As a barbecue enthusiast, the mere thought of smoky, tender meat slathered in flavorful sauce can set my mouth watering. Barbecue, for me, is more than just food; it’s an experience, a comforting embrace of flavors and aromas that define true comfort cooking. My recent discovery, Fat Pete’s BBQ in DC, has only intensified this passion.
Having savored incredible barbecue during my travels through the Southwest, from renowned places like Iron Works BBQ in Austin and Lockhart Smokehouse in Plano, Texas, to Big John’s Texas Barbecue in Page, Arizona, I’ve developed a keen appreciation for quality BBQ. While DC has had its share of BBQ joints, finding one that truly hits the spot and is conveniently located has been a challenge. Thankfully, the barbecue scene in DC has been smoking hot lately, with places like Fat Pete’s leading the charge.
Fat Pete’s, conveniently located and easily accessible, has quickly become my favorite barbecue destination in the city. It embodies everything I look for in a great barbecue restaurant: exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to quality. What sets Fat Pete’s apart is their embrace of diverse barbecue styles. They don’t limit themselves to one regional approach, offering a delightful fusion where you can relish Texas-style sliced brisket alongside North Carolina-style chopped pork. This eclectic approach extends to their sides as well, allowing you to create your perfect BBQ plate. As someone who loves brisket but leans towards Southern-style sides, Fat Pete’s is a dream come true.
Dive into the Deliciousness at Fat Pete’s: Brisket, Pork, and More
At Fat Pete’s, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu, but the brisket is truly exceptional. Each time I’ve ordered it, the brisket has been consistently smoky, tender, and incredibly juicy. The sliced brisket option is particularly noteworthy for its moisture retention, a testament to the skill of the pitmasters. Achieving this level of tenderness and juiciness in brisket, which requires long cooking times, is a rare and commendable feat.
The smoky chopped pork at Fat Pete’s is equally impressive. Served lightly sauced and topped with a touch of coleslaw, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Meat entrees are presented as generous “platters” accompanied by your choice of two sides. For a lighter option, or to sample more of their offerings, you can opt for a generously portioned potato-roll sandwich filled with your choice of meat and one side. The pulled chicken sandwich I tried was so substantial that it required a knife and fork to tackle!
| Fat Pete’s BBQ Platter & Sandwich: Top – Sliced brisket with vinegar-dressing slaw and barbecue beans. Bottom – Pulled chicken sandwich with creamy slaw. |
Sauce It Up: A Flavorful Array of Homemade BBQ Sauces at Fat Pete’s
While some barbecue purists believe that great barbecue shouldn’t need sauce, Fat Pete’s understands the art of complementary flavors. They offer an impressive selection of homemade barbecue sauces, catering to diverse palates. On each table, you’ll find their Memphis-style sweet sauce and Kansas City-style spicy sauce, both tomato-based and bursting with flavor. I personally enjoy blending these two for a perfect spicy-sweet kick. For those eager to explore further, simply ask your server for their Texas mop sauce, South Carolina Mustard sauce, North Carolina vinegar sauce, or even Alabama white sauce (mayonnaise-based). Fat Pete’s truly believes in enhancing your BBQ experience with a spectrum of delicious sauces.
Starters, Sides, and Sweet Endings at Fat Pete’s
To further tantalize your taste buds, Fat Pete’s boasts a selection of fantastic starters. The burnt ends are an absolute must-try – these fatty, blackened pieces of brisket are incredibly rich, smoky, and utterly addictive. For an even more indulgent experience, try Fat Pete’s burnt ends grilled cheese sandwich, featuring Vidalia sweet onions and a blend of Swiss and American cheeses.
The hush puppies, listed as a side, are so good they deserve starter status. Fat Pete’s version is exceptional, these fried corn fritters are stuffed with tangy goat cheese and poblano peppers, providing a subtle kick. Among the sides, the barbecue beans are a standout, striking a perfect balance between Texas and Southern styles. They are a flavorful blend of pinto, kidney, and cannelloni beans, seasoned with beef and pork and just a hint of sweetness. The braised collard greens are another excellent choice, offering a spicy-sour profile thanks to jerk seasoning and cider vinegar. Coleslaw lovers can choose between Carolina-style vinegar dressing or a creamy dressing – both are delicious, but I personally prefer the vinegar-based option. While Fat Pete’s mac & cheese is decent, it faces stiff competition from my homemade version!
| Must-Try Starters & Sides at Fat Pete’s: Top – Delicious burnt ends. Bottom – Hush puppies with honey butter. |
To complement the rich barbecue flavors, Fat Pete’s full bar offers an impressive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Barbecue often puts me in the mood for whiskey or beer, and Fat Pete’s has you covered. Their Manhattan, made with rye as it should be, is expertly crafted. It was also at Fat Pete’s that I discovered Rebel IPA, a fantastic American-style IPA from Sam Adams.
If you manage to save room for dessert after indulging in Fat Pete’s barbecue feast, the homey apple pie is a perfect choice. As someone quite particular about apple pie, I found Fat Pete’s version, topped with an oaty crumble, to be incredibly satisfying.
Exceptional Service and a Promising Future for Fat Pete’s in Cleveland Park
The service at Fat Pete’s is consistently excellent and welcoming, even during busy times. A significant advantage of Fat Pete’s is their full-service model. Unlike many barbecue establishments where you have to queue to order food and drinks separately, at Fat Pete’s, you can relax and enjoy full table service like a traditional restaurant. This is a feature I truly appreciate.
Fat Pete’s opened its doors last summer in Cleveland Park, an area renowned for its culinary scene that has faced recent challenges with restaurant closures. The location Fat Pete’s occupies has seen its share of turnover, previously housing a McDonald’s, a seafood restaurant, and a Spanish tapas bar. With its outstanding barbecue, Fat Pete’s has the potential to become a long-lasting culinary gem in Cleveland Park.
Fat Pete’s Barbecue, located at 3407 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. (Cleveland Park), is a must-visit for any barbecue lover in the DC area. You can contact them at (202) 362-7777 or visit their website at Fat Pete’s Barbecue.
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