Top 5 Barbecue Best Bets in Washington, DC

Seems like everyone has an opinion when it comes to barbecue. Some like their barbecue hot, tangy and wet. Others prefer their barbecue dry rubbed or, maybe, slathered in cole slaw. Some like pork barbecue while others prefer beef or chicken barbecue on the grill. North Carolina-style barbecue puts vinegar center stage. With Texas-style barbecue it's all about the beef and brisket. In Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, the down-home barbecue is sweeter than most. Californians love their Santa Rosa barbecue. Barbecue, wherever you find it, has strong roots in the community where it's made and enjoyed. Each region brings to its barbecue a unique flavor.

I believe that Virginia-style barbecue is among the best around, but maybe that's because I'm a big fan of Hank's Smokehouse and the dry rub Hank's puts on its ribs. Hank's Smokehouse is a popular place to go for barbecue in the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley. Hank's hot sauce selection alone is worth a drive to the Old Dominion. After a visit to Hank's, my family stocks up on Hank's signature barbecue, sauces and rubs, keeping us well-supplied until our next visit to the Harrisonburg, Virginia area.

Barbecue is not unique to the United States. Korean-style barbecue is usually prepared at the table, on a gas grill or outside on charcoal. Marinaded short ribs are typical of Korean-style barbecue and can't be beat. Mongolian-style barbecue is a little different, more of a stir fry buffet of meats, vegetables, fish and sauces. Both Korean and Mongolian styles of barbecue are readily available in District of Columbia eateries.

No need to leave Washington, DC to satisfy your craving for barbecue. From Hogs on the Hill (Bladensburg Road) and Red Line Grill (4^th Street) in Northeast Washington to Old Glory (M Street) and Rocklands (Wisconsin Avenue) in the Northwest quadrant, you'll find great barbecue and good eats at everyday prices in the District of Columbia. Each barbecue joint has its charms and that's probably why Safeway hosts a National Capital Barbecue Battle each year in Washington, DC. If I had to choose my personal favorite, Rocklands' beats the others by a mile. There's something magical about barbecue that's cooked over a wood fire. I also like Rocklands' side dishes, especially the greens and corn bread. Order ahead and you can pick up Rocklands' barbecue for dinner tonight.

Where to start? Check out these Top 5 Barbecue Best Bets in Washington, DC. Truly, where there's smoke, there's fire in these great, barbecue restaurants and grilles in the Nation's Capital.

1. Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company
www.rocklands.com
2418 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: (202) 333-2558

If you haven't tried barbecue from Rocklands, you're really missing out. Rocklands not only has great barbecue, but excellent side dishes as well. Looking for corn bread hot off the grill? Greens that light up your dinner plate? Great barbecued meat, fish and poultry just around the corner in Washington, DC. Since 1990, Rocklands has been offering high quality, wood-fired barbecue to thousands of happy customers, including the White House.

2. Capital Q
www.capitalqbbq.com
707 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 347-8396

Capital Q offers "authentic Texas Barbecue in the Nation's Capital." Check out the Q's fresh, cooked meats and homemade sides. The brisket is slow smoked for 12 hours, resulting in a flavorful dish. Smoked chicken will knock you out. The pork spareribs are pretty generous eats. Check out the barbecue at Capital Q and you'll find it's well worth the trip downtown.

3. Old Glory American Bar-B-Que
www.oldglorybbq.com
3139 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: (202) 337-3406

Old Glory offers all-American, award-winning barbecue in the heart of historic Georgetown. Try the pulled pork, to die for. Old Glory is a great place to bring the family. Always something going on, along with great, worth-the-wait, barbecue. Check out Old Glory, on Facebook and Twitter, too.

4. Kenny's Smokehouse
732 Maryland Ave NE (between N 7th St & N 8th St), Washington, DC 20002
Telephone: (202) 547-4553

Kenny's Smokehouse is a must-visit joint on Capital Hill. Kenny's rocks with delicious sweet potatoes, cornbread and collard greens. Try the well-prepared pulled pork or smokehouse combo. BBQ ribs are super seasoned, and worth the trip to this DC institution.

5. Henry's Soul Cafe
henryssoulcafe.com
317 K Street, (4th & K) NW, Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 265-3336

Oxen Hill's Henry's Soul Café now has a downtown DC location. Down home, DC cooking at its finest. Home of great barbecue, local hospitality and sweet potato pie. If you're looking for barbecue chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and more, this is DC institution and restaurant you don't want to miss.

DC Barbecue Honorable Mentions

Tony Cheng
www.tonychengrestaurant.com
619 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: (202) 371-8669

For barbecue lobster, fish, crab, chicken, pork and beef, look no further than Tony Cheng's whose Mongolian barbecue can't be beat. Great prices, great food. A great spot to meet friends or bring the family.

The Rib Pit Inc
3903 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20011
Telephone: (202) 829-9747

Located in the Petworth section of the District, The Rib Pit serves up pulled pork and pork barbecue that's easy on the palette and pocketbook. Local barbecue joint, well worth checking out. Just the basics here, but DC cuisine at its finest.

King Barbecue of Union Station DC
www.unionstationevents.com
50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC
Telephone: (202) 898-9388

Waiting for the train? Meeting up with pals for lunch? Looking for grilled shrimp or chicken? Check out King Barbecue, part of Union Station's array of dining options in its food court. No pulled pork here, but a surefire vendor at Union Station.

BARBECUE RESOURCES AND RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Best Restaurants in DC
www.washingtonian.com/sections/restaurants

Safeway's National Capital Barbecue Battle
www.bbqdc.com

All About Barbecue
www.barbecuen.com

Auntie Heather's House of Barbecue
www.ahhbbq.com