The best barbeque restaurants in Washington DC aren’t difficult to pinpoint – although BBQ often means something different to everyone you ask. For example: For some, it’s a meal we turn to when we’re in the mood for something rich and filling. For others, it’s something that is not only reminiscent of our hometowns, but also a type of dining should be held to extremely high standards. Either way, the city has you covered: Barbeque joints like Hill Country and DCity Smokehouse will impress even the pickiest of eaters, while alternatives like Federalist Pig and Fat Pete’s will leave you full and satisfied. If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, then check out this list for more info on ten of the best barbeque restaurants in Washington DC before you go check them out for yourself. And remember: Don’t forget the wet wipes!
Garden District SmallFry Smokehouse Live DCity Smokehouse
| Name | Location | Description |
| Smoke & Barrel | 2471 18th St NW | Smoke & Barrel specializes in crazy dishes, and the unorthodox combinations taste great. Try out new bites like the Chipotle mac and cheese wontons or the hog wings made out of pork shanks, and you’ll forget your pre-conceived notions of what the “right” combinations of flavors are to indulge in. Surprisingly, vegans can enjoy a fine meal here too: You’ll find vegan spare ribs, wings, and fried shrimp on the menu, so there’s really no excuse not to come visit. |
| Garden District | 1801 14th St. NW | Come to Garden District after a long day at work to chow down on some pulled pork sandwiches or beef rib. A popular spot in town, it offers the perfect mixture of barbeque, German beer, and fresh air to be had. Pair any of the dishes with a Weihenstephaner brew and you’ll be all set. Get there early, though: Garden District shuts down once the grub’s all gone. |
| SmallFry | 3212 Georgia Ave. NW | SmallFry considers itself a “non-traditional smoke-house,” but it’s a quintessential sopot. You can find smoked brisket, fried catfish sandwiches, and even smoked salmon here, all at an affordable price. Plus, the venue certainly lives up to its name with the generous and mouthwatering portions of fries that are offered. There’s plenty of seating too, so either stop by for a quick bite or take food with you on-the-go. |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue | 2670 Avenir PL O, Vienna, VA | If you’ve been in the Kansas City area, you’ve more than likely heard of Oklahoma Joe’s. Luckily, now you can head on over without ever having to stray that far from the D.C. region. Oklahoma Joe’s is famous for its tasty ribs, and service is set up to sit somewhere in-between a fast food joint and a full-blown restaurant. Either way, you won’t have to do much waiting for your dinner, and that’s really all that matters. |
| Fat Pete’s BBQ | Multiple Locations | When you visit Fat Pete’s, you can make your very own meat-tasting menu. Choose from dining options like the chopped pork, sliced brisket, pulled chicken and more, paired with sides like mashed potatoes and cornbread. The best part is the variety of sauces to pick from, which will have you wondering how you survived without choices like the “Alabama white” or the “Texas mop sop” your whole life. |
| Smokehouse Live | 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, | Stop by Smokehouse Live on Sundays between 10AM and 2PM for the all-you-can-eat country brunch. If you can’t work a midday pit stop into your schedule though, enjoy something like the belly-up combo for less than $20 per person throughout the week. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you can order the big meaty platter, which comes with Savannah chicken, spare ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and cornbread. There’s no way you’ll be hungry after that. |
| Federalist Pig | 1654 Columbia Rd. NW | Federalist Pig is one of the few BBQ locations in Washington DC that’s able to incorporate differing styles of barbeque preparation from varying regions in the U.S. If you prefer things a bit spicier, this is surely the place to go. You’ll notice that the ribs are inspired by Tennessee, the brisket from Texas, and the list goes on and on. Don’t be deterred if there’s a bit of a line, because the wait will be absolutely worth it. |
| Kenny’s Smokehouse | 732 Maryland Ave. NE | Make the most out of your meal at Kenny’s and grab a seat at the outside tables to enjoy warm weather during seasonal months. Try the baby back ribs or the Smokehouse sampler and you’ll be impressed. For those who are looking to indulge outside the box, there’s also Korean options like bulgogi. The sides from sweet potatoes to collard greens are incredibly satisfying. |
| Hill Country | 410 7th St. NW | Hill Country is undoubtedly considered one of the best barbeque joints in DC, and rightfully so. Prepare yourself for a food coma, and come wearing loose-fitting clothes, because you’ll soon realize that the culinary possibilities are endless here. Try the brisket, the pork loin, the short rib, or all three if you think you can handle it. For those of us who are indecisive, the staff will most likely let you sample different dishes before you make your decision. For once, being noncommittal has its privileges! |
| DCity Smokehouse | 203 Florida Ave. NW | Even if you consider yourself picky about barbeque dining, DCity will live up to your high expectations. Its specialty is the sandwich, so order the brisket and you’ll be in for a real treat. The smoked wings are also a popular favorite, and the fries are served with just the perfect amount of seasoning. |
Cheat Sheet
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Intrepid intern Christina Elia is currently pursuing her BA in Art History Communications at Fordham University, and writes about various topics ranging from arts and culture to practical tips and how-to advice. She has been published on online platforms such as The Odyssey. You can follow her on Twitter via @stinaelia
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