$$Restaurant
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Great for all ages. Younger kids (3-8) typically love the mac and cheese, chicken, and sweet cornbread, while older kids and teens can handle the smokier, more flavorful barbecue options. The casual atmosphere means wiggly toddlers fit right in.

About

Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que has been serving hungry Colonial Williamsburg visitors authentic pit-cooked barbecue since 1971, making it a local institution perfect for families seeking genuine Southern comfort food. This no-frills, family-owned spot offers generous portions of tender pulled pork, ribs, and brisket alongside classic sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw,all at reasonable prices that won't break the family vacation budget.

Highlights

  • Authentic pit-cooked meats with smoky flavor kids can actually taste and appreciate
  • Kid-friendly sides like creamy mac and cheese, baked beans, and sweet cornbread
  • Large portions that provide excellent value for families
  • Casual, relaxed atmosphere where kids can be themselves without fussy dining pressure
  • Quick counter service that keeps hungry, impatient kids from waiting too long

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive before noon or after 1:30pm to avoid the lunch rush, especially during peak tourist season when lines can stretch out the door
  2. 2.Order the family-style platters if you have 4+ people,they're the best value and let picky eaters sample different meats
  3. 3.Grab extra napkins and wet wipes at the counter; barbecue can get messy with little ones
  4. 4.The sandwiches are huge and often shareable for younger children, saving money and reducing waste
  5. 5.Take advantage of their convenient location right off Route 60,it's an easy stop between Colonial Williamsburg attractions

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunches around 11:30am or early dinners (4-5pm) work best to beat the crowds. Avoid peak lunch hours (12-1:30pm) during summer and holiday weekends when tourists flock here after morning Colonial Williamsburg visits.

What to Know

Pierce's is counter-service style with indoor seating, so you order and pay first, then find a table. Parking is plentiful in their dedicated lot, and the casual atmosphere is forgiving of excited or tired kids coming from sightseeing.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, but expect heavier crowds during spring break, summer vacation months (June-August), and around Thanksgiving when Williamsburg sees peak tourism. The hearty barbecue is especially comforting during cooler fall and winter visits.

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