DCReview

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image
8.6

DCity Smokehouse

BBQ

Bloomingdale

$$$$Perfect For:Cheap EatsLiterally Everyone
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DCity Smokehouse is a uniquely DC barbecue spot that serves meat you'll want to keep coming back for. This is where you bring your meat-loving friends to let them live out their Fred Flintstone fantasies. Locals in particular will appreciate all the tiny details lining the walls and the menu that scream Chocolate City. Everyone else will just enjoy the bomb-a*s barbecue.

Inside the refurbished garage, big speakers blast '90s and '00s R&B hits from opposite sides of the room, giving a little surround sound so you can belt out the words without bothering the handful of other folks in the room. Most people are running in and out with to-go orders, but we like to post up at one of the four-tops with rolls of brown paper towels so we can get down and dirty with the smokehouse meat platter piled high with brisket. 

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Smokehouse image
DCity Smokehouse image
DCity Smokehouse image
DCity Smokehouse image
DCity Smokehouse image

On a nice day, you can also hang out at the red picnic tables outside. Everything here is red and white—you’ll find the city’s flag in the logo plastered on the doors and the murals on the walls. And there are pictures and sculptures of pigs, chickens, and cows scattered around the restaurant to remind you exactly what you’re there to eat. 

Because we’re talking meat in DC, a halfsmoke is a great place to start. DCity does them topped with brisket or pulled pork. The platters come with your choice of meats, like spare ribs and pork belly, and the smoked wings are some of the best naked wings in the city. You really can’t go wrong with any of the meats. Everything comes with a couple plastic ramekins of barbecue sauce that tastes like a weird (but good) mix of Carolina barbecue and mumbo sauce. And like any good barbecue menu, there are a dozen sides to pick from—but prioritize the brussel sprouts and fries. 

Food Rundown

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

Brisket

This is some of the best brisket we’ve ever had. It’s tender and juicy with a nice streak of fat. Like any good brisket, barbecue sauce isn’t necessary, but they throw in a couple ramekins if you want some. Get it in the smokehouse meat platter, which comes with a pair of small sides.

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

Smoked Wings

The naked wings have a solid smoky flavor and the crispy skin isn’t tough, but gives you something to sink your teeth into. Out of all the meats on the menu, this one pairs the best with DCity Smokehouse’s tangy barbecue sauce, so make sure you take a dip or two.

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

DCity Halfsmoke

We will always pay homage to the DC halfsmoke OG, Ben’s Chili Bowl, because it’s the baseline. But DCity’s halfsmoke is an elevated version of the original. The sausage they use is thick and topped with brisket, chili, red onions, and French’s, making it the perfect BBQ version of DC’s most famous dish.

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

Fried Brussels Sprouts

This is the best side on the menu—and you get to check off your daily vegetables. The pan-fried sprouts have a nice crunch and the perfect amount of salt and pepper.

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

Spiced Fries

The spiced fries aren’t too special on their own, but dip them in ketchup, pair them with smoked wings, and they slap.

DCity Smokehouse image

photo credit: Nina Palazzolo

Mac & Jack Cheese

Because everything else is so good, we feel like we have to tell you to skip this. Besides the fact that the noodles are spirals, the flavors just aren’t there, even if you add salt and pepper.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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