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A counter-service BBQ spot in suburban Maryland where the American Wagyu brisket is buttery enough to stop conversation mid-sentence. The smoked turkey and peppery pork ribs fill out a tray you'll keep adding to despite your better judgment, and the sides, brisket-studded beans included, pull their weight. Lines form fast, so regulars often grab their bags and go. A James Beard semifinalist, and ranked tenth on Washingtonian's top 100.
Seven honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- The Rammys Finalist · Casual Restaurant of the Year
- The Rammys Finalist · Rising Culinary Star of the Year · Fernando Gonzales
- The New York Times The 25 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., Right Now
- Washingtonian #10 · 100 Very Best Restaurants
- Eater The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C.
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Fernando Gonzalez
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Fernando Gonzalez
One number, weighted & current 87
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- American Wagyu brisket Washingtonian, 2026
- Smoked turkey Washingtonian, 2026
- Pork ribs Washingtonian, 2026
- Mac and cheese Washingtonian, 2026
Nearby in the record closest first
- Vigilante Coffee Company Eat · 65
- Pizzeria Paradiso Eat · 73
- Northwest Chinese Food Chinese Eat · 65
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