About Ronnie's BBQ
Family-Owned · Henrico, Virginia · Grillmaster Ronnie Logan Sr.
Ronnie's BBQ is a unique outdoor restaurant in the heart of Varina, built on the tradition of great food and great times. We smoke our meats low and slow over genuine hickory wood, using Ronnie's signature homemade dry rub and BBQ sauce. From combo meals and fresh sides to items from the smoker and grill, every plate is prepared with love and care.
We also offer professional full-service catering and event planning — bringing the best in southern smoked barbecue to your next gathering.
The foundation of every plate at Ronnie's BBQ begins with genuine hickory wood, burned low and slow to produce the kind of deep, penetrating smoke that simply cannot be rushed. Unlike gas or electric shortcuts, real hickory imparts a rich, slightly sweet character that works its way into every fiber of the meat over hours of patient tending. The aroma alone—wafting across the parking lot and drifting down the streets of Varina—draws folks in before they even see the smoker. That unmistakable scent signals something honest and time-honored, a promise of barbecue done the old-fashioned way.
At the heart of the operation stands Grillmaster Ronnie Logan Sr., whose approach to barbecue reflects decades of hands-on experience and a deep respect for Southern culinary tradition. His signature homemade dry rub and BBQ sauce are not afterthoughts but essential elements, carefully balanced to complement the smoke rather than mask it. Every rack of ribs, every pulled pork shoulder, and every chicken wing that leaves the grill carries the imprint of someone who genuinely loves the craft. That personal touch transforms a simple meal into something memorable, the kind of food that keeps customers coming back week after week.
The menu brings together the best of the smoker and the grill in combinations designed to satisfy serious appetites. Combo meals pair tender, smoke-kissed meats with fresh, thoughtfully prepared sides, creating plates that feel both generous and complete. Wings get their own spotlight, finished with a zing of sauce that balances heat and flavor without overwhelming the palate. Whether someone pulls up for a quick bite or settles in to enjoy a full spread, the offerings reflect a commitment to using the freshest ingredients and treating each order with the same care reserved for family.
Ronnie's BBQ occupies a truly unique place in the local landscape—an outdoor restaurant that embraces its setting rather than hiding from it. The open-air setup lets diners enjoy their meals while taking in views of the surrounding area, and the smell of hickory smoke mingles naturally with the breeze. There is something about eating barbecue outdoors that feels right, as if the food and the environment belong together. It is an experience that sets this spot apart from conventional indoor dining and gives every visit a relaxed, almost festive quality that regulars have come to love.
Beyond the day-to-day service, Ronnie's offers professional full-service catering and event planning for gatherings of all kinds. The same genuine hickory-smoked meats and homemade sauces that draw the weekday crowd can become the centerpiece of a wedding reception, a corporate event, or a family celebration. The team approaches each occasion with pride, coordinating everything from menu selection to on-site setup so that hosts can focus on their guests. Bringing authentic Virginia barbecue to an event transforms it into something people talk about long after the last bone is picked clean.
The restaurant has earned recognition that speaks to its standing in the broader Richmond-area food scene. Features in publications like Richmond Magazine have highlighted what locals already knew—that something special is happening on that corner in Varina. The attention is gratifying but never changes the fundamental approach: keep the hickory burning, keep the rub and sauce true to the original recipes, and keep treating every customer like a neighbor. Reputation grows naturally when the food and the welcome are consistently genuine, and that principle guides the business every day it opens its doors.
Convenience matters, and Ronnie's has embraced ways to make great barbecue accessible whether guests have time to linger or need to grab a meal on the go. Online ordering and drive-through pickup options mean that a delicious plate of ribs or a combo meal is never far out of reach, even on the busiest days. For those who prefer to stay awhile, the outdoor setting offers a place to slow down and enjoy the moment. However someone chooses to experience it, the result is the same: real hickory-smoked barbecue crafted with skill and served with the warmth of a family-owned establishment.