Backyard Barbeque
Williamsburg Shopping Ctr,2910 N Sycamore St, Arlington, VA, 22207
Backyard Barbeque Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Arlington for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Arlington for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
Williamsburg Shopping Ctr,2910 N Sycamore St
Arlington, VA, 22207 - Phone (703) 534-2510
- Website https://www.backyardbbqcompany.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Zach R.
Simply a great quick bite of delicious BBQ classics. A neighborhood staple. The grilled salmon is my go to, with a delicious fluffy bun and a generous amount of a delicious mango salsa to go with the meal. The salmon is nice and light, and the mangos really add to the flavor. Great place for a quick bite to eat.
(5)David H.
This might just be the beat BBQ I've had in the DC area. This place is small and seems to mostly do takeout but they have a small counter area with some stools to eat there, as I did. Nothing fancy and no "DC ambiance" here, just excellent BBQ! You order at the counter and they bring your meal when it's ready. I had the brisket sandwich and the brisket was about perfect. It was lean, so tender you didn't need a knife, it had that smoked BBQ flavor you want, and there was a huge portion of it. One note, I liked their sauce but it's tomato based and they only have one kind so if you only like mustard or vinegar sauce maybe get it to go so you can add your own? The BBQ beans were excellent too, with a smoky flavor and lots of peppers, onion, and a little pork. They're worth the $3 for the "small" serving which is actually pretty large. They have a limited menu compared to some places so no fried items like fries, okra, squash, etc. and I'm not sure that they actually brew tea here, might be all canned drinks. I'm picky about BBQ and this place is in a strip mall that's a little hard to get but worth the trip. I want to go back on a Fri, Sat, or Sunday to try the ribs next time.
(4)Carol B.
The food here is consistently outstanding. The ribs fall off the bone, the brisket is great and the sides are yummy. They would have 5 stars but they are consistently stingy with extra sauce. The wet ribs are barely coated with it, same with brisket and extra sauce is necessary. I shouldn't have to beg. Even when I ask I have to double check to get enough. It's a distinct downside to the experience.
(4)Leila C.
Great bbq and I love the health salad! Wonderful place for picking up food for dinner or a party. A lovely family runs it with great support staff. Looking forward to my next fix!
(5)Alicen M.
BLAH is the best description I can provide. Pork was fatty. Brisket was over-seasoned. Mac&Cheese tasted like Velveeta. It's a check in the box kind of place. One and done.
(2)Matthew P.
First time customer and I left there with a . I had the pulled pork sandwich for lunch and I wanted more of if..I'm not a coleslaw person but I cleaned out the side cup. If I had more thumbs id give it ..I'm definitely coming back!!!
(4)Kristin N.
Down the street from my house. I'm not sure why it took me so long to try this place! The pulled pork and brisket are my favorite. I have never been a veggie fan and the carrot/celery salad side they have I am a little addicted to! My favorite part are the owners, super nice.
(5)Ivy T.
The barbecue at this little joint is just out of this world. We couldn't devour it fast enough yet the post-dining endorphin kick kept my husband and I up and giggling for hours after eating. I have not had a foodie endorphin rush like this since dining at Wolfgang Puck's Las Vegas. For all of these reasons - I don't know where to start. Sure, the storefront is totally barebones and warmed by a portable space heater. You're not going to want to take your jacket off when you step inside. But the ribs!!! Get a whole rack. You're gonna want to take some home. In fact, you're gonna want Backyard BBQ to cater your wedding, so grab a flyer, too. And the potato salad! Rich and divine with a crumbly melt in your mouth consistency like I've experienced nowhere else, ever. For paleo people, this spot is an unassuming jackpot. For the rest of the world. Show a small local business with mind blowing barbecue tradecraft your support and stop in for a to-go. You will not regret. You might even eat your leftover ribs for breakfast (Hey - don't judge)! Note: I stopped in on Wednesday night. Ribs were available, though signage indicated to check ahead or weekends only. The woman behind the counter was the sweetest thing and checked on us frequently.
(5)C.W. O.
This is not a proper bbq joint. Is barely mediocre. Pulled pork is not smoked. Coleslaw is watery and lacks bite. Mac and cheese comes from the kids menu at Denny's, or so it tastes and appears. Baked beans are okay. No tables just a couple bars at the window. I'll never return and I suggest you avoid.
(2)Alan H.
I was working near by and thought I would try this place across the street and I'm glad I did.I had a pulled pork sandwich that was very much to my liking but expected the cole slaw to be the traditionally sweet kind, which I normally would pick but this was also very good but had more of a German twang(vinegar base) it was good and refreshing.I would definitely come again.
(4)Vittoria C.
Amazing!!! I had the chicken sandwhich - it was cooked perfectly & came with the delicious mango salsa! Got a side of mac & chesse & the owner gave me a sample of thier pulled pork bbq, which were both great! Highly recommend! And not too greasy or heavy - very fresh!
(5)Robert S.
Did take-out here tonight after being here once before. I'm not a barbecue snob, but this is some of the best I've had in the area. The woman behind the counter let me try the brisket and it was excellent, tender and had great flavor. I brought home the pulled pork meal an it was more than enough for a family of three. I will definitely be going back for mor pork and a full serving of the brisket.
