BBQ Ribs - Where to eat

540834 BBQ Ribs - Where to eat Mon Jul 21 09:56:38 -0700 2008 145 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 3887803 Where are the best bbq ribs in the Washington D.C./Baltimore area??? Wanting to continue and update a conversation from earlier this year that had a lot of good traction and a number of good suggestions. I’m always looking for the next great hole-in-the wall or best kept neighborhood secret. Since we last talked - here is my updated list of where I have been. Same qualifications as before - ribs first, followed by other items (sandwiches, brisket, etc). I prefer to try my ribs dry to get real feel for the quality and taste of the meat and then add sauce later. A good sauce is always best with white bread. Also, good side items do not make up for bad meat. FYI: not afraid to travel. can come from a shack, questionable neighborhoods, or top quality restaurant - but no national chains (famous daves, etc) I only care if it is good. ------ The Best------- Alabama BBQ - I had high expectations because of the name of the place, put down an entire rack (which is rare these days), and ate a sandwich. Spoke to the owner/cook for quite a bit of time - he knows his stuff. I highly recommend. Andy Nelsons – Meat is tender, falls off the bone with ease. Get them dry, great rub KBQ BBQ - Great sides, great smoky taste, tender. Very affordable. Possibly second best Smokey Hollow – one of the best, unfortunately now closed ------ Will Recommend ------- Williads Real Pit BBQ - very consistent; you know what you are going to get - never great, never bad, but always good... This place would benefit tremendously by upgrading the quality of their meat. great sauces - especially for dipping bread. Rocklands - hit or miss, I have had a great cut, I've had a not-so great cut. Love the Mac N Cheese (and as a bbq purist - that says a lot about the Mac N Cheese). Klobys BBQ – meat was very tender Johnny Boys Carryout - a little salty, but the sweet sauce was pretty good Rib Pit - If you like smoky meat - this is your place. A little dry, but not enough to complain about it. Other than smoke though, not much flavor other than that. Bonus points because the cook took his time and hand picked out a rack - throwing out ribs that were not up to his standards. Pretty nice, considering most places just pick up a rack and give you half, regardless of whether it was cooked well, was meaty, or not. Dixiebones - I had high expectations for this place -- they were not met. Decent food, nothing special. ------ Never Again ------- Old Glory – not very good Capitol Q - not very good Johnny Mac Ribs - not smoked, to much fat, no taste Randy’s Ribs – inedible - the only bbq i have not been able to finish because I didn't like the taste in my mouth. ------ need to try ------- The Original Johnny Boys (not affiliated to Johnny Boys Carryout) Might Midget Kitchen (Must order in advance) Allmans BBQ Virginia BBQ Big Bad Wolfe Urban BBQ Here is the link last conversation: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/446586. Please let me know if I should take anything off of my to try list or add anything new. Mon Jul 21 09:56:40 -0700 2008 131368 dorf 1 3887863 My most recent find was is Mr P's Ribs, located in a converted school bus, in the Safeway Shopping Center @ Rhode Island NE. They are only there on Friday-Sunday. If they have a storefront/restaurant, I think it's in MD. In terms of BBQ generally - Capital Q is the closest DC comes to Texas - and it's bad rip-off of Rudy's - don't recommend travelling for this one. - Dixie Bones - Great if you're @ Potomac Mills, but I wouldn't drive for this either. - Old Glory - not a destintation place by any means. - Texas Rib Kings - In Clinton, MD - This is an office favorite, but i'd go with Red Hot and Blue before TRK. Good value and a decent Pork Ribs with Sauce, but that's pork and sauce != Texas. - The 2008 Nat'l pork championship - very underwhelming. Maybe I got sold on the idea of bbq fests because of Food Network, but I recall at most 4 of the 50+ competitors who had food for sale. I stood in line for booth with the most trophies. Half a rack of Ribs - ~13 Admission - 10 Time in line - 58 minutes Wasn't worth it. Mon Jul 21 10:12:18 -0700 2008 3887803 123581 WestIndianArchie 2 3888232 corner stable Mon Jul 21 11:44:53 -0700 2008 3887863 94470 elegantelliot 3 4071594 Totally Corner Stable all the way! Tue Sep 30 04:08:19 -0700 2008 3888232 224881 WhatsToEatBaltimore 4 4071678 I can't stand that place. Not only are they par-boiled and not smoked, but the gloppy sauce makes them taste more like meat candy than good ribs. Tue Sep 30 05:23:38 -0700 2008 4071594 11273 JonParker 1 3888396 Definitely go to Dale's BBQ - All the way down Route 210 (Indian Head Highway). Dale's is a red cinder block building on the northbound side of the highway. Almost down to the end of Rt. 210 at the naval lab. Excellent pork ribs - pit smoked and dry rubbed. A beautiful pink "smoke ring" everytime I've been. Sauce on the side is ok, but of course, the real show's the meat. Dale's BBQ has a pleasant small dining room with about six tables. BBQ in Charles County, MD, is the real deal... Mon Jul 21 12:29:10 -0700 2008 3887803 131933 MDBBQFiend 2 3950031 I have tried Dale's, and it's not bad at all, but my favorite remains Sonny's at 29144 Thompson Corner Rd. in Mechanicsville (that's MD), just SW of Route 5. Sonny's is a tumble down shack with a stack of wood and smoker in the front and a nice old feller (named "Sonny") siting inside in his white undershirt. The meat falls off the bone and each of the sauces (mild and hot) do their job according to how you prefer. Another good one is Flavors of the South, in Huntington (I believe) just off 2-4 to the right as you head towards Solomon's. Sonny's, however, is the real-deal experience with (IMHO) the best ribs around these here parts. Tue Aug 12 08:29:01 -0700 2008 3888396 11045 Bonz 1 3888548 Has anyone tried Kenny's BBQ (Maryland Avenue near the capitol) and Hogs on the Hill (New York Avenue)? Mon Jul 21 13:10:40 -0700 2008 3887803 131368 dorf 2 3890268 I'd rate Kennys and Hogs as better than Red Hot & Blue or Rocklands (certainly more consistent) but not worth going out of your way for. KBQ I go out of the way for. Tue Jul 22 03:06:31 -0700 2008 3888548 12359 monkeyrotica 1 3889538 After eating at Rockland's in Arlington, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, not even someone I disliked, truly awful tasting. The sauce is just not good, the cole slaw is worse, the best thing there is the red beans and rice. I think Dixie Bones has much better ribs than Rocklands. But neither are my favorite. I miss Mighty Midgets in their former location. You should try Urban BBQ. Still need to get to Willards. I have lately been saving up my BBQ expectations for our beach trip and that