Walking in, there is a very good pit bbq aroma. It's a nice family-style place. The cornbread was sweet and crumbly. The mashed potatoes were okay, but the gravy was what set it apart. The green beans definitely had vinegar or something sharp in it; maybe a little less next time? The St Louis style ribs... not the best. Seasoning inconsistently applied, absolutely rubbery, and the flavor again inconsistent. I'll try something else next time. Overall positive.
Been going here everytime I'm in the US. Would drive from NY and always stop by Chantilly. Worth every bite and every single mile of the 8,600 mile flight.
Happy to be joined by my wife and she loves it too!
Great BBQ and meat at this restaurant. Their Brisket is the best, consistently delicious. I always buy extra brisket to take home and make sandwiches. They have awesome platters, generous delicious sides. Really well made collard greens, amazing from a restaurant. Mashed potatoes and gravy are also very good. This is one of my favorite restaurants!
Cute place. Lots of seating. Food was good and portions were huge!! Looking forward to going back and trying other items.
Thyara Bezerra de Melo
+5
Great brisket, all the meats were tender and juicy. The golden BBQ sauce is amazing!
Not bad at all!!! The ribs here are quite good. Served very hot, which was a pleasant surprise. We also got greens, Cole slaw, and baked beans. Baked beans were good with bits of brisket in them and a nice smokey sweet flavor. Cole slaw was a disaster. No hints of vinegar, sugar, or celery seed. Cole slaw was just cabbage and mayo. This is an easy fix to bring score over the top. Greens need some work as well. Greens need pork or bacon, vinegar, hot sauce and more seasoning. They were boring. The sweet BBQ sauce was very unique. A little thin but quite nice. Me and my boys are critical, they are foodies and I am a Chef. Listen overall this is a good place. They also make their dessert in house. This place is a keeper. If they take suggestions they can be perfect.
After many bad experiences, this give me hope that there is still delicious food, the best bbq i ever had in the us. Delicious cake. 10/10. Try it and u wont regret it worth every penny ill get back there soon
I came by on a Wednesday evening to get some barbecue takeaway from a place I had not visited in some time. The ordering process online worked well, and my food was ready at the time requested. My order consisted of one of each kind of slider with pinto beans and greens as sides, two stand alone proteins of three ribs and smoked rockfish, a quarter white jerk chicken platter with potato salad and green beans, and two desserts (not pictured) of a key lime pie slice and their banana pudding “parfait.” The staff made sure to double check my order which I appreciated when they caught a missing item before I left the pickup counter.
I found the pulled chicken and pork sliders enjoyable without sauce and the chopped beef one a little fatty for my taste (others may like the taste I acknowledge). Both sides remained warm and had good taste and consistency as neither was too watery. Ribs had a good bark on the outside and meat that came easily off each bone as I ate. The rockfish struck me as more salty than what I would prefer even if the texture was pleasantly firm and not close to mushy or over cooked. The chicken could have had more jerk flavor for me as well as have more moisture somehow (even for white meat which I realize can be drier than dark meat). The potato salad could have a little more potato, but I liked the crunchy elements of the salad from celery, onions, etc. The cornbread had a good crumbly texture but still holds together without being too sweet. The two desserts were readily enjoyable with the pie slice balancing tartness and sweetness well and the generous pudding portion being a part of a unique way to eat that dessert with the cornbread crumbs to go with the banana and whipped cream. I do suggest swapping the cornbread crumbs for crushed vanilla wafers instead, as that would be more traditional and also have the cookie layer match the cookie garnish on top in looks and flavor.
The total for this meal came to about $42 excluding tax and tip. The value seemed reasonable for the quantity of food and fares well against other barbecue eateries in the immediate area. I could return again if I were in the area and/or craving quality barbecue within a short drive or so.
There are plenty of options in the DC area but whenever I am nearby and have a hankering for BBQ, Willard's is the place to go. I got a platter with the burnt ends, delicious Mac and cheese, and some baked beans. And of course some corn bread. All for just under $14. It wasn't too crowded on a Sunday and the staff were very quick with my order.
Note: A good variety of sauces to try out as well.
Amazing bbq! They have platters, sandwiches and many sides to choose from. There are several bbq sauces to choose from as well as soda, lemonade and sweet/unsweet tea. Plenty of places to sit including booths and tables. I love this place, definitely go if you're in the area!
Overall pretty good barbecue. Since I've never been before I tried their chopped pork, baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread. The sweet sauce was my favorite, the honey gold sauce had a little heat to it. The potato salad it's mayonnaise based with celery, the baked beans were pretty sweet but not the sweetest I've had at a barbecue place. The cornbread was the real winner here.
Still the best dang bbq in Northern Virginia, and probably the whole state (I haven't found better down south). We're from TX, and when family and friends visit us from TX, this is where we take them. All agree it's in the upper echelon of American bbq establishments in terms of taste. Price is very, very reasonable. I hope folks appreciate what a gem this place is.
Great little place. Prices are amazing for the quality and the portions. I got the 3 meat platter and chose dark meat chicken, pulled pork, and sausage. All 3 were amazing, sausage could have been a little juicier but the flavor was perfect, especially when dipped in the Carolina and sweet bbq sauces. The chicken was very good, great skin without being charred. Mac and cheese side was great. I wanted to like the dirty rice with gravy but it wasn’t for me. The rice had an undercooked texture and the flavor wasn’t turned up to 10 like I’d hoped. Cornbread side was pretty good, I appreciate that they wrap it in foil to keep it dry from all the meat juice. I got an edge piece which had a bit of a dry crust but the flavor was great. Overall extremely solid bbq!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Willard's BBQ, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. Located in the heart of town, this restaurant boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful culinary journey. I decided to indulge in their mouthwatering offerings and opted for the Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and the Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork, and Brisket Trio Platter. Here's my review:
First and foremost, let's talk about the sides. The Mac and Cheese was a glorious rendition of this classic comfort food. The pasta was perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that was both flavorful and satisfying. It was an absolute winner!
The Mashed Potatoes were a heavenly accompaniment to the trio platter. Creamy, buttery, and velvety smooth, they were the epitome of comfort. Each bite melted in my mouth, leaving me craving more. The mashed potatoes were expertly seasoned, striking a perfect balance between savory and creamy. They complemented the meats perfectly and were a standout component of the meal.
Now, let's move on to the star of the show: the Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork, and Brisket Trio Platter. This dish truly showcased the mastery of barbecue at Willard's. The pulled chicken was tender and juicy, bursting with smoky flavors that penetrated deep into the meat. The pulled pork was equally impressive, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and a beautiful combination of savory and slightly sweet notes. As for the brisket, it was absolutely divine. The meat was perfectly cooked, tender, and succulent, with a beautifully caramelized exterior. Each protein had its distinct flavor profile, but they all shared a common thread: a delicious smokiness that made every bite a true delight.
The trio platter was accompanied by a selection of house-made barbecue sauces that added even more depth to the already flavorful meats. The tangy and slightly spicy sauce complemented the richness of the meats, providing a harmonious balance of flavors.
Overall, my dining experience at Willard's BBQ was nothing short of exceptional. The Mac and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes were heavenly sides that perfectly complemented the star of the show—the Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork, and Brisket Trio Platter. The quality of the meats and the mastery of barbecue techniques truly shined through in every bite. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, Willard's BBQ is a must-visit destination. I can't wait to return and explore more of their tantalizing menu options.
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