We were skeptical at first because of the mixed reviews.. but we always say "we try it once and make our own decision". We're impressed! Cute dive bar/restaurant feel. We were greeted immediately upon walking in. We sat and I had one of their bourbon mixes. It was delicious! We shared the meat sampler and cleaned the tray off! That's how good everything was. The coleslaw was amazing fresh pickles on the plate and the corn bread was to perfect! We're glad we gave them try and would be back anytime we're in DC!
Spud Barkley
We really enjoyed the place! Nice hidden gem!! The food was awesome! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because it was COLD inside. Otherwise, great food!
Bryant Lane
This place is super mismanaged. It must have been recently bought out or changed management. The food presentation looks nothing like the Google photos. We got under salted sides and they were super bland. The meats came out seasoned, but cold. Cornbread servings were tiny and I got like a outer layer of a yellow onion just kinda tossed on (not the skin).The staff was trying hard but they were definitely overwhelmed. They gave us a discount and comped a beer, which was considerate of them. Idk what happened recently, but id suggest going elsewhere till they get back on track
Amanda Brennan
This restaurant had a lot of potential to be good, but when we ate there we did not have a pleasant experience. When we arrived, we waited at the host stand for about 5 minutes and the waitress walked by us multiple times without acknowledging us. We finally sat ourselves at the bar, and it took about 20 minutes to get the attention of the bartender to take our drink or food order (which we did all at once at that point in time). I waited another 20-30 minutes to get my beer (which was just one of the canned options) and then we waited another hour to get our food. It came out cold, we were told that one of the 3 things we ordered wasn't available, and none of the food looked like anything else others had posted to google in previous reviews. It seems like the restaurant recently changed hands and is struggling to find their footing. The bartender/server we had did recognize we had been waiting for a very long time and did comp the beer and gave us a discount for the long wait. Many seated at the bar were also experiencing the same frustrations, and we could hear them dealing with the same things as us (items being on their bill that they never got because the restaurant was out, delays in drinks/food, etc.). For a Saturday night, there were only 3 people working the entire restaurant for the first hour we were there. After that, one more person showed up to help. I would strongly recommend this restaurant go back to the basics of ensuring they are properly staffed on popular nights and food is prepared with quality in mind (no tomato based beans - this is a BBQ restaurant).
Kevin Markman
Good plates of meat. Good service. Nice neighborhood to walk around.
Steven C.
We ordered from doordash, and the order was picked up and delivered early. We did not get the sides we ordered (no red onion and cucumber salad for you). The signature sauce is inedible unless you have a cast iron stomach and a love of getting maced. The wings were dry and over cooked - I could tell through my tears. The sausage was good, but the dabble of other stuff that is in the box is just sad.
David R.
I've never in my life felt the need to leave a review for a restaurant before. However, the food that was delivered to me was so heinous that I felt it my moral obligation to say something. I usually know better than to try barbecue from certain people, but I was a bit too optimistic being on my first vacation in quite some time. Baby EVERYTHING was sour. Now, I ordered via DoorDash so, I'll blame that for the all the food being colder than a 68° hotel room, but nonetheless. Cold. And SOUR. I ordered: a brisket platter than came with a side, but I felt really hungry so, I ordered two more sides, plus the smoked wings.. I also do this with any new restaurant I try, to get a good feel of what they offer. Smoke and Barrel offers a cold dosage of your % Daily Value of sodium. Here's a breakdown: The Brisket: I've received boxes from Amazon more tender than their brisket. I could also tell from the surface texture and markings that it had been made at least a day (or two) before and was reheated. It was also poorly covered/stored when placed in the fridge because of the dry a** surface and lack of moisture throughout the slice. It came with pickles and onions, which I was excited for, until I could taste the jar and ascorbic acid the pickles were stored in. I got sauce on the side, the sauce was good. I'll give them that. The brisket was a piece of work..and pain. After trying it, I was afraid for what appeared to be a lil misplaced crouton on the side, but it was indeed cornbread that was promised. It was actually soft. Smoked wings: They should rename these Salt and Sour wings. All they taste like is a smoked salt lick dipped in white distilled vinegar. Why the hell is every thing sour? They should rename this place Smoke and Pucker, cuz those the only two things you gonna be doing after trying this food. Smoking and Puckering The sides Mac and cheese: y'all dead wrong. I've alerted the authorities. Coleslaw: I'm from mf Chicago, we LOVE coleslaw. I was confused when I received shredded carrots and cabbage breath with a dash of jalapeños. And WHYYYYY IS THE COLESLAW SOUR? Who exactly taught y'all barbecue? I'm actually a cook/chef myself. I would love to meet and discuss some strategies that could help the staff from becoming jobless. It starts with the menu and the kitchen. I trusted y'all.
