12377 Gayton Road
Henrico, VA
Recently
opened by Alamo BBQ’s former owner, Deep Run Roadhouse offers up all of the
same great bbq as Alamo and then some but it lacks the charm and atmosphere
that really made me fall in love with Alamo BBQ.
Located
in the far west end of Richmond near Shortpump, Deep Run Roadhouse is housed in
a dinky old nondescript shopping center hidden amongst large subdivisions and
across the street from what is probably the most ghetto area in Shortpump.
Inside, the restaurant could be any other “fancy” bbq restaurant. One wall inside is a huge chalkboard with the
menu written on it and on the other wall is a large cashiers counter where you
place your order. Just like Alamo, the
menu is Tex-mex BBQ with a variety of smoked meats, which can be served as
tacos, burritos, sandwiches and just by themselves. The only additional Items
on the menu that I noticed were potato wedges, pork chops and burgers. The rest
of the menu is identical to Alamo’s.
I
ordered a fish taco and a fajita burrito with smoked rope sausage and both
items were fantastic. The fish was flaky
and topped with their incredible southwest slaw. It very well may be the best
fish taco in Richmond. The burrito was loaded with smoky rope sausage, rice,
beans, cheese, grilled onions and peppers.
With a little bbq sauce the burrito blew. The food was perfection.
The
décor and the atmosphere was nice and very subdued but it really lacked the
personality that makes Alamo BBQ what it is. It seemed a little stuffy for a
place that calls itself a “Roadhouse” but to be fair they are catering to the
high end Shortpump crowd while Alamo generally feeds the grungy Church Hill
Hipsters. ..
In the
end, the only thing that really matters is the food and the food at Deep Run
Roadhouse is outstanding!