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The American Wagyu brisket is the kind of thing that makes you briefly reconsider your whole life. This counter-service BBQ spot smokes everything over wood, and the lineup, brisket, pork ribs, and smoked turkey, has the room packed early and the bags out the door fast. The sides pull their weight too, particularly the brisket-studded beans. A James Beard semifinalist in 2026, it ranked tenth on Washingtonian's list that same year.
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
- Time Out #8 · Best restaurants in Washington, D.C.
- Washingtonian #10 · 100 Very Best Restaurants
- Eater The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C.
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Fernando Gonzalez
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Fernando Gonzalez
One number, weighted & current 86
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- American Wagyu brisket Washingtonian, 2026
- Smoked turkey Washingtonian, 2026
- Peppery pork ribs Washingtonian, 2026
- Mac and cheese Washingtonian, 2026
Nearby in the record closest first
- Baan Siam Thai Eat · 81
- Ottoman Taverna Turkish Eat · 69
- Mandu Korean Eat · 69
- Cucina Morini Italian Eat · 85
- Stellina Pizzeria Eat · 73
- Shouk Middle Eastern Eat · 62
- Karma Modern Indian Modern Indian Eat · 77
- Irish Channel Irish British Dive Bar Eat · 62
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