(5)Casey G.
I think it depends on what you order. I enjoyed the chicken with mango salsa as as the pulled pork and mac and cheese. It's great for the price and the location is awesome. Quick turnaround as well, took about five minutes for pulled pork.
(3)Emily A.
I'm really surprised to compare the reviews and my experience here. I thought the food was great classic southern bbq. To me, it hit all the notes correctly, and wasn't trying to gussy up something that's always been delicious. I had a pulled pork sandwich and it was definitely the best one I've had at any Arlington bbq joint, the meat was actually pulled (versus chopped to smitherines) and had good flavor and bite. The bbq sauce is a not-to-sweet/not-to-vinegary sauce that complemented the meat well. I really liked the classic coleslaw (mayo and all) that I plopped right on the sandwich in the potato bun. My husband got brisket, which he liked - but I didn't eat so won't comment further. I really liked the baked beans, I thought they were sweet and a good complement to the meat, but not overly-so. They also weren't mushy, which describes every other baked bean I've had in the greater Arlington area. The mac and cheese was NOT overcooked, and it's a creamy velveeta style sauce, but to me that's classic bbq mac and cheese. It did not taste chemical-y to me, and had a nice pepper kick to it. The young women who worked in the shop were kind and effective, nothing over the top but my food was quick and they were nice.
(5)Emily H.
4 stars? Y'all can't be trusted. First, the owner was SO RUDE. He just stared at us--never said hi, never asked what we wanted. Perhaps this is some sort of Virginia tradition I'm unaware of. Carry on. The food, like the attitudes, was appalling. The brisket bore resemblance to the bottom of my hipster boots and had no flavor. But-for its baptism in bbq sauce it would have been completely inedible. The pulled pork was equally dry and gross and the mac and cheese was definitely easy mac. I would never voluntarily do this to myself. I love myself. Why do you guys not love yourselves?
(2)Cory L.
I was borderline about writing a review here...especially because this is a local family owned business, but I am hoping that this review is taken to heart.. I agree with a previous reviewer, the owner wasnt that friendly even after mentioning that I was a first timer. The food was below average. I got two things, the pulled pork and the brisket sandwich. The brisket was probably the worst that I've had. Sauce that the brisket was swimming in was way too much. I discovered that the brisket itself was dry and tough and seemed to me, oven baked (thus explaining the sauce covering everything). The pulled pork seemed like it too was not in a smoker, but rather cooked in a crock pot or oven. Oh and the food when ordering is put together right there at the counter/register...the person basically scoops out the brisket thats already been sauced from a container or tub or what have you, same with the pulled pork. Definitely is not sliced to order from the kitchen. Oh..and ribs only on weekends.
(2)Ladan M.
Good wet ribs. Very meaty. Dry ribs not so flavorful. Jalapeño cornbread was moist and had a nice kick. Sides were fine, but no standouts. BUT, apple cobbler - excellent. Could have come straight from grandma's oven.
(3)Juliet K.
i really wanted to like this place and was hoping it would be a good BBQ place that was close by. Unfortunately it hit the mark on so many levels. BBQ is supposed to be smoked... none of the items were smoked. the brisket was dry, and SMOTHERED in sauce. real smoked brisket does not need to be served drowning in sauce. it was so dry, that i couldnt even finish one piece of it. the pork ribs were at least decently tender and juicy, but all the meats were obviously not smoked as none of it had the genuine bark that one would expect with smoked BBQ. the mac and cheese was decent, although it tasted it cheese whiz or velveeta cheese. a little too cheesy if you ask me, but at least it was edible. and i did really like the jalapeno cornbread. but i cant go back to a BBQ place for their cornbread. thats just sad. Backyard, you really disappointed me.
(2)Christine S.
Love the mango salsa and ribs. I love their ribs they are really meaty I have eaten in once and taken out once and both times I was extremely satisfied. Their sides all seem homemade, everything tastes really fresh. As far as dining in goes, its a small place and there are no tables you have to eat at a barlike table, but I don't even ding it a star for that. 1) because when I pig out on ribs I like to do it at home not in public and 2) when I did eat there I was comfortable everyone was talking to each other just an over all friendly environment.
(5)Sherry W.
What would you rather have for $8 - a Subway footlong (c'mon, everybody knows only the crappy menu options are available for $5) or a hamburger bun exploding with about 14 pieces of juicy beef brisket and a side of fresh coleslaw? If you chose the latter - congratulations! If you went with Subway... might I recommend a physical to make sure your tastebuds are intact, and perhaps a psychiatric examination? The prices here are fair and you'll get LOTS of high quality meat. Both pulled pork and brisket came out deliciously tender and juicy; they're both great. The sides were a bit weaker - the mac tastes like Kraft, but the texture is good, gooey, and plenty cheesy. The only thing this place could be dinged on is the BBQ sauce - it's a bit runny and weak, and I would have liked it to cling to the meat more. For less than $20 for a side, 2 sandwiches, and a soda (Boylan's! Jarritos!), I'd say lunch was an absolute steal.
(5)Kim H.