Southern drive. Oh and I have friends who now have a huge smoker, and they were already great cooks, but now when they call to get help shredding, I am there. If you like NC style you should add Carolina Brothers. Mon Jul 21 18:17:10 -0700 2008 3887803 92426 ktmoomau 2 3889730 If you go through Petersburg, stop off and tour around. If you see a guy sitting with a smoker in a parking lot you're there. Mon Jul 21 19:18:33 -0700 2008 3889538 11368 Dennis S 3 3894131 where is Petersburg? maryland? virginia? Wed Jul 23 08:33:51 -0700 2008 3889730 131368 dorf 4 3894709 Well there is one in West Virginia, as well, but Dennis S means, Petersburg, VA which is down in Virginia on the way that people travel to the beach normally. Wed Jul 23 11:49:57 -0700 2008 3894131 92426 ktmoomau 5 3897122 Yep, Petersburg VA. Thu Jul 24 07:43:26 -0700 2008 3894709 11368 Dennis S 6 3899838 about how far is it from D.C.? Thu Jul 24 22:34:44 -0700 2008 3897122 131368 dorf 7 3900065 Petersburg is just north of Richmond...figure on around 3 hours more or less depending on traffic etc... Fri Jul 25 04:32:56 -0700 2008 3899838 11562 Hue 7 3900069 30-40 minutes past Richmond - so around 3 hours? I can't guarantee that the man with the smoker would be out there (or for that matter that there wouldn't be more men with smokers), but there are some good BBQ and soul food joints along Washington. As that road goes further West, there are some more established places. I've eaten at the one with the indoor dining and it was okay, but not worth a 3 hour drive (I think this is Little Pig). Hopefully we'll be passing through again in a week and I can try another one. Since I'll be with the fam, it'll probably be the BBQ place on the west side with outdoor seating (I think this is King's). If I do I'll post back with updated info and place names. Fri Jul 25 04:35:33 -0700 2008 3899838 11368 Dennis S 8 3905506 Well if you're going by Richmond - you might as well stop off for THE BEST bbq in our (surrounding) area. Buzz 'n Neds right off the exit for the Boulevard off 95S (2 hours south of D.C.) This place is the real deal, we bring bag quarts of pulled pork to get us through up here + the ribs are excellent too. Trust me. Sun Jul 27 10:01:03 -0700 2008 3900069 139101 beauxgoris 9 3905850 http://www.buzandneds.com/ Sun Jul 27 13:18:22 -0700 2008 3905506 13879 RobertM 8 5074221 King's Barbecue in Petersburg, VA at 3221 W Washington St (west side of town & like the old place) is the Best I've had in my life. Love them better then the other King's on Crater (east side of town). I buy the sauce by the gallon to take home (best to call ahead to see that they have this size ready or you will have to take the small bottles) Yes I know I'm hung up on this place as my dad took me as a small fry and I recall him getting sauce in Coke bottles with a cork in the top. So I guess I was raised on this stuff and it is coursing through my blood. Now for the other side look at andy: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/136899 Fri Oct 02 06:46:41 -0700 2009 3900069 1113353 Smokeater55 9 5074233 Thanks for letting us know. Looks like I will have to lay siege to this place one day! Fri Oct 02 06:51:20 -0700 2009 5074221 10156 Steve 2 4971964 Tried Carolina Brothers the other day for the first time. The pulled pork sandwich was spot on. The ribs seemd a little overdone, a bit greasy (not as bad as Rocklands), but were tasty. The potato salad had way too much pickle juice in it, completely overpowering. The mac and cheese and beans were nice and the coleslaw has light and crunchy. Overall, was a good experience. We'll see how they do on the second trip.... Mon Aug 24 06:16:36 -0700 2009 3889538 293813 Truck403 1 3890189 "located in a converted school bus, in the Safeway Shopping Center @ Rhode Island NE" - WIA "a guy sitting with a smoker in a parking lot" - DS both mighty high praises in my book. Tue Jul 22 00:07:48 -0700 2008 3887803 163722 hill food 2 3890602 Zooming in on the map, I'm pretty sure the guy with the smoker is along Washington Street. There's plenty of good eats along there, including fried chicken and general soul food. Tue Jul 22 07:03:58 -0700 2008 3890189 11368 Dennis S 1 3901429 I like Adam's Ribs in Edgewater, although the last time I was there it wasn't as great as previous trips. Fri Jul 25 11:50:59 -0700 2008 3887803 132385 reiflame 1 3903317 Dorf, Thanks for your list. I've only been to a couple of the places you've listed, and agree with your judgment on those. Where, please, do you rate Red Hot & Blue dry-rub ribs? Cheers Sat Jul 26 08:10:56 -0700 2008 3887803 159948 Potomac Bob 2 3912703 Bob, I've only had Red Hot & Blue's pulled pork sandwhich, and only their buffet style for catering and such. Red Hot and Blue is ok in general, but I pass a number of better places on the way to Red Hot and Blue. It is on my list to try? Have you had them? What do you think? www.beltwaybbq.com Tue Jul 29 15:48:01 -0700 2008 3903317 131368 dorf 3 3939931 I've had both the pulled pork and both wet and dry pork ribs. I didn't care for the pulled pork and thought the wet ribs were okay. I did like the dry-rub pork ribs, but have found them inconsistently prepared. Sometimes they're nice and moist, other times they're too dry. I've rarely found pulled pork I thought was done well - usually too dry to suit me. And I don't like them moistened with a lot of sauce. The meat itself needs to be moist. I've generally found that at the barbecue joints where I've eaten it's easier to get moist ribs than it is to get moist pulled pork. Thu Aug 07 21:40:10 -0700 2008 3912703 159948 Potomac Bob 4 3943032 I thought the original Red Hot and Blue on Wilson Blvd. in Arlington did a decent job with their pulled pork on the freshness and moistness scale. Haven't been to that location in quite some time, but their other locations are very hit and miss on their pulled pork. Sat Aug 09 07:58:51 -0700 2008 3939931 75131 EatOrGoToYourRoom 2 4867431 The texture on the dry-rub ribs I tried was fall-off-the-bone tender, though perhaps a bit dry around the edges. But the flavoring was ridiculous! It looked like they had just smoked them naked and dumped a bunch of chili powder on them afterwards. Not cool. Their bbq sauce is hardly more than ketchup and the sides are bland to the point of tastelessness. I'm never going there again. Fri Jul 17 09:50:12 -0700 2009 3903317 102571 mordacity 1 3904031 I would vote for the Corner Stable in Timonium MD. Get the basket with fries and baby back ribs and you won't be sorry. Sat Jul 26 14:10:06 -0700 2008 3887803 166851 Suemelk 1 3905155 I need to know where Alabama BBQ is located. I have been to most of the spots listed and totally agree with the never again list!!!! Sleepy Hallow I found to be iffy though. went twice, never impressed. And the Rib PIt in DC all depends on who is behind the counter just as you