Summertime conjures up images of cookouts, picnics, good times, and good food. What’s a favorite, classic American summer meal? Why, barbecue of course! You can’t go wrong with a nice plate of ribs, a nice selection of side dishes, and ice cold lemonade. There’s just something about hanging out with friends, getting some fresh air, and enjoying some hot BBQ that can’t compare to any other experience. But everyone knows it can be tough to set up, prepare, and cook an entire barbecue feast.
To satisfy your summer barbecue cravings, there are many barbecue spots in DC where you can score a satisfying BBQ meal without the hassle of cooking it yourself. These are also great options for catering large parties and gatherings. Here some of the best, most smokin’ barbecue joints in all of DC:
Pitmasters
4818 Yuma St NW • Washington DC 20016
Pitmasters is a literal hidden BBQ gem, located less than a mile away from Tenley View Apartments. These guys know their barbecue! Choose from amazing meats like the Texas prime brisket or the St. Louis 1/2 rack of ribs. Go big with the “Lone Star” prime beef ribs, which are rubbed and smoked to perfection (these require 2-hour prep time, so be sure to call ahead and request these).
Delicious side offerings include classic mac ‘n’ cheese, cheddar biscuits, or Mason-Dixon fried okra. Wash it all down with some refreshing strawberry lemonade. This is addictive grub, for sure!
Rocklands
2418 Wisconsin Ave NW • Washington, DC 20007
Rocklands DC is considered one of the hottest barbecue spots in town. Visit for wood-fired, fall-off-the-bone selections glazed in Rocklands’ own original sauce. For the most tangy bang for your buck, we recommend the Three-Meats platter or the “Belly Buster” plate. Locals also love the side dishes here: Texas corn pudding, Grandma’s collard greens, red beans and rice, and hand-cut onion rings, to name a few.
Rocklands also does full-size catering for special events, and will make sure all your guests are well-fed and satiated. If you’re dining in, arrive early — the line is often out the door!
Smoke & Barrel
2471 18th Street, N.W. • Washington, DC 20009
The three “B’s” of life come together in this wonderful establishment: Beer, Barbecue, and Bourbon! Smoke & Barrel combines the best food, craft beers, and whiskey/bourbon choices for a memorable DC BBQ experience. The menu at Smoke & Barrel is a non-stop barrage of classic traditional BBQ choices mixed with new and innovative creations. The smoked duck, smoked 1/2 chicken, and pulled pork are all highly recommended, as are the Chipotle Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese wontons.
Smoke & Barrel even has barbecue options for non-meat-eaters! These include vegan wings, vegan chicken or fish cutlet sandwiches, and other tasty choices!
Fat Pete’s
3407 Connecticut Ave NW • Washington, DC 20008
If you’re looking for a filling platter, go to Fat Pete’s Barbecue over on Connecticut Ave. Order their 1/2 lb. BBQ chicken plate, the spare ribs, or the baby back ribs for consistently delicious barbecue madness. Regardless of your meat choice, one of our favorite parts about Fat Pete’s is their selection of sauces. Choose from: Alabama White, NC Vinegar, Texas “Mop Sop,” Memphis Sweet, KC Style (Spicy), or South Carolina Mustard. Hands down one of the best BBQ sauce selections in town!
For a unique experience, try one of their specialty sandwiches — we recommend the Cuban or the all-time-favorite Brisket Melt. Bonus: Fat Pete’s is only about a mile and a half from Tenley View Apartments.
The BBQ Joint
2005 14th Street NW • Washington DC 20009
The BBQ Joint on 14th St. is another famous DC barbecue spot that serves up authentic dishes and flavors. Start off with some smoked chicken wings, smoked beef sausage, or brisket sliders. Then create your own plate from their award-winning menu.
Feeling indecisive? Make things easier on yourself and choose a sampler meat plate to try different options. Or perhaps you’re looking to season your own dishes at home? Pick up some of their famous BBQ Joint (“BBQJ”) spice rubs and create your own masterpieces!
These are just a few fantastic BBQ spots to choose from in Washington DC (near Tenley View Apartments!); there are many more to discover as you make your way around our lovely city.
Are you interested in luxury living in the heart of Tenleytown, one of DC’s most exciting and happening (and BBQ-filled!) neighborhoods? Contact us today at Tenley View Apartments for more info, or schedule a tour and come see our modern floor plans and luxurious premises for yourself. You’ll love our world-class features and amenities, as well as the convenient central location near DC’s best in food.