Best Barbecue Restaurants in McLean

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's Corner restaurant

1. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's Corner

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Vienna

Booked 6 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.

A photo of Smokecraft Modern Barbecue restaurant

2. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

4.4

Awesome(411)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 7 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

3. Texas Jacks Barbecue

4.7

Exceptional(1364)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 23 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.

4. Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

Exceptional(3148)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 129 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

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

4.8

Exceptional(684)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 38 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

6. Gyu San Japanese BBQ

4.8

Exceptional(80)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Arlington

Booked 20 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.

7. 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.

A photo of Famous Dave's - Oakton restaurant

8. Famous Dave's - Oakton

4.4

Awesome(6)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • Fairfax

Famous Dave's in Oakton, Fairfax, is the epitome of authentic American BBQ, delighting diners with its live-wood smoked meats and a custom blend of spices that tantalize the palate. A standout in northern Virginia, this restaurant prides itself on sourcing the highest quality meats, meticulously hand-rubbed and slow-cooked to perfection. Patrons rave about the "mouthwatering experiences" and highlight dishes like the "super unique and amazing jalapeño mac and cheese" alongside the "perfectly cooked ribs" that boast the ideal smoke flavor. With glowing testimonials about both the food and the exceptional service, especially noting servers like Bob who provides "top tier service," Famous Dave's offers an unforgettable American dining experience that keeps guests coming back.

‘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

L
Leonardovip
Washington, D.C. Area •148 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 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
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4.7
C
Charlesvip
San Francisco Bay Area •145 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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!
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Ruthie's All-DayPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
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4.8
A
Anny
Washington, D.C. Area •71 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
I can actually taste differences between cuts of meats. And just the right portions. Great service - Japanese style that is professional and respectful. When was the last time you had a server squat down to take your orders so you don’t have to look up to them? Small things matter. And gyukaku is perfect!
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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | ClarendonPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Arlington
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4.8
A
Aaron
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 8, 2024
Excellent food. Brisket eggrolls were impressively crispy. The smoked turkey was the most tender bbq-style turkey I have ever had. I've only ever had deli-sliced turkey or carved turkey on Thanksgiving, but the turkey at Smokecraft was entirely unique in texture, flavor, and moisture (not dry).
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Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
•
4.4
J
jennifer
Washington, D.C. Area •33 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
Our server was amazing. She anticipated our needs ahead of time, had a genuinely cheerful attitude, checked on us at good intervals, and got all of the orders correct. One of the best waitresses there. Thank you!! Football games galore around the restaurant. A relaxing great time had by the whole family.
More info
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's CornerPrice: Moderate• American• Vienna
•
4.3

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Tyson's Corner

2. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

3. Texas Jacks Barbecue

4. Ruthie's All-Day

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

6. Gyu San Japanese BBQ

7. GOGI FRIENDS

8. Famous Dave's - Oakton

See what locals rave about

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