The way I see it, barbecue is a distinctly Southern thing, so if you're going to find it in this area, you have to go south!
My formative barbecue experiences have been in the Carolinas, which means pulled pork sandwiches with vinegar-based sauces and cole slaw, and the best in this area (that I've found) are American BBQ in Lorton, VA and (as someone else has already pointed out) Dixie Bones in Woodbridge, VA. Neither place is quite like being in Goldsboro or Florence, but the pulled pork is tender, juicy, smokey, and flavorful, with minimalist sauces that let you taste the pork underneath, and cole slaw not drenched in mayonnaise. I can't speak to ribs at either place (I'm not sure they even have them, since that's not really the Carolina way), but if a good BBQ sandwich is what you're after, I would recommend either place.
And just to be sure, I would stay the hell away from Famous Dave's and the (already much maligned) Red Hot and Blue. Both places have not inedible food, but the prices you pay are outrageous for what should be a really simple meal, and you could do much better for the same amount of money just about anywhere else.
So, that's my two cents--hope this helps somewhere feed their craving for some slow-cooked meat!
