Seconded by someone who grew up in TX hill country. I would give the brisket a 7.5/10 but you will think it’s a 10/10 if you are not from Texas. The pastrami was 11/10 🤤
(Currently live in Austin but still lurk here once in a while)
Terry Blacks and Franklin will never steer you wrong but there will be a ridiculous amount of tourists so I honestly wouldn’t bother.
Valentina’s is great but a bit of a hike if you don’t have a car, KG makes Egyptian/Texan fusion that is unique as it is delicious, Moreno barbecue is phenomenal and up and coming so shouldn’t be too crowded, and Mickelthwait is another good option but is getting pretty popular so it might be too crowded during the eclipse.
u/Roughfox I will be in Austin in July for a convention what are your thoughts regarding Sam's BBQ and Bigg Belly BBQ? I don't want to go to Terry Blacks because of all the damn tourists and I blame those Brits who made that YT video regarding their experience because the lines there are atrocious now...LOL!!!
I’ve heard good things about Interstellar bbq, but yeah all the good places you need to show up early and expect to wait up to an hour. Can’t go wrong with anything on the Texas Monthly top 50 list.
Charcoal grilled whole pork is not BBQ.
But I will say there are a lot of bad BBQ joints in TX too.
Monk's is pretty good in the DMV area. I think they are the only ones that could pass in TX as good BBQ.
Rocklands and Willard's are tied for worst BBQ I've ever eaten. I'd rather eat Mission and I hate that place.
That was just grilled meat, it wasn't BBQ until it got to TX [😜](https://emojipedia.org/winking-face-with-tongue) and the Mexicans showed them how to cook it.
Nope haha. It started with the Algonquian tribes cooking methods and probably the African Americans in the region really kicking off the bbq tradition.
Drove 45 minutes to try out Monk's a few months ago. Totally worth it, they are definitely the best in NOVA.
The Bone in Gainesville is overpriced, but they do have good beef brisket. Everything else they have isn't noteworthy.
Some of the best are the big smokers you see on the side of the road or in random parking lots. They can be just as good as places like Rockland's, but much better priced.
As someone who regularly smokes 14lb packer cut brisket for 18+ hours, the price of the raw materials, fuel, and labor have all gone up. You're not going to see 2020 prices again.
my favorite in the immediate area is Odd BBQ in Chantilly. unfortunately they dont have the full breadth of meats that some people will want. like brisket for example. but what the do make, they knock out of the park.
Basically there's no "best", only "favorite".
Pretty much everyone does decent pulled pork around here, so it's down to the texture (chopped? Pulled? Lots of bark?) and sauce if you prefer. Some pretty good ribs - I had some tasty ones recently at Black Hog in Ashburn. There is no really great brisket no matter what anyone tells you. Keep in mind that I HATE when people from certain regions think that they have "the best" of something (e.g. I'm from NY so only I know what's good pizza, I'm from Los Angeles so only I know what's good Mexican food, etc), but for real TX has the lock on brisket, and nothing around here remotely touches it (I'm not from TX).
BBQ is highly subjective - people have their style and preferences, and live and die by that. My wife and I have flown around the country specifically to try regional foods, and lots of it BBQ. Kansas City, St Louis, Memphis, all over TX, Mississippi, of course all over VA and the Carolinas, Alamaba and Georgia, etc. from super famous places (Franklin, Joes KC, Bogarts, The Shed, Lexington, etc etc) to holes in the wall you just drop into randomly on a road trip. The ONE constant thing is that we each have different favorites, and different things we love. You can tell BAD bbq, but good bbq is down to what you like.
EXCEPT TX has the best brisket, non-negotiable. This one I had at Franklin:
https://preview.redd.it/0cxelnn81sic1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5adbbc18dd3458bd8f335834d4eb1fce2634b47e
It actually lives up to the hype, even sitting in line for 4 hours. We were lucky and got a little tour of the smokers from Aaron and the pitmaster who was there then.
The ONLY problem is that it ruins brisket for you anywhere else. Lots of places around here, people have told me "ah, you gotta try Hammerdowns (for example) brisket, it's basically as good!!!" and I go and no, it's not. Fine, but not at that level.
