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Welcome to Johnny Mac’s Rib Shack

At Johnny Mac’s Rib Shack, we pride ourselves on delivering soul-satisfying comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere. Located on Richmond Hwy in Alexandria, VA, our menu boasts a tantalizing array of BBQ delights, hearty burgers, and creamy soft serve ice cream. Our story is rooted in a love for classic American flavors, from our signature chili half-smokes to generous egg sandwiches that make breakfast unforgettable. Patrons rave about the flavorful, meaty chili and the friendly, divey ambiance that recalls the charm of an old-school drive-in. Join us for a memorable meal with friends and family, where deliciousness meets nostalgia.

Johnny Mac’s Rib Shack: Reviews & Ratings

Kasi M.
Kasi M.

This is our go to on a nice hot day for soft serve. Lots of selections and choices for a yummy dessert. My husband recently had the chili and loved it. A tad on the spicy side and very meaty. A friend of ours loves their breakfast so we came for lunch today! We both had the steak and cheese with fries and a soda. $41 for two sub combos. Sandwiches were large and fresh but the meat was very gristly. Would like to try other things. Def a hole in the wall. Friendly staff. Reminds me of an old drive in.

Gael C.
Gael C.

Very good little spot, the food is very delicious. I would recommend getting the burgers,steak&cheese,bbq sandwich. For the sweet section the ice cream,milkshakes, and smoothies are splendid.

William A.
William A.

Love the soft serve ice cream it's nice and thick and tasty . The chili half smokes are great also

Richard W.
Richard W.

After Pre-Thanksgiving trip to big box store and filling up for gas on Richmond Hwy, made a great decision to stop for lunch at Johnny Mac's. I had a delicious chili half smoke that was split, grilled and covered with meaty chili. From the large selection of sides, I chose mean greens, seasoned with meat. The food and service were both very good, there is room to stand at a counter that runs the width of the restaurant, or you can sit at picnic tables outside. Look forward to returning and trying other items on menu as well as smoothies and sundaes.

Nick M.
Nick M.

Stopped by for a quick bite. Had the rib-eye steak sandwich, which was very good. Only downside to the plane was they were out of a few things I wanted to try. I got the onion rings and they were oily with no flavor. I would pass on those. Otherwise it wasn't bad.

Hank T.
Hank T.

Drove past this place and knew it was going to be a great experience. We got a few chilli dogs, chilli half smoke, burger, onion rings, greens, bbq beans, and some ice cream (cotton candy, pina colada, green apple, and butter pecan). Only gripe is that the large onion rings were lacking in size. That said it was the right amount so when we go back will be getting small. Ice cream wasn't to my taste but the rest of the family loved them. The staff was amazing, detailed, and quick. Granted there weren't many people in the shop when we went (~4PM on Friday) but for the complaints that I've seen in other reviews I'd have to assume they're just impatient people and won't be happy anywhere. Go check this place out!

Location

Welcome to Johnny Mac’s Rib Shack, a hidden gem nestled at 8526 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA. This delightful eatery brings a taste of comfort food that’s perfect for any time of day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert! With its divey ambiance, friendly staff, and outdoor seating, it’s the kind of place that invites you to settle in, grab a seat at one of their picnic tables, and enjoy a hearty meal.

At Johnny Mac’s, variety is the spice of life. Whether you're craving mouth-watering BBQ, juicy burgers, or a cool treat from their ice cream bar, this spot has you covered. Their extensive menu features tantalizing options from egg sandwiches to halfpipes. Some of the standout dishes include:

  • Chili Half Smokes: A fan favorite, loaded with rich, meaty chili that packs a spicy punch.
  • Steak and Cheese Sandwich: Generous portions with fresh ingredients, though some diners noted a bit of gristle.
  • Homemade Ice Cream: Thick, smooth, and perfect for a hot day, as raved by many customers.
  • Omelets and Breakfast Platters: Bursting with flavor, great for those early risers looking for a satisfying start to their day.

The ambiance at Johnny Mac’s adds to its charm. The place feels like a throwback to classic drive-ins, making it an ideal spot for families and groups alike. Customers like Kasi M. and Richard W. have praised the laid-back vibe, stating it reminds them of an old-school hangout with a welcoming atmosphere.

Convenience is also key at Johnny Mac’s; whether you want to dine in, takeout, or experience the drive-thru service, they have something for everyone. They accept both credit cards and Apple Pay, making your visit smooth and easy.

Overall, Johnny Mac’s Rib Shack isn’t just another eatery; it’s a culinary destination for those looking to indulge in hearty American classics. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich chili, a creamy milkshake, or a classic rib-eye steak sandwich, this place is bound to satisfy. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to swing by and experience the delicious offerings for yourself!

For inquiries, please call (703) 360-2200.