Both Brunswick County, Virginia and the town of Brunswick in Georgia claim to have developed the original recipe for Brunswick stew, though some version of the meaty hunter’s stew was likely made by American Indians long before either state was even a colony. The first recorded recipe in Virginia dates back to 1828, when Jimmy Matthews – a slave of Dr. Creed Haskins –slow-cooked the stew for his master’s hunting party. Traditionally made with squirrel and other game meats, modern variations of the dish often use chicken and sometimes pork or brisket, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, corn and lima beans.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Brunswick Stew in Virginia are as follows:
- Smohk RVA BBQ - Richmond
- Buddy's BBQ - Rocky Mount
- Old Chickahominy House - Williamsburg
- Chowning's Tavern - Williamsburg
- Two Drummers Smokehouse - Toano
- Hank's Grille & Bar - McGaheysville
- BBQ Exchange - Gordonsville
- Galax Smokehouse - Galax
- Croby's Urban Viddles - Charlottesville
- The Club House Grill - Lawrenceville
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning restaurants!
License the 10Best Readers' Choice Award Logo
The Experts
Jason Frye
Jason Frye is a travel and food writer and the... Read More
Jason Frye is a travel and food writer and the author of Moon North Carolina, Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip and Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He writes for Dallas Morning News, Cruise Critic, Coastal Living and DK Travel, among others. Follow his adventures on Instagram.
Jason Frye

Jason Frye is a travel and food writer and the author of Moon North Carolina, Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip and Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He writes for Dallas Morning News, Cruise Critic, Coastal Living and DK Travel, among others. Follow his adventures on Instagram.
Charles McCool
Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the... Read More
Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the beaten path places, and amazing local food and beverages. He runs McCoolTravel.com, which was recognized as the #2 online travel brand for audience engagement. He has taught people how to be happier travelers for over 25 years and is a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Join the McCool Travel family at Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram and Twitter.
Charles McCool

Charles McCool loves to find hidden gems, off the beaten path places, and amazing local food and beverages. He runs McCoolTravel.com, which was recognized as the #2 online travel brand for audience engagement. He has taught people how to be happier travelers for over 25 years and is a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Join the McCool Travel family at Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram and Twitter.
Julie McCool
Julie McCool is a travel writer and editor with a... Read More
Julie McCool is a travel writer and editor with a passion for Virginia and the mid-Atlantic U.S. Her site, Fun in Fairfax VA, is a Virginia travel blog that helps residents and visitors discover fun things to do; places to stay, eat and drink; and events to attend in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC metro area.
Julie McCool

Julie McCool is a travel writer and editor with a passion for Virginia and the mid-Atlantic U.S. Her site, Fun in Fairfax VA, is a Virginia travel blog that helps residents and visitors discover fun things to do; places to stay, eat and drink; and events to attend in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC metro area.