What a lovely surprise this was! Just a little restaurant in a great food court But it was.....wait for it.....the best bbq I have ever had!!!! Now it's very simple. A sweet sauce, a hot sauce, ketchup, and syrup for cornbread And the menu is just the basics but it was spectacular. I only had six wings that were hot to which I added a sweet sauce and every bite was paradise. The Mac and cheese was superior as well This is good enough to be a destination all its own! I would go back even when presented with new options that I have never had before If you are in this food court this is your choice! read more

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I really enjoyed my first meal at Hal & Al's BBQ. The food is tasty and goes to such a good cause! 5% of their proceeds go to an orphanage in Kenya. So, you can eat yummy food and feel good about it. My favorite by far was the Dino rib. The portion is MASSIVE and it falls off that massive bone. Dipped in some BBQ sauce or not, it was super tasty. I didn't want to share even though, again, it was a massive portion. I also enjoyed the cornbread, brisket sandwich, waffle fries and chicken lollipops. I guess I liked it all! They also have smoked apple pie ala mode. YUM! read more

Great service! I'm vegetarian but really enjoyed the chai & dirty rice & desserts! My husband said the brisket & fries were really good too read more

Food was really good and staff were nice. it's inside the mall so it's kinda confusing but made it there. Came close to closing time but everything was still clean and tidy .. food took maybe 10 minutes to be done. I love love LOVED THE TURKEY SAUSAGE WITH CHILI OMG.. I think about it everyday lol spicy and fresh! The Dino rib was tender and moist .. Mac wasn't my fav but it was decent! read more

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I came here for lunch the other day and enjoyed the wagyu brisket sandwich. The sandwich was really good with the bbq sauce and I would definitely come back for it. The corn bread the meal came with was a little on the dry side but the flavors were pretty good read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Wagyu BRISKET SANDWICH - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Hal & Al's is located in the food court of Ballston mall in Arlington, VA. I think this is the first halal spot I went to where I was welcomed with a salaam, simple yet meaningful. The prices are insanely reasonable! For example, tallow fries are only $6 and $12 for a brisket sandwich that came with jalapeno corn bread. The corn bread was well done. It's sweet and then there are slivers of jalapeno and it takes you on a whirl. The brisket sandwich was a 1/3 LB waygu brisket in a potato roll. The sauce used is tangy with a touch of spice. The wings had such great breading and the sauce was very good. The complimentary pickles were tart and not butter pickles which I preferred because bbq can be heavy. We went back for another order, we got the brisket and the sausage. The sausage is profound, packed with flavor! I went with some individuals who do not eat zabiha and they all loved it. I woke up craving it this morning and might go back! read more

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Enjoyable Halal BBQ in the Ballston food hall. They don't do pork of course but i enjoyed their brisket sandwich. The large serving of brisket was lean, smoky and tender with the right amount of bark/char without being too dry. I added the pickles and a just a little of their BBQ sauce for an enjoyable and filling sandwich. The accompanying cornbread was solid. The dirty rice was pretty good and it was a large portion for $7 so I got my money's worth but it's not a must have. The teas are bottled here not fresh made, so keep that in mind. That being said, I did like the peach tea. I'll come back here if I'm at the Ballston food hall and want some BBQ. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Dirty Rice - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The food was delicious and worth the price. I had the wagyu trill burger and waffle fries. Cornbread was really cornbreading. The man we met I guess he like the lead the top employee or sum shi he was so cool and nice so servies was amazing. Idk what ambience means what good ambiance ig read more

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Service was friendly and quick. But the food- please just stay away. My bbq loving brisket in their veins kids that will eat every morsel of meat if we allowed ---- they wouldn't eat the food ! The texture was off . It looked off. And my husband and I tried to not waste the food but we couldnt. Just flavor , texture color all off. We walked next door ordered two personal pizzas and devoured them. We ordered a Dino rib, the old bay mac and cheese , beef brisket moist and lean, cornbread and fries. Lemonade and peach tea. Don't bother. Check out my other reviews and find the place two fifty I believe it's called. You won't regret it. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Logo / Keypad - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We were excited for this one because the menu looked so delicious. However, we were rather disappointed. The wagyu burger was dry and not very flavorful, and the Mac n cheese was also very bland. The restaurant is located in a food hall that is ADORABLE with lovely vibes and lots of good seating with open air, but there are so many other restaurants to go to instead. It's fine if you're especially craving BBQ, but usually I would skip this one. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Wagyu burger with Mac n cheese and corn bread - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Don't let the reviews on here fool you. Their food is completely flavorless. I got the brisket and majority of it was fat to begin with and on top of that it is extremely lacking in any sort of seasoning. If you like to eat raccoon knuckles, then this could be the place for you. I thought the barbecue sauce would help with the flavor a little but that also was without flavor. Extremely overpriced for the quality of food you get. read more

