While discovering under-the-radar places to dine in Virginia is always a fun experience, sometimes, you have to let a place's reputation speak for itself. In the case of Checkered Pig BBQ in Martinsville, that particular reputation means over 250 awards for their positively mouthwatering barbecue. If you've never had a chance to visit, you'll want to add this spot to your dining bucket list ASAP. Here's more on what makes this award-winning BBQ in Virginia a restaurant that is oh-so-great!

Welcome to the Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs! Since 1997, this restaurant has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its incomparable BBQ.

The restaurant's beginnings were humble and totally unexpected. The soon-to-be-owner, Tommy, was working as a firefighter and volunteered to smoke a pig for the firehouse event.

Everyone at the event absolutely raved about the barbecue, so Tommy opened up a small catering business on the side. Seventeen years later, he and his wife Lisa decided to open up the Checkered Pig, then known as Pigs 'R Us. Eventually, Tommy went from saving lives to saving a spot at the table for his mouthwatering barbeque.

Visit today and you can look forward to enjoying some of the finest BBQ Virginia has to offer. The secret here is cooking everything low and slow. And you can taste the difference! Just looking at this picture is making us drool a little bit. Just a little bit.

The restaurant isn't just popular here in Virginia either; it's won over 250 awards nationwide. It is good to know that the best of the best can be found in our little town in our state.

The Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs menu has a lot of the finest smoked meats ready for order and delivered piping hot on your plate. You can expect to find all the classic barbecue staples: pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, wings, ribs, and more.

There are some specials too, such as this Texas chili that's absolutely perfect on a brisk fall day.

And don't forget to save room for dessert! The banana pudding alone is reason to visit.

So the next time you're driving through town, be sure to stop by this famous restaurant. You'll be so glad you did! There is good reason (more than 250 shiny awarded reasons, actually) why people consider this the best BBQ in Virginia!

Have you ever visited Checkered Pig BBQ in Martinsville? What was your favorite thing to order on the menu? Feel free to tell us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! And, if you're like me and enjoy checking out a menu before visiting, head on over to the Checkered Pig BBQ website.

Planning a road trip to Martinsville? Check out our road trip essentials packing list! If you are traveling from far away then you will need a great place to stay. Book a night at Stoneleigh a stunning historical countryside estate Airbnb rental. This rental is reason enough to come to town, but then you also have the best award-winning BBQ in Virginia to enjoy.