I tried the beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches with a side of baked beans and potato salad. Yes, I was hongry! Both sandwiches were very good. They have a little stand with all kinds of sauces to dress your sandwich up with. Beef brisket could have been a tiny bit more tender but I still enjoyed it. The pulled pork was great after adding some bbq and hot sauce! The sandwiches come with a tiny cup of coleslaw and the sides are a la carte, the 8oz side (small) are about 2.50 each. Both sides were delicious! You can also order meats in bulk.....great for parties! There is not much space to eat inside of the restaurant. Just a few stools along the window so plan accordingly.
(4)Leah G.
Skip the brisket and stick to the ribs. Get them wet and they'll fall off the bone for you. 5 basic sides which you can skip but the jalapeño cornbread is mild and a great compliment to the chili.
(3)Lee F.
The best thing I ever got here were the beef ribs, which were really excellent. But they stopped making them. Pork ribs only, which are just "ok." Mac 'n' cheese doesn't seem homemade. Maybe it is, but to me it seems about a half a step up from Kraft and on-par with KFC. Would be good if they added some down-home southern-style green beans or something. It's set up for take-out primarily, with few places to sit and eat in the store. Concerning other reviewers' inconsistent comments about the friendliness of the staff, I think it's a family-run joint, and I think the man of the house is less friendly than the lady of the house. (Quite frankly, it's the same dynamic in my house, so I get it. Although I'm not running a customer-centric restaurant, in which case I might put on a happy face.)
(2)E G.
I love BBQ and was surprised I had never heard of this place until recently, so thanks to yelp I went to check it out yesterday. First thing that struck me odd was the prices. BBQ is peasant food, where the cheapest cuts of meat are taken and smoked until tender. I chalked it up to the arlington effect and ordered the brisket and pulled pork. The girl behind the counter is cute and very friendly. The brisket is well reviewed here on yelp, so I was looking forward to it, but I have to say I was VERY underwhelmed. No smoke ring, not tender at all. Not chewy necessarily, it made an ok sandwich to bite into, but would be considered to be 'very tight' to use bbq officiando verbage. Taste wasnt bad but not that great either, not much smoke flavor and a gritty texture. It seemed to me that instead of "slow and low" , they turned up the heat to get it done faster. Thats not how proper BBQ is done. Pulled pork was similar, not much smoke flavor. The bun was way too small and made it hard to eat. Probably a similar story that it was just rushed. The house bbq sauce was pretty darn good. I am of the religious belief that honey, brown sugar, or any other desert ingredients do not belong anywhere close to bbq. Their sauce had a touch of sugar in it, but it was a nice balance and had good smoky spicy flavor. Id prefer a spicy vinegar based sauce but this does the trick too. It was a disappointment that they only had one sauce. Most bbq places have several to choose from. Overall I just didnt get the feeling that Backyard BBQ is trying very hard. Rushed meat, high prices, and only 1 sauce. Honestly Id go to Red Hot & Blue before this place again, and thats the bare minimum any bbq joint should be able to live up to.
(2)Kevin K.
I think that this place is good for a neighborhood joint but to travel to try their food is a big mistake. I went over the memorial day holiday and thought what could be better than supporting a local business and getting some smoked meats? The brisket was tough like it had been over done by a couple hours, there was not any type of bark and it was swimming in a plastic container with sauce? I got a pound of that, a rack and a half of ribs which tasted boiled, no smoke ring and just super pedestrian at best. I hate ripping on places like this, but I have to say your money is going to be better spent driving into chinatown and getting some brisket and ribs at Hill Country, or if on the weekends go to Mr. P's The sides the "fresh salad" was a travesty although it was the only thing that was good and so I had shared that with my wife. Mac and cheese forget about eating that. It was like everything was underseasoned and nothing had any pop! Sorry i wanted to support it but I was downright mad after eating this food. It was expensive to boot. All together for the 2 sides the rack and a half and the brisket it came out to like $70 something dollars. Sooo not worth it. Cheers and happy eats
(2)David M.
I'll go HOURS out of my way for BBQ, and recently stumbled onto Backyard while helping a friend move a few states away. Best brisket I've ever had. Period. And I rate bbq establishments pretty critically. Mind you, I've only had the brisket. But this was definitely five-star brisket we're talking about. This was a really fantastic surprise for a spontaneous lunch trip. And we ended up going back to get a half pound each to bring home with us.
(5)Gerardo H.
Had the pulled pork sandwich. It was good but it was too tiny. I didn't get full at all. The flavor was yummy but not worth the $6.95 because of its size. I imagine all their items are small in portions...
(2)Yan W.
Good Barbeque, cole slaw, and friendly service. What more can you ask for? It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was pretty good. I had the brisket sandwich and found the meat a little dry without the sauce and or coleslaw (I like my sandwiches with dirty cole slaw inside), but overall, if I am in the area, I would definitely stop on in.
(3)Stephanie B.
Like other reviewers, I agree the brisket is good. It was $8.25 for a brisket sandwich and a very small side of coleslaw. Fortunately, you get a good amount of brisket for your buck. I also ordered a small Mac and cheese. Gross! For $2.75, I got 8 ounces of spiral pasta covered in what could only be some sort of Kraft mac & cheese sauce. It tasted exactly like that horrific stuff we all had as kids growing up, not a real cheese. Let's face it, real cheese is just not that color. It was also tasteless. In short, do not get the mac & cheese, you will be disappointed.
