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By Kenna McHugh | Photography by Mark Gilvey
Some restaurants in Manassas do more than serve a meal. They define the city’s everyday character, such as the Hog Shack Bar-B-Q. Guests walk into the establishment and feel welcomed. The local gathering place serves substantial smoked barbecue in an informal setting that captures the essence of community dining. Here, people can connect and celebrate, reinforcing the neighborhood.
From Restaurant to Community Hangout
J. Scott Webster
“It’s a great feeling having so many guests bring their friends and family into the restaurant because they enjoy themselves,” says J. Scott (Scott) Webster, the owner, head chef/pitmaster, and founder of the Texas-style barbecue restaurant. Word of mouth is catching on, whether stopping in for a quick lunch, meeting neighbors for dinner, or enjoying a weekend meal with family.
The Hog Shack Bar-B-Q opened in August 2021 at 10470 Dumfries Road, Manassas, and brought house-smoked barbecue to the area. Locals know the restaurant for brisket, pulled pork, award-winning smoked wings, and community events.
Drinks, Specials, and Social Nights
Locals can quench their thirst with a mix of house-style refreshments, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages that pair well with the casual atmosphere and positive vibes. You can order classic Southern-style drinks, including sweet tea, unsweetened tea, and lemonade, by the gallon. Another option is to enjoy fountain sodas and bottled soft drinks, including Pepsi products and root beer. They offer draft and bottled beers, alongside seltzers, wine, and a wide selection of drinks by the glass.
“We have evolved into a local hangout. We have a little bit of Cheers mixed with your favorite dive bar,” said Webster.
Included in that local hangout are comedy nights and Saturday and Sunday brunches.
“I have been cooking professionally for over 40 years, and I’ve never felt more humbled by the love our regulars have for Hog Shack,” says Webster, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. “I have so many experiences in my career to pull from, and I feel all of those experiences help me offer traditional barbecue with multiple layers of flavor. So that each dish is a journey in flavor. “
Texas-Style Barbecue with Local Roots
Regulars will most likely recommend pulled pork or Texas-style beef brisket for first-time guests, since the barbecue joint delivers high-quality, mouthwatering meats. It’s a place that is both a food stop and a neighborhood conversation piece. Hog Shack is more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to reflect values and traditions with monthly food and drink specials.
The Hog Shack also offers comedy and music nights, which the staff wants to continue and grow. Another addition to the establishment is that in the next few months, customers can purchase Hog Shack Bar-B-Q’s flavorful rubs and sauces under the “Head Hog Rubs, Sauces & Seasonings” brand. That way, they can enjoy the same delicious flavors at home.
Bringing Family Flavor Home
The Hog Shack experience extends beyond barbecue. It’s part of the area’s everyday flavor. “We are a family-owned and operated restaurant that provides fresh, quality food and amazing service. We have friendly and knowledgeable staff, hot, fresh food, and a great time. I want guests to feel like they are part of the family,” concludes Webster.
The Hog Shack is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant can be reached at 703-420-8150 or hogshackbarbq.com.
Kenna McHugh is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.
