Billikens Smokehouse

Experience authentic barbecue in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, VA. Join us for mouth-watering smoked meats, delightful brunches, and memorable events at our unique venue.

About Billikens Smokehouse

Billikens Smokehouse is a family-owned establishment that has been delighting customers with mouthwatering BBQ since 2014. We offer a complete restaurant experience, along with event space and both on-site and off-site catering services.

Billikens provides a distinctive dining experience in Fredericksburg, VA, nestled in an 18th-century Georgian-style home. Our spacious outdoor patio is a charming area featuring a bar and a stage for live entertainment—and yes, your furry friends are more than welcome to join us!

We take great pride in our 1,000-gallon wood smoker, which prepares all our meats fresh each day. Our menu showcases an enticing array of delicious selections, including the juiciest brisket you’ll ever taste, tender ribs that effortlessly fall off the bone, savory pulled pork sandwiches, and delightful vegetarian options that even the most dedicated meat lovers will enjoy.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we invite you to come and savor the rich, smoky flavors that our pitmasters craft with love and dedication. At Billikens Smokehouse, we believe in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where families and friends can gather to enjoy great food and make lasting memories. Our historic location offers stunning views and the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.

Join us for special events, live music on weekends, and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. We look forward to serving you soon!

The Chimneys

The Chimneys, named for the two stone chimneys anchoring each end, stands as one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Fredericksburg. This two-story house features heavy timber framing with mortise-and-tenon joints secured by hardwood pegs. The spaces between its wall studs are nogged with brick, visible today in the back-right dining room. In the mid- to late 18th century, Fredericksburg thrived as a prominent port city in the colonies, and The Chimneys’ hipped roof reflects shipbuilding techniques of the era. Its decorative woodwork—including intricate molding, millwork, and paneling—further highlights its architectural significance. In recognition of its historical value, The Chimneys was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

For many years, it was believed that John Glassell, a Scottish merchant, constructed The Chimneys after purchasing the property from Charles Yates. However, evidence suggests that Yates, an English immigrant from a distinguished family of educators, was the true builder. A dedicated Mason, Yates likely drew upon his meticulous craftsmanship and strategic mindset in the design and placement of The Chimneys, orienting it toward the river to facilitate his business as a merchant. Yates sold The Chimneys to John Glassell in 1771.

John Glassell, a British loyalist, owned The Chimneys for only four years before transferring it to his relative, William Glassell. John returned to Scotland due to his strong ties to Great Britain and never came back to Fredericksburg. William Glassell lived in The Chimneys from 1775 until his death in 1801. Following his passing, Daniel Grinnan was appointed executor of the estate. Over the course of the 19th century, The Chimneys changed hands multiple times and became home to many notable residents, including Ellen Lewis Herndon “Nell” Arthur, who lived there as a child before marrying Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States.

The Chimneys’ history is a testament to its resilience and significance, having been shaped by individuals from across the globe. Billiken’s Smokehouse is honored to continue its legacy. After months of restoration, we are proud to call The Chimneys our home and look forward to filling its storied walls with great food, laughter, and cherished memories for years to come.

What is a Billiken?

The Billiken is believed to be the creation of Ms. Florence Pretz, a Kansas City art teacher and illustrator. In the early 1900s, she dreamed of this whimsical figure and brought it to life. Ms. Pretz initially produced the Billiken as coin banks and statuettes, later expanding to dolls. This charming good luck symbol quickly became a national craze, with its likeness appearing on everything from postcards to hood ornaments. Around 1908, the Horsemen Doll Co. manufactured the Billiken doll, selling an impressive 200,000 units within the first few months.

During the Great Depression, the Billiken gained a reputation as a beacon of good fortune. Poems were written celebrating the luck he brought to those who owned him. Described variously as a fairy, an imp, a charm, and even a god, the Billiken’s appeal transcended borders. In China, he is known as the “God of Things as They Should Be,” and he has left his mark in places as far-flung as Alaska and Canada.

The Billiken exists to amuse, make you laugh, and bring you luck and happiness. Most importantly, he invites you to ask the timeless question: What is a Billiken?

All about the SMOKER

Let’s shine a spotlight on the heart of Billikens Smokehouse: our custom-built wood smoker. Crafted from a 1,000-gallon propane tank, this smoker is the centerpiece of our culinary operations. It’s not just a cooking tool—it’s a testament to our commitment to quality and flavor.

The reverse-flow design ensures even heat distribution, allowing our meats to cook slowly and evenly, infusing them with the perfect smoky essence. Guests often marvel at the sight of our smoker, intrigued by its size and the craftsmanship behind its creation. More than just a conversation starter, it’s a symbol of the passion and dedication that define our approach to barbecue.

We invite you to come see it for yourself and taste the difference this remarkable smoker makes. Whether you’re enjoying a meal on our patio or hosting an event in our space, the rich aroma of smoked meats will enhance your visit, making it truly memorable.