expressed. Thanks for the info Sun Jul 27 07:04:17 -0700 2008 3887803 13879 RobertM 2 3905170 Alabama BBQ is in NE Baltimore City on Harford Road, a few miles inside the I-695 Beltway. Street parking may be tough but you can park in the nearby Safeway lot safely. Have only eaten there for lunch but really enjoyed it. Try the chicken with the "Alabama" sauce for something different. The chef-owner really knows his stuff. Sun Jul 27 07:12:30 -0700 2008 3905155 47574 bordeauxfan 3 3912718 Robert - you really won't feel regret making it over to Alabama BBQ. It is awesome. I seriously put down a full rack of ribs and pulled pork sandwhich, while sampling the white chicken sauce. www.beltwaybbq.com Tue Jul 29 15:50:57 -0700 2008 3905170 131368 dorf 1 3905983 This summer I have had ribs twice from the Amish Market in Upper Marlboro (Thursday-Sat). It's take out but very good. Also try the turkey leg. YES. And the cheesecake, the fresh cheese and the cake made by the cheesecake vendor...and the lemonade by the fruit vendor...Just take a few hours and check it out. Sun Jul 27 14:23:38 -0700 2008 3887803 213517 2cooks5eaters 1 3905993 Try the Amish Market in Upper Marlboro for tasty ribs (and turkey legs!) They are only open Th-Sat, but you will enjoy the food and the additional vendors. Try the Cheese Vendor for fresh cheese, cheesecake, and they make better cake than the Bakery vendor. The Bakery vendor has great bread and pie. The Fruit Vendor has fresh, sweet summertime lemondade. I like to go and explore the vendors. Go early for the best selections of ribs. Sun Jul 27 14:29:59 -0700 2008 3887803 213517 2cooks5eaters 1 3909942 very underated ribs are the ones at Rio Grande Cafe. They have a garlic based dry rub. I don't defile them by dipping them in the mediocre bbq sauce. Pair them with the grilled Shrimp wrapped in bacon and stuffed with pepper jack cheese and a sliver of jalepeno and then the shrimp is dipped in garlic butter. At that point you are living large also like the ribs at urban bbq for classic ribs and good collard greens and baked beans, plus a great appetizer in the soul roll. Mon Jul 28 19:55:37 -0700 2008 3887803 124764 dining with doc 1 3912671 For the most part, we have ignored chains - really Rocklands (a local DC chain) and virginia bbq are the only chains that we have been to or have planned to. While I personally cant stand Famous Dave's ribs - are there any chains that we should consider trying? www.beltwaybbq.com Tue Jul 29 15:36:57 -0700 2008 3887803 131368 dorf 2 3942016 I know a few of the GAR group does ribs(baby back pork) and I think they're tasty -- moist and tender -- but I can't claim to be a rib expert. I do I know liked them better than the Tony Roma ribs I had in Dallas a couple of years ago. I know Silverado's and Mike's have them, and I would guess that the Sweetwater Taverns do as well but I'm unsure of that. Fri Aug 08 15:31:39 -0700 2008 3912671 50613 weezycom 3 3942030 Humm, are we talking real slab or Saint Louis style ribs, or those baby back, er, Kangaroo ribs here? Fri Aug 08 15:39:38 -0700 2008 3942016 13879 RobertM 4 3942560 The GAR ribs are baby backs, I prefer a real slab, but for baby backs they are often quite good. Fri Aug 08 20:40:29 -0700 2008 3942030 85305 Aza Mila 4 3943351 I know nobody has used the 2 in the same sentence, but I honestly think St. Louis, should file a class action law-suit against Tony Roma's. not total crap, but by no means representative of the cut or the city. (/high horse) Sat Aug 09 11:34:23 -0700 2008 3942030 163722 hill food 5 3946463 "(/high horse)" -- hill food, that's a good one. but defamation suits against famous tony roma's would be very hard to prove ---- unless their treatment of the ribs is with malice ;-) Mon Aug 11 06:13:41 -0700 2008 3943351 105717 alkapal 6 3946528 Hahahahaha Alkapal- reading this after the bar I laughed and sighed at the same time :) Went to Buz n Neds in Richmond, their ribs were very good, nice smoke ring and rub, so good didn't need any sauce. BF wasn't as thrilled with the pulled pork he says it was ok, but dixie bones had better pulled pork (haven't taken him to Willards or Allman's they are on the list). But the ribs were excellent. And I love the cole slaw their I am gonna copy the recipe and put a little minced jalapeno and more vinegar in mine. Hush puppies were also good. Mon Aug 11 06:44:54 -0700 2008 3946463 92426 ktmoomau 7 3946786 ktmoomau, i know you did fine on the bar! relax. hey, have you ever figured out the white bbq sauce at dixie bones? ingredients? it is awesome -- even on the pulled pork (even though it is intended for the smoked chicken....) anyone know of a good smoked chicken place in close-in nova? and in my comment to hillfood, it matters not that tony roma's is famous, but that st. louis is renowned. if it were an average schmo city, defamation might be easier to prove (because no "famous" person high standard of proof --- but then again, no damages because there is no reputation to harm.) see, kt, it all comes flowing back....;-) Mon Aug 11 08:21:05 -0700 2008 3946528 105717 alkapal 1 3914984 I recently had pork ribs from a truck at the DC Farmer's Market (Saturdays in one of the RFK Stadium parking lots.) The spicy sauce was good (homemade), but the ribs were a little charred for my taste. I will try them again though, may have been a one time occurrence. I also had some good beef ribs from a guy with a smoker parked down by the Maine Ave fish market. It was the morning of July 4th and I was picking up a bushel of crabs...I don't know if he's there regularly. They were really good. He sold them dry but offered some store bought BBQ sauce if desired. Wed Jul 30 09:25:46 -0700 2008 3887803 110908 JustinS 1 3943638 Forget Allman's. No, really, forcibly eject it from your mind. You'll thank me later. Rocklands: city-boy faux-barbecue. Dale's - worth it. Anybody on the side of the road along Indian Head Hwy - worth it for the adventure alone, and you may be vastly rewarded. I rather liked Barbecue Country before half their branches burned ... twice. But the original, in a rundown truckstop in Culpeper, is still a "must-visit." I wouldn't drive all that way for the ribs, but Clark Bros, our fave target-shooting range, is right across the street. Sat Aug 09 14:26:21 -0700 2008 3887803 14479 wayne keyser 2 5064084 Wayne, I wished I had read your warning about Allman's. My dad and I were in Ol' Virginny last week, tried Allman's and were terribly disappointed. Absolute dreck. Dry, grey, stringy, tasteless ribs - and such small portions! as the joke goes. But really. Skimpy portions AND bad. We almost wanted to go get a burger afterwards. The service from a ditzy young woman was awful, the prices outrageous. This is an old establishment which needs to decide to close to shop. Wow it sucked! Mon Sep 28 10:02:33 -0700 2009 3943638 215943 EarlyBird 1 