DCity Smokehouse — Restaurant in Washington

I’ve had this restaurant on the list to visit for awhile. I came in for an early dinner and didn’t find it overly busy with at least five employees working behind the bar/kitchen. I waited in line to order but did ask what someone recommended and they mentioned the brisket and ribs. The cashier when asked couldn’t even give me a recommendation. I ended up ordering a platter which included brisket and ribs. It came with two sides so I ordered the fried brussels sprouts and barbecue beans. The brisket was very good but the barbecue sauce left a little to be desired. There weren’t a ton of sauce choices and had to ask for more sauce at the register. The reason for my lack of five stars involved the very smoke tasting ribs but mostly the lack of service. Since the place is setup to order first then have a seat it doesn’t really allow for much service. I brought my dogs so I had to sit outside which I mentioned to the cashier. I had a beer with my order so I went outside to wait and a customer had to come get me to pickup my order and I had to ask the bar for my beer. With the amount of workers and even another couple outside I would think orders should be brought to tables especially since I had to make two trips with a roll of paper towels , main dish, beer and sides being served on separate plates. A waiter/waitress could have easily had a tray with everything or given a tray and made the process easier. Even a speaker system would help to announce orders outside. Overall, cool environment but no music inside or out to make the place seem more welcoming. No easy access to a metro so walking a long distance or driving to this location is required. Portions are decent and would highly recommend the brisket but be aware costs are a little high for platters, service needs a little work and not extremely dog friendly versus other barbecue places I’ve visited which offer a personal touch with water and a little treat for dogs. The place has the decor down perfect but coming from the south I miss the...

This was our 1st visit to the DCity smokehouse—the Florida AVE location was close to our airbnb. Came on recommendation of my adult kids who live in the area and have eaten here many times.

We placed our order for carry out online via their website on a weekday late afternoon / early evening. Ordered 2 sampler platters (with sides) and extra ribs and Brussels spouts.

I think they use doordash portal for order processing —even for pick-up —which is not obvious until the credit card transaction clears. It also appears there is an fee to use this portal which is bogus -I wish restaurants would maintain their own menus and ordering portal instead of outsourcing this and forcing their clients to pay extra fees without advance disclosure.

Order was ready when promised. Employee working counter was friendly and very careful to insure order accuracy. All the food was appropriate temperature, good portions and well seasoned.

Ribs were great !!!!! meaty, tender, well seasoned (didn’t even need sauce), good sized. brisket-outstanding: super tender, flavorful, unctuous. Wings were Ok (I’m not a wing guy). Brisket chili was interesting—not chili. More like brisket in a sauce with cheese on top. Tips were tough- more like a slice of tough brisket. unlike any tips I’ve ever had. Would not get again tips or chili again. Slaw good but side size was too small. Brussel spouts were great—good portion, well roasted.

It was slightly troubling that there were 2 adult men sleeping on benches in the covered patio area that you have to enter thru. We (and others) had to step around them. Don’t know if they were customers, employees on break or homeless people. Regardless—it was off putting and unnecessary.

We’ll go back and have ribs, brisket and Brussel spouts and place our order in person instead...

First, this place is a summer-time vibe. We came when the weather was a little cooler so that was a plus. Showed up around 7:45 on a Friday in July. Live DJ that knows what he's doing setting a 90s 00s hip hop and rnb soundtrack. Our party of 3 was greeted immediately and given the ordering situation. From order to food arrival literal minutes! Nice crowd but not super crowded - that should change immediately. Between the 3 of us, we had Smokehouse brisket melt, pork bbq, brisket, wings, collards, cole slaw, fried onions, and house pickles. (Don't judge we had long days 🤣) The person writing this tried errthang. Listem fam, THIS FOOD IS AH-MAZING. From beginning to end. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G was hot, fresh and SOOOOO goodt! (Yes with the T - really should be 2 T's) The two downsides - these picnic benches don't make you want to tarry. From the tea connoisseur, it was aight. (I can also imagine in hotter weather getting to go orders is probably the move cuz it's basically outside with cover). The service was outstanding. The food is brought out by number. The manager came around to check in and bring the paper towel roll which was absolutely needed for the way I had my face in my food. Servers came around to keep the table clean. Drink refills were self-service. And on top of this - paper food boats and sustainable straws (that may be a DC thing but I was glad for it.) Now that I have appropriately shouted out DCity Smokehouse, I am going to...