(2)Philip R.
Very good pulled pork sandwich, much better than Red, Hot and Blue and Famous Dave's. Only bench seating so it may be best to take it home to eat.
(5)J. Rene L.
We went here based on reviews. It was good and satisfying. I had the pulled pork and even though I am not a cole slaw fan I plopped the portion on my pork and grubbed! I'm really glad I tried it that way.
(3)Bradley T.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would. After sampling their BBQ offerings on separate occasions, I'm thinking they are just better at some things than others. The good: Service with a smile; tender and flavorful brisket (surprisingly good quality brisket out of Arlington. The ONLY thing missing from that brisket was a little bark); fresh/hot food. The not so good: I am unimpressed with the ribs (baby backs). They were hot, but the smoke flavor was lacking for me (I found this true for the brisket somewhat also, which may be just personal preference but I like to taste a certain amount of smoke in my BBQ, otherwise I might as well be eating something broiled). Also, they seemed to use the same sauce for the ribs as they do for the brisket. I don't pretend to know all there is about the culinary world, but in BBQ, sauces for pork and sauces for beef are very rarely mix and match. In this case, their sauce, which tasted great on their brisket (the brisket sandwich came with sauce already on it), wasn't really helping the ribs at all. At any rate, the ribs were pretty tasteless, a complete 180 from their flavorful brisket. All in all I will definitely visit again. The ribs are only served on the weekends so I figure the other meat preparations are where they really shine. The prices are somewhat high (for the ribs; $12.50 for a half rack of baby backs a la carte), but they are local, and I really don't mind paying an extra buck or two to support a local business.
(3)Jim P.
This was our first time getting take out from Backyard Barbeque, though we have enjoyed catered meals from Backyard Barbeque in the recent past and have heard many favorable reviews from friends who frequent this restaurant. I found the owner/operator to be friendly and welcoming, and helpful in making our menu selections. This is pretty much purely a neighborhood take out/catering restaurant, with only a few counter seats and no table service, but we knew that before we went there. Our pulled pork sandwiches were very good - no complaints. We shall return!
(4)Amy B.
Originally from Texas, I have high standards for BBQ, especially beef brisket. This is great BBQ! I highly recommend it. I also thought the grilled chicken with Mango salsa was tasty, a good option when a "non-BBQ fan" is grabbing a bite with you. Recently they catered an employee holiday party I hosted. The food was hot, tasty and it was ready on-time for our pre-arranged pick-up. Many solid, positive reviews from my employees enjoying the food. I highly recommend when you want a sandwich or you are hosting a large group.
(5)Pizza B.
Best BBQ in the area and the staff if super nice. Definitely a favorite place to grab lunch or food after work!
(5)Russell W.
I've only had the ribs and a few sides, so I cannot add anything to the ongoing brisket debate. Weekend rib slabs are hot and extra meaty. I think they give good value for money, especially compared to the chewy gnawbones (In)Famous Dave's offers, or the very tasty but less meaty RH&B baby backs at the same price. Sides are a disappointment. Box-awful mac & cheese, sour "health salad," so-so slaw and downright weird potato salad (with the near-consistency of a gazpacho).
(3)Hirva R.
The best potato salad! I love this place!
(5)Toan N.
I pretty much go to this small family-owned place a few times a month. Definitely a "Mom & Pop" take-out establishment as people have pointed out. (There's a counter if you want to sit, but it'll only hold a few people.) This place is, in my opinion, the best BBQ in NoVA (having tried Sweetwater (my 2nd choice), Rocklands, RH&B, etc..) Having tried about everything on the menu at Backyard BBQ, my favorites are: - The potato salad to which I'm, well, addicted to it. It's not heavy at all. You really taste the potatoes and the bacon bits add a great punch. - The pulled pork sandwich. My suggestion for newcomers. It will show you that the BBQ style here is tangy, "tomatoey" with a hint of vinegar, and a tinge of sweetness. It's probably more of a southern-style of bbq, which I love having spent some time in NC. - For those who just want to go straight to BBQ heaven, you have to try the brisket! It is so incredibly moist and, of course, falls of the bone. I'm a sauce guy, so I add a bit more of the house sauce, and I'm good to go. Another special item I like if it's offered: Their mini burgers (homemade patties with a superb sweet onion topping). The chili is good, but too meaty for me. Mac & Cheese tastes homemade, but it's too creamy. Those are just my own preferences, so you may like them. Everything about this place screams well-made quality home-style food. Give it a try.
(5)Scott V.
I'm so happy there is a great BBQ joint in NOVA! We came here on a Saturday around 6:00 pm, and I was surprised to see that this is primarily a takeout place. The woman behind the counter kindly offered us samples of the pulled pork and brisket, as we hadn't been here before and were unsure of what to order. They also had beef ribs, available only on the weekends. I got a half rack of ribs, as I simply couldn't resist. They were very meaty, tender, and covered in a tangy, sweet sauce. The potato salad with bacon was very creamy, and it was a nice accompaniment to the meat. My wife got the beef brisket sandwich, which was simply phenomenal. The brisket was fall-apart tender, and the sauce on the side was tangy and nicely seasoned. I think I'll definitely order the brisket next time. The sample of pulled pork I tried was also excellent, so I'll have to try that next time as well! I can't wait to come back!
(5)Julia A.
I've been searching for some good pulled pork ever since I had the meal of a lifetime back in Nashville. The service is definitely excellent and I love the small, comfy atmosphere. The conveniently placed towels and napkins are a plus too when eating ribs. My pulled pork was a little dry, but very tasty nonetheless. I also tried the Grilled Jamaican Salmon and absolutely loved it! I'll definitely stop by again to try out more of the entrees, and maybe ask for a little more sauce on my pulled pork next time. Otherwise, this place is a great eat for fans of meat and bbq.
(4)Zach S.
This is the first legitimately good barbecue brisket I've had in the DC area (granted I haven't been to Hill Country yet). It doesn't hold a candle to good brisket in Texas, but it's still damn good. Very tender. I look forward to trying the pulled pork and ribs. It's also cheap, fast, and has easy parking. Highly recommended overall.
(4)G B.
Love. Great pulled pork, chili and brisket. Love supporting a family business!
(5)Ronaldo P.
went here for lunch for bros and barbeque. ordered a pulled pork sandwich, which came with a very tiny cup of coleslaw. also ordered a side of baked beans. all in all, order came to a total of $10 something so not too bad. pulled pork was gewd and the coleslaw was sweet (just like how i like it). wish there was a bit more coleslaw. baked beans were a-ok in my book. there was some meat in it and some tomatoes as well (i'm no food connoisseur, haters to the left). best part of all was the service. lady taking our orders was super friendly and was chatting us up (about credit cards rewards for the curious cats out there). service with a smile is simply sexy. yessir would definitely do again.
(4)William A.
Ribs, pork and brisket is the best around this area. Potato salad is incredible. Bacon =no brainer
(4)Diane F.
This is by far the best BBQ and ribs in the area. The sauce is perfectly balanced. Not too sweet or vinegary. The ribs are outstanding. They are meaty and so tender that the meat falls off of the bone. The brisket melts in your mouth. The rolls are soft and fresh. The potato salad is awesome. Did I mention that it has BACON in it? Yummy. The macaroni salad has an unexpected delicious little kick to it. The apple cobbler is to die for. In fact, my husband and I love the food so much that we had them cater our "end of summer" BBQ party. Everybody loved and raved about the food. Most of the guests went back for full second plates! The staff and owners are a pleasure to work with. They could not have been nicer or more accommodating. They are outgoing, friendly and extremely professional and efficient. They go out of their way to make sure that your event runs perfectly and smoothly. I highly recommend them in every way. You certainly will not be disappointed if you are in search of excellent food. Great job!!!!!!!
(5)Kunal M.
nice juicy sliders conveniently located in arlington and not too expensive. will try the salmon sandwich with mango salsa the next time i am back. A good neighborhood find that seems genuine and the dude in the cash register was friendly and even brought my sliders to my table as i was busy on my phone. i may recommend this place to be considered for the 'K' approved establishment award thats harder to achieve than winning a nobel pize and a zagat's daddy award
(4)K B.
Its OK, but nothing mouthwatering great. Not many selections to order for takeout. A bit overpriced for average food. The Guy behind the counter seemed a tad dazed (but sweet) on the simplest inquiries ( i.e., Do you have just pork ribs?) Rocklands BBQ in Arlington, VA is so much better. Go there.
(2)Mike B.
Given the high ratings of this place I had high expectations when I went over here to pick up takeout for dinner. I bought some brisket and 1/2 rack of pork ribs. Unfortunately, both were dry and overcooked. Neither one had a smoke ring at all. The pluses were that the sauce was very good, as was the jalapeno cornbread and the ribs were meaty. The cole slaw was fresh, but the real reason I went to the store was the BBQ, which was not juicy, not smoky and was overcooked. Nothing like Texas brisket or ribs :(
(3)Val K.
This place has the highest quality food, and they sell the meat by the pound. I would definitely return!
(5)Genesis B.
I've driven by this area but I'm ashamed to say I've never once noticed this place. It's very nondescript with its simple sign tucked away in this small strip of stores. There isn't a lot of sitting space, maybe enough for 10 or so but this isn't what this place is for. Backyard Barbeque is good for a quick sandwich or you're here for take out. As with any good barbeque place, you can order by the pound pork, brisket, etc. I got to try the pork and the brisket and they were fantastic. Add in the sauce and its tangy, vinegary goodness. The chili was chock full of meat and beans with a slight spiciness it. Mac n cheese was gooey cheesy goodness and the cornbread was great. Overall, fantastic food. I know where to go if I need a quick bbq fix in NoVA.
(5)Bro H.
This shit is good but I really wish they had spare ribs. Also I know it's Northern Virginia but 15 bucks for half a rack of ribs is crazy.
(4)Dustin B.