3943740 Back on Alabama BBQ: went there last night. I told the owner I didn't want prepared sandwiches or boxed combos because I was feeding the family and wanted to make a sit-down dinner. Wow, before I could follow his movements, in a matter of minutes I had pints of pulled pork and brisket, mac, slaw, and a bag of rolls. Then he threw in a smoked chicken sandwich and sodas for my kids for free that someone inadvertently ordered and didn't want. All of it was fantastical! Moist, subtle, smile-inducing. I need to get his name next time because his dry sense of humor, friendly nature and energy was right down my alley. Sat Aug 09 15:32:21 -0700 2008 3887803 145213 Montebello 2 3946846 Any info on Alabama having to move? Mon Aug 11 08:39:30 -0700 2008 3943740 72002 chowsearch 1 3952296 Nice Jack Daniels ones at 3. Tue Aug 12 22:16:02 -0700 2008 3887803 186153 hawaiigrl2003 1 3961012 I was close enough today (Upper Marlboro) at lunch time to check out KBQ and I'm glad I did. Excellent pulled pork sandwich, and my lunch companion had a rib sandwich. We couldn't figure out how to eat the sandwich other than to pull the meat off the ribs and put it on the bun (or, as he did, eat the ribs, and treat the bun like bread on the side) but he rated the ribs top notch. Good potato salad and cole slaw (slaw a bit out of the ordinary, but tasty). The Sweet and Spicy sauce truly complemented the meat rather than just moisten it or make it spicy. The bread pudding is fabulous. The posters on the walls are cool, but the place just looks too clean. It's a storefront in a shopping center, and they do a lot of carry-out business. They need to get the building condemned. <g> It's 35 miles from my house so I probably go there often, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to give it a try. Definitely worth a visit if it's convenient or you don't care how far you drive for good BBQ. Fri Aug 15 16:17:56 -0700 2008 3887803 10624 MikeR 1 3961971 So I was in Fredericksburg last night on my way back to DC, and thought I would stop off to try Allman's which JoeH recommended on another thread. I was pretty dissappointed, it was either a terrible terrible night, or we missed this places peak by a number of years. Perhaps the ribs are better, I normally get ribs, but wasn't that hungry, I got the sliced pork sandwich with slaw and a side of potato salad. Fiance got minced pork. Both were very dry, and no amount of their sauce could save it, the minced even more than the sliced. Potato salad was much to mayonnaisey, and the portion pretty small. But the pork itself was the real dissappointment, it was just so dry, and great taste it might have had was gone. So our search/quest continues. I realize this thread is on ribs, and we ate pulled pork, but just thought I would give a report. Buzz and Neds baby backs though mmm mmm. Sat Aug 16 07:17:13 -0700 2008 3887803 92426 ktmoomau 2 3962164 ^^Glad you finally tried Buzz 'n Neds. It' our favorite mid-atlantic bbq place. Love the PP Sandwich and the hush puppies! Sat Aug 16 09:28:05 -0700 2008 3961971 139101 beauxgoris 3 3962779 I am stealing their take on cole slaw and putting a tiny bit of jalapeno in mine now. I liked that, gave it another good flavor dimension. Sat Aug 16 15:50:31 -0700 2008 3962164 92426 ktmoomau 1 4000545 Happened to be in Burtonsville/Laurel, so stopped by Kloby's BBQ. It was very good. The meat was extremely tender, the chicken was especially nice. We enjoyed the spicy barbecue sauce more than the regular. The sides were a little small, which is disappointing because the green beans were delish. The beans were odd -- I think they couldn't decide if they wanted to be chili beans or baked beans. Don't get me wrong, they were good, but just odd. Service was friendly. We will most definitely go back. Sun Aug 31 18:43:58 -0700 2008 3887803 24926 Transplanted Texan 2 4070602 I cant believe that no one here refers to the rib type. Im from NY where ribs means baby backs. Apparently anywhere south of NJ it means KC style which are usually terrible, fatty with big chunks of cartilage. Please keep in mind when your recommendeing locations to include if they have a choice of rib. Mon Sep 29 14:47:26 -0700 2008 4000545 220224 csabo 3 4071563 Well, good and terrible are thrown around a lot on Chowhounds. Start a thread or topic called "Baby Back Ribs" or something like that. Some love chain food grub others avoid and prefer local independents. If you want good "real" pork ribs, try one of the good joints, Andy Nelson's / Willard's / KBQ. Those are places I have noshed and nibbled to great satisfaction. And there are plenty of half worth while joints in between. In these days of high gas prices when you want good, you want good, not good enough. No fat, no chucks of cartilage, just lots of yummy smoked meat. Half a slab of those and your rib fix is over. Half a slap of baby backs, [Old folks call em Kangaroo ribs] and you want a burger. So, again, you're right about the need for clarification, and you have the power to clear it up. Post!! Most St Lous / KC / Memphis / Alabama / North & South Carolina, getting the idea here, Rib fan's may be temped to try what you think are great ribs. Or not. Give it a shot. Tue Sep 30 02:53:07 -0700 2008 4070602 13879 RobertM 1 4144509 I went to KBQ today. A pulled pork always tastes great & tender. The owner(?) told us that next Sat (Nov. 8) is a their 1st year anniversary; they will have a celebration such as music, free food, & door prize. If someone have not tried KBQ, I think it would be a great opportunity. Sun Nov 02 12:36:33 -0800 2008 3887803 202307 sallyneko 1 4144557 Hi there... an excellent thread for those of us who are bbq fanatics. I have pursued excellent Q all over the country, enjoying gret ribs, pulled pork, and more, at places like Sonny's, Gate's, Bryant's, and many more. A few notes on DC area places I have tried.. Rockland's - had been touted to me by several locals. But after several visits, I have to say mediocre. Urban - better than Rockland's. But some of the sides, especially the beans, have oddly bitter herbal flavors in them. Old Glory - nice atmosphere, but the food was mainly inedible. O'Brien's on Gude Road. Decent food, but their sauce seems simply bizarre to my Q-tastes. Not great, but generally reliable average Q. Just bring your own sauce from home. Weird location in an industrial setting, but a cool enough western decor inside. Good music (a plus at RH&B too). Some surprising decent stuff- Red, Hot, and Blue I have found to be consistently above average. Not the best to be sure, but you know what you'll get. Some of their other dishes, like the yam with cinnamon butter, or the hush pupies, are quite tasty. Good bbq beans. They also have excellent bbq sausage, which they serve up with well-fried onions. I also enjoy their selection of sauces, which I tend to "custom blend" to