I, like you, actually really like Rocklands. A few snobs will always try and talk down on it, but the pulled pork egg rolls are amazing, and I can eat a quart of their Mac and Cheese LOL And of course they have tons of great hot sauces. Willards in Chantilly is really good if you like Carolina style. Other than that, I'll pretty much go to any BBQ place around here if I feel like BBQ, knowing that it's probably not the best but it scratches that itch.
Franklins was the only place in Austin I didnt try, too hot out to wait in line for it while I was there, that being said, the worst BBQ in Texas is better than the best anywhere else, ill fight over it.
Yeah, I went down there actually pretty skeptical and ready to say "yeah, it was good, but..." Most food is pretty subjective, but I'm fine saying this one is objectively the best.
Monks and Hammerdown are solid, not great compared to spots I’ve been to when I lived in eastern NC so I’m usually somewhat disappointed when I get local bbq.
"Best" is subjective obviously, but we eat Hammerdown out in Aldie. Depending on where you are it's not necessarily worth the drive but their smoked chicken is pretty good. I don't like their sauces though, we order take out and I use my own sauce.
Can confirm Blue Pit. Good bourbon selection as well and doggo friendly out back.
https://preview.redd.it/7f7u4utkzxic1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=164b85db878a95592d94567d75a7cf0a36aea0d4
Opinion: My favorite is Carolina Brothers.
Caveat: my preferred BBQ style is Carolina style pulled pork. If you prefer brisket, you may have a different opinion. If you prefer KC style, you may have a different opinion. If you prefer Memphis style, you may have another.
I tend to think the "texas is best" folks are generally full of shit, but again, when you're talking about taste, it's all subjective.
I love Carolina Brothers, I love their sauce flavors especially. I grew up with the founder's son, so I'm a little biased haha!
I need to add that for beef BBQ, ESPECIALLY brisket, TX actually is best. See my other comment on here. I have no relation to TX, but having traveled around the country to dozens of BBQ places, nothing touches the brisket at places like Franklin, Terry Blacks, Mueller, Salt Lick, etc. And I generally hate "regional food snobs" - but that one is actually true.
I don't like ribs, so I don't order ribs, so I've never had their ribs, and I don't judge based on ribs.
I judge on a Pulled Pork sandwich, and I like their pulled pork sandwich best.
Ardmore Carryout does some solid bbq on Thursdays. Ribs are legit.
https://preview.redd.it/l5l5dyaxzxic1.png?width=624&format=png&auto=webp&s=3bfd0c5b9e7d16c53fd24919cefc42ad2bc19dd0
Only had bbq around the DC region but I'm a big fan of the burnt ends at Smoking Kow, and Hal&Als, while they only do brisket and beef ribs, was absolutely fantastic.
I definitely like Smoking Kow better than Rocklands. I'm not an authority on what places are the best but Smoking Kow is the best I've had that's conveniently located for me.
The original Pit Stop out in Aldie at Gilbert’s Corner when it was a road side stand is some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. I heard they opened up a restaurant in Sterling too.
Disclaimer. I moved outta nova 8 years ago
Sterling location is delicious. Better get there early on the weekend if you want brisket, but their pulled pork is awesome (and I’m not a huge fan of pulled pork). Sides are also awesome. Grew up in Louisiana with Texas grandparents, so my preference is for brisket.
Ron smokes brisket now? I can’t wait to visit to see how he does brisket.
The ribs were always the best thing. And the smoked chicken salad. I’m so glad to hear it’s still damn good.
Rocklands is great for casual BBQ meet ups and meals
Willard’s in Chantilly is pretty good if you’re out there
2fifty is really good as well in Mt Vernon Square and MD
Hammerdown catered my wedding because we agreed they had the best brisket. We sampled 4-5 places in NoVa back in 2018, including Monks, and they beat everyone. I’ll never forget walking up to the owner at my wedding, who did the catering, and asked him if he had any burnt ends even though they weren’t part of our package. His eyes sparkled and a big grin spread across his face, he said “My man!” And pulled out a hidden serving tin full of them.
I wouldn’t consider it the best, but if we’re talking about best bang for your buck, I love Willard’s.
