Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st Street Purcellville, VA 20132
Imagine you’re driving through the backwoods of northern Virginia, nearing the borders of Maryland and West Virginia.
Way, way off the highway.
It’s Friday night — about 5pm and you’re desperately looking for somewhere to eat.
Suddenly you come upon a BBQ joint – a local joint at that.
And the parking lot is full.
Well let me tell you my friend, any BBQ joint packed on a Friday night is worth trying out!
And that rule is only second to my first and foremost rule – always try out BBQ joints that have an actual image of a pig on their signs.
Well this jam-packed pork oasis passes that rule as well!
Once I pulled in, I couldn’t park fast enough — and I was just grateful I snagged a space just opening up. There truly wasn’t another empty spot left.
This is precisely how I stumbled upon Monk’s BBQ of Purcellville, VA.
Never heard of Purcellville? Neither had I!
This is just a typical off-the-beaten-track Virginia town. I only found it because I’d opted to let my GPS lead me on the most obscure and winding path north I’ve taken yet.
But ain’t that the best way to find places like Monk’s?
As soon as I walked in the door, this Southern boy felt right at home.
And much to my delight, they not only sold the soda Cheerwine, but they actually had signs for it up on the walls! (Cheerwine was once unknown outside of North Carolina, but is now spreading through Virginia like wildfire. Its presence is another sure-fire sign of a good and proper Southern experience.)
Once I got to the register, I confessed my great shame to the cashier – I’d never been there before and I had no idea what was best to try.
Well without missing a beat, the young lady told me to go for the smoked brisket.
While I did see the locals enjoying all the old standards — pulled pork, spare ribs, and smoked chicken — I took her advice and I never looked back.
To go along with it, I had cornbread, smoked gouda mac’n’cheese and baked beans.
And of course, Cheerwine.
Let me tell you, this brisket was moist and smokey.
I went with a mix of their sauces since I’ve always enjoyed mixing up my own unique combinations.
And I savored every bite!
The atmosphere was relaxed and I they even had live music playing, a typical country/rock band.
But don’t worry, the volume during the dinner hour was still at a reasonable level for conversation. Though, I suspect the house may get a bit more rockin’ as the evening deepens.
Monk’s BBQ schedule boasts live music every weekend — styles that include blues, rock, bluegrass, as well acoustic free-style.
It also sports a bar (beer and whiskey) and has a large outdoor seating area.
Monk’s skirts that line between full-blown family friendly restaurant and Friday-night dive. Any family should feel perfectly at ease bringing children to dine at Monk’s — but any couple looking for an adult’s night out won’t be disappointed either.
The staff were friendly and helpful — real southern hospitality. All orders are placed and picked up at the counter, so no table service. But that didn’t stop the staff passing by from checking in on me.
Now, I won’t lie. Monk’s ain’t the cheapest. But good BBQ never is.
With my add-ons, my check was over $20. But I had enough leftovers for a solid late-night snack.
So if you ever find yourself getting lost in the countryside of northern Virginia and happen to see a sign for ‘ol Purcellville — you’d best convince yourself you’re hungry and swing by Monk’s BBQ for some delicious fare that you just can’t get anywhere else.
