Tucked along Warwick Boulevard in Newport News, Virginia, Matt’s Smackin Macs is the kind of place you might drive past a dozen times before finally stopping in. Once you do, though, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
With a 4.7-star rating and a loyal following built largely through word of mouth and social media buzz, this small but mighty restaurant has earned every bit of its reputation. From creamy, piping-hot bowls loaded with toppings to flavors that hit differently than anything you’ve tried before, Matt’s is serving up mac and cheese that’s genuinely hard to beat.
The Story Behind Matt’s Smackin Macs
Some of the best food in America hides in plain sight, and Matt’s Smackin Macs is proof of that. Located at 13650 Warwick Blvd in Newport News, Virginia, this locally owned gem was started by a young, passionate owner who reportedly cooks everything himself.
Customers who’ve visited describe him as super friendly and genuinely dedicated to his craft.
The building itself is small and oddly shaped, which actually adds to its charm. More than a few reviewers admitted they drove past it multiple times before curiosity finally won out.
Once they stepped inside, the food did all the talking.
Word spread quickly through TikTok and Instagram, drawing in first-time visitors from as far as Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. The story of Matt’s isn’t just about mac and cheese — it’s about a community rallying behind something real, homemade, and genuinely worth the stop.
A Menu Built Around Mac and Cheese Done Right
Forget the boxed stuff you grew up eating on weeknights. Matt’s Smackin Macs has built an entire menu around elevating mac and cheese into something genuinely exciting.
From classic comfort options to bold flavor combinations, there’s something on the menu for every kind of eater.
Standout menu items include the By the Bay Shrimp Mac N’ Cheese, the Cajun Mac, the Buffalo Chicken Mac, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mac, the Cheesesteak Mac, the White Cheddar Trio, and even a Beef Bulgogi Mac. Each bowl is made to order, ensuring every bite comes out fresh and flavorful.
There’s also a suggestion board on the wall where customers can pitch their dream flavor combinations. Brisket mac and taco mac have been popular community suggestions.
With so many choices already available, deciding what to order on your first visit might honestly be the hardest part of the whole experience.
The Cheese Factor: Rich, Melty, and Absolutely Real
One thing reviewers keep coming back to is the cheese itself. Unlike some restaurants that rely on processed or powdery cheese sauces, Matt’s uses what customers describe as real, melty, old-fashioned cheese that coats every noodle perfectly.
There’s no artificial faux-cheesy flavor here — just the genuine article.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the rich creaminess of the mac, noting that the texture is spot-on. One customer described the White Cheddar Trio as super cheesy and gooey, with multiple distinct cheese flavors layered throughout the bowl.
Another said the Beef Bulgogi Mac had perfect creaminess that complemented the savory meat beautifully.
The cheese isn’t just a side note — it’s the foundation of everything Matt’s does. Getting that base right is what separates a forgettable mac and cheese from one that has people planning road trips just to eat another bowl.
Matt’s clearly gets it.
By the Bay Shrimp Mac N’ Cheese: A Fan Favorite
If you ask regulars what to order on your first visit, there’s a good chance they’ll point you straight to the By the Bay Shrimp Mac N’ Cheese. This dish has shown up in multiple glowing reviews, and the enthusiasm behind it is hard to ignore.
One customer wrote that the shrimp was delicious and that the restaurant definitely didn’t skimp on the amount included.
Another reviewer described the shrimp mac as tasting like popcorn, thanks to the combination of seasoned shrimp and the rich, meaty cheese base. The flavors work together in a way that feels intentional and carefully crafted rather than thrown together.
Portion sizes are generous enough that even a single serving leaves most people satisfied. For seafood lovers who also happen to love comfort food, the By the Bay Mac is basically a dream come true sitting right there in a bowl on Warwick Boulevard.
The Cajun Mac That Had Someone Planning a Road Trip Back
Few dishes earn the kind of praise that stops a person mid-meal, but the Cajun Mac at Matt’s Smackin Macs did exactly that for one very enthusiastic reviewer. They described the flavor as so good they stopped halfway through dinner just to save some for breakfast the next morning.
That’s commitment to a bowl of mac and cheese that most meals can only dream about.
The Cajun Mac hits with bold seasoning that’s well-balanced — spicy enough to be interesting, but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you going back for another bite even when you’re already full, because the flavor is just that satisfying.
That same reviewer, visiting from the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, announced plans to drive back to Newport News specifically for another bowl. When mac and cheese inspires interstate travel, you know the kitchen is doing something genuinely right.
The Beef Bulgogi Mac: Where Korean Flavors Meet Southern Comfort
Not every mac and cheese restaurant is bold enough to pull inspiration from Korean cuisine, but Matt’s Smackin Macs embraces that kind of creativity without hesitation. The Beef Bulgogi Mac pairs tender, slightly sweet and savory marinated beef with a perfectly creamy mac and cheese base, creating a flavor combination that surprises in the best way possible.
Reviewers noted that the bulgogi meat is incredibly tender, with a slight spice that adds depth without overpowering the dish. One customer mentioned that the wa cucumbers on top caught them off guard at first, but agreed the overall combination worked well together.
Another visitor described the bowl as having perfect creaminess with just the right level of spice from the bulgogi. It’s a dish that shows Matt’s isn’t interested in playing it safe.
Mixing cultural food traditions with a comfort food classic takes confidence, and this bowl delivers on that ambition completely.
Portion Sizes That Actually Justify the Price Tag
Sticker shock is real when you first glance at the menu at Matt’s Smackin Macs. Single servings start around $12, and doubles go up from there.
For some people, that’s a tough sell for mac and cheese. But then the food arrives, and suddenly the math starts making a lot more sense.