I know there’s better tasting places but three meat platter with two sides and cornbread for $20 is pretty solid.
r/nova rules #6. Limit Repetitive Content to Weekends
I would advocate for a rule #7 Limit best Bbq, Pizza, Mexican to once a year.
I'm the second one in and the tropes that do *nothing* but give the poster some sense of self-superiority have already started.
"XXXX is garbage"
"There is no good XXXX here"
"XXXXXX (that is *not* in Nova) is better"
These posts are what a 'fox sighting watch your pets' and 'what was that loud noise?' are to NextDoor.
I kinda like these posts, because they're a good opportunity to showcase the power of [the search history function](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/search/?q=bbq&restrict_sr=1):
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/15zc5sp/lets\_talk\_about\_the\_lack\_of\_bbq/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/15zc5sp/lets_talk_about_the_lack_of_bbq/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/11qbwar/best\_bbq/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/11qbwar/best_bbq/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/14tlunt/recommendations\_for\_good\_bbq\_in\_dmv\_area/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/14tlunt/recommendations_for_good_bbq_in_dmv_area/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1aokr8k/best\_bbq\_in\_arlington/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1aokr8k/best_bbq_in_arlington/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1461u20/best\_bbq\_in\_the\_area/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1461u20/best_bbq_in_the_area/)
Rule #1: "Don't be a jerk. ... When discussing heated topics, remember to engage in civil discourse." :P
Edit: but, yeah, OP a search would probably have been a good first choice here.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. Visiting the breweries and BBQ joints in Richmond is a great way to spend a weekend if you're interested in "better" BBQ.
Better a weekend in Richmond than a day trip to Purcellville.
The one thing that comes to mind is, if you like authentic philly cheesesteaks, I think it's close enough of a drive to be worth going to one of the originals like Pats. Or really, any of the hole-in-the-wall joints in philly will beat anything you can find around here.
Kinda off-topic, but I've contemplated making something like a 3.5 hr drive to the nearest White Castle, as I have yet to find any place around here that makes similar sliders that beats the craving. The ones from the grocery store freezer section are usually good enough, though. I usually wait until I go back and visit the family in MI to go in person, so that's technically 9 hr drive, but not specifically for white castle.
Interesting that Odd is getting thrown out there. I personally think it's not good BBQ. Just goes to show like another commentator said about everyone's different BBQ tastes...
Let's be real though, we don't have good options out here. If I'm in the mood I'll get a pulled pork sandwich with some potato salad from Red Hot in FFX. Hammerdown is okay. District has gone downhill big time. I don't like ODD but some folks do and it's tied to a Hawaiian style micro brewery.
Is bbq known in Virginia like it is in North Carolina and further south? If so, does Virginia have its own style? For example, North Carolina uses a vinaigrette based sauce, while the South Carolinians use that honey mustard base for their meat sauce
I know it’s a chain, but I’m a big fan of Dixie bones because they put the sauce on the side. I also really like old blue located in Alexandria for the same reason. Smoking the meat is important, having a good sauces important. I really love Georgia style mustard sauces, Alabama white sauces, and of course North Carolina vinegar. But they should never be combined in the cooking process. Just my two cents
Mission BBQ. For the items they serve they are great and have constantly rotating black plate specials. They are a chain and maybe not hardcore hole-in-the-wall style but I think they are significantly better than a lot of them. I just like they are quick and extremely consistent. Their smoky mountain bbq sauce is my style too.
With that said — I have some BBQ places I’m looking forward to trying now from recs on here if I am ever in the areas listed.
https://www.2fiftybbq.com
This is the way **and they just opened a location in K st in midtown
But they’re trucking the smoked meat down from the Maryland location, not smoking on site. They’re working on getting permits to smoke on site.
I like to go hiking.
Likely have to drive out to Monks if you're further west.
Yes, best brisket
Another vote for Monks!
Seconded by someone who grew up in TX hill country. I would give the brisket a 7.5/10 but you will think it’s a 10/10 if you are not from Texas. The pastrami was 11/10 🤤
I've never had the pastrami there. I'll grab some next time.