William Arntson
Food and service is top teir! Always a friendly atmosphere leaves me craving more!! I LOVE THE VEGAN OPTIONS! the manager steve is such a sweetheart. Always makes me feel at home
Lynn L.
Five stars! Great bar b a but equally Important stood behind product when order was wrong. Replaced gratis the total meal (their offer) on another occasion, refused tip! Corresponded with principal who's been there 25 years plus. A true neighborhood spot.
Emily Jensen
I love this place! I had their vegan wings almost 5 years ago and was blown away. They were just as good today. Best vegan wings I've had anywhere in the world.Friendly service too. A must-visit in Washington DC!
The best staff around and really great food. As a vegetarian, I love being able to participate in BBQ here. Dante and Steve behind the bar are super attentive and cool. Great chill spot in Adam’s Morgan.
Brendan Jesus
The best BBQ and best staff in all of DC. The food is fantastic, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is wonderful and Carlton is the best bartender I have ever had. I never thought it would be possible to become a regular at a restaurant in such a big district, but my girlfriend and I regularly pick this place over any other. If you're looking for well priced drinks and BBQ and want an all around great experience, Smoke & Barrel is your place
Fabian A.
Great bbq overall. Loved those cheese fries! Service was fair. The wings were great!
Kaitlyn A.
~ gluten free review ~ Came to smoke & barrel for a late night dinner with a group of friends. While they were able to accommodate us quickly, the service was so slow that we spent 30 minutes waiting for our waiter to arrive and take our order. The chicken wings and fries are gluten free, though they are fried in the same are as other foods. Overall the chicken wings were cooked well, but very saucy. The fries were incredible (ate them too fast to take a picture). Our waiter mixed up one of the orders and forgot our fries to start. When we asked for additional sauces, it took a while to bring it out. Not sure if we'll be coming back.
Holden Dieter
Ordered out. Order got canceled on our way there. Restaurant still open.Edit: Don't use an online order service if you're not going to fulfill the orders made.Plus one star because my friends ragged on me for this review.
We were skeptical at first because of the mixed reviews.. but we always say "we try it once and make our own decision". We're impressed! Cute dive bar/restaurant feel. We were greeted immediately upon walking in. We sat and I had one of their bourbon mixes. It was delicious! We shared the meat sampler and cleaned the tray off! That's how good everything was. The coleslaw was amazing fresh pickles on the plate and the corn bread was to perfect! We're glad we gave them try and would be back anytime we're in DC!
We really enjoyed the place! Nice hidden gem!! The food was awesome! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because it was COLD inside. Otherwise, great food!
This place is super mismanaged. It must have been recently bought out or changed management. The food presentation looks nothing like the Google photos. We got under salted sides and they were super bland. The meats came out seasoned, but cold. Cornbread servings were tiny and I got like a outer layer of a yellow onion just kinda tossed on (not the skin).The staff was trying hard but they were definitely overwhelmed. They gave us a discount and comped a beer, which was considerate of them. Idk what happened recently, but id suggest going elsewhere till they get back on track
This restaurant had a lot of potential to be good, but when we ate there we did not have a pleasant experience. When we arrived, we waited at the host stand for about 5 minutes and the waitress walked by us multiple times without acknowledging us. We finally sat ourselves at the bar, and it took about 20 minutes to get the attention of the bartender to take our drink or food order (which we did all at once at that point in time). I waited another 20-30 minutes to get my beer (which was just one of the canned options) and then we waited another hour to get our food. It came out cold, we were told that one of the 3 things we ordered wasn't available, and none of the food looked like anything else others had posted to google in previous reviews. It seems like the restaurant recently changed hands and is struggling to find their footing. The bartender/server we had did recognize we had been waiting for a very long time and did comp the beer and gave us a discount for the long wait. Many seated at the bar were also experiencing the same frustrations, and we could hear them dealing with the same things as us (items being on their bill that they never got because the restaurant was out, delays in drinks/food, etc.). For a Saturday night, there were only 3 people working the entire restaurant for the first hour we were there. After that, one more person showed up to help. I would strongly recommend this restaurant go back to the basics of ensuring they are properly staffed on popular nights and food is prepared with quality in mind (no tomato based beans - this is a BBQ restaurant).