There is a new BBQ spot in Arlington Virginia!! Of course I saw it on my timeline, & what got my attention is that this BBQ is all Halal (prayed over, acceptable food in the Islamic culture)!! Nuff said...LET'S GO!! . Where I am: Hal & Al's BBQ . Location Reviewed: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Space Level C, Arlington V.A. inside of @ballstonquarter . Menu Includes: *See Website* http://www.halandalsbbq.com/ . Items Reviewed: Their Brisket Chili (smoked brisket with beans, peppers, & jalapeno cornbread $12). DECENT. It was a tad bit salty, I probably got a bad batch. Their Fatwahffle (a Belgian waffle topped with brisket, & organic Runamok Maple syrup $12). The waffle itself...DECENT. It was a tad bit hard to cut & chew. The Brisket...DELICIOUS. Spicy hot, ok, just had that sitting for a while taste. Their Mosquite (a 1/4 pound smoked chicken sandwich with onions, jalapeños, jalapeno cornbread, & garlic sauce $12). DECENT. Plentiful, a tad dry,& I just needed more flavor. Their Brisket Sandwich (their signature brisket, in between a potato bun, & jalapeno cornbread $15). LIKE THAT!! After I doused the sandwich in their sweet, & spicy bbq sauce it was tasty. Their Smoked Sausage ($4). DECENT. More of a hot dog flavored sausage, & rather small. Their Old Bay Mac n Cheese ($6). A tad bit runny, I didn't taste the Ol Bay. Their Smoked Apple Pie (with caramel drizzle, & vanilla ice cream $6). STAMP!! Apple crumbles, cinnamon sweet crust, & vanilla ice cream!! . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: ROUGH . Customer Service: On Point. . Recommendations: That pie was everything!! . Music:YouTube-Backyard Band Socket . Accessibility: This spot is wheelchair friendly, & differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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Hal and Al's BBQ is not only the best food court food but maybe the best BBQ I have ever had and I have been all over the south, including Texas. The pulled brisket sandwich was amazing as was the beef rib. Great corn bread and other sides too! They also sell this wonderful low calorie soda called "Palestina". I wish it was more widely available. I will be back whenever possible!! read more

The brisket was tender but barely warm. The fries were excellent. The Mac and cheese wasn't hot and we had to get them to microwave it. Their dirty rice is actually red beans and rice. Not totally impressed with this spot. read more

I have to start with the exceptional service, the owner is genuinely hospitable and also knowledgeable in the art of bbq. There's a nice vibe to the whole place as the decorated wall of wood and the train add a little something g special to the allure of this spot. The food is only getting better as the menu has been upgraded to include wagyu beef! The Dino ribs are a must, and the brisket chili is really on fire. I mean its spice will give heat, and smoke all in one go! The specials he has are amazing, and the rare cuts you don't find around town, like the tritip from a weekend special. Definitely try the gobbler as the turkey sausage with chili on a hotdog bun is my go to every time. The cornbread here is so good, I ask for extras every time. The beef tallow fries are so good, you forget to stop eating them to try the rest of your food . The dirty rice is getting an upgrade soon, so stay tuned, but still an essential to try now! read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Wagyu Dino rib, the gobbler (my fav) and the cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I didn't have a chance to speak with the staff but my partner had a conversation with them, they said that they traveled a lot and learned where to cook from different places which is pretty cool. It is in the food court in ballston quarter, near the restrooms, food smells amazing and is very flavorful, kinds on the spicy side. read more

I tried out Hal & Al's on a whim. I wasn't too hungry, so I ordered something small. Small but mighty! The Tallow fries were amazing! They are a must try item on the menu. And the customer service is excellent to boot. I will be back! read more

Stopped by this spot located in Ballston Quarter and got to talk to the owner Mohsin! He poured his heart and soul into opening this halal bbq spot, and the dino rib is UNREAL. The most tender fall-off-the-bone piece of meat & I've ever had. Mac n cheese is made with aged white cheddar and sooo good - and they serve Gifford's ice cream I wanted to give a shout out to them because a few things really impressed me about their story! * The flavors are a combination of the owner's road trips around the world, including the Silk Road! *NO seed oils (just beef tallow!) * NUT free restaurant (there's sesame seeds in the lamb) * 5% off ALL sales go to an orphanage in Africa that the owner personally visits every Thanksgiving A must-visit in Arlington! read more

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Very nice employees. Ketchup is Heinz but they make their own bbq sauce and it is quite sweet. Hot sauce and maple syrup is also available. The dino bone (boneless) weighs .762 lbs. (~ 345 G ~12.2 Oz) For $38 this was not worth it. However it was pull apart tender and perfectly cooked. The tallow fries are just refried and prepackaged but I appreciate them avoiding seed oils. The beef brisket sandwich is greasy. Corn bread is mid. read more

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The food is amazing, amazing, amazing!!! I had the brisket over Mac and cheese - best I ever had- very flavorful! The portion was big enough for two people if you're not a big eater. I will definitely be going back to try other things on their menu. read more

Chili Brisket Fries are legit! Good and spicy, I should've gotten a drink to go with this. Not sure about thier other items but this was more than I bargained for for a lunch. Gonna be full all day! read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Brisket Chili Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Overall, solid halal bbq place. The brisket was smoky, tender, and flavorful. The cornbread was a winner: light, buttery, and delicious. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and tasty. It is definitely on the heavier side though! The tallow fries were solid, not the best I've had, but still quite good. The prices are reasonable for a bbq place and there is plenty of seating as it's situated in a food court. Quick service too! Only complaint was the signature brisket sandwich is served with little to no effort. It's just brisket on a bun, even presentation can be improved. A flavored coleslaw on top, maybe some cheese, or even sauce would elevate the sandwich. They should offer customers a brisket sandwich with the works or a plain slice of brisket for the meat purists. The current sandwich leaves a lot to be desired. Overall though, I would definitely come back. read more

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Another barbecue spot in Virginia, along with some existing, decent options. You also got to be pretty bold to paint an Anthony Bourdain quote on the side of your stall. I ordered the brisket sandwich that comes with a side of jalapeño cornbread. While the meat was tasty, the sandwich overall was quite greasy. The cornbread was a good balance of spice and sweetness, though! I also ordered the smoked chai drink and it was so good! The flavor oddly reminded me of Hong Kong-style milk tea. I wished the menu had an opportunity to try the brisket, turkey, and chicken as platters on their own with sides. My sandwich had chopped brisket inside, but I would really like to try it sliced to give my fair assessment of the meat. Very quick to order, but slower for the food to come out. They claimed to have texted me when it was ready, but I never got anything. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Brisket Sandwich with jalapeño cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This place is located in the food court in Ballston mall. I bought the dino rib as well as some chili. I felt the Dino rib was kind of on the expensive side, but that's just me. For the most part the food wasn't bad,, I actually liked the corn bread. That being said I was very disappointed in the chili. The chili was very salty, so salty it burns your mouth. I couldn't even eat it with plain crackers. I ended up throwing it away, and I'm the kind of person that never throws away food if I can find a way to stomach it. I really wanted to like this place because even though the chili was bad the service was still good and it seemed like a chill spot. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This was pretty disappointing. Went there looking forward to a Dino Rob, but they were sold out. My wife was looking forward to their chicken lollipops, but they were sold out. I ended up getting their Waygu brisket burger, which turned out to be extremely disappointing-dry and not very flavorful. I've gotten better burgers at McDonald's and Burger King. My wife got the brisket chili, which was just ok flavor-wise but only had two pieces of brisket in it. The fries were pretty good though. Don't plan on going back. read more

When we arrived to try the dino ribs, they told us the next batch wouldn't be ready until 2 hours later, and to not be late because they go fast. So we waited 2 hours for the dino ribs and arrived exactly at the time they told us the beef ribs would be ready. To our disappointment, they said it would take at least another hour until the beef ribs would be ready. The ambiance is a straightforward food stand within a food hall. I ended up getting the mac bowl with brisket. The cheese was a tad gritty but still good. The brisket was super tender and the extra fatty pieces were delicious. It costed $18, which I thought was a little steep. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Mac bowl with brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Just tried this new spot at Ballston Quarter. I only tried the brisket chili and cornbread, but they were both great, and I'll likely get it many times in the future! The chili, in particular, had a rich flavor, was well-seasoned and a bit spicy, I'm excited to go back and try more things. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Brisket Chili and cornbread to go - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The Wagyu Brisket and Dino Rib are the best bbq in the greater DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia area. I have to drive hours south to get anything close. Not kidding. It's that terrific with an owner and crew who care deeply about their craft. We also love the Old Bay mac&cheese. This is a hardcore bbq joint that despises veggies (but the salad next door is very good). read more

Hal al's is in ballston quarter, in a new location. I love their sauce dispensers, easy to squirt on my food without having to pick up a bottle or any of that. Really mess free! Their portions are always large and fall off the bone. There are many parking options around but all are paid. Limited drink options but definitely recommend the fat waffle and apple pie read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Fat waffle!!!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I respect that their meat is halal. This opens a whole new style of cuisine to specific individuals who would have never tried American style BBQ. For that, I applaud them... now for my personal taste - I did not really enjoy what I ordered. I got the brisket and it was very bland. The BBQ sauces did not really help. The sides I got were very mushy; almost like slop. This was not the quality I was expecting seeing so many bloggers post this place. This place is just aight. So much potential to be better! read more