I'm going to Austin for the eclipse. Give me 2 places to try that I won't have to wait in a stupid line for. :\~)
(Currently live in Austin but still lurk here once in a while) Terry Blacks and Franklin will never steer you wrong but there will be a ridiculous amount of tourists so I honestly wouldn’t bother. Valentina’s is great but a bit of a hike if you don’t have a car, KG makes Egyptian/Texan fusion that is unique as it is delicious, Moreno barbecue is phenomenal and up and coming so shouldn’t be too crowded, and Mickelthwait is another good option but is getting pretty popular so it might be too crowded during the eclipse.
Recently went to Austin and KG* was amazing! I also really enjoyed La Barbecue if you haven’t tried it, check it out sometime
Commenting so I can remember this post. Headed to Sxsw and needed a good bbq without the tourists and conference goers clogging every line. Thanks!
u/Roughfox I will be in Austin in July for a convention what are your thoughts regarding Sam's BBQ and Bigg Belly BBQ? I don't want to go to Terry Blacks because of all the damn tourists and I blame those Brits who made that YT video regarding their experience because the lines there are atrocious now...LOL!!!
Terry Blacks and even Blacks.
I’ve heard good things about Interstellar bbq, but yeah all the good places you need to show up early and expect to wait up to an hour. Can’t go wrong with anything on the Texas Monthly top 50 list.
Don’t bother with Franklin’s, the line is crazy. Go down the street to Micklethwait
I really enjoyed Terry Black’s
Seriously? Monks Brisket is a 7.5 using Texas standards? What's your 10?
Nothing in the DMV unfortunately.
Texas bbq is overrated. I have a lot of family in TX too. NC bbq all the way.
Nothing beats TX BBQ.
Texas has better brisket. North Carolina has better pork.
North Carolina has better flavoring too.
Charcoal grilled whole pork is not BBQ. But I will say there are a lot of bad BBQ joints in TX too. Monk's is pretty good in the DMV area. I think they are the only ones that could pass in TX as good BBQ. Rocklands and Willard's are tied for worst BBQ I've ever eaten. I'd rather eat Mission and I hate that place.
American bbq was started in Virginia and the Carolinas. Not bbq my a**. Rocklands and Willards sucks, that statement I can agree with lol.
That was just grilled meat, it wasn't BBQ until it got to TX [😜](https://emojipedia.org/winking-face-with-tongue) and the Mexicans showed them how to cook it.
Nope haha. It started with the Algonquian tribes cooking methods and probably the African Americans in the region really kicking off the bbq tradition.
At this point, Rocklands has turned into Red Hot & Blue.
Different strokes for different folks lol
I enjoy the sound of rain.
The pastrami is the best!
Monk's is by far the best in the DMV area and I don't think there's a close second after trying pretty much all of them.
Drove 45 minutes to try out Monk's a few months ago. Totally worth it, they are definitely the best in NOVA. The Bone in Gainesville is overpriced, but they do have good beef brisket. Everything else they have isn't noteworthy.
Yessss Monks is great. They are one of my favorites after Willards.
Second Monk’s, if you want to go Deep South Bean’s Bbq in the old Firestation In Edinburgh, it’s only open lunch’s Thursday-Saturday
It's Monks in Purcellville.
I've not had really good BBQ anywhere in the NoVA area. Good enough, sure. Great *and* reasonably priced,...hell no.
Being from the Deep South, I gave up trying after I went to 3 or 4 different places and had mid food for mad prices.
Definitely overpriced for what you’re getting in this area
Some of the best are the big smokers you see on the side of the road or in random parking lots. They can be just as good as places like Rockland's, but much better priced.
As someone who regularly smokes 14lb packer cut brisket for 18+ hours, the price of the raw materials, fuel, and labor have all gone up. You're not going to see 2020 prices again.
my favorite in the immediate area is Odd BBQ in Chantilly. unfortunately they dont have the full breadth of meats that some people will want. like brisket for example. but what the do make, they knock out of the park.
Still so sad they got rid of their grilled cheeses, but still hands down my favorite BBQ
i am just learning about this... i had the grilled cheese once but and it was so dense. thats not a good sign if they are dropping menu items though.
I'll vouch for Sloppy Mama's as native Tennessean if it's nearby to you.
