Best Barbecue Restaurants in Downtown

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Smokecraft Modern Barbecue restaurant

1. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 4 times today

At Smokecraft Modern Barbecue in Arlington, the Southern cuisine is nothing short of exceptional, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, deeply flavorful barbecue. This restaurant takes Southern barbecue to new heights with its innovative approach and competition-honed techniques that have earned rave reviews for their brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. Guests consistently praise the 'Whole Lotta 'Cue' platter, highlighting the skillful smoking and perfect balance of flavors. One visitor exclaimed, “The best I have ever tasted,” while another emphasized the welcoming atmosphere and standout service, noting that the “staff was super kind and checked on us frequently!” From the smoked old fashioned to the brisket egg rolls, every dish at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue is crafted to perfection, making it a top spot in the DMV area for a genuine taste of the South.

A photo of Texas Jacks Barbecue restaurant

2. Texas Jacks Barbecue

4.7

Exceptional(1367)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 15 times today

At Texas Jack's Barbecue in Arlington, Virginia, you'll discover not just a meal, but an authentic Lone Star barbecue experience that has captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Celebrated for its "outstanding" and "finger-licking" barbecue, particularly the brisket which is often hailed as "the best brisket I've ever had," this rustic-modern hangout promises a dining spectacle. Patrons rave about the "moist, tender, charred to perfection" meats and the "fabulous" sides like Mac and cheese and burnt ends. The atmosphere is always buzzing, complemented by friendly and efficient service, making Texas Jack's a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Texas-style barbecue right in the heart of Arlington.

3. Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

Exceptional(3159)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 100 times today

Ruthie's All-Day in Arlington is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts, where the brisket and ribs are consistently hailed as some of the best one can find. Diners rave about the "sinfully good brisket" and describe the ribs as "amazing," emphasizing the high quality and authentic barbecue flavors that Ruthie's masterfully delivers. The Southern-fried meat-and-three concept allows guests to pair these succulent meats with unique, seasonally changing sides like smoked cauliflower and white-soy-braised greens, enhancing the dining experience. With its lively atmosphere and glowing reviews like "Fantastic BBQ! Great service, friendly staff, and once again the food was excellent!" Ruthie's All-Day stands out as a top destination for barbecue lovers seeking both innovation and tradition in every bite.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon restaurant

4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon

4.8

Exceptional(686)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 39 times today

Gyu-Kaku in Arlington, VA, is a gem for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience right in the heart of the city. Celebrated as the world's #1 Japanese BBQ brand, this restaurant offers a unique yakiniku (grilled barbecue) experience where guests become chefs at their own table-top smokeless grills. Praised for its "superb quality" meats and "flavorful and tender" selections, Gyu-Kaku provides not only a meal but an engaging culinary adventure. Reviewers rave about the "amazing" service and the delightful variety of dishes, especially recommending the best-seller Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. Whether it's a date night, a family gathering, or a festive group event, Gyu-Kaku promises a memorable and delectable Japanese BBQ encounter.

A photo of Gyu San Japanese BBQ restaurant

5. Gyu San Japanese BBQ

4.8

Exceptional(81)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 14 times today

Gyu San Japanese BBQ in Arlington is a must-visit for authentic Japanese barbecue enthusiasts. Diners consistently rave about the high-quality meats, including the "amazing" Wagyu beef, known for its "buttery flavor and tender texture." The restaurant provides an immersive experience where guests cook premium cuts on their grills, making each meal interactive and enjoyable. Reviewers highlight the "phenomenal" service and the diverse menu that also features sushi and vegetarian options. The ambiance is perfect for various occasions, from date nights to group dinners. As one satisfied diner puts it, the experience is "nothing short of amazing every time," ensuring that Gyu San Japanese BBQ stands out as a top destination for barbecue lovers.

A photo of Succotash - National Harbor restaurant

6. Succotash - National Harbor

4.5

Awesome(3407)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • National Harbor

Booked 72 times today

Succotash - National Harbor is a culinary gem that expertly marries classic Southern American cuisine with innovative flair, thanks to the genius of James Beard Award nominee Edward Lee. Nestled in the vibrant National Harbor, this restaurant offers a unique twist on American favorites, integrating Lee’s Korean roots to enhance the authenticity and depth of each dish. Patrons rave about the "amazing flavor" and "huge portions," with standout dishes like the deviled eggs with bacon jam and the crab cake benedict. As one diner put it, the experience is "a level above many of the restaurants in National Harbor," making Succotash a must-visit for those seeking a truly memorable American dining experience.

