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Where to Get Delicious BBQ Food in Washington DC

There is no other food that will make you reminiscent of Summer all year long other than Barbeque food. Being served wet napkins before a meal lets everyone know that good eating is about to commence. Barbeque, cooked fresh over fire, ignites not only the flames around the meat cooking, but warms our bellies and makes us smack our lips (and our fingers)!

a tasty serving of barbeque ribs from a restaurant in Washington dc

Whatever technique you believe is best for cooking up some barbeque, we know you will be satisfied with these restaurants in Washington, D.C. as a guest. When the weather is not ideal to fire up the grill and become your own pit master, keep on reading to find the best barbeque restaurants we have found in the Washington, D.C. area! 


Texas Jack’s Barbeque

2761 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-875-0477
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Texas Jack’s Barbecue, proudly proclaiming their status as true American Barbeque, is located in the heart of Arlington, Virginia. With a casual dining atmosphere complete with communal dining tables, Texas Jack’s Barbeque creates the full family dining vibe that all barbeque restaurants strive to. The quality of Texas Jacks Barbeque is in their preparation and cooking – making everything from scratch, diners are sure to enjoy a delicious meal. While we would go just for their Macaroni and Cheese side, be sure to order their Pulled Pork Shoulder – you won’t regret it! Texas Jacks offers both catering services and hosts private events. If you are looking for a personalized and fun barbeque experience, then Texas Jacks is the place for you. They also feature a brunch, which has been a favorite amongst Washingtonians! 


2Fifty Texas BBQ

1309 5th Street Northeast Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 240-764-8763
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While the flagship restaurant of 2Fifty Texas BBQ is located a short distance from Washington, D.C. in Riverdale, Maryland, they have recently opened a stall in Union Market. 2Fifty Texas BBQ is a restaurant that is casual for diners with a focus on great service. Their service extends outside of their restaurant, and their website showcases the multitude of causes they have donated time and resources to for fundraising efforts. As far as their food goes, a trip to 2Fifty Texas BBQ would not be complete without ordering their Texas Trinity Tray – this includes Prime Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage, and your choice of two sides. This feast feeds two people, and they also have an option for solo diners. Both 2Fifty Texas BBQ and Union Market are very popular! Therefore, they advise that you come prepared to wait a little bit for a table to dine in. We encourage you to arrive early, as they do not accept reservations. 


Smokecraft Modern Barbeque 

1051 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 571-312-8791
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Smokecraft Modern Barbeque is located in the Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia in the Washington, D.C., area. The team at Smokecraft Modern Barbeque has cultivated a casual and welcoming dining atmosphere. Creative in carrying out their culinary vision, they have unique menu items, including a Cold Smoked Salmon Benedict on their weekend brunch menu, as well as Smoked Crab Cakes. For dinner, order their Reverse Seared Ribeye and their Smoked Cauliflower for a side. Smokecraft Modern Barbeque has participated in, and has placed in, several barbeque competitions. Some of these competitions include the BBQ Jamboree and the New Holland Summer Fest. 

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Ruthie’s All-Day

3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 703-888-2841
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Ruthie’s All-Day is located in the Arlington, Virginia area of Washington, D.C., and continues to be a fan favorite. We know that Ruthie’s All-Day, the spacious and casual diner style restaurant serves up spectacular brunch and has an unbelievable patio – did you know they also feature some of the very best barbeque in the District? The custom wood burning hearth is perfect for the smoky barbeque flavors that Ruthie’s is known for. The Smoked Brisket and the Smoked Half Rack Sticky Spare Ribs are absolutely two menu items to try. The love affair between Ruthie’s All-Day and well known Washington Post food critic, Tom Sietsema, continues. They have received several nods from him, and the attention is absolutely deserved. While you’re at this family restaurant in the Washington, D.C., area, check out their impressive wine list as well! 


Hill Country Barbeque Market

410 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-556-2050
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Located within the Gallery Place / Chinatown area of Washington, D.C. is Hill Country Barbeque Market, in close proximity to the metro. Hill Country Barbeque Market, or simply Hill Country as their followers refer to them, is a popular cafeteria style barbeque restaurant making waves in the District of Columbia. This favored restaurant and hang out spot has been a fan favorite for ten years now. This is the spot you will see fans of sporting events gather before and after games in this bustling area of Washington, D.C. Try their Pulled Pork with the Campire Baked Beans with Burnt Ends!This family-owned restaurant serves up family style meals rich in traditions of Texas. Their meals are Texan inspired, as are their signature cocktails. Head to Hill Country for their food and stay for their live music and shows! Check them out while you are in the Gallery Place area of Washington, D.C., an area full of history and culture. 


Cinder BBQ 

800 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202-450-6795
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Cinder BBQ is located in the Petworth area of Washington, D.C. With their large floor to ceiling windows that open, revealing a casual and comfortable interior, it is no wonder Cinder BBQ is one of the best barbeque restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area. Cinder says they do not focus on fancy, they focus on flavor – and we agree! This family friendly neighborhood restaurant is pulling out all of the stops to ensure your dining experience is a fantastic one. You should try the Smoked & Fried wings as well as the Bourbon Peach Baked Beans! Cinder BBQ also proudly has over a hundred different Whiskies at their full bar, and also attracts wine lovers and those who equally appreciate a cold beer to accompany their barbeque. 


Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque 

5731 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
Phone: 703-269-2718
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While Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque started out as a food truck, they now have a brick and mortar location in the Arlington, Virginia area of Washington, D.C. This family owned business operates in a casual dining environment and the focus has always been the full satisfaction of their customers. With their commitment to only cooking using wood for heat, it is easy to understand how their food is so delicious and their diners rave about them throughout the District. Their Smoked Turkey by the pound is a true favorite, as well as their Cornbread and Potato Salads as sides. Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque features a breakfast that is so good it has many Washingtonians crossing the bridge into Arlington early in the morning to score their Biscuits and Gravy on the weekends and their Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches mid week. They also offer catering, so be sure to keep them in mind the next time you are having a family reunion or a company picnic. 

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Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company

3471 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-528-9663
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Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company is located in Arlington, Virginia, and has plenty of parking available to customers. They also have locations in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia. This roadhouse style setting restaurant has a patio for gathering with family and friends, as well as a spacious bar. In addition to having multiple locations throughout the Washington, D.C., area, keep an eye out for their food trucks! Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company serves customers their famous barbeque fare all across the District. Their website is updated so you can find them easily week to week. We love their Blackened Catfish sandwich as well as their Collard Greens on the side! The Arlington, Virginia location offers yappy hour on their patio for dog lovers, and they also feature a bourbon club! Be sure to keep an eye out on their website and social media accounts for happenings and events. 


Federalist Pig

1654 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
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Federalist Pig has several locations in the Washington, D.C., area including Adams Morgan, Hyattsville Maryland, and Bethesda Maryland. Federalist Pig is a casual dining restaurant that does not offer reservations, and are popular for takeout orders. One of our favorite things about Federalist Pig? They have rotating “faux que” vegetarian offerings – it is often difficult to find vegetarian barbecue options, and this certainly makes Federalist Pig stand apart in Washington, D.C. We love their Tofu Bahn Mi. If you are looking for something meatier, give the Texas Ranger Sandwich a try – their famous Sliced Brisket Sandwich. Federalist Pig has recently started a Monthly Barbeque Club where members can experience other sensational menu items and techniques of preparation and cooking from their Co-Founder and Pitmaster. They will also have a monthly Tasting Menu available for Club members only. 


DCity Smokehouse 

203 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-733-1919
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DC City Smokehouse is located close to the Shaw area in Washington, D.C. This Black Owned business offers catering services, takeout options, and dine in options at their casual restaurant. DCity Smokehouse is no stranger to smoking their menu items such as their brisket and ribs for hours at a time, but we also love that they make their homemade sides fresh daily. They also believe in sustainability and supporting local vendors for the freshest products. Order their Smokehouse Meat Platter with their Jalapeno Cheddar Grits for a real treat! DCity Smokehouse is not only a loved restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area by locals, they have received accolades from multiple media outlets including receiving a nod from The Washington Post. DCity Smokehouse believes BBQ is a lifestyle, and we agree. 

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Backyard Smoke Spot BBQ

4701 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202-733-4204
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Located close to the Petworth area of Washington, D.C.,Backyard Smoke Spot BBQ is conveniently located inside Midnight Deli on Georgia Avenue. Focusing solely on takeout and catering options, this restaurant is a true favorite for eating your favorite barbeque food at home and at events with family and friends. The hard to resist food at Backyard Smoke Spot BBQ makes it easy for patrons to continue to return. Their Whole Jerk Ribs and Full Rack of Lamb Chops will make any meat lover happy! Backyard Smoke Spot BBQ not only offers a fantastic dinner menu, they offer lunch specials as well.They offer a variety of changing options for lunch, including their fried whiting. 


Money Muscle BBQ

8630 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-646-7006
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Money Muscle BBQ is a barbecue food truck located in the Silver Spring area of Washington, D.C. Money Muscle BBQ has many offerings of barbeque, including tasty vegan dishes. If you are a mushroom lover, the Smoked Mushroom Risotto is fantastic to start with, and pairs well with the Nashville Hot Eggplant Sandwich. For the carnivores out there, you really must try the Carolina Pulled Pork! Money Muscle BBQ offers their delicious food for catering,  pickup or delivery. Be sure to keep an eye out on their website for happenings and unique events such as drag brunches. 


Fat Pete’s BBQ

3407 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-362-7777
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Fat Pete’s BBQ is conveniently located in the Cleveland Park area of Washington, D.C. Fat Pete’s BBQ is a casual dining restaurant that highlights the importance of not only barbeque, but of smoking their meats and vegetables. They also put an emphasis on customer service, and that commitment shines through when you walk through the doors of this popular neighborhood restaurant. They are well known for their ribs, and they are highly recommended. Ordering their delicious sides such as the Mac & Cheese and Candied Yams is always a good move. Make sure to keep an eye on Fat Pete’s social media, as they have many fun events including live music. Fat Pete’s also has a food truck that you can hire for any event. 


Smokin’ Pig

208 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-525-5032
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Smokin’ Pig is a barbeque restaurant located in the H Street Corridor of Washington, D.C. Smokin’ Pig is a Black owned casual restaurant that opened fairly recently, in 2020. Smokin’ Pig says on their website they use a variety of barbeque techniques from across the country, including the Carolinas and Texas. A must try at Smokin’ Pig? The Big Mama, which is Caroline slow smoked pork shoulder. Go on ahead and pair this with the BBQ nachos. Smokin’ Pig has a spacious patio and dining area, but be sure to arrive early, as they are a very popular restaurant in the H Street neighborhood. 

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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