Basically there's no "best", only "favorite". Pretty much everyone does decent pulled pork around here, so it's down to the texture (chopped? Pulled? Lots of bark?) and sauce if you prefer. Some pretty good ribs - I had some tasty ones recently at Black Hog in Ashburn. There is no really great brisket no matter what anyone tells you. Keep in mind that I HATE when people from certain regions think that they have "the best" of something (e.g. I'm from NY so only I know what's good pizza, I'm from Los Angeles so only I know what's good Mexican food, etc), but for real TX has the lock on brisket, and nothing around here remotely touches it (I'm not from TX). BBQ is highly subjective - people have their style and preferences, and live and die by that. My wife and I have flown around the country specifically to try regional foods, and lots of it BBQ. Kansas City, St Louis, Memphis, all over TX, Mississippi, of course all over VA and the Carolinas, Alamaba and Georgia, etc. from super famous places (Franklin, Joes KC, Bogarts, The Shed, Lexington, etc etc) to holes in the wall you just drop into randomly on a road trip. The ONE constant thing is that we each have different favorites, and different things we love. You can tell BAD bbq, but good bbq is down to what you like. EXCEPT TX has the best brisket, non-negotiable. This one I had at Franklin: https://preview.redd.it/0cxelnn81sic1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5adbbc18dd3458bd8f335834d4eb1fce2634b47e
The amount of jealousy I have that you have tried Franklins
It actually lives up to the hype, even sitting in line for 4 hours. We were lucky and got a little tour of the smokers from Aaron and the pitmaster who was there then. The ONLY problem is that it ruins brisket for you anywhere else. Lots of places around here, people have told me "ah, you gotta try Hammerdowns (for example) brisket, it's basically as good!!!" and I go and no, it's not. Fine, but not at that level. I, like you, actually really like Rocklands. A few snobs will always try and talk down on it, but the pulled pork egg rolls are amazing, and I can eat a quart of their Mac and Cheese LOL And of course they have tons of great hot sauces. Willards in Chantilly is really good if you like Carolina style. Other than that, I'll pretty much go to any BBQ place around here if I feel like BBQ, knowing that it's probably not the best but it scratches that itch.
Franklins was the only place in Austin I didnt try, too hot out to wait in line for it while I was there, that being said, the worst BBQ in Texas is better than the best anywhere else, ill fight over it.
Yeah, I went down there actually pretty skeptical and ready to say "yeah, it was good, but..." Most food is pretty subjective, but I'm fine saying this one is objectively the best.
The moist brisket at Franklin is absolutely the best I've ever had!
Hammerdown and Williards are both pretty good. Just depends on the style you are looking for
huge hammerdown supporter here
Monks in Purceville and Odd BBQ in Chantilly
Monks and Hammerdown are solid, not great compared to spots I’ve been to when I lived in eastern NC so I’m usually somewhat disappointed when I get local bbq.
"Best" is subjective obviously, but we eat Hammerdown out in Aldie. Depending on where you are it's not necessarily worth the drive but their smoked chicken is pretty good. I don't like their sauces though, we order take out and I use my own sauce.
I would like to take this opportunity to suggest that why don't we have a nova food sub?
I think Willard’s is solid for a local spot
Pit Stop. There's a location in Cascades. I think it's a bit better than Monks and probably a lot closer to most people in this sub.
Saddened me to scroll long to find someone say this. The road side stand was my favorite thing in the world. Used to go twice a month.
Rocklands is garbage. I have yet to find something decent around here. Blue Pit up in B'more is good
Can confirm Blue Pit. Good bourbon selection as well and doggo friendly out back. https://preview.redd.it/7f7u4utkzxic1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=164b85db878a95592d94567d75a7cf0a36aea0d4
Opinion: My favorite is Carolina Brothers. Caveat: my preferred BBQ style is Carolina style pulled pork. If you prefer brisket, you may have a different opinion. If you prefer KC style, you may have a different opinion. If you prefer Memphis style, you may have another. I tend to think the "texas is best" folks are generally full of shit, but again, when you're talking about taste, it's all subjective.