my own taste. Famous Dave's - why is a bbq joint decorated like a Disney-fied Minnesota lodge? You want excellent Q... mail order it from Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in Kansas City. Not cheap, but the food is very good. Also good is the brisket, the sausage, and the uniquely KC "burnt ends" which are really wonderfully tender and smoky boneless chunks of meat cut from the rib tips. Or go travel and eat at places like Gates in Kansas City; Fiorella's; Mr. Powdrell's in Albuquerque (fave for bbq sausage links). In NYC, I like Blue Smoke, though the atmosphere is pure Manhattan yuppie-chic. Excellent ribs, and some fantastic sides like the sweet tater fries with exquisite maple cream dipping sauce. Sun Nov 02 13:08:32 -0800 2008 3887803 236820 chaordic 2 4427787 When moving from CA to VA we travelled through KC and ate at Jack Stack. My husband now continously asks when we can go back. That BBQ was fantastic. Wed Feb 18 05:24:33 -0800 2009 4144557 256421 maoj 1 4144614 So has anyone tried the Blue Ribbon BBQ in Derwood? It replaced the oft-reviled BBQ Man (I think that's what it was called). Sun Nov 02 13:34:20 -0800 2008 3887803 29976 pgreen 2 4145604 We tried it for lunch on Saturday and were not impressed. I had chopped brisket and my wife had chopped chicken. Both were served without sauce -- and the sauce which was available was virtually tasteless. Kept pouring it on and pouring it on and the brisket and chicken were so dry it was absorbed without adding any flavor. Beans were ok; potato salad was pretty good. Mon Nov 03 04:45:39 -0800 2008 4144614 14863 skipper 2 4403246 I have been there two times and it was very good both times especially the brisket beans. The coleslaw is also very good. The brisket was so good the first time that it was what I got the second time so I can't comment on the chicken and ribs. They did appear to be very slow both times I was there...the restaurant had a lonely feel to it even at prime lunch hours. Tue Feb 10 05:38:52 -0800 2009 4144614 264978 1FASTMF 1 4145950 Has anyone been to Klobys in Laurel? I heard that the original location had some great barbecue. I was planning to check it out after band practice (off Liberty Road, not too far from Woodlawn) one of these days, but it looks like they've movied. Is the Laurel/Columbia Kloby's as good as the original? I can easily stop there on one of my many trips from College Park to the Baltimore area. Mon Nov 03 07:42:07 -0800 2008 3887803 89996 4X4 2 4146466 Visited there several months ago. I was very satisfied with the pork bbq, but my wife didn't like the chicken bbq because it was a unsliced breast. Mon Nov 03 10:47:21 -0800 2008 4145950 14863 skipper 2 4412513 I agree with the post above about Kloby's. The brisket was the best of the BBQ I tried from them and the slaw was very good but could have been super if it were a bit more creamy. NO MORE O'brian's on Gude Drive - it is now Branded 72 Thu Feb 12 17:41:57 -0800 2009 4145950 264978 1FASTMF 1 4148282 I thought the ribs at Marvin served as an appetizer were quite tasty and meaty. Tue Nov 04 04:46:06 -0800 2008 3887803 12576 BookGuy 2 4308790 Just to update...Alabama BBQ in Baltimore has closed down. Klobys BBQ has moved from Baltimore to Laurel (same location where Smokey Hollow BBQ was for those of you who remember that place). Thu Jan 08 14:50:10 -0800 2009 4148282 121022 dominationinc 3 4351020 Doesn't surprise me: it never even looked particularly open when it was open. The staff didn't seem to care a whole lot, and the owner spent the last time we were in there complaining about the baker/dessert maker leaving him in the lurch. We didn't go back after that -- we do our best to support local places, but sometimes they don't warrant the support. Fri Jan 23 10:03:16 -0800 2009 4308790 226736 quarterjack 1 4342930 I will second Big Bad Wolf. I can't drive by that place without stopping for an order of ribs. Even if I just ate I'll take it home and eat it later. Tue Jan 20 17:45:38 -0800 2009 3887803 259038 Wacko4Flacco 2 4351932 Where is Big Bad Wolf? And KBQ? Fri Jan 23 14:25:38 -0800 2009 4342930 104875 jkosnett 3 4403443 KBQ is in Bowie. I found the brisket dry, but the ribs and pulled pork nice and moist. Tue Feb 10 07:02:31 -0800 2009 4351932 12359 monkeyrotica 4 4417247 KBQ is great. Although my first rib experience wasn't that great....more end peices than actual ribs....but ever since.....nothing but good smokey ribs. No sauce needed, although my family loves the sauce. Great sides...the black bean/corn salad....incredible....The cornbread is lack luster....my family likes what I do better with stuff out of a box.......but all in all.....great. Think I'm gonna go today!! Sat Feb 14 10:45:07 -0800 2009 4403443 261880 cb1 3 4407291 Big Bad Wolf is located on Harford Road on the north side of Baltimore. While I don't particularly love their ribs (find them too dry and oddly seasoned), I am in love with their brisket, pulled pork and the variety of sauces. Especially the brisket. Their collard greens and macaroni & cheese are outstanding as well. Recently read that Alabama BBQ that was just little bit further down Harford Road closed. I regret not making it down there. Wed Feb 11 10:01:23 -0800 2009 4351932 158313 ILoveBacon 4 4425901 Recently we went to Urban BBQ Company inbetween Rockville and Bethesda. They also have a location in Silver Spring. It was pretty tasty and had a unique bark/sauce. Also the cornbread was great, the mac and cheese was average. KBQ has some great smoked ribs and they have the best mac and cheese around (Rocklands has good mac and cheese as well, but the ribs are so so and OVERPRICED!) Tue Feb 17 13:40:14 -0800 2009 4407291 121022 dominationinc 5 4856543 Just had Rocklands for the first time this past weekend. Weak. Ribs were fatty/greasy, chicken was dry. The mac and cheese was very good. Also did the VA BBQ Company. Their green beans were excellent and the brisket was tasty (Rocklands was more like jerky). The VA BBQ Co. ribs were nice, but way over sauced (sauce was just dumped on them). Willards is still the most consistent and best in the area. Buz and Ned's best ribs outside the area. Tue Jul 14 06:06:38 -0700 2009 4425901 293813 Truck403 6 4858537 Hey, Truck403, I agree with you about Willards. BTW, where is VA BBQ Co.? Tue Jul 14 14:40:02 -0700 2009 4856543 24926 Transplanted Texan 7 4860096 The VA BBQ Company I went to is in Manassas. http://www.virginiabbq.com/index.htm Davis Ford Crossing Shopping Center 9952 Liberia Ave. I went over our BBQ scorecard again last night and see VA BBQ came out ahead of Rocklands, but both were "Below the line". For us the median BBQ place is Red Hot and Blue. Anything below that, we generally will not go back to again. We need to go back to Bluz Brothers for asecond trip....maybe this weekend. We'll see where they stand after that....fair