A photo of Mystic BBQ & Grill restaurant

7. Mystic BBQ & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(41)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Alexandria

Booked 3 times today

Mystic BBQ & Grill in Old Town Alexandria is a treasure trove of authentic Southern cuisine that delights with every dish. This family-run establishment, with nearly half a century of culinary heritage, specializes in an array of mouth-watering Southern staples. From Texas-style smoked brisket to Carolina pulled pork and seafood classics like spicy she crab soup, every item promises a burst of flavor. Patrons rave about the "top drawer" classic crab cake sandwich and the sumptuous "bananas foster" bread pudding. The ambiance, coupled with expertly crafted dishes, makes Mystic BBQ & Grill a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern cooking in a welcoming setting. One reviewer exclaimed, "Definitely the best food in Old Town," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity.

A photo of Famous Dave's - Alexandria restaurant

8. Famous Dave's - Alexandria

4.5

Awesome(5)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Alexandria

Famous Dave's in Alexandria is a haven for meat lovers, where each dish tells a story of tradition and exceptional craftsmanship. Their authentic BBQ begins with high-quality meats that are hand-trimmed and rubbed with a custom blend of spices before being slow-cooked over genuine hickory logs to perfection. Patrons rave about the "mouthwatering experiences," with one declaring the ribs as "award-winning" and the St. Louis ribs specifically as "amazing." This commitment to quality and flavor makes Famous Dave's a standout destination in Virginia for not just BBQ enthusiasts but anyone craving expertly prepared meats. Coupled with their friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder guests leave with plans to return.

9. GOGI FRIENDS

4.7

Exceptional(3)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Annandale

Booked 1 time today

At GOGI FRIENDS in Annandale, Alexandria, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're immersing yourself in a celebration of Korean BBQ. Renowned for its authenticity and exceptional quality, this hotspot is a true gem for barbecue enthusiasts. Diners rave about the "fresh, flavorful, and perfectly marinated" meats, complemented by an impressive variety of banchan (side dishes) that enhance the meal with delightful flavors and textures. The interactive dining experience of grilling your meats at the table adds a fun, engaging twist to your visit. As one satisfied customer put it, "This is the best Korean BBQ joint in the DMV area," praising not only the food but also the "wonderful smile" of the manager and the top-notch service. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to Korean cuisine, GOGI FRIENDS promises a memorable dining adventure with every visit.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
Williamvip
Virginia •284 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Best BBQ outside of Texas! The weekend brunch menu is awesome except they recently removed biscuits and sausage gravy from the menu—BIG MISTAKE!!
More info
Texas Jacks BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
•
4.7
R
Rhia
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our second visit to this neighborhood restaurant. We love the food and ambiance, service can use some improvement.
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Gyu San Japanese BBQPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Arlington
•
4.8
K
Kerry
Washington, D.C. Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
While the menu might look common place, it's the quality of the ingredients and thoughtfulness of the preparation that makes Ruthie's outstanding, and a neighborhood gem. We were greeted like family, service was attention and professional while informal and friendly. The wood fire grilled branzino was outstanding -- hot, moist, perfectly seasoned. Each dish, while familiar in concept, has a surprise twist that is so pleasing.
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Ruthie's All-DayPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
•
4.8
S
Sean
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
Gyu-Kaku is a fantastic spot for Japanese BBQ with a fun, interactive dining experience. The quality of the meats and fresh ingredients is top-notch, and the variety of marinades, like miso and sweet soy, is irresistible. Grilling your own food at the table adds a personal touch, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Highlights include the spicy pork belly and garlic shrimp, and the s’mores dessert is a fun way to end the meal. Great food, excellent service, and a lively atmosphere make Gyu-Kaku perfect for any occasion!
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | ClarendonPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Arlington
•
4.8
G
Gail
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
Amazing food and drinks! We traveled 2 hours to get there and we would do it again. Definitely worth it!
More info
Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
•
4.4

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

2. Texas Jacks Barbecue

3. Ruthie's All-Day

4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon

5. Gyu San Japanese BBQ

6. Succotash - National Harbor

7. Mystic BBQ & Grill

8. Famous Dave's - Alexandria

9. GOGI FRIENDS

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