Reviews for Virgil's Barbecue

06/12/2024 - Charissa T.
Good food and good people

04/04/2009 - Lambo
When Toot, Chap and I hit the "City" we usually include a stop at Virgil's for lunch in our itinerary. We always grab a spot at the bar where we are usually most comfortable anyway, thereby avoiding any wait for tables and making our obtaining beverages much more convienent. Last time I had the Georgia Chicken Fried Steak ( a dish about which I am one of the foremost experts in the culinary world) and it is superb! The portion would be challenging for a lesser man than myself, but I managed to finish it with my amigos each having a small bite at my insistance. The side of Memphiis BBQ Beans was a perfect compliment. The boys each had the Sliced Texas Beef Brisket; both raved about it and my sample caused me to concur. After we eat here we head 2 doors down to Jimmy's Corner as a round of drinks at Virgil's (2 draft beers and a Bacardi and Diet) cost $22, while the same round at Jimmy's is $11. I can't reccomend Virgil's any higher, but guarentee you will not be disappointed if you love BBQ and know your stuff about it as well. The stop at Jimmy's is optional and the place is not for everybody, but it's the best priced saloon in the Times Square area and in an age of the "Disneyfying" of NYC, a holdout as a true authentic NYC bar. The walls are covered with boxing photos and other memobilia as Jimmy was a true fighter who sparred with Ali and has the pictures and attitude to prove it. There is no space between your bar stiool and the wall behind you which can make getting to and from the "head" a little adventurous but that is also part of the "charm" of the place. The bartender on duty when we've been there is a friendly "old school" guy who has been there forever. Jimmy's wife also does duty behind the bar but is not real pleasant and usually in a bad mood, but no place is perfect. The Juke Box is extraordinary, loaded with Jazz, rythem & Blues, and Blues classics. Just don't tell too many peolpe about Jimmy's (oops I guess I just did) as it' was one of the best kept "secrets" in NYC, at least it was before Esquire magazine named it as one of the best bars in the USA.

03/07/2008 - Shera
Food was sooooo good. Bad for your health but sooo tasty. A little pricey but hey it's Times Square!! Overall I would go back if I wasn't a vegetarian and tight on cash!!!

09/05/2006 - MenuPix User
The ribs are great! The barbeque sauce is fantastic with a nice smoked flavor. The portions are big, enough for two. The buttermilk onion rings are to die for!

07/02/2006 - SIMPLYKJ BALTIMORE,MD
It's said that a well cooked meal will make you "SLAP YOUR MOTHER". Well, thanks to Virgil's, my mother has been blushing for the past 5 years! ( Sorry Mom ).
Making Virgil's my first stop upon arrival to Manhattan has become somewhat of a tradition. A tradition that I have passed on to friends and Clients alike. In the winter , Virgil's offer a atmosphere that is WARMING. In the summer, Virgil's dim atmosphere is a soothing escape from the hot streets of "The City". You almost forget where you are!!! Upon arrival, you're greeted by a Hoste with a Mr. Rodgers like hospitality. So much, that you almost want to look around for the milk and cookies!
I've had the pleasure to have been waited on / hosted by several of Virgil's Staff. All are equally inviting.
The veriety of menue items warrants a second visit with in the same day. However, the reality of "YOUR EYES ARE NORMALLY LARGER THAN YOUR STOMACH" sets in.
The quality of food can please the most insatiable person. It's hard to suggest just one menue item. But if I had to, it'll be the Mashed Potatoes smothered in a mushroom gravy! Yah gotta try them. But hey, be fair; Warn your mother to sit at least two chairs away so that she'll have time to duck that oncoming SLAP!
In closing, Virgil's will continue being a part of my NY tradition!