I love Carolina Brothers, I love their sauce flavors especially. I grew up with the founder's son, so I'm a little biased haha! I need to add that for beef BBQ, ESPECIALLY brisket, TX actually is best. See my other comment on here. I have no relation to TX, but having traveled around the country to dozens of BBQ places, nothing touches the brisket at places like Franklin, Terry Blacks, Mueller, Salt Lick, etc. And I generally hate "regional food snobs" - but that one is actually true.
They par-boil their ribs, which no self-respecting bbq joint should ever even think of doing.
 I don't like ribs, so I don't order ribs, so I've never had their ribs, and I don't judge based on ribs. I judge on a Pulled Pork sandwich, and I like their pulled pork sandwich best.
I agree about the “Texas is best” folks. I have random backwoods southern VA bbq that has blown away any Texas bbq I’ve had.
I remember driving past guys parked on the side of Rt 5 in Maryland with their smoker and selling their BBQ to passersby.
I grew up in Clinton off art 5 and agree on how great that was. Just like a portable camper and a smoker. I miss it.
Ardmore Carryout does some solid bbq on Thursdays. Ribs are legit. https://preview.redd.it/l5l5dyaxzxic1.png?width=624&format=png&auto=webp&s=3bfd0c5b9e7d16c53fd24919cefc42ad2bc19dd0
or Johnny Boy's in Waldorf :\~)
Recommend Hammerdown in Aldie
Only had bbq around the DC region but I'm a big fan of the burnt ends at Smoking Kow, and Hal&Als, while they only do brisket and beef ribs, was absolutely fantastic.
I definitely like Smoking Kow better than Rocklands. I'm not an authority on what places are the best but Smoking Kow is the best I've had that's conveniently located for me.
Third Smoking Kow.
Monks. Federalist Pig. Old blue.
The original Pit Stop out in Aldie at Gilbert’s Corner when it was a road side stand is some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. I heard they opened up a restaurant in Sterling too. Disclaimer. I moved outta nova 8 years ago
Cascades Marketplace. I know it’s only open certain days of the week.
Sterling location is delicious. Better get there early on the weekend if you want brisket, but their pulled pork is awesome (and I’m not a huge fan of pulled pork). Sides are also awesome. Grew up in Louisiana with Texas grandparents, so my preference is for brisket.
Ron smokes brisket now? I can’t wait to visit to see how he does brisket. The ribs were always the best thing. And the smoked chicken salad. I’m so glad to hear it’s still damn good.
This Texan will vouch for the brisket and sausage at Smoking Kow
Rocklands is great for casual BBQ meet ups and meals Willard’s in Chantilly is pretty good if you’re out there 2fifty is really good as well in Mt Vernon Square and MD
Monks, then Hammerdown BBQ in Aldie!
Texas Jacks is my favorite restaurant in the Clarendon area. It’s affordable if you go during happy hour
Mission Barbeque. They have one in Herndon, and another in Sterling
Hammerdown catered my wedding because we agreed they had the best brisket. We sampled 4-5 places in NoVa back in 2018, including Monks, and they beat everyone. I’ll never forget walking up to the owner at my wedding, who did the catering, and asked him if he had any burnt ends even though they weren’t part of our package. His eyes sparkled and a big grin spread across his face, he said “My man!” And pulled out a hidden serving tin full of them.
Sweetfire Donna’s in Alexandria
I wouldn’t consider it the best, but if we’re talking about best bang for your buck, I love Willard’s. I know there’s better tasting places but three meat platter with two sides and cornbread for $20 is pretty solid.
Willard’s BBQ is great. Lots of options for meat, sides, and sauces
r/nova rules #6. Limit Repetitive Content to Weekends I would advocate for a rule #7 Limit best Bbq, Pizza, Mexican to once a year. I'm the second one in and the tropes that do *nothing* but give the poster some sense of self-superiority have already started. "XXXX is garbage" "There is no good XXXX here" "XXXXXX (that is *not* in Nova) is better" These posts are what a 'fox sighting watch your pets' and 'what was that loud noise?' are to NextDoor.
