Smoking Kow BBQ

Image Credit: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

The newest addition to Alexandria’s barbecue scene, Smoking Kow BBQ in Alexandria’s West End will become your go-to and was already named one of the top 13 barbecue places in the D.C. region. In 2018, owner Dylan Kough (last name pronounced “Kow”) expanded his popular food truck business to include this new brick-and-mortar location, serving up American barbecue tacos, platters and sandwiches, and the Mac ‘N Meat, with Dylan’s signature meats served over mac ‘n cheese. Don’t skimp on the sides, including cheesy jalapeno grits and classics like homemade barbecue beans.

Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbecue

Image Credit: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbecue in Old Town is one of the hottest BBQ joints in the region, receiving high praise from The Washington Post, Zagat and Washingtonian among others, including national attention from USA Today. The restaurant comes from world BBQ champion and celebrity pitmaster Myron Mixon. His award-winning barbeque, made with his competition rubs and sauces on barbecue classics, is served in a lively atmosphere. The menu has everything a BBQ-lover needs, from sandwich and plate combinations to ribs and chicken, endless sides and appetizers and special family offerings.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

Image Credit: S. Hauser for VTC

Consistently named one of the best BBQ spots in the D.C. region by Washington City Paper, Rocklands BBQ has been an Alexandria institution and local favorite for almost 30 years, serving real wood-smoked barbecue with fresh, local ingredients. Located in Alexandria’s West End neighborhood, Rocklands serves up BBQ every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their salads and sides are heavenly and the meat is fall-off-the-bone good, all in a casual space that’s perfect for groups.

Sweet Fire Donna’s

Image Credit: S. Stanton for Visit Alexandria

Sweet Fire Donna’s is a hidden gem in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, with BBQ sauce so good you’ll definitely want to buy a bottle before you leave. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and some barbecue with friends, sit outside or catch the big game at the bar inside. Insider tip: be sure to check out their Facebook page before you go to earn the free side of the day.

Pork Barrel BBQ

Pork Barrel BBQ is the go-to barbecue spot in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, known for their slow-smoked meats, sides and dry spice rubs all made in-house. Ribs are half-priced on Tuesdays, and you can get a full barbecue lunch for under $10 with their Bartender’s Lunch Bucket Special, plus happy hour specials on pulled pork sandwiches, sliders and nachos five days a week.

Even More Restaurants With BBQ

Image Credit: Chadwicks

Beyond the classic barbecue joints in Alexandria, there are also a number of delectable dining options with barbecue on the menu. Check out these restaurants for even more BBQ dishes in Alexandria:

• Chadwicks: Share the wings or try the ribs with slaw.
• Jackson 20: Try the slow cooked beef brisket with mustard BBQ sauce.
• Southside 815: Featuring New Orleans BBQ shrimp and spare ribs.
• Northside 10: Local favorites include the braised short ribs or the Carolina pulled-pork sandwich.
• T.J. Stone’s Grill House & Tap Room: Don’t miss out on the pulled pork with Carolina BBQ sauce.
• Ramparts Tavern & Grill: Must-try dishes include the BBQ pork nachos.

For more information on restaurants in Alexandria, click here.

Header Image Credit: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria