I've been looking for great, wallet friendly BBQ. This more than meets the mark. My youngest child even liked it and she never does. We will go back.
The only drawback was my kids didn't care for the smell. I didn't mind it nor notice it till they mentioned it. It smelled like great food and it tasted better, in my opinion.
The hardest thing is parking. Don't try to park in front, find a side street and walk to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ, Brisket, Potato Salad
matt smith
This place is definitely a dive. They constantly play classic blues music which puts their music at the absolute best of any restaurant ever. Their customer service is second to none. My family has been eating there for a few years. For the first time I had a problem with a takeout order. William fixed it up so efficiently and so well that I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The prices are fair, and even better the larger your group gets. My one complaint is that they refuse to offer complimentary water.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Theresa
Really amazing BBQ, the Texas Caviar is fantastic and the brisket is dreamy- the gold medal goes to the ribs, best I’ve ever had!
Also, really cool atmosphere inside the restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danielle Gaskins
10/10 experience. Staff and owners were very welcoming and personable. The food is AMAZING. I live in Maryland but I definitely will be back, some of the best BBQ I’ve had in awhile. If you’re in the area, please try it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connor McCarthy
Excellent experience every time I’ve been. Owner Diane and staff are very friendly and welcoming. Best Brisket and Ribs I’ve had outside of Texas. I highly recommend stopping by!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Antoinett Neil
I loved the decor, and the cashier was nice. I'm very underwhelmed by the taste of my food. My husband spent approximately $67 for 2 two meats with two sides. Now the portions were awesome and it smelled great. Alas, the brisket was bland until I added the sauce which was great by the way. The pulled pork was ok. The cornbread was very pretty in color but it felt like it was store bought. The beans were ok. We did like the macaroni, it had a little kick to it. Unfortunately, there was no turkey or rib tips. We made a trip from Maryland today and left disappointed 😞.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Micheal Partain
Mind you i went in on a Sunday evening, I love BBQ and Authentic BBQ (being from Georgia). From thew point that i walked in the door i was greeted with a smile and hospitality. I got the plater with 2 meats and 2 sides. The wait was super quick 5-7 Mins at best. While i was enjoying the music and the food. the young man working the counter brought me an assortment of all the side dishes they have. THEY WERE GREAT! Everything on the menu was good and tasted like i was in the south eating BBQ. I will be going again and making a video for my TikTok account!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Paskewitz
Excellent! We got sandwiches, grits, and baked beans for takeout.
Marko J
I've been enjoying all kind of deliciousness from Smoking Kow for over 6 years now. Best BBQ in this area, superb customer service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexander Bradley
We rented the Smoking Kow food truck for our wedding reception. It was a FANTASTIC experience from start to finish.
The people were easy to work with, the food was really excellent (everything great, but the real sleeper hit with our guests was actually the smoked turkey!), and the price reasonable for the quality and amount of food.
Would recommend the truck 100%, or if you feel so inclined, the hike to Alexandria for some of the best BBQ in the DMV!
Hands-down one of the best BBQ experiences you can have. The moment you walk in, you can smell that deep, rich, slow-smoked aroma that tells you you're about to eat something special. The team here puts real heart into everything they serve and it shows in every bite.
The brisket is perfection, incredibly tender, beautifully smoked, and full of flavor without being overly heavy. The ribs fall off the bone with just the right touch of smokiness, and the pulled pork is juicy, layered with flavor, and never dry (which is rare!). Their house-made sauces elevate everything without overpowering the meat, balanced, bold, and addictive.
The staff is as impressive as the food. Friendly, welcoming, and genuinely proud of what they serve. You can feel the hospitality the moment you walk in. Whether you’re dining in, taking out, or catering an event, the experience is consistently top-notch.
5 stars all the way!!!
Unforgettable BBQ, amazing service, and truly one of Virginia’s best.
Smoking Kow is a solid small “shack-style” BBQ spot in Alexandria, and honestly, it delivers. The cashier was super knowledgeable and gave great recommendations without making us feel like we were being up-sold — just genuine, helpful guidance.
The brisket? So. Good. The bark is beautifully smoky with a touch of sweetness, and it melts just right. The ribs are also on point — tender, flavorful, and definitely not dry.
Coleslaw is good (personally, I think it could use a little more salt), but the potato salad? Perfect. Doesn’t need a single thing.
Highly recommend swinging by if you’re passing through or already in the area. Great BBQ, great service, and totally worth the stop.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beulah's Place
Best bbq place ever! Love the atmosphere and service
I've been looking for great, wallet friendly BBQ. This more than meets the mark. My youngest child even liked it and she never does. We will go back.
