National BBQ Month at Virgil’s
East Coast vs. West Coast BBQ Throwdown
Two coasts. Four weeks. One smoky rivalry.
To celebrate National BBQ Month, Virgil’s Real BBQ brings back our annual East Coast vs. West Coast BBQ Throwdown. All May long, Times Square and Las Vegas go head-to-head — each pit master unveiling weekly, limited-time specials inspired by global flavors, bold bar pairings, Italian comfort classics, and guest collaborations.
Taste the creativity. Follow the rivalry. Vote for your coast each week and help decide who takes the crown.
Week 1: Global BBQ
May 4 – May 10
The pitmasters take a trip around the world—each coast showcasing international flavors through low-and-slow barbecue. From East Asian street flavors to Middle Eastern spice markets, this week reimagines how global cuisines translate through smoke, fire, and American BBQ technique.
East Coast – Times Square
Smoked Char Siu Pork Belly Bao | $19
House-smoked char siu pork belly tucked into soft bao buns with pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cilantro, and sriracha mayo.
West Coast – Las Vegas
Smoked Brisket Shawarma & Lemon Pepper Fries | $30
Texas-style smoked brisket shaved hot off the block, tossed in shawarma spices and citrus, wrapped in warm flatbread with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, roasted garlic aioli, pickled red onions, and pomegranate molasses.
Week 2: BBQ & Booze
May 11 – May 17
Where the kitchen meets the bar. Each dish is crafted to pair seamlessly with bold, complementary flavors. Shared ingredients, layered flavors, and cocktail-inspired notes bring the pit and the pour together in dishes built to sip and savor.
East Coast – Times Square
Chermoula Chicken | $22
Smoked then grilled chermoula-marinated chicken served with roasted pineapple couscous and Moroccan yogurt sauce.
West Coast – Las Vegas
WhistlePig Peach-BBQ Glazed Spare Ribs | $43
Tender, slow-smoked spare ribs lacquered in a WhistlePig whiskey peach BBQ glaze—balancing sweet, smoke, and oak. Served with crispy roasted red potatoes and a charred corn relish brightened with herbs and citrus.
Week 3: Spaghetti Western
May 18 – May 24
A smoky crossover with Carmine’s—where Italian comfort food meets classic BBQ technique. Think red-sauce nostalgia, pasta-driven classics, and Italian staples reworked through the smokehouse lens with bold, savory results.
East Coast – Times Square
Italian Long Horn Pepper | $19
Fire-roasted and smoked long horn pepper stuffed with smoked pulled pork, sweet caramelized onions, and a Jack-and-cream-cheese blend, finished with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crisp top.
West Coast – Las Vegas
BBQ Shotgun Shells | $19
Manicotti filled with savory meatball stuffing, wrapped in bacon, smoked until tender, topped with melted Jack cheese, and served with smoked tomato BBQ sauce.
Week 4: Phone a Friend
May 25 – May 31
Guest collaborators step into the smokehouse to close out the Throwdown with bold, personal flavors. Each pitmaster tags in a trusted chef friend to bring fresh perspective, global influence, and one final curveball to the competition.
East Coast – Times Square
Guest Collaborator: Travis Post
Virgil’s Black Vinegar Honey Spare Ribs | $33
Half rack of slow-smoked spare ribs brushed with a sweet-and-tangy Chinese black vinegar honey glaze, finished with cilantro and chili garlic oil. Served with two house-made sides.
West Coast – Las Vegas
Bubba’s Smoked Rib Sando | $29
Slow-smoked ribs glazed in house BBQ sauce, topped with pickles and pickled red onions on a toasted hoagie roll. Served with fries.
Who Takes the Crown?
Every bite counts. Dine with us throughout May, try each week’s Throwdown dishes, and vote for your favorite coast to help decide the ultimate BBQ champion.
Book Your Table
Try the specials, bring your crew, and be part of the rivalry all month long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virgil’s National BBQ Month: East Coast vs. West Coast BBQ Throwdown
What is Virgil’s National BBQ Month Throwdown?
Virgil’s National BBQ Month Throwdown is an annual, month-long celebration held every May, featuring a friendly rivalry between Virgil’s Real BBQ – Times Square and Virgil’s Real BBQ – Las Vegas. Each location’s pitmasters go head-to-head with exclusive, limited-time BBQ dishes released weekly, all competing for guest votes.
When does the BBQ Throwdown take place?
The Throwdown runs throughout National BBQ Month in May, with new dishes and themes introduced each week:
• Week 1: May 4–10
• Week 2: May 11–17
• Week 3: May 18–24
• Week 4: May 25–31
Each week’s dishes are available for that week only, while supplies last.
How does the East Coast vs. West Coast competition work?
Each week, both coasts debut a brand-new BBQ dish inspired by that week’s theme. Guests dine at Virgil’s, try the featured dish or dishes, and then vote online for their favorite coast. Votes accumulate throughout the month and help determine which coast takes the crown.
Are all Throwdown dishes available at both locations?
No. Each set of Throwdown dishes is exclusive to its coast’s restaurant.
• East Coast dishes are only available at Virgil’s Real BBQ – Times Square.
• West Coast dishes are only available at Virgil’s Real BBQ – Las Vegas.
This keeps the rivalry authentic and gives each location its own unique menu throughout the competition.
What are this year’s weekly themes?
The 2026 Throwdown features four unique challenges:
• Global BBQ – International flavors interpreted through classic BBQ techniques
• BBQ & Booze – Dishes inspired by cocktail pairings and shared ingredients
• Spaghetti Western – Italian comfort food meets smokehouse traditions
• Phone a Friend – Guest chefs collaborate with Virgil’s pitmasters
Each theme runs for one week only.
How do I vote in the BBQ Throwdown?
Voting is quick and easy. Guests can vote online at:
https://pollunit.com/polls/Virgils_throwdown
You may vote after dining, during your visit, or even after trying both coasts’ dishes (on separate trips). Voting helps determine the ultimate BBQ champion.
Do I need to dine at Virgil’s to vote?
While you don’t need a reservation to access the voting link, the Throwdown is best experienced in person. Trying the dishes lets you make an informed choice and truly be part of the competition.
Are the Throwdown dishes available for takeout or delivery?
Availability may vary by location and dish. Guests are encouraged to check directly with Virgil’s Times Square or Virgil’s Las Vegas for takeout options during each week of the promotion.
Should I make a reservation?
Yes—reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The Throwdown dishes are limited-time specials and tend to sell quickly.
How do I book a table?
Reservations can be made directly through each location:
• Virgil’s Real BBQ – Times Square
• Virgil’s Real BBQ – Las Vegas
Booking ahead ensures you won’t miss a week—or a winning bite.
