Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

Dave Krug

This place serves up the best barbecue in Arlington and the surrounding areas. I'm very surprised it has a 4.4 rating and not 4.6 or higher. We got the meat sampler, and everything was flavorful, tender, and the choice of wood (to smoke it) was well-dialed-in. The meat sampler is enough for 3-4 people, but the 2 of us shared it and took the leftovers home. What stood out to me the most was the brisket, ribs, sweet potatoes, and smoked cauliflower. The brisket was stellar! A friend of mine thought the collard greens is the best of the sides. As a barbecue snob, I was impressed and very satisfied. Their wide selection of BBQ sauces made it even better. Their above average selection of draft beer was another huge plus, but I was hoping for 1 more darker option like a dark lager and something like a Hefeweizen. Now I'm getting picky. I will definitely be back.

Dr Edward J Gerety III

Spectacular! This was a hidden gem, one that my daughter discovered by just searching for BBQ in the area. As Arlington, VA has lacked decent Bar-B-Q until NOW. Smokecraft is a perfect name, as the meal was a serious craft. First, they honoured my note in the reservation not to be near a door. Secondly, the service was quick, and they answered willingly all of our questions. Drinks came out just as fast, and they even brought me a full pint to "sample" what they had chosen for me. It was a local stout and divine. The Deviled Eggs were a new take on the dish that, for lack of a better phrase, "Blew me away." The prime rib melted in your mouth. I have had BBQ from around the word, including Texas, Tennessee, Brazil, and Mexico. This was on equal footing with all of them. The mashed potatoes were delicious and a perfect texture and taste. My advice is to make this a pitstop.

Chris Nicholson

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 they got home.

Kim G

From the personal conversation with the owner and the positive attitude of the waiter, the experience at Smokecraft was worth the drive through the rain. While the food could have been a few degrees hotter, I will definitely be back. The brisket with the peppercorn topping and the salmon were amazing. No words can reallly touch on the smoked cauliflower!!!!

Heather Antoinetti

Everything I have ever tried has been delicious. They also do a great job packaging for delivery. We ordered burgers from Smokehouse the other night and they arrived in perfect order, which is no small task. The burgers were perfectly cooked to medium rare and the flavors are unbeatable.