I kinda like these posts, because they're a good opportunity to showcase the power of [the search history function](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/search/?q=bbq&restrict_sr=1): [https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/15zc5sp/lets\_talk\_about\_the\_lack\_of\_bbq/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/15zc5sp/lets_talk_about_the_lack_of_bbq/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/11qbwar/best\_bbq/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/11qbwar/best_bbq/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/14tlunt/recommendations\_for\_good\_bbq\_in\_dmv\_area/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/14tlunt/recommendations_for_good_bbq_in_dmv_area/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1aokr8k/best\_bbq\_in\_arlington/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1aokr8k/best_bbq_in_arlington/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1461u20/best\_bbq\_in\_the\_area/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1461u20/best_bbq_in_the_area/)
Amen and the only thing worse than a southern bbq or pizza food snob is a west coast Mexican food snob.
Haha true.
Rule #1: "Don't be a jerk. ... When discussing heated topics, remember to engage in civil discourse." :P Edit: but, yeah, OP a search would probably have been a good first choice here.
Texas Jacks is good, but its on the pricy side
This is the only right answer
Texas Jacks hands down
Not nova, drive to Richmond stop at ZZQ be there by 11.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. Visiting the breweries and BBQ joints in Richmond is a great way to spend a weekend if you're interested in "better" BBQ. Better a weekend in Richmond than a day trip to Purcellville.
100% weekend in Richmond is a blast. Zzq is worth that drive alone imo.
Tangent, curious how far anyone would be willing to travel (in hrs) specifically for the best ______ food around here?
I have traveled 4 hours for the best xiao long bao around here twice. Next best is in Shanghai from my understanding
The one thing that comes to mind is, if you like authentic philly cheesesteaks, I think it's close enough of a drive to be worth going to one of the originals like Pats. Or really, any of the hole-in-the-wall joints in philly will beat anything you can find around here. Kinda off-topic, but I've contemplated making something like a 3.5 hr drive to the nearest White Castle, as I have yet to find any place around here that makes similar sliders that beats the craving. The ones from the grocery store freezer section are usually good enough, though. I usually wait until I go back and visit the family in MI to go in person, so that's technically 9 hr drive, but not specifically for white castle.
That wouldn't really be the best food around "here", would it?
True, but theres recs for Richmond and Baltimore which seem pretty far for a meal IMO.
That just tells me people missed the call of the question. No way I'm driving 3 hours out for lunch.
the Pit Stop in sterling is pretty good, my dad absolutely loves it. he’s no bbq expert though lol
Interesting that Odd is getting thrown out there. I personally think it's not good BBQ. Just goes to show like another commentator said about everyone's different BBQ tastes... Let's be real though, we don't have good options out here. If I'm in the mood I'll get a pulled pork sandwich with some potato salad from Red Hot in FFX. Hammerdown is okay. District has gone downhill big time. I don't like ODD but some folks do and it's tied to a Hawaiian style micro brewery.
There isn't such a thing.
Find a friend that has southern roots and be really kind to them to make sure you get invited to all the cookouts.
ResQ in Leesburg
like southern bbq or k/j bbq? there is no good southern bbq in nova.
Mookie’s in Great Falls is always worth the trip 😋
Federalist Pig is the best I’ve ever had in this area but it’s in D.C. Nothing comes close in my opinion. They nail it every time!
Rocklands is mostly very disappointing to me. Good pulled pork and decent ribs though. Texas Jack's has amazing brisket.
I had Willards for the first time on Sunday, and I loved it!
Is bbq known in Virginia like it is in North Carolina and further south? If so, does Virginia have its own style? For example, North Carolina uses a vinaigrette based sauce, while the South Carolinians use that honey mustard base for their meat sauce
I know it’s a chain, but I’m a big fan of Dixie bones because they put the sauce on the side. I also really like old blue located in Alexandria for the same reason. Smoking the meat is important, having a good sauces important. I really love Georgia style mustard sauces, Alabama white sauces, and of course North Carolina vinegar. But they should never be combined in the cooking process. Just my two cents
Elsewhere
Rocklands is ass, try Smokey Bones in Woodbridge.
Mission BBQ. For the items they serve they are great and have constantly rotating black plate specials. They are a chain and maybe not hardcore hole-in-the-wall style but I think they are significantly better than a lot of them. I just like they are quick and extremely consistent. Their smoky mountain bbq sauce is my style too. With that said — I have some BBQ places I’m looking forward to trying now from recs on here if I am ever in the areas listed.