Rankings extended to top 11 in 2018, best D.C. barbecue list notes local scene in flux
The Washington Post has its “Best D.C. Barbecue Joints” list out for 2018. Some surprises are certainly in store for die-hard D.C.-area barbecue fans and followers. Hill Country Barbecue dropped in its ranking this time to 4th; in fact, the review is not so pleasant, but provides room for improvement for the well-respected local icon in next year’s evaluation. There are also newcomers to the list and notable ranking improvements. The ratings and assessments were helped by the barbecue editor of Texas Monthly, a well-versed barbecue expert and aficionado in his own right,
DCity Smokehouse moved up the list to number 8 from a previous ranking of 10th. Two years after its headmaster left, the barbecue place is on the right track and pleasing fans with a pulled pork that is nearly top-rated in the area. Pitmaster Shawn McWhirter has taken on the role with conviction and artful technique. Also, the Best D.C. Barbecue List was extended to include HammerDown Barbecue, ranked 11th, from Aldie, Va. The brisket there is described as “succulent and stinging with black peppercorns.”
New additions also include Rolling Rib, Part II, from Upper Marlboro, ranked 7th, and Liberty Barbecue in Falls Church, Va., ranked 5th. “Smoky and succulent” is what The Post uses to describe Rolling Rib’s spare ribs and pulled pork. The Liberty Tavern Group, owners of the Lyon Hall in Arlington, Va. and Northside Social restaurants in Falls Church and Arlington, delivered an impressive introduction of their expertise to the community when they replaced Famous Dave’s along West Broad Street with Liberty Barbecue. The young hickory leads to a deep smokiness of the meats, and the eatery receives a notable mention for the fine-dining heritage.
To see the full list of Best D.C. Barbecue Joint rankings for 2018 and the top-ranked restaurant from Arlington, Va., check out the Washington Post article by clicking here.
Photo credit: Liberty Barbecue (top), DCity Smokehouse (inline photo)
DCity Smokehouse, 203 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20001
Rolling Rib, Part II, 9423 Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772
Liberty Barbecue, 370 West Broad Street, Falls Church, Va. 22046
HammerDown Barbecue, 41153 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Va. 20105