Love. True Love. I'm a huge BBQ snob and I really feel that BYB is puttin' out some solid 'que. I can't get past the pulled pork sandwich. The sauce has a nice fresh tomato tang to it and the meat is super tender and smokey. I went one Saturday when they had fresh smoked a whole pig and it was actually drier then pork they normally put out on the weekdays. (It was still delicious) This is a true mom and pop place. Mom is usually behind the counter and pop is usually behind the grill. Mom gives a HUGE portion of shredded pork on the sandwich and douses it with their signature BBQ. I always take the side of coleslaw out of the solo container and plop it on the 'que with some Franks Red Hot. The slaw is nice and lightly dressed. It tastes like a real traditional southern recipe - mayo, vinegar, and honey. Bottom Line: Next time you want a quick and delicious take out sandwich on your way to the East Falls Church Metro, hit up BYB.
(4)Foodie C.
4.5 Stars Great Service Great AUTHENTIC BBQ Nice smoky flavor of Low & Slow cooked meats. No table service all take out and catering
(4)Brian H.
Very solid BBQ, and being a fan and from Kansas City I think that says a lot.
(4)Ross M.
Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw. Best in the DMV area. Nobody even comes close. Hell, I can't remember eating anything better than this. Makes Bubba's in Falls Church looks like amateurs.
(5)Karen P.
Great place to stop with the kids for delicious bar-b-que. we liked everything, pulled pork, smoked brisket and the salmon.
(4)Dorian G.
Today I had juicy, delicious wet ribs along with some home made cole slaw and potato salad. It was AWESOME. This is one of the best 'Mom and Pop' restaurants in Arlington County if not the Metropolitan region. It makes me realize we are very lucky to have them. Oh! I almost forgot. I orderd their 4 slider appetizer. They are big, charbroiled hand made burgers, grilled onion, in-house BBQ sauce on nice potoato rolls. Awesome dude! I'm taking leftovers to work to let my co-worker enjoy some of this delicious food. They have quite a few jalapeno and habaniero sauces for the heat freaks. I tried a few of the milder ones (jalepeno) on the ribs. But the homemade Schmidt BBQ sauce was just a culinary delight. And NO, I did not smoke any ganja before I went to the restaurant. It was just good eatin' by a Yorktown Highschool football FAN that had eaten some of the delicious Schmidt pulled pork barbecue sandwiches at the home games the last three to four years. Oh well. My diet starts when the daily highs go above 85. Until then I've already invited a friend to go back to the Backyard BBQ so he too can enjoy this serious BBQ. With six kids, he needs to get out of the house. Enough said. See you at the Backyard BBQ!
(5)Ryan W.
4.5 stars. This is probably the best BBQ certainly in Arlington, if not all of the DMV. WAY better than Rocklands. This little place opened in summer '09 and I only recently saw it due to its low-key location off Williamsburg Blvd. in suburban Arlington. We stopped in on a whim and ordered a couple sandwiches and man, were they fantastic. Pork was really most and tender and the brisket was flavorful with a minimum of gristle. The sauce is a nice, tomato-based sauce which has a great balance of sweet, spicy and tangy. The cornbread was very moist and slightly sweet with some jalapeno for some kick. My only complaint was the cole slaw was a little watery and the mac n' cheese too artificially yellow (almost like the Kraft stuff). Still the BBQ qas excellent - we'll be back.
(4)Yvonne C.
I was craving crusty ribs all afternoon, which is strange because I don't eat much meat....I looked on Yelp, saw the recommendations for this place and headed over. I got a 1/2 rack of ribs, with a side of mango salsa (the mango was crunchy, I should have asked for baked beans.) The ribs are amazing!! I asked for "dry" because I wanted crispiness, and they said I'd get a container of sauce with them anyway. They smelled so good on the way home I almost attacked them while waiting at a light. I can't remember when I've had such excellent BBQ ribs....and the best part? They aren't fatty at all. I ate half and saved the rest, there's that much meat on them. I agree they are a bit pricey, but for the quality of the meat, the price makes sense. The sauce that came with the ribs is terrific too. It's vinegary, but not overpowering, not at all sweet, medium spicy, with a smoky fragrance. I'm going to try it on a few other things (veggies) because it's that good.
(5)Brian H.
Pretty damn good and so unassuming from it's tiny storefront. Had the jerk chicken sandwich, which while a little small (one piece of chicken) was nicely marinated and came with a giant heaping of excellent mango salsa. Maybe it just seemed small becuase I didn't want it to end, it was that good. They also have some unique bottled beverages, including an excellent sweet tea from a supplier in NOLA, La. It's a small shop so seating is very limited but definitely worth a stop. I know I'll be back. Sandwich with that bottled tea was about $8, not bad at all.
(5)Rob O.
We ordered the brisket sandwhiches which comes with a small container of coleslaw. We sat at the counter, piled the coleslaw on the sandwhich, and swallowed them in record time. It was tasty and I wish I had another one right now. It was a little expensive for my taste but I expect that around here. I'm definitely a fan and will be back ... just not as much as I like!
(4)Jason G.
Truly awesome! Had the salmon sandwich and brisket, both delicious and extremely flavorful. Owners are super friendly and make spectacular BBQ. This is going to be high on the list of regularly visited spots
(5)Beth H.
