Pork Barrel BBQ
| Address: | 2312 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA |
| Phone: | +1 703-822-5699 |
| Site: | bbqdelray.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–12:30AM 11:30AM–12:30AM 11:30AM–12:30AM 11:30AM–12:30AM 11:30AM–1:30AM 11:30AM–1:30AM 11:30AM–12:30AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 5
BI
Bill L
Unrealistic Expectations or just bad? First, Let me start with some context. I smoke my own meats and my main two are brisket and pork butts. I travel a lot so I have a smoker for the road and 3 at home. About a year ago, I wanted to do a brisket while I was in the DC area. I did not have any of my normal rubs, so I figured I would try something new. I stumbled across Pork Barrel BBQ rub and gave it a shot. We absolutely fell in love and its now a staple in my smokes. So, when I found out they had a restaurant here in the DC area, I knew we had to try it. Now for the review - We ordered 2 pick 2 plates and got Brisket and Pulled pork. For sides, we had the Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw and BBQ beans. The meats in my opinion had technical issues, first for the cost 15$ per plate, we received about 1/4 lb of each meat. Barely a handful of pulled pork. When I opened the foil of the pork, I first noticed a glistening pearly white meat shining in the mid day sun. Red flag number 1, I know from my experience, during the pulling process the meat picks color from the bark. The other issue was about half the contents were pure unrendered globs of fat. Now, fat is normal, but if properly smoked and pulled it should have very little to no globs of fat. I pulled out a piece that was from the outer edge and tasted, absolutely no flavor. It felt like they boiled the pork and pulled it. I broke my own rule, I grabbed a BBQ sauce and smothered it. The sauce was not bad, but the meat should carry enough flavor to not require it. Ok, that was disappointing, but lets try the Brisket. Color was there, but it was clear there was no bark on the edges. Also, the fat was hard and would not scrape off with a fork. From a tenderness perspective, it was spot on and pulled apart very gently. However, the flavor was bland so out came the bbq sauce again. Sides, the Mac and Cheese was different and at first it was not that great. With in a few moments I noticed I had finished it. It was not bad, and somewhat addictive. The slaw was not good, I didnt get past a couple of bites. The seasoning they put in had an off putting flavor for me. The beans were amazing. Conclusion, I wont be back. After a year of using the rub in my own cooks I had a specific expectation in flavor. Knowing the owners are competitive BBQrs I expected the flavor to pop. But to have bland, boiled meat texture and flavor it was extremely disappointing. From a cost perspective, it was not horrible, if there was more meat. 2 slices of brisket and a small scoop of pork was a bit pitiful. I gave 2 stars due to the beans and flavor or the sauces. Again, if your bbq requires sauce, you are doing it wrong.
JE
Jess Soto
This is a great neighborhood place for meat lovers. While I wish the bar was a little more late 20s early 30s with a cute bartender thats just not the vibe here. So come when youre in a chill mood, casual clothes, and maybe want to fall into atypical DC convo. No one here is leading with what their last name is or who they work for. The local police are in here regularly, its a nice scene. Theres interesting selections of beer and apple cider but the cocktail menu is non existent. It is not a full bar. The burnt ends are great, get there early if you want a lb. regularly on the weekends a 1/4 lb is all thats left by 7 PM. Their regular brisket is also very tasty. I regularly pop in to order from the meat counter at the back. You cant order ahead unless its a large, very large order. But you can always ask if they have the amount and cut you want! Im a fan of their sweet potato fries also :) the sweet potato fries have to be ordered from the bar when youre ordering "to go". Theres outdoor seating options, booth seats, high tables, and the bar. For a game this is definitely packed by the locals. Note: if youre picking up weekdays around 5 PM double-check your meat- sometimes its left over from lunch and the brisket can be way too dry with 0 fat.
BA
Barrow Tabe
I have eaten out at least once a week for the past 20yrs and this is my first review on any food place. If youve had good BBQ in your life dont ruin your experience with this place. The ribs were horrible, seemed too old & refrigerated before reheating, the sausage link was stale, the mac & cheese felt like my college first trial. The best thing about this place was the Pepsi in bottle, which they dont make. I paid about $18 and my dog got a "great meal" because I couldnt continue to eat what I just paid for without self disappointment in my decision to buy their food. The reviews on here have to be a lie, because there no way any red blood BBQ loving American would say different. This place should be closed down for deceptive advertising, but I only have myself to blame. Hopefully you dont make my mistake. You are better off buying some grocery and attempting a home BBQ, at least you would not beat yourself up if it turns out bad. Even my dog had to smell the sausage twice before eating, and he is a scavenger when it comes to food. This is hopefully my last review, if I didnt love my wife I would file for divorce because she searched this place & the "rating" were top notch. SMH
CL
Clay Lerch
DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY....... I sadly made that mistake this morning that. Ordered their Jerry, Rub, and BBQ sauce and it has been a disaster. FedEx took 12 days to arrive, Jerry arrived melted and nasty after the 12 day trip in summer heat, the rub expires in a month and they only answered one of seven emails and none of the phone messages left asking for a refund. If their restaurant is ran lime their online business they will be out of business before long. Havent had such a poor customer service experience in a long time and we order online every week at least. No justification for not replying to my emails or phone calls. What is sad is that we were looking forward to their products. Why cant they send a refund or at least send products that are not ruined and expired. I will have to file a complaint with my credit card company because clearly their way of dealing with problems is to ignore their customers and hope we go away........ Well I am gone permanently. Hope I can help you from making the same mistake. They deserve a negative star. Hoping if I post here maybe they will finally answer.
JO
Jon
Great atmosphere, especially the bar. Great smell. Staff are nice enough and level headed, not stupid, over the top, fake. Beef Brisket has no smoke to it. Pulled chicken is pretty good but amazing when you out the Mac and cheese on top and add just a little sweet sauce. Mac and cheese is awesome, has hints of jalapeño, onion, maybe garlic. Cole slaw is awesome too, and Im not even a slaw fan. Pulled pork texture is great but again, no smoke flavor. The beans are interesting and very good, but not "southern" except for a mild sweetness. Id say they are are Texas bbq beans but sweeter... And... Better? But Im southern. The sweet sauce is what youd expect and pretty good. Honey mustard is aggressive. The mop sauce (NC Vinegar) has a nice touch of heat but is a little... Toooo liquid for my taste. Original sauce is the winner for me. This is the best bbq Ive had in Nova, but considering the competition thats not hard to do. All that said, this place is definitely worth coming to and Ive now become a regular. Ask about the Holy Cow menu Update: the tacos are no punk! Definitely worth a try.