warning! Wed Jul 15 05:52:04 -0700 2009 4858537 293813 Truck403 8 4867366 Thanks, Truck! Fri Jul 17 09:31:40 -0700 2009 4860096 24926 Transplanted Texan 1 4856874 Recently had excellent pulled pork sandwiches and sides at Mr. B's BarBQ on Rt 340 near Berryville/White Post in Virginia. Have not tried ribs yet -- next up. 14767 Lord Fairfax Hwy (Rte 340) White Post, VA 22663 (540) 837-1323 Tue Jul 14 07:44:41 -0700 2009 3887803 74444 lawhound 2 4863719 Thanks for this suggestion, might have to try it as well. Also has anyone tried out Bubba's BBQ in Falls Church? http://www.bubbasbarbq.com/ ? Thu Jul 16 07:50:02 -0700 2009 4856874 121022 dominationinc 3 4864273 For me, the ribs were greasy and full of fat. The pulled pork was dry, a BBQ sin! They are definately below the line and we will not be returning. Thu Jul 16 10:07:35 -0700 2009 4863719 293813 Truck403 3 4866535 isn't bubba's near the myanmar burmese place? if so, i tried it a LONG time ago (pulled pork -- not ribs) and never went back. it wasn't awful, nor was it *really* good. to be fair, if i was out that way craving bbq, i might -- might -- give it another shot. but i'd probably go to the burmese instead. Fri Jul 17 03:41:57 -0700 2009 4863719 105717 alkapal 4 4875073 Bubba's defines mediocrity. It's completely forgettable. Mon Jul 20 14:26:55 -0700 2009 4866535 12829 Bob W 3 4866834 Tried. Once. Enough. - geeyore, one-time judge of georgia Big Pig Jig and sponsor of whole hog team at Memphis In May Fri Jul 17 06:45:05 -0700 2009 4863719 96926 Geeyore 3 4867363 Yeah. It's pretty bad. Fri Jul 17 09:29:48 -0700 2009 4863719 24926 Transplanted Texan 1 4864359 By the standards of the traditional regional BBQs (Memphis, Kansas City, the Carolinas, Texas, etc.) the D.C. area just plain stinks. There is almost nothing here that is nationally noteworthy, consistent, or unique. To quote a good Southern friend of mine, "the BBQ here is just sufficient". With that assumption established, I'd recommend the following: - Red, Hot, & Blue (Arlington) - Urban BBQ (Rockville) - Rib Pit (D.C.) - Dixie Bones (Woodbridge) - Rocklands (Rockville/D.C.) - Famous Dave's (Everywhere) All of these places have varying degrees of quality, consistency, originality, and value. But, you can usually find something good at each one. BBQ in this area is an entirely hit/miss proposition. Thu Jul 16 10:27:13 -0700 2009 3887803 270174 Sean D 2 4865305 You should really check out KBQ BBQ in Bowie, MD as well as Willards out by Dulles. If you are in Baltimore Andy Nelson's is a must go. Thu Jul 16 14:33:50 -0700 2009 4864359 121022 dominationinc 3 4866529 Thank you for again listing the best BBQ spots in the DC/Baltimore Metro area. KBQ / Willard's / Andy Nelson's. Say it enough times maybe some will get into their cars and and find out. The rest of the spots listed by Sean D are some where else quality and taste wise. Except for Rib Pit, they are BBQ themed franchises. For a McDonald's / Burger King of Q meaning middle of the road BBQ Red Hot & Blue is no diff from Famous Dave's. They are indeed everywhere. So when in doubt they will do,' But just like burger lovers avoid Mc D's and B King unless they have no choice. Folks that love real good Q avoid the RHB type shops, Dickie's in the area are about the same. Great if you are dragging a boat load of little kids that would rather have a frosty...or sprinkles. But once you get the real BBQ deal.......Yeah you have to limit your intake it is just that good. Fri Jul 17 03:31:47 -0700 2009 4865305 13879 RobertM 4 4866563 I'm game - I'm bach'ing it right now, so I'm a bit free to travel - I'm closest to Willards - what do I order? Or avoid? Fri Jul 17 04:26:23 -0700 2009 4866529 11368 Dennis S 5 4866778 For Willards I would suggest a two or three meat platter to get a taste. I like the brisket and the pulled pork. The ribs are good, as is the burnt ends...but their burnt ends are more shredded, I am used to ones in KC which were cubed. The BBQ burrito is meh, but the meatloaf is tasty and smokey, though might be heavy for a summers day. You can also swap out the cornbread for another side dish, which I prefer. Fri Jul 17 06:21:33 -0700 2009 4866563 293813 Truck403 6 4870291 Went today for lunch. I really like that place. Thanks for the tip on swapping out the cornbread for another side. I got the three meat (brisket, burnt ends and pulled pork). The brisket was the winner of the three for me, followed closely by the burnt ends. Smoky flavor was nice and present. The pulled pork was good, but not great. Definitely strong for this area, but not incredible. The green beans were good - just wish I had more. Potatoes were good, too. The slaw ranked for me the same as the pork - good and above average for this area, but I'd swap that side out most likely the next time. Sat Jul 18 13:00:37 -0700 2009 4866778 11368 Dennis S 7 4875078 Dennis -- you made very good meat choices at Willard's. The beef (brisket/burnt ends) is definitely the way to go there. The pulled pork is pretty good too, but I'd go brisket. Plus, Willard's gives you a butt-load of meat on those combo plates. One plate = two meals for me these days. Mon Jul 20 14:29:22 -0700 2009 4870291 12829 Bob W 4 4866846 I have patronized RH&B several time over the years. I drive past one almost every day. They make excellent potato salad, credible beans, acceptable slaw. As for the BBQ? Hmm..... - geeyore, one-time judge of georgia Big Pig Jig and sponsor of whole hog team at Memphis In May Fri Jul 17 06:47:30 -0700 2009 4866529 96926 Geeyore 4 4866999 Couldnt have said it better myself Fri Jul 17 07:42:53 -0700 2009 4866529 121022 dominationinc 3 4874364 Will do, Dom. Good BBQ is definitely worth a 45 minute drive. Thanks! Mon Jul 20 11:21:19 -0700 2009 4865305 270174 Sean D 1 4870440 I'm not a big rib-eater, but I do enjoy them at The Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington and King Street Blues in Old Town. Sat Jul 18 14:29:00 -0700 2009 3887803 323840 georgetownronin 1 4883579 New favorite (and I've lived in DC and tried them all) is KBQ in Bowie. I'm allergic to strip malls, but KBQ was the antihistamine to that allergy. Addictive meats, large portions, lovely owner (Mrs. V), and it only took me 15 minutes to get there from my house on The Hill. Thu Jul 23 07:13:07 -0700 2009 3887803 175483 fisherdm 2 4885064 Humm, you must drive like a bat out of hell. 15 min from cap hill to KBQ is impossible, unless you have a helicopter. But they are good. Im heading up to Andy Nelsons Friday. Then down to Buz and Neds. We need to get a Q bus loaded for KC, St Louis, and Menphis. just as a reference Thu Jul 23 14:40:04 -0700 2009 4883579 13879 RobertM 1 4903275 Anyone been to Carolina Brothers BBQ out in Ashburn, VA? http://www.carolinabrothers.com/ ...Thoughts? Thu Jul 30 09:14:31 -0700 2009 3887803 121022 dominationinc 2 4903412 Has anyone been to