Good plates of meat. Good service. Nice neighborhood to walk around.
We ordered from doordash, and the order was picked up and delivered early. We did not get the sides we ordered (no red onion and cucumber salad for you). The signature sauce is inedible unless you have a cast iron stomach and a love of getting maced. The wings were dry and over cooked - I could tell through my tears. The sausage was good, but the dabble of other stuff that is in the box is just sad.
I've never in my life felt the need to leave a review for a restaurant before. However, the food that was delivered to me was so heinous that I felt it my moral obligation to say something. I usually know better than to try barbecue from certain people, but I was a bit too optimistic being on my first vacation in quite some time. Baby EVERYTHING was sour. Now, I ordered via DoorDash so, I'll blame that for the all the food being colder than a 68° hotel room, but nonetheless. Cold. And SOUR. I ordered: a brisket platter than came with a side, but I felt really hungry so, I ordered two more sides, plus the smoked wings.. I also do this with any new restaurant I try, to get a good feel of what they offer. Smoke and Barrel offers a cold dosage of your % Daily Value of sodium. Here's a breakdown: The Brisket: I've received boxes from Amazon more tender than their brisket. I could also tell from the surface texture and markings that it had been made at least a day (or two) before and was reheated. It was also poorly covered/stored when placed in the fridge because of the dry a** surface and lack of moisture throughout the slice. It came with pickles and onions, which I was excited for, until I could taste the jar and ascorbic acid the pickles were stored in. I got sauce on the side, the sauce was good. I'll give them that. The brisket was a piece of work..and pain. After trying it, I was afraid for what appeared to be a lil misplaced crouton on the side, but it was indeed cornbread that was promised. It was actually soft. Smoked wings: They should rename these Salt and Sour wings. All they taste like is a smoked salt lick dipped in white distilled vinegar. Why the hell is every thing sour? They should rename this place Smoke and Pucker, cuz those the only two things you gonna be doing after trying this food. Smoking and Puckering The sides Mac and cheese: y'all dead wrong. I've alerted the authorities. Coleslaw: I'm from mf Chicago, we LOVE coleslaw. I was confused when I received shredded carrots and cabbage breath with a dash of jalapeños. And WHYYYYY IS THE COLESLAW SOUR? Who exactly taught y'all barbecue? I'm actually a cook/chef myself. I would love to meet and discuss some strategies that could help the staff from becoming jobless. It starts with the menu and the kitchen. I trusted y'all.
Food and service is top teir! Always a friendly atmosphere leaves me craving more!! I LOVE THE VEGAN OPTIONS! the manager steve is such a sweetheart. Always makes me feel at home
Five stars! Great bar b a but equally Important stood behind product when order was wrong. Replaced gratis the total meal (their offer) on another occasion, refused tip! Corresponded with principal who's been there 25 years plus. A true neighborhood spot.
I love this place! I had their vegan wings almost 5 years ago and was blown away. They were just as good today. Best vegan wings I've had anywhere in the world.Friendly service too. A must-visit in Washington DC!
Restaurantji Recommends
The best staff around and really great food. As a vegetarian, I love being able to participate in BBQ here. Dante and Steve behind the bar are super attentive and cool. Great chill spot in Adam’s Morgan.
The best BBQ and best staff in all of DC. The food is fantastic, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is wonderful and Carlton is the best bartender I have ever had. I never thought it would be possible to become a regular at a restaurant in such a big district, but my girlfriend and I regularly pick this place over any other. If you're looking for well priced drinks and BBQ and want an all around great experience, Smoke & Barrel is your place
Great bbq overall. Loved those cheese fries! Service was fair. The wings were great!
~ gluten free review ~ Came to smoke & barrel for a late night dinner with a group of friends. While they were able to accommodate us quickly, the service was so slow that we spent 30 minutes waiting for our waiter to arrive and take our order. The chicken wings and fries are gluten free, though they are fried in the same are as other foods. Overall the chicken wings were cooked well, but very saucy. The fries were incredible (ate them too fast to take a picture). Our waiter mixed up one of the orders and forgot our fries to start. When we asked for additional sauces, it took a while to bring it out. Not sure if we'll be coming back.
Ordered out. Order got canceled on our way there. Restaurant still open.Edit: Don't use an online order service if you're not going to fulfill the orders made.Plus one star because my friends ragged on me for this review.