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    Smoking Kow BBQ

    4.0 (114 reviews)
    InexpensiveFood Trucks, Barbeque
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Smoking Kow BBQ Photos

    SMOKING KOW BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Reviews With Photos - Smoking Kow BBQ

    Truck
    Chris C.

    This is another new truck for our neighborhood so absolutely had to try it. We ordered the brisket and pulled chicken platters - both were tender and delicious and in generous portions - each came with a big potato bread and two sides - nice coleslaw, tasty corn bread, the mac and cheese was a bit overdone. Overall however very pleased with this new addition to the food truck line up. Preordering online is easy, although there are no photos of the food, and they seem to assemble the food together when you show up. Will definitely order again when the truck comes around next time.

    Truck
    Jane L.

    If you are looking for huge portions of insane BBQ, go find this truck! I ordered the Special which was South Carolina style pulled pork with 2 sides for $10... I chose mac and cheese and cornbread. I didn't realize it also comes with a roll so I probably should have gotten cole slaw instead but everything was great. You get so much meat! I wound up with like 3 more meals-worth of leftovers. Service is super quick so don't stay too far!

    Zach S.

    Was recommended this place while in the area and it definitely lived up to the reputation given to me as one of the better bbq places in the DC area. I got the burnt ends with sides of Mac n cheese and collard greens. The burnt ends were solid and had a fantastic crust on them, while also being very juicy with not too much fat attached still. The Mac n cheese and collard greens were good too and while I enjoyed their main sauce, it was a little on the sweeter side, which isn't my personal preference, but it was still good. My only grievance was that it was a little pricey for one meat and two sides and didn't include a drink. Other than that, I loved it and will absolutely be passing on my recommendations for it now too.

    Brisket and pulled pork platter.

    Really disappointed with my latest order from smoking kow. Small portions for the brisket and pulled pork that were also refrigerator cold and dry. Service here hasn't always been great but the food made up for it. Now they have neither. Doubtful I would return or recommend.

    Jason J.

    I've been to a lot of food trucks in DC but this is one of my favorites. There are different trucks near my office daily but if this one's there my choice is made easier. You can't go wrong with any of the meats. I generally get a combo of brisket and another one on a big pile of mac and cheese. My mouth is watering just writing this review. (Be sure to keep a Tupperware in your desk because you usually get enough for the next day too. I only gave it 4 stars because I eat a lot of BBQ and there is a lot of great BBQ out there . . . . but you can't go wrong stopping here.

    a fork in a bowl of bbq sauce

    This place has changed my life for beans. I absolutely hate kidney beans to the point I take them out of my chili. When I was offered the beans at Smoking cow it was the best beans I had ever had hands down. This is thebonlybplace I will be eating beans when I want them and the way they taste that will be often!!!

    Pulled brisket & sausage with jalapeño grits & mac and cheese.
    Victor H.

    Holy smokes! They popped up on the D.C. Food truck list radar near my office so I had to try them. I was hoping for tacos but that's with the black truck; I got the white one. The BBQ here isn't bad. You can choose between brisket, pulled pork, chicken, or sausage. One popular item is the mac n meat where it's whatever meat you choose piled on mac and cheese; anything with mac and cheese will be enhanced obviously. You could put wood chips on mac n cheese and it would still taste great. But I did not order that dish. I opted for the combo meat platter (brisket & sausage) with two sides (mac n cheese, jalapeño grits). The sausage was my favorite. The brisket has good flavor but I don't like brisket being pulled and chopped. The mac and cheese is everything you want it be. I thought I would enjoy the jalapeño grits but I found them to be very runny although that's how grits are I suppose. Taste is still there though. You can use the various sauce options they have. As a Tarheel fan I'll always go for the Carolina sauce; a vinegar based sauce of hot and sweet. The only appropriate way to consume vinegar! Also used their KC sauce which is sweet and thick. Even had a hot sauce and an Asian-type sauce so I'm glad they're representing! I want the black truck next time so I can get the tacos!

    Mac and pulled chicken
    Laurie W.

    I like Smoking Kow a lot. Thanks to my co-worker, I'm now obsessed with combining bbq/meat and mac and cheese, and Smoking Kow not only devotes a section of their menu to this concept but they do it right. My favorite order is the pulled chicken and the mac and cheese. The portions are plentiful, and I like that the chicken is 'plain' so you can customize with your own BBQ sauce. I like a mix of the standard sauce and the spicy sauce. One of my new favorite trucks!

    Mary Kate E.

    I don't know if I would get this again. I didn't find it all that wonderful and did not think the price and the quality of what you get matched. I opted for the mac and cheese with meat over it, particularly, the pulled pork. My friend got the brisket. We both agree that putting sauce on the meat really does add better flavor than leaving it as it. Everything ranges from $10-12 a plate.

    Mac n meat (with pork). So, so good.
    Kaley R.

    YAS OMG. Everyone needs to go here, especially mac n cheese lovers. I am now obsessed. I went to Smoking Kow BBQ for the first time today when I saw the white truck stopped in Rosslyn. As soon as I saw the mac n meat option I knew I had to try it. Labeled as their most popular seller, you can get mac n cheese with one to three meats on top (chicken, pork, brisket). I got the pork and was literally transported to heaven right there. First, I'm not much of a snob when it comes to mac n cheese (because it's hard to go wrong, ever) but theirs is absolutely DELICIOUS. They're thicker noodles than the standard Kraft mac n cheese, and the cheese is more of a yellow, creamier cheese sauce with a hint of pepper that adds a nice little kick of extra flavor. Second, the pork. Omg... I'm from way down South so I know my pork, and this stuff was bomb. I hate the word succulent, but succulent and tender it was. Even the crispier pieces weren't overcooked and had really, really great flavors. There are a number of sauces you can add on the side, so definitely try out a couple to see which one you like best. The service was great as well - friendly and quick. Honestly, can't ask for much more. I'll definitely be back.

    Today's Special     Sweet Mustardy Pulled Pork and 2 Sides.
    Greg O.

    I visited the Smoking Kow White truck today for lunch. First I would like to say I love the truck! The design concept is simple and really conveys the message of what you sell before I even got to the window. The menu was not too big which allowed me to make my selection with ease. Then I got to the window and saw the special and had to reconsider my order. I went with the special. It was about a ton of sweet mustardy pulled pork, a bun and the choice of two sides for 11.00. It was served in a clear plastic container that was divided into three sections. The pulled pork was in the bottom and largest section and literally it was enough for two even three sandwiches. I would not go hungry here. I thought for the price the portion was very...and I mean very generous. Let's talk about flavor for a minute. I enjoy bbq. If you asked my wife she would say I would make it and eat it for every meal if possible, and she is probably right. The flavor of this sweet mustardy pulled pork was nice. The sweetness hits your buds first, followed by the tangyness of the mustard. Just because all of this non-meat flavor is present does not mean the pork flavor is lost. It is there and all three make a nice little dance together in your mouth. This was worth the walk to get to the truck. I was not very crazy about the sides. I chose BBQ baked beans and Mac and Cheese. On first taste, the beans were just ok. They seemed to be a bean medley that came from a can. However, Dylan from Smoking Kow their "beans are completely homemade w a brown sugar, Worcestershire, bbq sauce". The mac and cheese side was weird. I am used to a very creamy cheesy mac and cheese. This was very creamy, but had a weird taste. I thought of it as a hybrid of mac and cheese and macaroni salad. Dylan from Smoking Kow informed me that their Mac and Cheese is "macaroni in a mornay sauce w garlic and jalapeno to flavor - there's no mayo or dressing in it". Either way it was not my thing, but you may like it. All in all, my recommendation is Krazy Kow is worth a visit. The service was very nice and fast. I dont know if they are open to sample before purchase, but I would recommend this for the sides. If they are in your area, pop over to their location and check them out. You can find their location list on their website.

    Pork taco with slaw and mac n' cheese

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    3 months ago

    Awesome food -- exceptionally tasty. The brisket is to die for and love their baked beans.

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    3 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Yum!! So good! Great BBQ - love the burnt tips. Good solid cookout menu, lots of sides.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Burnt ends and ribs are delicious. Love whatever sauce they are using. Need to keep more food available as sometimes they run out of things.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Delicious Q. The pulled pork, brisket, and sausage are wonderful. The sides are great, too.

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    7 years ago

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    Gyu San Japanese BBQ

    Gyu San Japanese BBQ

    4.6
    (324 reviews)
    3.5 km
    Luxury
    All you can eat

    This place will always be top five restaurants in northern virginia. I have been a handful of times…read morefor special occasions and they have neverrrr failed me. Whenever I go, I always order off the most premium tier and while it is pricey at $98 per person, I believe that it is completely worth the money. For endless rounds of high quality wagyu, sushi, ramen, etc., it is beyond easy to get your money's worth here. I've actually done the math totaling up how much we ate and what it would've been al le carte and it totaled to $400-500 total for two people so this is well worth it. The items I would highly recommend is everything off their wagyu tier, the wagyu fried rice, and their specialty rolls. Don't forget to end the meal off with some dessert as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the matcha crepe cake. This place is very modern and with an amazing staff that is super attentive. Water cup was always filled, they came back quick to ask what we wanted next (no waiting around necessary), cooked our meat perfectly for us. Overall, while this wouldn't be my everyday/daily dining option due to the price, it is my most favorite place to splurge at for any special occasions. It is definitely a must try and I will be looking forward to the next time I come