The only drawback was my kids didn't care for the smell. I didn't mind it nor notice it till they mentioned it. It smelled like great food and it tasted better, in my opinion.
The hardest thing is parking. Don't try to park in front, find a side street and walk to it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ, Brisket, Potato Salad
This place is definitely a dive. They constantly play classic blues music which puts their music at the absolute best of any restaurant ever. Their customer service is second to none. My family has been eating there for a few years. For the first time I had a problem with a takeout order. William fixed it up so efficiently and so well that I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The prices are fair, and even better the larger your group gets. My one complaint is that they refuse to offer complimentary water.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really amazing BBQ, the Texas Caviar is fantastic and the brisket is dreamy- the gold medal goes to the ribs, best I’ve ever had!
Also, really cool atmosphere inside the restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
10/10 experience. Staff and owners were very welcoming and personable. The food is AMAZING. I live in Maryland but I definitely will be back, some of the best BBQ I’ve had in awhile. If you’re in the area, please try it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent experience every time I’ve been. Owner Diane and staff are very friendly and welcoming. Best Brisket and Ribs I’ve had outside of Texas. I highly recommend stopping by!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loved the decor, and the cashier was nice. I'm very underwhelmed by the taste of my food. My husband spent approximately $67 for 2 two meats with two sides. Now the portions were awesome and it smelled great. Alas, the brisket was bland until I added the sauce which was great by the way. The pulled pork was ok. The cornbread was very pretty in color but it felt like it was store bought. The beans were ok. We did like the macaroni, it had a little kick to it. Unfortunately, there was no turkey or rib tips. We made a trip from Maryland today and left disappointed 😞.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Mind you i went in on a Sunday evening, I love BBQ and Authentic BBQ (being from Georgia). From thew point that i walked in the door i was greeted with a smile and hospitality. I got the plater with 2 meats and 2 sides. The wait was super quick 5-7 Mins at best. While i was enjoying the music and the food. the young man working the counter brought me an assortment of all the side dishes they have. THEY WERE GREAT! Everything on the menu was good and tasted like i was in the south eating BBQ. I will be going again and making a video for my TikTok account!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent! We got sandwiches, grits, and baked beans for takeout.
I've been enjoying all kind of deliciousness from Smoking Kow for over 6 years now. Best BBQ in this area, superb customer service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We rented the Smoking Kow food truck for our wedding reception. It was a FANTASTIC experience from start to finish.
The people were easy to work with, the food was really excellent (everything great, but the real sleeper hit with our guests was actually the smoked turkey!), and the price reasonable for the quality and amount of food.
Would recommend the truck 100%, or if you feel so inclined, the hike to Alexandria for some of the best BBQ in the DMV!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Hands-down one of the best BBQ experiences you can have. The moment you walk in, you can smell that deep, rich, slow-smoked aroma that tells you you're about to eat something special. The team here puts real heart into everything they serve and it shows in every bite.
The brisket is perfection, incredibly tender, beautifully smoked, and full of flavor without being overly heavy. The ribs fall off the bone with just the right touch of smokiness, and the pulled pork is juicy, layered with flavor, and never dry (which is rare!). Their house-made sauces elevate everything without overpowering the meat, balanced, bold, and addictive.
The staff is as impressive as the food. Friendly, welcoming, and genuinely proud of what they serve. You can feel the hospitality the moment you walk in. Whether you’re dining in, taking out, or catering an event, the experience is consistently top-notch.
5 stars all the way!!!
Unforgettable BBQ, amazing service, and truly one of Virginia’s best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great Mom & Pop BBQ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Pack 1lb Pork Mac Slaw cb, Cornbread, Coleslaw
Smoking Kow is a solid small “shack-style” BBQ spot in Alexandria, and honestly, it delivers. The cashier was super knowledgeable and gave great recommendations without making us feel like we were being up-sold — just genuine, helpful guidance.
The brisket? So. Good. The bark is beautifully smoky with a touch of sweetness, and it melts just right. The ribs are also on point — tender, flavorful, and definitely not dry.
Coleslaw is good (personally, I think it could use a little more salt), but the potato salad? Perfect. Doesn’t need a single thing.
Highly recommend swinging by if you’re passing through or already in the area. Great BBQ, great service, and totally worth the stop.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best bbq place ever! Love the atmosphere and service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great BBQ!!! The Best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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