Perhaps no food generates more opinions, strong feelings and arguments than barbecue. Is dry rub better than wet? Smoked or grilled? And can you even get good barbecue out of the deep south? Washington Family Magazine reached out to locals in the Washington, D.C. area and found more opinions than menu options at your favorite BBQ joint.
Federalist Pig | Adams Morgan (D.C.)
“It feels like an event to go there, and it’s almost impossible to decide what to get because it’s all that good. You’re guaranteed to overeat but also not to regret it.” — Christopher Woodside, Bethesda, MD
2Fifty Texas BBQ | Northwest D.C. and Riverdale, MD
“2Fifty Texas BBQ is proof that Maryland has elite BBQ. The brisket? Ridiculous? The ribs? Life-changing. The mac and cheese? Dangerous.” — Debbie Pinto, Rockville, MD
Carolina Brothers | Ashburn, VA
“Nothing beats ending a long bike ride, run or walk with a good bite at Carolina Brothers on the W&OD trail. The ribs would make you stop in your tracks either way.” — Gerben Den Heijer, Ashburn, VA
Monks BBQ | Purcellville, VA
“Monks BBQ in Purcellville! Best mac and cheese every. Chill Sundays! Pastrami. Even better, get the nachos with pastrami. The best staff, always have superior beers on draft … and very kid and dog friendly. It’s also at the very end of the W[&]OD bike trail, which makes it a convenient stop on a bike ride.” — Koko DeBerg, Hamilton, VA
DCity Smokehouse | Locations in Northwest and Southeast D.C.
“DCity Smokehouse is a local style and SO good. As a Texan who adores barbecue, they are one of two places I even bother with in the D.C. area. Plus, they are a local POC-owned business for over a decade.” — Dora Hoyt, Northwest D.C.
More BBQ To Love
Pit Stop | Sterling, VA
Rocklands | Alexandria and Arlington (Virginia), D.C. (NW) and Nationals Park.
Rolling Rib | Upper Marlboro, MD
Silver and Sons | Bethesda, MD
Sloppy Mamas | Arlington, VA
In August 2014, Katie Schubert walked into Smoke BBQ in Bethesda to grab a quick dinner. She sat at the only remaining seat at the bar top. Two years later, she married the dude who was to her left. She also recommends the chicken wings.
