Smokecraft Modern Barbecue — Restaurant in Arlington

Since the company has a tendency to "zing reviewers" I would like to preface this with... "I was only trying to help."

The hype online led us to make an hour commute to this well Instagramed spot. Made reservations and parked in the lot nextdoor. Alleviated a lot of the stress.

Upon arrival we were immediately sat and quickly greeted. Our server was on top of things and brought table side ordering.

Having to use QR codes to see the menu was stymied by cell signal. If you are going to require customers to "bring up the menu on their phone..." You need to provide on boarding to your network to make sure we can get the menu. As a Verizon user I had to move closer to the window after scanning the QR. (Provide another QR to get on the wifi.)

After scanning the menu... We decided on the pork nachos for a starter. Due to my dietary constraints, we asked for the cream and avocado on the side. Our server made sure it was delivered correctly.

1st choice: Great I was a little concerned when I saw no sauce on it. But the pork is excellent. The cheese and salsa is almost perfect. Gobbled up quickly and enjoyed by the whole table.

The main course... Well nothing looked good to me. The word dry rub made me think of BBQs that served shoe leather. I am happy to report, I was way off on this. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich expecting a dry sandwich that I would have to add sauce too.

My sandwich was sauced and had onions in it. I didn't like it. But didn't hate it. I however couldn't stand the fries that came with it. They were old and cold and clearly cooked in old oil. So I just pushed them aside. The sandwich needed something... Not sure what... But I just discarded the bread and ate the meat.

As I looked up I realized everyone else at the table just "passed" on their food. Ryan didn't like his combo. Lee didn't eat her sandwich. Both stating... "Too full."

Ok. Let's get the check and go.

The toast table side device was left with us. Which kind of felt like self check out at the grocery.

Moving on.

We took 2 plates worth to go. The server provided Togo containers that could also hold their sauces.

On the car ride home the debate started. "Who thinks Mission is better?"

I countered with "Mission doesn't have nachos." Ryan fired back with "those fries were disgusting."

So over all...

Would I come here on purpose again? No. If I was in the area would I come back. Probably not without looking around. Would I tell someone else "I am not eating there"? Not at all.

The overall score is "fine" which is the definition of a 3/5.

So give it a shot... Maybe I got an off night. But.. and this is a big one... Of the 2 people who claimed to be too full. They both ate what was in the fridge, as soon as...

I was super pressed to get out to this modern bbq spot!! It’s been on my list of “Go To’s” for quite some time!! I finally GOT THERE…like to hear about? Here it Go!! . Where I am: @smokecraftbbq . Location Reviewed: 1051 N Highland St., Arlington V.A. . Menu Includes: Smoked Brisket, Chicken, Salmon, Crab Cakes, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey, Tacos, Salads, Mac n Cheese, Corn, Beer, Wine, Deserts, Cocktails & MORE!!

Items Reviewed: Their Pork Belly Burnt Ends (Compart Duroc top tier pork, & an apple glaze $15.95). STAMP!! Super tender, juicy, meaty, fatty, and perfectly glazed!!

Their Sauces see videoSTAMP!! Each one tasted as described!! Sweet, & Pineapple were my favs!!

Their Southwest Brisket Eggrolls (with black beans, roasted red peppers, Jack cheese, & Hatch ranch $14). STAMP!! Melted in your mouth, cheesy, meaty, deliciousness!!

Their Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip (With smoked pulled chicken, smoked bleu cheese, & Tri color tortillas $15.95). DELICIOUS. Cheesy, pungent, a tad bit salty.

Their Southern Sky Mocktail (with orange juice, cranberry, & smokey infused RoseMary $8). STAMP!! Refreshing, truly smoky, & palate cleansing!!

Their Bless Your Heart Mocktail (with Eddy lemon, butterfly pea flower, strawberry syrup, lemonade, & whipped cream $8). STAMP!! Geesh…you tasted every ingredient, it’s a dessert!!

Their Iconic Pulled Pork Sandwich (dry rubbed smoked pork, with Campfire Baked Beans, & Slaw $16.95). STAMP the sandwich, well seasoned, & thick!!

The Beans…STAMP!! With smoked pork in them, savory, & tasty!!

The Slaw…DELICIOUS!! I tasted a half a fork full…crunchy, fresh…good.

Their Pick 3 Smokecraft Combo (with 1/4 smoked chicken, a jalapeño cheddar sausage, sliced prime brisket, Mac n Cheese, & pickles $30.95). STAMP!! Smokey well cooked chicken, a spicy cheesy sausage that snapped, & tender juicy brisket!!

The Mac n Cheese…LIKE THAT!! A blend of cheeses, cheesy, hot goodness!!

Their Cedar Plank Chocolate Brownie S’mores (Cedar plank smoked brownie, chocolate, marshmallows, graham cracker, chocolate orange ganache, & vanilla bean ice cream $8.95). STAMP!! A SMOKED BROWNIE!! Rich, chocolaty, sticky…scrumptious!! . Customer Service: On Point!! . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: Rough! . Recommendations: Everything STAMPED!! . Music: YouTube-BYB James Brown Pocket

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=STAMP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕=LIKE...

Where Fire Meets Flavor: Inside Smokecraft Modern Barbecue Barbecue this polished shouldn’t be this personal — but Smokecraft Modern Barbecue proves that craft and comfort can coexist. Nestled in Arlington, Smokecraft isn’t just your average smokehouse. It’s where culinary technique meets primal flavor, where the smoke is studied, the bourbon is balanced, and every plate feels like it was built to win a competition — because it was. From the first whiff of mesquite as you step in, it’s clear — this isn’t casual barbecue. It’s elevated, award-winning, and dialed-in. “I went for brunch and straight up ordered the ribs. From the first bite — I was sold.” “Mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet? Pulled pork that melts like butter? Yeah, I’ll be back.” “I was hesitant about the price until I saw the massive portions and tasted the flavor.” The brisket egg rolls? A revelation. The ribs? Fall-off-the-bone perfection. Even the cauliflower’s got its own cult following.

This place doesn’t stop at the plate. The Smoke On The Water cocktail is legendary — finished with a literal wood-smoked top that turns bourbon into ritual. It’s sweet. It’s sultry. It’s photo-ready. “Came back just for the Smoke On The Water. Beautiful drink. Incredible taste. Bravo.” Pair that with $10 mimosa carafes during brunch (hello, 6 pours per carafe) and handcrafted smoked old fashioneds, and you’ve got a drink menu that rivals the food.

With its wood finishes, whiskey barrels, and upscale-but-chill aesthetic, Smokecraft hits the sweet spot between modern and rustic. Whether you’re rolling in with five friends for brunch or sliding into a happy hour bar seat, the service is on point — and the vibe is never overcrowded. “Ambiance is stunning — upscale BBQ without feeling stuffy.” “Spacious. Friendly. Quiet on weekdays but full of flavor.” “Came after a game — bartender was amazing. Food was 🔥.” After a feast like that, you don’t want to crash — you want to coast. That’s where PullUpDC steps in. Complement the post-meal glow with a curated hybrid strain to keep the good vibes rolling, whether you're headed home, unwinding with friends, or diving into a creative zone. Smokecraft is barbecue done with precision, heart, and smoky soul. Come hungry, stay for the cocktails, and leave dreaming of your next visit. Feed your fire here. Then elevate the chill...