    Trendy, modern, with a wide selection of meats on the menu. The a la carte meats are fresh, sauces…read moredelicious and the team was very friendly. Sushi salad = unique and would order again Pork jowl, chicken thigh, pork belly = delicious and would order again

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    All You Can Eat
    All You Can Eat
    Gyu San Japanese BBQ
    Gyu San Japanese BBQ

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    Ruthie's All-Day

    Ruthie's All-Day

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    5.3 km
    $$

    BEWARE: This is a VERY busy place!…read more We stopped by Ruthie's All-Day for brunch, and this place was packed! We did have a reservation, but unfortunately still ended up having to sit at the bar because there were no tables available. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about having a reservation and not getting a table... but I'll move right along. :) Once we settled in at the bar, the experience was enjoyable. We had mimosas and lemonade, both pretty good, and ordered a nice variety of food. We tried Ruthie's Breakfast, the cornbread, biscuits, deviled eggs, and beignets. Everything was good and satisfying, and the cornbread was definitely worth trying. Despite the seating situation, we enjoyed our brunch and there's enough variety on the menu that I'd come back to sample some of the other dishes. Just be prepared for a crowd, especially during brunch!

    Very chic aesthetics, bright and airy. Loud interior, open concept layout. Patio is nice, but…read moredoesn't have enough umbrellas to cover each table. Server was quick, knowledgeable and helpful. Restrooms were clean. ADA spacing is tough, but doable, if fellow patrons accommodate. Hash browns are where it's at! Blackberry Bramble was tasty. Bacon was good. Potatoes and eggs were nothing special. Visitor parking in front of apartment building is available, but uses mobile app for payment. Reservations highly recommended, due to long wait times.

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    Dining room
    Dining room
    Skillet Cornbread
    Skillet Cornbread
    Chai Latte

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    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    4.2
    (583 reviews)
    3.3 km
    $$$

    I finally tried Gyu-Kaku in Clarendon, and as someone who usually goes to KBBQ spots (especially…read moreMeat Project, which is still my favorite), I was curious to see how Japanese BBQ compared. First off, I do think everyone should try Japanese BBQ at least once just to experience the difference for themselves. We got the Premium AYCE option. It's advertised around $45, but after tax, drinks, and everything else, it definitely ends up being more expensive than that. We also ordered the lychee sake, which was really good and probably one of my favorite parts of the meal. One thing I really liked was the atmosphere. The restaurant has a nice, intimate feel because a lot of the tables and booths are separated, so it feels more private than your typical BBQ spot. The lighting also adds to the vibe and makes it feel cozy without being too dark. We don't eat pork, so we mostly focused on the beef options. Personally, when I'm doing all-you-can-eat, I don't really want to fill up on chicken or seafood. My biggest takeaway is that while there are a ton of different marinades and menu options, a lot of the beef cuts ended up tasting pretty similar to me. The differences felt more like thickness or texture rather than completely different flavors. Maybe I'm not cultured enough in Japanese BBQ to appreciate all the nuances, but that's honestly how it came across to me. At the end of the day, I think I still prefer Korean BBQ. For me, the overall experience isn't different enough to justify paying significantly more. I'd probably rather save $20 and go get KBBQ instead. One thing worth mentioning is that both of us felt pretty sick afterward. mostly nauseous and overly full. To be clear, I don't think there was anything wrong with the food. We probably just overdid it, which is easy to do at an AYCE spot. The standout part of the experience was definitely the service. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout the meal. Honestly, the customer service is the main reason I'd consider coming back. Also, sorry for the lack of photos. I was way too hungry and focused on eating to remember to take any. Overall: good experience, great service, tasty drinks, nice ambiance, but I personally still prefer KBBQ.

