Willards BBQ Restaurant: Hog Heaven Close to Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA

Years ago, Ben's Whole Hog in Manassas Park, VA ceased to exist, and I was greatly saddened by this development. It was one of the few places in Northern Virginia that had "real North Carolina barbecue." Thankfully, Willard's BBQ Restaurant stepped in a few miles away, and it is right next to the Dulles Expo Center, which is known for firearms and jewelry shows that bring in thousands of people. Don't fret about this,as the weekend is when those events occur, but even with large crowds Willard's will take care of you. They go the extra mile to deliver fantastic food, and if you enjoy "Carolina Sauce with vinegar", you'll be in Hog Heaven here.

When Willards opened over five years ago, there were always lines out the door. Thankfully this has subsided a bit, but it is still one of the most popular restaurants in the area. My favorite meal is the pulled pork platter, which at $10 is a fantastic value. You get a huge portion of their delicious pulled pork, that is smoked and marinaded with that Carolina sauce for days. Pieces of the pig are taken off, to make this delicious concoction, and it is a real treat that will leave you hankering for me. If the large amount of this meal wasn't enough to fill you up, leave some room for two sides and their buttery cornbread. My personal favorite sides are their steamed collard greens, and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately they don't have french fries, but they do have sweet potatoes that are topped with butter and cinnamon.

Do you like pork ribs? If so, this is another meal you have got to try. The pork is juicy, with not a lot of fat, and just slides right off the bone. Although not as spicy as the pulled variety, there's a bit of a bite and that smoky flavor to it. You will not get skimmed, as the pork portions are of generous size as well, and will guarantee you a full belly. I just love how these are cut so perfectly, and grilled to the right level. It is a delicate balance between undercooked and too well done, and Willard's has it figured out just fine.

For those not into pork, there are chicken sandwiches, that have a bit of spice to them. While not as good as the pork, I do like how they are shredded. The turkety sandwiches are around $6, and while they don't appear to be of a large size, folks have told me that they are a fantastic addition to the menu. Of course, what is a barbecue meal without beer? They have a variety of beers, both domestic and foreign, along with a limited wine selection. For kids or those who don' consume booze, there are sodas and fruit drinks to choose from.

Willard's isn't all that fancy of a place. There are comfortable booths with wooden tables, and they do fill up quickly. Sometimes you might just have to get your meal to go. Thankfully their plastic containers prevent you from making a mess in the car, and appear to be completely leakproof. Willards is located right off of Willard Road and Route 28, which isn't far from Interstate 66. The physical address is 4300 Chantilly Shopping Center #1A Chantilly, VA 20151. If you want a quick carryout order, give them a ring at 703-488-9970, but my recommendation is try to get one of those tables. Its a fun spot.