We wanted to serve pulled pork BBQ for our daughter's high school graduation party. We did a search of restaurant reviews and discovered this hidden gem in Arlington, VA, near Falls Church. Before ordering fifteen pounds of BBQ for the party, we visited and tried out the BBQ. The owners were super helpful and accommodating, and the BBQ delicious. I've had the best of North Carolina bbq, and while this is not exactly authentic, it is delicious. The meat is chunky and moist, the sauce is delicious, and the flavor just right. Everyone at the party raved about it and my friend is ordering from Backyard BBQ for her son's graduation party! Thanks to Backyard BBQ for helping our graduation party to be a huge success.
(5)Tim M.
Excellent Mom and Pop shop that is relatively unknown. The ribs and pork are slow smoked and have a great flavor. They use a tomato based BBQ sauce that is pretty mild so it does not overwhelm the flavor of the meat. You can add a variety of different hot sauces to your liking. This has gotta be the best BBQ in Arlington VA. I would like it slightly better if they had a spicy NC vinegar sauce instead though.
(4)Mary G.
Their pork barbecue is excellent, as is their brisket. The baked beans are the best ever with lots of yummy goodness, including brisket pieces!!! Mango salsa is unique and delicious, though only a couple of times the mango was not completely ripe. Usually the mango is fully ripe and this salsa is great. The ribs are fall off the bone good. Some people say that rib meat should be chewy, but I definitely prefer the fall of the bone and Backyard Barbecue delivers! You can eat healthy here by ordering the salmon and the health salad. Friendly people work here. They make you feel welcomed. This review is 4 and a half stars. Please visit Backyard Barbecue.
(4)Jon K.
The GREAT: The Ribs! Yum, yum, and YUM! Some of the best ribs I've ever had. Half a rack is plenty for one person (unless you're just an absolute beast or an offensive lineman for a football team, or both!). The sauce is vinegary and has a great flavor - I've been craving such and am glad I found it. The beans are also fabulous. Can't say enough for these two items. The peach cobbler also was homemade and tasty. THE OKAY: The mac & cheese was good to okay - super rich and creamy, a bit much for my taste. I'd prefer a little more crunch, but if you're into the former, you should like what's served here. THE BAD: The cornbread was overcooked and lacking flavor, not going to be on my "to do" list again. OVERALL, I'll definitely be back. I won't do the mac & cheese or cornbread in the future, but I'll definitely have the ribs and beans. And I look forward to trying the brisket and chili.
(4)Jonathan H.
Been coming here for many years. Food always fresh and of good quality. Service very friendly and prices competitive. Only worry is little new ideas on menu, really wish they would add sides like collared greens or okra or red beans and rice. Anyway, consistently good is the best way to describe. Have tried rubs, pulled pork, jerk chicken, brisket, sausage, and salmon. Have also tried most of the sides. Portions good, flavor good, and authentic. People very friendly. Great family run to establishment to support.
(4)Erica C.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Backyard! Salsa or not the mango is yummy and particularly shines with the grilled salmon. Don't get me started on how addictive the mac 'n cheese is. It's a staple with every order. The deals was sealed during the blizzard when Backyard was open and some friends trudged out into the knee deep-snow in search of a savory lunch. That we found and more. The owners, Mike and Anne-Marie are personable and really happy to be serving the local community. Hope they are able to expand to outdoor seating, it'll be a nice treat during the summer. p.s Try the jalapeño cornbread, you won't be sorry. Just the right sweetness from the corn and a little bite from the jalapeños.
(5)liel a.
Just used Backyard BBQ for my sister's engagement party. I had been at the store several times for last minute dinners for my own family, but this was the first time I tried their catering service for a group. IT WAS FANTASTIC! We offered the pulled pork, brisket and salmon with mango salsa. People raved about everything. Will definitely use them again for a big party, and of course, continue to use as the 'go to' place for brisket! YUMMMM!
(5)Hans G.
I came here because I saw the reviews on Yelp, and well I was not disappointed, chunky slabs of rib, great tasting baked beans, and tasty mango salad. This is a place to EAT, pure and simple. Enjoy!
(5)Remy K.
Amazing BBQ. Try the pork pack with coleslaw and the baked beans.
(5)Dennis W.
I started going there just after they openned a couple of years ago and I have been a regular ever since. Ribs and brisket are great and the baked beans are about as good as I have ever had.
(5)Tom N.
Nice little shop to pick up some barbecue. It's got a few seats tucked under the bar wrapping along the walls. Now, the brisket and pulled pork aren't bad, but the sauce tastes much better since the meat is a bit on the dry side. The baked beans are probably the best side order; jalapeno cornbread is a tasty, little twist.
(3)Sam C.
I have been to BBQ restaurants before this location but coming here was the first time I truly experienced proper BBQ. Taste buds feel reborn after tasting their very flavorful tomato based sauce. Cole slaw was a bit salty for my tastes but ye can't have bbq w/o cole slaw. That would be like cereal, no milk.
(5)Andres S.
I visited this place while going for tourism around DC. I looked another reviews and went there to check it out. The food is simply delicious, pulled pork is amazing and the potato salad is great. Don't miss the best chili I've tried in years. The big plus is their friendly service, I was served by the owner, a sweet lady who cares about your experience at the place. I live in NY,but I will try to visit this BBQ more often
(5)Jeff S.