    If you've read my last review, you know my partner-in-crime from work and I are on a mission to…read morefind new restaurants near the office and take a break from the usual chain spots. That's how we ended up at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. We were immediately greeted with a friendly welcome when we walked in and decided to sit at the bar since we were a bit short on time before heading back to the office. After the menu was explained, the biggest highlight was learning they offer happy hour on both food and drinks every day until 8 PM (if I remember correctly). Happy hour *every day*? I'm sold! For this visit, we decided to try a little bit of everything from the happy hour menu: - Spicy Cabbage Salad** - easily my favorite - Miso Chili & Black Pepper Wings** - flavorful and cooked perfectly - Fried Cheese Wontons** - good, but could've definitely used some crab to give it that classic crab rangoon vibes - Spicy Tuna Volcano** - unfortunately my least favorite; it lacked flavor and I wasn't a fan of the crispy fried rice texture Overall, I'll definitely be back especially for happy hour after work to try more items on the menu.

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    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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    Sloppy Mama's BBQ

    Sloppy Mama's BBQ

    3.9
    (286 reviews)
    2.7 km
    $$$$

    The food is so good that we went twice in one weekend! Would highly recommend to anyone in town…read more The best barbecue spot I've found in Northern Virginia. They have a variety of sauces you can choose from, ranging in spice. The cashiers are very nice and personable. The vibe of the restaurant is exactly what you'd expect from a BBQ spot. They play classic rock from the 70s-90s and have checkered print on the walls. Really good atmosphere. 10/10 recommend. Sloppy Mama's is 1000% going to be a staple for my family.

    Decent bbq spot - friendly cashiers but definitely a bit of a wait just for some bbq. Place was…read morereally busy midday Saturday but can't blame them. Clean restrooms and tons of indoor seating. Loved their sauce bar- Alabama, Kansas City, Carolina style to make all the different bbq lovers happy. I agree with the sentiment of wishing they had combo plates as one sausage was like 6 bucks which is wild. Foodwise - tried the coleslaw, mac and cheese, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and the pulled pork. Best thing hands down was the mac and cheese - creamy but with great flavor and a great cheese ratio. Coleslaw was so so- good but some wilted pieces and was a bit thrown by the pickle pieces (though I love pickles). Jalapeno cheddar sausage was good but in my opinion, a bit overpriced for just one sausage. Lastly - the pulled pork. While not bad quality meat, the aftertaste was a bit off putting and I think the chips they may use in their smoker are just not my vibe. With the sauces, you didn't notice it as much but just on generic taste, not my favorite pulled pork in the area. Cornbread and butter were great - no complaints there. Overall solid spot- I'd come back for sausage, maybe try the brisket, but will definitely get some mac and cheese again.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Cornbread, Mac & Cheese, Turkey, Chopped Pork, Chicken
    Cornbread, Mac & Cheese, Turkey, Chopped Pork, Chicken
    Sloppy Mama's BBQ

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    FIREPAN Korean BBQ

    FIREPAN Korean BBQ

    4.3
    (878 reviews)
    5.1 km
    $$
    All you can eat
    Casual dining

    Picked up my bf and his friends from a bachelor party so... you can imagine the weekend they had…read more All good fun! But they came back HONGREE. They said want to KBBQ? We said heck yeahhhh, so the decision was made AMBIANCE: Big space, pretty empty as we were one of the last people to eat before they closed! They were very accommodating-- letting us know their kitchen closed at 10:30 PM and the restaurant closed at 11 PM. When we arrived, it was 945, so we weren't looking to play around. We knew what we were gonna get. Onward we went SERVICE: My girl Arieles (PRETTY sure that's what her name was) was our server! She was so sweet and got us our stuff promptly. We knew we were coming in late so we weren't gonna waste time, but she was joyful to serve us regardless and I appreciate that. So many times people are FED UP, and it shows, to be at the end of their shift (and I get it), so it was nice to have someone of good demeanor to host us! FOOD: We ordered brisket, spicy pork belly, spicy chicken, and spicy bulgogi. First time trying the spicy Bulgogi for fear that it was gonna be TOO spicy and it was not at all! To reference -- I thought the kimchi was a bit spicier than the bulgogi! So try it, flavor is amazing! Can't wait to come again. I hadn't gone to KBBQ in a long while!

    Solid experience. This place sits in a strip center with a lot of free parking. Our server was very…read moreattentive and helpful as we enjoyed our time in a comfortable environment. There's a ton of options to choose from and you can make every visit a great one. You'll cook your food to your liking and there are delicious dipping sauces to complement what you cook. I think my favorite is the sesame oil and salt (you'll have to ask for it). I love the pork belly dishes, but everything is very good.

    Photos
    FIREPAN Korean BBQ
    Premium Galbi
    Premium Galbi
    New menu!

brisket ramen

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    New menu! brisket ramen

    Smoking Kow BBQ - foodtrucks - Updated August 2026

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