Do your spin around the quarter then end up right here, with my boys Hal & Al. Step up to the counter, order the wagyu trimmed burger with cheddar, get a drink and a side, wait for the text, get your food, find a table. Say a prayer in gratitude for the banger of a burger you're about to eat. SLAM that thing fr. I ate it so fast i forgot to take a picture, so here's the leftovers. It came with a side of cornbread too. I got the burger, a side of fries, and a water. Paired it with their barbecue sauce from the udder, you're golden. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Really good brisket and beef "Dino" ribs. Smoked slow and low, these guys know what they are doing and don't take shortcuts. Pleasant surprise to find this quality of bbq hidden in the back of a Nova food court. read more

Delicious brisket sandwich! Mac and cheese was old bay flavored. Service was solid and food came out quickly. read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Mac and cheese (old bay) - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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REAL food with great ingredients. Felt very nice after eating (no inflammation) and the flavors were great! Meat quality tastes very good and the fries were also delicious! read more

Only tried the brisket so far. It was good, as was the bbq sauce. I'd like to go back and try more items. It's in a good hall as well so great for groups who can't decide! read more

Hal & Al’s BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Great brisket sandwich. Their unique spice blend works really well. It's got enough familiarity to it to still have it feel like BBQ, but uniqueness and a spice kick that works great. read more

A week later, I'm still thinking about how decadent and cheesy the mac & cheese is here. Imagine a mac & cheese but double the cheese! Definitely come starving because this side alone is quite bountiful and really filling. I also tried the fatwahffles, which is a belgian waffle topped with brisket. The brisket had a great smoky flavor and quite flavorful! I wished that the waffle was slightly crispier so that it could offer a textural contrast, but nonetheless it was yummy with maple syrup. read more

Hal and Al's is an underrated Gem in the DMV! They are one of the only restaurants if not the only halal restaurant that avoids seed oils and fries in beef tallow. This gives the wings and fries a much better flavor and its alot healthier than processed vegetable oils. They also use Runamok maple syrup for their bbq sauce and for their syrup they have in custom squeeze bottles designed like cow otters mimicking the feeling of milking a cow. had an opportunity to speak with the owner for a few minutes and a big part of the restaurant is about giving back. From donating a percentage of proceeds to an orphanage in Kenya to planting trees to offset their wood usage. As far as the food i tried the brisket sandwich, the chili fries, the jalapeno cornbread, and the wings. Brisket sandwich: solid 8.5/10 it has a good portion of meat and its seasoned well Jalapeno cornbread: 8/10 mild, not too sweet or spicy, decent cornbread that you can mold to your desires you can add syrup to make sweeter or hot sauce for savoury Chili fries: 9.510 SO GOOD! This is the owners favorite thing on the menu and i can see why its seasoned so well with spices like cumin and the fries are so crispy and flavorful from the beef tallow. Bbq wings: 10/10 DELICIOUS! I have always been a big fan of bbq wings and these were no exception! These are extremely tender fall off the bone. I like that the bbq sauce is made with high quality maple syrup and its fried in tallow. I couldn't get enough! If you are eating halal and looking to avoid seed oils and get some delicious food you need to check out Hal & Al's BBQ! read more

I wanted to try this place because the Ballston food court really lacks a good BBQ place. Unfortunately this restaurant was a miss for me. There were only two guys working on the Tuesday afternoon that I went but with just three people in line the wait was a bit longer than a food court wait should be. It took about two minutes to even greet me after the person in front of me finished ordering. Both guys were preparing the two orders ahead of mine and it seemed like both did not understand the process very well. This is also the first bbq place that I've been to that has their brisket in a warming drawer. Usually meat is chopped right in front of you or there's a cutting board that's already primed and ready to go for lunch rush. The meat was then scooped and drained on the side for several seconds which was appreciated but again, why was it just sitting in a ton of grease? And how long had it been sitting there? The jalapeño cornbread was ok, but nothing I'd go out of my way to get again. Overall for a $15 sandwich and a piece of cornbread this spot was a flop for me. I hope they're able to rebound and improve their bbq because this food court definitely needs it! read more

Incredible food, great people, really phenomenal experience. I had a Mac Bowl with brisket. I added BBQ sauce on top of the generous portion size and enjoyed a remarkable meal. Their chai, with added marshmallow to give it "fluff" was stellar. It tasted just like the chai from street vendors in South Asia. I'll absolutely be returning. read more