Glenn Rolnick serves as the Culinary Director for popular New York City establishments, Carmine's NYC (known for its large-format, family-style Italian-American cuisine) and Virgil's Real BBQ (specializing in...
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BbqAmericanItalianBurgersModerateLunchDinnerCasualLive Music
Last updated: 7/26/2026, 5:04:08 AM
Key Information
Virgil's Real BBQ is a renowned Southern-style barbecue restaurant located in the heart of Times Square, New York City. It's known for its traditional BBQ dishes and a lively atmosphere, often featuring live country music on Friday nights. The restaurant is part of the same franchise as Carmine's and also has a to-go only location on the Upper West Side and a location in Las Vegas.
Customer feedback highlights the restaurant's fun and welcoming atmosphere, especially with live country music and friendly staff. Service is generally praised as attentive. While many enjoy the overall experience and drinks, opinions on the BBQ items are mixed; some found the brisket, pork ribs, and smoked chicken to be dry or tough. However, the sides, such as Brussels sprouts, collard greens, cheese grits, smoked beans, and onion rings, receive consistent praise for their quality and flavor. The Mac and Cheese, however, was noted as a low point by one reviewer.
Additional Details
Virgil's Real BBQ prides itself on bringing authentic Southern-style barbecue to New York City. Beyond its Times Square flagship, it operates a 'To-Go only' joint in Manhattan's Upper West Side and a full-service restaurant in Las Vegas. The establishment is part of the same restaurant group as Carmine's.
Friday nights are highly recommended for those looking to enjoy live country music and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are advised, especially during peak times, as the restaurant can get very busy.
5
Absolutely amazing local bar in such a touristy area. Texas based food and drinks. Service is just all the way good. Friday night is music night with good old country music!! For food, I recommend chicken wing for starter and burger is a good try. Half chicken is a bit dry but still tasty with the bbq source. Bartenders and staff are very welcoming and friendly. Gonna come here more often to try out rest of the food!!
If you’re in Times Square and looking for a fun night out, Virgil’s BBQ is the place to go, especially if Nikki is behind the bar! She was hands-down the BEST bartender. The drinks were delicious and definitely got the job done 😂 but the real highlight was Nikki’s energy and entertainment. We can’t wait to come back!
Frankly speaking I think the smoked/bbq items was quite disappointing. Service was great, our server Tony was attentive and friendly.
The onion rings were good. But then came the supposed star of the show, the bbq items. We got the Pig out and the combo platter which included items such as Brisket, Pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and smoked sausages.
The brisket was dry. Lacking moisture, only the fatty parts were still tender and moist. The pulled pork just alright. The pork ribs were not fall off the bone type, the meats at the end was tougher and dry. The smoked chicken was tough and only the thigh part was still good. Even the drumstick was dry.
In my opinion, the only items that were honestly good was sadly the sides. The Brussels sprouts were excellent and cooked perfectly. The collard greens were appetising. The cheese grits were nice. The smoked beans were really delicious.
The general atmosphere was great, it was cosy and i liked that they had a live singer at the first level near the bar.
Live country music was fun on a Friday night. Food was delicious, except the Mac and cheese. It was the worst I've tasted. Did you know Carmines and Virgils are part of the same franchise? I recommend making reservations as it gets busy. I definitely would revisit.
We came across Virgils whilst looking for dinner in Times Square which is a challenge in its self as its really busy. Virgils is just off the side and we were greeted quickly and shown a table, good selection of food for everyone, great beer and nice atmosphere. As it was hot outside I only took a chicken caesar salad but it's exactly what I needed, not heavy, fresh and good price considering the location.
I'd definitely come back.