Hill Country

Where:410 7th St NW
Why: Hill Country lives to keep their long running bbq traditions intact and in-check. So much so, that half of their products are shipped directly from the Lone Star state just so you can experience the greatness that is their traditional dry pork rub. They also deliver (which is HUGE for those of us stuck in an office for lunch). Don’t want to stick to one thing? NO PROBLEM COWBOY. Hill Country’s dine-in menu works like one of the old “meat-markets-turned-barbecue-joints” from back in the day (the same ones they pride themselves on emulating). Instead of the usual sit down meal, you buy a “Meal Ticket” and build the best plate you can, in servings that are as big as the flavors. (Photo courtesy of hillcountrybarbecuemarketdc.com)

_________________________

DCity Smokehouse

Where:8 Florida Ave NW
Why: They pride themselves on being a smokehouse with a “traditional bbq taste in an unconventional setting.” Not unlike Hill Country, DCity Smokehouse takes the southern-style of bbq to new levels (while also doing delivery) and taking daily care in each and every slice served. The difference is in their culinarily creative sandwiches: it’s not just the usual pulled pork on a bun with some slaw (although they do make a red chili coleslaw that may change your life, featured in their menu photo above of the OG Pulled Pork Sandwich), it’s expertly crafted concoctions by the Pit Master himself. And if you’d rather build your own sandwich, that’s cool too. You can order their meat by the pound, complete with all the bread and sides you want.

_________________________

Garden District

Where:1801 14th St NW
Why: It’s a memory of classic beer gardens plus a celebration of old-school backyard barbecues. Garden District is an outdoor restaurant run by New England natives who find the “mild” weather of DC to be the perfect backdrop for their place. Open year round and perfect for a neighborhood gathering, these guys only close for bad weather or when they run out of bbq. And, judging by the reviews, it’s safe to say that the latter is more likely. They are constantly rated in the top tiers of either “Best Beer Gardens” or “Best BBQ” in the NATION. (Photo courtesy of foursquare.com)

_________________________

Rocklands BBQ

Where:2418 Wisconsin Ave NW, but for you lazy folks who live on the outskirts: fear not! They also have locations in Alexandria, Arlington, and Rockville.
Why: Not just because they’re constantly ranked “Best Of” in the Washington City Paper, but because they are one of the only “wood-only bbq” places around who serve a local brand of bbq seasoning. The owner is a born and bred Virginia native who’s life dream was to bring his award winning flavor to the masses. And he did! You can buy a jar of his famous original barbecue sauce or a bottle of his “Global Warming” hot sauce. This place also gets some serious bonus points for their equally delicious food truck that roams the DC lunch scene. (Photo courtesy of rocklands.com)

_________________________

Hogs on the Hill

Where:2003 Bladensburg Road
Why: This unassuming hole in the wall is one of the most underrated places to eat in the district. No sit down and barely enough space to house a full lunch line, Hogs is a little smoke shack that has allotted 90% of it’s square footage to the food they produce. That’s dedication. Choose from classic sides of collard greens, mac and cheese, or home made corn bread to go with your platter of either pulled pork, ribs, or chicken and top it all off with their original or spicy sauces. (Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com)

_________________________