Dave's Famous BBQ? I know it is a chain, but I selected it from a long list of chains I was given for meeting a friend in Columbia. How R the ribs? What is good to order? Sides? THANKS! Thu Jul 30 09:56:00 -0700 2009 4903275 204182 chicken kabob 3 4903707 For a chain, I personally think it is pretty good. I think it is in my top 5 for the area. The ribs are good and their sauces are tasty. They run the gamut from spicy hot to peppery Texas style. The pickles are a good side, spicy and sour. The mac and cheese is a good choice as well. Thu Jul 30 11:18:13 -0700 2009 4903412 293813 Truck403 3 4903873 I hit the Famous Dave's in Oakton about once a month because I have some friends who like to go there. I order the ribs sometimes, but usually I feel like treating myself better (perhaps only in my mind) and get the brisket. I prefer ordering the ribs there "dry" (without sauce baked on) and add sauce at the table. Not only are they less messy, but the spicy table sauces aren't contaminated by the sweeter basting sauce that they use when you get them "wet" (which is standard). I usually get the St. Louis ribs, my friend gets the baby backs. His wife nearly always gets chicken and is happy with it. I keep wanting to like the mac & cheese but it's inconsistent, and even at its best, tastes like it came from a packaged mix (which it almost certainly does). At its worst, it tastes like it was made from a mix and not cooked long enough so the cheese sauce is grainy. Fries are OK, but don't be afraid to ask for a re-order if they come out luke warm as they sometimes do. Don't tell them it's your birthday or they'll bring you a free hot fudge sundae, accompanied by all of the free servers banging on trash can lids (which they use to serve the family platters). Thu Jul 30 12:04:35 -0700 2009 4903412 10624 MikeR 3 4935973 In my opinion Famous Dave's sucks in all regards. Tried it once in Laurel and once in Columbia and I will not return. Tue Aug 11 07:00:11 -0700 2009 4903412 14863 skipper 2 4903726 When I went to Carolina Brothers BBQ the pulled pork was to runny, not very flavorful and the sides were just ok. I think of Famous Daves as I do Red Hot and Blue, not what I really want, but in a squeeze they will do, but not satisfy me like the real deal. Thu Jul 30 11:22:15 -0700 2009 4903275 92426 ktmoomau 3 4903975 Good to know, I'm more of a Memphis style rib fan myself. Carolina style Q really never does it for me but always up for trying a new place. Thu Jul 30 12:26:55 -0700 2009 4903726 121022 dominationinc 4 4904270 I have only had pulled pork though so I don't know how they handle anything else. I was excited as Hubby loves the Carolina Q, but he was not whelmed. Thu Jul 30 13:49:14 -0700 2009 4903975 92426 ktmoomau 1 4904293 A bit of a hike from DC, but if ever near Ocean City grab JR's ribs. They have a great deal for early dinner - half rack and half chicken w/2 sides for $13 or something near that. Best ribs I've had...the BBQ sauce is delicious. Thu Jul 30 13:52:08 -0700 2009 3887803 1095065 bkoch1975 1 4935850 someone just mentioned that they're smoking ribs and brisket at cowboy cafe in arlington, on lee highway. i'm anxious to try them. their shrimp is always fresh, too! Tue Aug 11 06:23:34 -0700 2009 3887803 105717 alkapal 2 4938831 So while we are yakking bout Ribs in Baltimore..Anyone got some top Recommendations for BEEF Ribs in the Baltimore County area (Or city if absolutely absolutely necess). Just some good ol' AMERICAN BEEF Ribs. Not over the top Expensive. And preferrably Non-Chain and Non-Rambunctious Bar Kind of atmosphere type places but uber open to all suggestions. anyone??? thx.. Wed Aug 12 00:04:33 -0700 2009 4935850 226945 Woof Woof Woof 3 4938948 woof, am i missing something? were you replying to me to indicate the thread wasn't intended to include ribs in arlington, virginia? Wed Aug 12 04:19:26 -0700 2009 4938831 105717 alkapal 4 4940184 I thought this topic was about Ribs in the Baltimore area.. I mentioned about a decent place for BBQ Beef Ribs other than Sleezecake Factory of course.. Did I miss something, sorry It was very early when I first posted. Anywhere in Baltimore for decent Beef Ribs?? Wed Aug 12 11:07:11 -0700 2009 4938948 226945 Woof Woof Woof 5 4940216 The OP lists places all over, including on the line of Loudon and FFX counties (but note that there are also B-More places listed where you can probably find the ribs you're after - such as Alabama). Wed Aug 12 11:16:02 -0700 2009 4940184 11368 Dennis S 6 4940649 Per prior posts, Alabama has closed. Wed Aug 12 13:09:46 -0700 2009 4940216 11647 Warthog 7 4940839 Warthog: Best you "Start" a Beef Rib or BBQ Beef Rib post. Lets hope you dont get replys for Short Ribs or Prime Rib!!! Wed Aug 12 13:59:39 -0700 2009 4940649 13879 RobertM 5 4940986 from the first line of the OP: "Where are the best bbq ribs in the Washington D.C./Baltimore area???" woof, sorry i can't help you in baltimore..... Wed Aug 12 14:41:57 -0700 2009 4940184 105717 alkapal 6 4943607 Oh sugar tits! Well, that is regretful. I been following this ribby thread but all I have seen mentioned is locals and a few familiars like Dave's Famous or Andy Nelsons, JRs Ribs, or Charred Rib all of which serve Pork. Was just curious as to why no one mentioned anywhere decent short of crappy chains like Tony Romas or Cheesecake Factory for BEEF Ribs. I must be the lone Baltimoron who actually prefers BEEF Ribs. :( Thu Aug 13 10:46:49 -0700 2009 4940986 226945 Woof Woof Woof 7 4943793 Woof-cubed -- native Texan here. The only place I've found with beef bbq is Rub in South Baltimore. Can't remember if they have beef ribs though. Thu Aug 13 11:38:38 -0700 2009 4943607 47574 bordeauxfan 8 4943855 Bordeaux, do you you mean http://www.rubbbq.com/ ??? :Scratching head: All i see are BBQ Chopped Beef Brisqet Sandwiches, NO idea what that is. Interesting... Thu Aug 13 11:53:26 -0700 2009 4943793 226945 Woof Woof Woof 9 4944061 Yep that's the place. Interesting interior and easy parking. I've had the brisket and it's OK. But you could call beforehand and see if you could special-order beef ribs. They advertise themselves as the only "Texas-oriented" BBQ place in the area. Thu Aug 13 12:51:55 -0700 2009 4943855 47574 bordeauxfan 7 4944653 I think beef ribs ran their course as "dinner house" fare about 25 years ago. I used to enjoy pigging out on the all-you-can-eat beef rib specials that Victoria Station (sorry, another chain) used to have. Their sauce was too sweet and if you ate enough of them, you could get enough meat, but since "prime" rib was the house feature, what meat was left on the bones was pretty minimal. What's the BBQ beef rib like what you're craving like to eat? Is there a decent amount of meat on it? A half rack of St. Louis ribs can fill me up, but in my younger days (when, admittedly, my capacity was greater than it is today) I'd go through 