The brisket is the only thing that stands out for me. The rest of the meats and the sides are just average.
(3)Tim O.
I like the touch of having peanuts as you wait in line. Also Their sauce is quality. Worth checking out!
(4)El V.
They catered our labor day bbq. Great food, friendly service! We will definitely use them again.
(5)M W.
Hard to find quick, excellent bbq in Arlington. Rocklands is great, but Backyard BBQ is close and very very good, so we often head over there for a family meal to take home. The brisket is especially tasty. These folks are very supportive of the local community, so that is a huge plus for us.
(5)Mia M.
The brisket bundle was really good. The brisket was great, as were the potato salad, the health salad, and the cornbread. It was a lot of food for the money. Will definitely go back.
(4)Gracie F.
Delicious pulled pork, huge portion, great price. Nice casual place that gets the job done when you have a BBQ craving.
(3)Zed A.
The pulled pork sandwich is good, better than Rocklands, but nothing distinctive. Basically, if you're in the mood for decent standard-issue BBQ fare, I can't think of anywhere else in the area that's better. But avoid the jerk chicken with mango salsa sandwich: the chicken isn't jerky enough and the mango is more salad than salsa.
(4)C Q.
After looking online at their website and figured out what we might like, we stopped by the restaurant. We wanted to order one rack of baby back ribs and one barbeque chicken, both were listed under Entrees on their website. When we tried to place the order, they told us that they only have baby back ribs on the weekends and they don't have barbeque chicken. We then decided to order pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket sandwich and jerk chicken sandwich. It took about 5 minutes to get our sandwiches. I liked the beef brisket sandwich. The meat was tender and juicy. The bread was a little soggy from the meat and barbeque sauce. The pulled pork sandwich was ok. I thought the pork was a little dried. I did not like the chicken sandwich at all. It was juicy, but did not have any flavor. The grill marks were really charred, so it tasted a little bitter. It was just a grilled chicken sandwich with mango salsa on the side. Although I love mango, I did not care for the mango salsa. The fresh mango did not taste like mango and the salsa did not have much flavor. Nothing special with the coleslaw that came with the pork and beef sandwiches. I think we will go back to try to baby back ribs. I will probably get the beef briskets by pound the next time.
(3)Elizabeth S.
FINALLY...good barbeque in Arlington, it's a miracle! We just ordered takeout and the service was fast (ready in 5 minutes) and friendly. Got the pork pack which comes with 1lb pulled pork, a pint of coleslaw and a pint of baked beans. We also got an additional side of cornbread. The pulled pork was the best I have had in a long, long time...and certainly the best I've EVER had in this area. It was tender and juicy, and had absolutely no trace of the chewy/tough bits that are ever present in that Red Hot & Blue crap. I can't say this enough...it was actually JUICY! And TENDER! As in you take a bite from your sandwich and can actually bite through the meat instead of accidentally pulling it all out in one go because it's so hard to get your teeth through. They provided a nice little tub of BBQ sauce that in my opinion was a mix of N. Carolina and Memphis style...vinegary but also tomato-y with a bit of a kick. I'd suggest using the extra sauce, as the pork, though it had great pork flavor, was a tad on the bland side spice-wise by itself. Oh and my favorite part? The pork came with good old Martin's potato rolls...none of that way too dry bland white bread that most other bbq places serve that begins to crumble upon first bite. The coleslaw was interesting. A little more vinegary than I'm used to, but pretty decent. At least it had flavor unlike most other restaurant slaws. The baked beans were good, I could see chunks of onion and tomato and pork in there and the flavor was great - not too sweet or homogenized tasting. Last but not least the cornbread was good too! It had little bits of jalapeño in it which made it spicy, but the cornbread itself did not taste of jalapeño which is always a plus in my book. I was actually disappointed upon seeing that the cornbread had jalapeños in it, as I personally hate jalapeño flavored cornbread, but the peppers only served to add heat, not overpower the flavor of the cornbread. It was also very moist and un-crumbly. Yay! I love this place! I'm so happy that I've finally found good bbq in this area AND it's only like 2 minutes away from my house. Awesome.
(5)Kori R.
Drove to Arlington, VA while visiting DC just for some BBQ from Backyard BBQ. The staff were friendly and the food was very good. I ordered the brisket, bbq pork, mac and cheese, coleslaw and a grilled salmon sandwich. I must say my family was highly impressed!
(4)Patrick C.
I was struggling between doing 3 and 4 stars for backyard Barbeque, but decided to do 4 stars because it serves the exact purpose that it stands for. Good, cheap, quick BBQ. I have had both the brisket and the pulled pork, and despite what most reviewers say, I think that the pulled pork is by far the better choice. With the amount of meat that is given, do not feel pressured to order a side. The mac is pretty generic, but the cole slaw that comes with the sandwiches is quite delicious. The service was very friendly. and the mom+pop nature was felt with both owners engaging in conversation with us. Will be coming back when I am in the need for a quick, cheap dinner.
(4)Tim P.
Honestly, the meat was a little tough...
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