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Best Barbecue Restaurants in Bethesda

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Smokecraft Modern Barbecue restaurant
1. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
4.4
Awesome(412)
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(1365)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Ruthie's All-Day restaurant
3. Ruthie's All-Day
4.8
Exceptional(3150)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 116 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 26 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(80)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 16 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's Corner restaurant
6. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's Corner
4.3
Awesome(211)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Vienna
Booked 3 times today
Time counts at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we’ve continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ’s a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ’s to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we’ve put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven’t just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it’s because of them we’re continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ’s, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Sean
    New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    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
  • Gail
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    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
  • Leonardovip
    Washington, D.C. Area •148 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I brought a group of colleagues from out of town here and it was a great experience. They loved the food and could not stop talking about it afterwards. Our waiter was just fantastic!
    More info
    Texas Jacks BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
    •
    4.7
  • Charlesvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •145 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We always bring our out-of-town visitors to Ruthie's All-Day - whether it is for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Today's lunch special - a pulled chicken sandwich with white barbeque sauce, cheese and crispy onions - was a hit with our guest. Ruthie's remains the best go-to dining venue in Arlington!
    More info
    Ruthie's All-DayPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 11, 2024
    Everything was good. Food, presentation as service were excellent. Our server “ steven” was doing great with his service mind. Will be back for sure
    More info
    Gyu San Japanese BBQPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Arlington
    •
    4.8

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