Reviewers consistently describe the portions as generous, stacked, and more than filling. One customer ordered the double White Cheddar Trio and reported it was more than enough for two people to share at dinner.
Another said they got stuffed after just a few bites of their shrimp and bulgogi combo order.
The value becomes clear once you factor in the quality of ingredients, the made-to-order preparation, and the sheer amount of food you actually receive. You’re not paying for a small scoop of pasta — you’re paying for a real, hearty meal crafted with care.
Most people leave full and satisfied.
Piping Hot Every Single Time: The Temperature That Impresses
Cold takeout is one of life’s most disappointing experiences. Matt’s Smackin Macs has apparently solved that problem entirely, because the temperature of the food has become one of the most talked-about details in customer reviews.
People are genuinely shocked at how hot their orders stay, even well after leaving the restaurant.
One couple drove 20 minutes home and reported the food was still so hot they had to blow on every single bite. Another customer drove 30 minutes and said their meal was still steaming and burning their mouths.
One reviewer even admitted to using their wallet as a trivet because the bowl was too hot to set down directly.
For a takeout spot, that kind of heat retention speaks volumes about how fresh and properly prepared each order is. Matt’s doesn’t sit food under a lamp waiting for pickup — everything is made fresh, and it shows in every scalding, delicious bite.
The BBQ and Buffalo Chicken Macs: Crowd-Pleasing Classics
Some flavors just work, and BBQ chicken and buffalo chicken mac and cheese are proof of that. Both options appear repeatedly across Matt’s most enthusiastic reviews, and they’ve clearly won over a wide range of customers.
The BBQ Chicken Mac carries a slight spice that one reviewer compared to being milder than jerk seasoning — warm and smoky without being aggressive.
The Buffalo Chicken Mac leans into heat with blackened chicken, creamy cheese, and what one customer described as a secret yum sauce that pulled the whole bowl together. A family who ordered it said it was a huge hit with everyone at the table, including the kids.
Both options represent what Matt’s does best — taking familiar, beloved flavor profiles and building them into something that feels elevated without being pretentious. Whether you’re a BBQ loyalist or a buffalo fanatic, there’s a bowl here waiting to become your new go-to comfort food order.
The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mac: Creamy and Crowd-Approved
Garlic and parmesan are a combination that rarely fails, and at Matt’s Smackin Macs, they bring that classic pairing straight into a loaded bowl of mac and cheese. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mac features light grilled chicken nestled into a creamy, flavorful base that lets the parmesan shine without being too heavy or salty.
One reviewer who ordered it alongside the Beef Bulgogi Mac described both bowls as delicious, noting the garlic parmesan version was especially creamy and full of flavor. Another customer who drove past the restaurant and looped back around to try it said the flavor profile was perfect — balanced, satisfying, and completely free of that artificial cheesy taste that plagues lesser versions of the dish.
For anyone who wants bold flavor without intense heat or spice, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mac is an easy recommendation. It’s comfort food done with a light, confident hand that keeps every bite tasting clean and satisfying.
The White Cheddar Trio: Multi-Cheese Magic in Every Bite
Cheese lovers who want the full experience should look no further than the White Cheddar Trio. This dish layers multiple distinct cheese flavors into one bowl, creating a depth of taste that goes far beyond standard mac and cheese.
Reviewers have described it as super cheesy, gooey, and packed with flavor from the very first bite to the very last.
One customer who ordered the double size reported that it was more than enough for two adults to share as a full dinner. The breadcrumb and cheese topping added a satisfying texture contrast, and there was enough topping to spread across multiple servings throughout the meal.
What makes the White Cheddar Trio stand out is how thoughtfully each cheese is incorporated. Nothing gets lost or overwhelmed.
Instead, each variety contributes something distinct to the overall flavor profile. For a dish that sounds simple on paper, it delivers a surprisingly complex and deeply satisfying eating experience worth every dollar.
The Cheesesteak Mac: A Philadelphia Classic Gets a Virginia Twist
Taking inspiration from one of America’s most beloved sandwiches and folding it into a bowl of mac and cheese is a bold move. Matt’s Smackin Macs pulls it off with the Cheesesteak Mac, a dish that one first-time visitor called out-of-this-world in flavor.
That’s a strong claim, and based on the enthusiasm behind it, it seems completely earned.
The Cheesesteak Mac brings together the savory, meaty elements of a classic Philly cheesesteak and merges them with the creamy, rich base that defines everything Matt’s does well. The result is a bowl that feels hearty and familiar while still being something genuinely new and exciting.
Reviewers who ordered it alongside other menu items said the regular portion was jammed full and very generous. For anyone who loves a good cheesesteak and also happens to love mac and cheese, this dish is basically the best of both worlds sitting in one bowl.
Why Matt’s Smackin Macs Deserves a Spot on Your Must-Try List
A 4.7-star rating across 302 reviews doesn’t happen by accident. Matt’s Smackin Macs has built something real in Newport News — a small, unpretentious spot where the food consistently outshines the setting and keeps people coming back again and again.
Open Wednesday through Monday from 11 AM to 8 PM, it’s easy to fit into a lunch break or a casual evening out.
The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and even catering, making it flexible for all kinds of occasions. The intimate indoor seating works well for a quick solo meal or a cozy date night, though larger groups might prefer takeout given the compact space.
Online ordering is also available through their website for added convenience.
Whether you’re a Newport News local who somehow hasn’t made it in yet, or a traveler passing through the Virginia Peninsula, Matt’s Smackin Macs is the kind of place that makes a lasting impression. Go hungry, and bring your appetite.