Sugarfire Smoke House — Restaurant in Washington

I don't normally write reviews, let alone long ones. I mainly share my experience due to the service and not the food. I'll start with saying, the location is amazing and the vibe of downtown Washington is on a very small scale of being in a large historical city. We are from the area and really appreciate locally owned restaurants, even though this particular one isn't local to Washington. First off, we were not greeted with "welcome to Sugar fire etc." We were looked at like we were idiots because we were confused on the flow of the restaurant and where to order. We were just told " to start over there" Ok cool I'll go "over there" The restaurant is pretty confusing when you first walk in. The entrance is off the dining patio and you have to walk across the restaurant behind a wall to grab sodas and beer or whatever it is you want to drink. Kinda weird but ok. There is a large menu written above the service area, in chalk, is very cluttered and can be confusing. My son who is 12 was trying to order brisket. The guy, who looked like the pit master or manager, asked him what size portion he wanted. My son, who I don't think heard him, told him that his order would be on the same bill as mine. Again he's 12 and being polite. The sever said very abrasively, " I understand that sir, would you like 6 or 8 oz?" Like he knows what that means or has ever ordered that before. I then almost told him never mind and grabbed my family and left. But I decided to just over look it and move on. It was just very off putting and he could have presented himself better. Was not a very good representation of this restaurant. I almost felt like our $100+ bill was an inconvenience to him. But I really wanted some ribs so I let it go. I'm by no means a "Karen" but don't treat a child any different because he was confused. We got to the check out counter and the girl must have been new. I get it, we all have been there. We were by no means in a rush and I even still Tipped. Even tough I have a rule that if I have to stand up to order and get my own drinks and condiments, I don't tip. Call it what it is. In closing, the food was good but not by any means award winning. The corn was bland and the beans were just ok. As far as the ribs, they were pretty good. some over cooked spots but overall still good. My wife said she enjoyed her sandwich and the kids ate their food so it had to have been ok. Im not saying I won't give it another chance but it won't be my first pick. I just want to add, it was not busy and there were another group of maybe 4 in the dining room at the time. I can see if it was slammed. If the management reads this, please work on doing better to make your customers feel welcome and invited. I spent a pretty good amount of money in this restaurant and there were several other nearby that I know I would have enjoyed. Im not saying people need a welcoming party, but at least act like you want them there. After all, we are (the customers) what keep your doors open and...

WOW! Totally great BBQ! We ordered burnt ends (so soft and juicy perfection) pulled pork sandwiches (so good, nice buns) and ribs (divine). Love all the sides and sauces too. The honey cornbread was practically dessert. - They guy handling the orders as you select your meat was on point he knew the menu. So fast & everyone is clearly working hard and paying attention to one another. The cashiers were great and when they went on a round to wipe down the tables after families left he even bussed our table. (Which is not to be expected. That was really kind of him, as we were catching up after the lunch rush died down.) If you dine during peak hours it will be loud but if you're there after the rush it is so peaceful. The queue is along the right hand wall and you can even pick out bottled drinks or fountain drinks there before you get your tray/ order. Once at the serving area the first server asks what meat or meal you're selecting and will write that on the paper on the baking sheet/tray to you. Pull porked is literally weighed so you get the full 6oz or 8oz. The next server will set you up with your side/s. Nice big portions so that's pretty great! My partner missed the pork fried rice option so we have to try that next time. He loved the slaw, very crunchy, Pop had the beans, and I had potato salad (it's a wet mild potato salad so kids should like it).

• There is a menu sign on the right hand wall that has meals and everything printed - easy to miss if you get up to the queue and see the chalkboard sign overhead. This sign is much easier to read than the chalkboard overhead. Chalkboard is best for when the line really wraps ;D **Tables are set up with rolls of paper towels (because bbq) and most of the sauces, I think check the condiment and soda fountain station for the hotter/spicy bbq sauces. Buying sauce bottles is an option to pick out at the entrance. I think they had paper menus before you get into the queue on a barrel by the high chairs. It's a great bbq place with really busy and...

I've not had the best of luck with chain BBQ places and this place seems to be a middle ground of my experiences with them. The decor is very cool with alot of 50-70s era throwbacks. The staff seemed very nice and food was served quickly.

I ordered the Big Daddy place witch comes with all the meats they offer, 2 sides and a drink. The Turkey was moist and tender, the pulled pork was juicy and flavorful. The ribs were overcooked and slightly dry. briskedt was tender but dry too. Sausage was my favorite. I also ordered the cornbread and their honey-butter with was very very good, almost cake-like (some might not like it like that but it makes for a really great dessert)

Baked beans were flavorful and nice consistency. Mac and cheese was cheesy and well cooked. Would recommend both.

All in-all I would recommended going sometime around lunch. I might have just got stock that had been sitting in a heater all day witch could be the reason most of the meat wasn't moist.

Sauce selection was nice. Also, cherry cream...