25 or so of the Victoria Station ribs before I was ready to cash out. After the first couple of refills of two or three bones, they started bringing them out six at a time. Ah, those were the days. I'm surprised that I've lived to tell about it. <g> Thu Aug 13 15:45:47 -0700 2009 4943607 10624 MikeR 1 5064102 I recommend Buzz and Neds Barbecue in Richmond Virginia. The spare ribs are amazing, the right amount of smoke, His spare ribs won on the showdown vs Bobby Flay. Mon Sep 28 10:09:37 -0700 2009 3887803 1092408 Jeremy303 1 5077704 Try the ribs at Beale Street Grill in Rockville. Memphis Gold, a Blues singer who performs there, announced they are the best this side of Memphis... closest to a place he knows back home called Rendevous. So I had the half rack dry w/ spicy BBQ sauce on the side and they were amazing. Fall off the bone meat. Half rack was plenty for me & I shared. The beans were some of the best I've had too. Sun Oct 04 05:24:33 -0700 2009 3887803 1113785 sherrylou 2 5101338 I've driven by there but never gone in. Can you tell us a little bit more about the restaurant? I'd be curious to hear your review! Tue Oct 13 19:49:32 -0700 2009 5077704 24926 Transplanted Texan 1 5079406 THe very best ribs in the DC area can be found at Texas Bar-B-Q and Ribs in Clinton, Maryland, period. The owner is a serious competitor and has won numerous Championships. Beef Brisket is unbelievable as are the baby back ribs which melt in your mouth. No Short Cuts here just the very best Ribs and Q in town in the friendliest atmosphere. I believe they were named the best ribs in DC's City Paper as well. Mon Oct 05 03:17:15 -0700 2009 3887803 1113593 GianCarlo 1 5082850 Woomont Grill - Bethesda and/or Houston's - Rockville (sister restaurants) have the best ribs I have ever eaten hands down! Tue Oct 06 10:21:59 -0700 2009 3887803 1093589 SaltyBalty 2 5083797 Houston's is a chain with about 33 locations. I believe they serve only baby back ribs, no spare ribs, which are partially steamed. Not really bbq in my opinion. Tue Oct 06 15:28:29 -0700 2009 5082850 10156 Steve 1 5117554 I'm also a transplanted texan. Here are the only two places I get ribs from 1) the smoked meats section of the Whole Foods in Fairfax. (seriously!) 2) Redneck Ribs in Hagerstown MD ( http://www.redneckribs.com/ ) Tue Oct 20 11:30:05 -0700 2009 3887803 340588 Crocken 2 5118496 someone else has mentioned those smoked meats there in fairfax's whole foods. is there only one whole foods in fairfax, or if not, which one has the goodies? Tue Oct 20 17:24:29 -0700 2009 5117554 105717 alkapal 3 5124685 The one at Fair Lakes has the smoker in the back (hidden behind the meat counter). This one is store featured on Emeril Green (which starts filming at this location again on Monday, the 26th). Fri Oct 23 04:59:22 -0700 2009 5118496 293813 Truck403 4 5124691 thanks, truck! Fri Oct 23 05:06:38 -0700 2009 5124685 105717 alkapal 1 5148564 Has anyone tried the ribs at the Upper Marlboro Amish Market. I like the flavor of the ribs (and chicken, turkey, and duck) but would love to read views from more experienced palates.... Mon Nov 02 06:34:33 -0800 2009 3887803 213517 2cooks5eaters 1 5170351 UBQ ribs are great. Doesn't Sweetwater Tavern have ribs too? Tue Nov 10 10:49:30 -0800 2009 3887803 1123354 deeksjr 1 5171096 The Tender Rib is the best BBQ I've had in the area hands down. I don't eat BBQ unless it is cooked on an actual PIT and this place just opened up an actual storefront about a month ago on Branch Avenue in Temple Hills area. Drive by any morning and it looks like the place is on fire with those big pits smokin' away. Questionable neighborhood--sort of--but the best food is often in "thw 'hood" and the new Tender Rib store is very nice and you won't regret a visit and can thank me lata'! http://thetenderrib.com/directions.html Tue Nov 10 15:05:11 -0800 2009 3887803 1123429 megsmegs 2 5171231 Good to know, but your URL menu has no prices? Tue Nov 10 16:12:49 -0800 2009 5171096 13879 RobertM 2 5172011 the food looks great, but that is one. weird. logo. here's more about the tender rib: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/350597 Wed Nov 11 00:21:02 -0800 2009 5171096 105717 alkapal 2 5174364 Well, today I went over to the place, tender rib. I honestly think it was a very close tie for being worse BBQ's ribs I have had in the area. No joke. I purchased a slab, it looked good, but after a bite it seemed to have been parboiled then steamed, and the meat was not done. Chewy and spongy it seemed. But the parking lot on Branch Ave seemed to have a constant flow of customers. Cant figure that one. You can do better by gong to whole foods and getting ribs from their hot foods bar IMHO. For PG try Smoke Shack near Andrews AFB near tthe track, or Best KBQ in Bowie for real no doubt BBQ ribs. The place is nice and large and smells good, but I had to being my expensive slab home and cook it again. They are seasoned fat and meaty, like brined meat usually is, but they didn't cook em long enough. Maybe things will change, but for my money it aint worth the gas going there now. Wed Nov 11 18:06:28 -0800 2009 5171096 13879 RobertM 3 5175093 Yeah, my ribs were undercooked. I'm willing to cut them some slack because a) it's a new operation that definitely has got their 'system' messed up. b) I recently had much worse ribs at Willard's, where the ribs are oily, the fat is not rendered, and there is no discernible smoke flavor. They are Easy-Bake Oven ribs. Gone are the days when I bring back a rack of ribs from a place I've never tried before. Nowadays I test the smallest portion available or see if they'll sell me just one. Thu Nov 12 05:49:03 -0800 2009 5174364 10156 Steve 4 5178921 Steve - when you said sell you one it made me think of this classic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNQRqAoT-2c I'm with Robert.....KBQ has never let me down when it comes to ribs. Fri Nov 13 09:55:27 -0800 2009 5175093 261880 cb1 5 5178929 Guess my link didn't work. It was the classic Chris Rock "Let me get one rib" Fri Nov 13 09:57:58 -0800 2009 5178921 261880 cb1 6 5179122 hey, the link worked for me. that was funny! thanks. Fri Nov 13 10:50:26 -0800 2009 5178929 105717 alkapal 6 5179958 Jim Brown, Chris Rock: Movie I'm gonna get you Sucker!!! My fav was Winky Dinky Dog. But One Rib was a classic. Try and use that at Tender Rib......ha ha ha Fri Nov 13 15:50:50 -0800 2009 5178929 13879 RobertM 3 5178836 I'm sorry you didn't like!! Fri Nov 13 09:32:01 -0800 2009 5174364 1123429 megsmegs 1 5175576 I recommend Buzz and Neds Barbecue in Richmond Virginia. The spare ribs are amazing, the right amount of smoke, His spare ribs won on the showdown vs Bobby Flay Thu Nov 12 08:36:05 -0800 2009 3887803 1092408 Jeremy303 2 5175910 Yes, they are excellent at Buz and Neds, but a bit far. Thu Nov 12 10:04:34 -0800 2009 5175576 10156 Steve