Barbecue. Just the word itself conjures up images of smoky flavors, tender meats, and a comforting, hearty meal. For true BBQ aficionados, the quest for the perfect barbecue is a never-ending journey. And for those in Washington DC, or planning a visit, the search for top-notch BBQ just got a whole lot easier thanks to Fat Pete’s Washington DC.
Having recently explored the vibrant BBQ scenes of the Southwest, indulging in memorable meals at places like Iron Works BBQ in Austin and Lockhart Smokehouse in Plano, Texas, and Big John’s Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, I returned to DC with a renewed craving for exceptional barbecue. While Washington DC has had its share of BBQ spots, the recent surge in quality establishments has been a welcome change, as highlighted by the Washington Post’s Tim Carman’s BBQ rankings.
Alt text: Cozy interior of Fat Pete’s Barbecue restaurant in Washington DC, showcasing a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Luckily for me, and anyone near Cleveland Park, one of the best BBQ joints to emerge recently is just a stone’s throw away: Fat Pete’s Barbecue Washington DC. Even if it weren’t so conveniently located, Fat Pete’s would be worth the trip. It truly embodies the essence of a great barbecue experience. Like many top BBQ restaurants today, Fat Pete’s doesn’t strictly adhere to one regional style. This means you can savor Texas-style sliced brisket alongside North Carolina-style chopped pork, creating your perfect BBQ plate with a variety of delectable sides. This approach is ideal for those who appreciate variety and the best of different BBQ traditions. Personally, I lean towards brisket, but I’m a big fan of Southern-style sides, making Fat Pete’s a perfect match.
Exceptional BBQ Meats at Fat Pete’s
At Fat Pete’s Washington DC, you’re in for a treat no matter what you choose. However, the brisket is truly exceptional. Every time I’ve ordered it, the brisket has been consistently smoky and incredibly tender. The sliced brisket, in particular, is remarkably juicy, a testament to the skill in their smoking process. Maintaining moisture in brisket during long smoking times is a challenge, making Fat Pete’s brisket a standout. You have the choice of sliced or chopped brisket, catering to different preferences.
Alt text: Mouthwatering sliced brisket platter at Fat Pete’s BBQ in Washington DC, showcasing juicy and smoky meat.
The smoky chopped pork at Fat Pete’s Washington DC is another excellent choice. It arrives lightly sauced and topped with a touch of coleslaw, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Meat entrees are served as generous “platters” accompanied by your choice of two sides. If you’re not up for a full platter, most of their meats are also available as generously portioned sandwiches on potato rolls, each served with one side. I opted for the pulled chicken sandwich once, and it was so substantial that it required a knife and fork!
| Alt text: Delicious pulled chicken sandwich with creamy slaw from Fat Pete’s Barbecue Washington DC, a hearty and flavorful meal. |
Some BBQ purists believe that good barbecue shouldn’t need sauce. However, at Fat Pete’s Washington DC, they embrace the flavor-enhancing power of sauces, offering a wide array of homemade options. On each table, you’ll find their Memphis-style sweet and Kansas City-style spicy sauces, both tomato-based and perfect for mixing to create a spicy-sweet blend. For even more variety, simply ask your server for their Texas mop sauce (beefy), South Carolina Mustard sauce, North Carolina vinegar sauce, or Alabama white sauce (mayonnaise-based). The sauce selection alone makes Fat Pete’s a standout Washington DC BBQ destination.
Starters and Sides That Shine at Fat Pete’s
If you’re looking to start your BBQ feast with appetizers, Fat Pete’s Washington DC has you covered. The burnt ends are an absolute must-try. These are the fatty, flavorful end pieces of brisket, boasting a rich, smoky bark. They are incredibly rich, smoky, and truly addictive. For a decadent twist, Fat Pete’s also offers their burnt ends in a grilled cheese sandwich with Vidalia sweet onions and Swiss and American cheeses.
Alt text: Irresistible burnt ends appetizer at Fat Pete’s Barbecue in Washington DC, perfectly smoky and flavorful brisket ends.
While hush puppies are listed as a side, they make a fantastic starter, especially when they are as good as Fat Pete’s Washington DC version. These fried corn fritters are elevated with tangy goat cheese and poblano peppers, adding a delightful kick.
| Alt text: Delicious hush puppies with honey butter at Fat Pete’s BBQ Washington DC, a perfect blend of sweet and savory. |
Among the sides, the barbecue beans are a personal favorite. Fat Pete’s Washington DC strikes a great balance, avoiding the overly sweet Southern-style beans and the sometimes bland Texas-style versions. Their beans are a blend of pinto, kidney, and cannelloni, flavored with beef and pork and just a hint of sweetness. The braised collard greens are another standout side, offering a spicy-sour profile from jerk seasoning and cider vinegar. Coleslaw lovers have a choice between Carolina-style vinegar dressing and creamy dressing; both are good, but the vinegar version is particularly refreshing. Fat Pete’s also serves mac & cheese, which is decent, although homemade mac & cheese might still win in a head-to-head comparison for some.
Drinks, Dessert, and the Fat Pete’s Experience
Barbecue and drinks go hand-in-hand, and Fat Pete’s Washington DC boasts a full bar with a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. A well-made Manhattan (ordered with rye, of course) was a perfect accompaniment to the BBQ. It was also at Fat Pete’s that I discovered Rebel IPA, a new American-style IPA from Sam Adams, which has become a new favorite.
Alt text: Slice of homemade apple pie dessert at Fat Pete’s Washington DC, a comforting and sweet ending to the BBQ meal.
If you manage to save room for dessert after all that delicious BBQ, the homemade apple pie at Fat Pete’s Washington DC is a great choice. Topped with an oaty crumble, it’s a satisfyingly homey dessert.
Service at Fat Pete’s is consistently friendly and efficient, even when they are busy. A significant advantage of Fat Pete’s Washington DC is their full table service, a welcome change from BBQ places where you have to stand in line to order food and drinks separately. At Fat Pete’s, you can relax and enjoy a traditional restaurant experience.
Fat Pete’s Washington DC opened in Cleveland Park, an area known for its culinary scene. The location itself has seen some restaurant turnover in recent years, but hopefully, Fat Pete’s exceptional BBQ will have staying power.
Fat Pete’s Barbecue, located at 3407 Connecticut Avenue NW (just south of the Cleveland Park Metro Station), Washington, D.C. (Cleveland Park). You can reach them at (202) 362-7777. For more information, visit their Zomato page. [
