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Best Barbecue Restaurants in Alexandria

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mystic BBQ & Grill restaurant
1. Mystic BBQ & Grill
4.6
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Alexandria
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 Ruthie's All-Day restaurant
2. Ruthie's All-Day
4.8
Exceptional(3152)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 90 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 Succotash - National Harbor restaurant
3. Succotash - National Harbor
4.5
Awesome(3402)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • National Harbor
Booked 30 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 Famous Dave's - Alexandria restaurant
4. 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.
A photo of GOGI FRIENDS restaurant
5. 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 Smokecraft Modern Barbecue restaurant
6. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
4.4
Awesome(412)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 3 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
7. Texas Jacks Barbecue
4.7
Exceptional(1365)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 16 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 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon restaurant
8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon
4.8
Exceptional(686)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 28 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
9. Gyu San Japanese BBQ
4.8
Exceptional(80)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Arlington
Booked 10 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • joanvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place for a wonderful relaxing meal. Brought friends visiting from Boston for a local hotspot meal! Those apple pancakes are delectable & worth the calorie splurge!
    More info
    Ruthie's All-DayPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
    •
    4.8
  • Susanvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service at Succotash were excellent. The waitstaff went above and beyond to accommodate a guest with special needs. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Also, despite the restaurant being very full and busy, the acoustics were unusually great! You can actually hear conversation and not have to scream over loud music and other people. 5 stars. We will be back!
    More info
    Succotash - National HarborPrice: Moderate• American• National Harbor
    •
    4.5
  • Jerivip
    Baltimore / Maryland •81 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 9, 2024
    We were meeting out of towners and wanted to be able to hear each other. Mystic filled the bill. We did Bruch. Started with the calamari and shrimp. It was delicious but small for a party of 4. Ordered the ribs, good flavor and fell off the bone, shrimp po boy and crab cakes. Got to get a bite of everything and enjoyed it all! Ended with chocolate mousse and bread pudding, yummy.
    More info
    Mystic BBQ & GrillPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Alexandria
    •
    4.6
  • Larryvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 14, 2024
    We had 19 people in our group on a Saturday morning. Everything was perfect, including our server, Maritza. Thank you.
    More info
    Famous Dave's - AlexandriaPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Alexandria
    •
    4.5
  • RobertLvip
    Virginia •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 7, 2024
    It’s a great experience and their all you can eat menu at $32 is such a great value. Wonderful service as always, and really nice drinks!
    More info
    GOGI FRIENDSPrice: Moderate• Korean• Annandale
    •
    4.7

Discover best Barbecue restaurants in Alexandria

Explore the vibrant barbecue dining scene in Alexandria, Virginia, part of the Washington, D.C. suburbs, where the art of BBQ is celebrated with passion and expertise. Here, barbecue enthusiasts can discover a range of restaurants each presenting a unique take on this beloved American cuisine. From the slow-cooked, smoked meats infused with rich, woodsy flavors to the variety of savory sauces and rubs, these establishments offer an authentic taste of barbecue right in the heart of Alexandria. The restaurants pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, ensuring every dish served is both delicious and memorable. The dining atmosphere in these BBQ spots ranges from casual and family-friendly to more sophisticated settings, catering to all preferences. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the barbecue offerings in Alexandria promise a satisfying culinary experience, making it a top destination for food lovers seeking genuine, hearty flavors.

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