Reviewing Smokecraft: Award-winning BBQ in Arlington, VA.

Let me put this out there right away: I am not a fan of barbeque. I am not a southern girl, and smoked meats slathered in BBQ sauce just don’t do it for me. I don’t enjoy the flavor. You know the one: where everything tastes almost like firepit ash, and you are reminded of your meal three days later because it hangs around in your hair and on your clothes. So, when a friend wanted to take me to Smokecraft for dinner… well, I just went along. 

The first thing I noticed when we walked into the restaurant was how delicious the place smelled to me right off the bat. Nothing like fire, but instead, the tempting smell of grilled meats with a sweetness lingering behind it that instantly made my mouth water. On a Tuesday night, there were a few occupied tables, but it was certainly not full, and we were seated right away. As has become the new normal, a QR code on the table brought up their red and black menu, and I started to think that this might just turn out well.  

For a restaurant specializing in meat, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the menu offers a helpful guide to items that are vegetarian, gluten-free, and egg-free. They also have an icon to indicate the menu items that are award-winning, of which there are no less than 13 to choose from. Our friendly waiter, Nick, gave us just enough time to peruse the menu before returning to take our order. When I couldn’t decide between the pulled pork platter and the pulled pork sandwich, he helpfully pointed out that while both came with one side, the sandwich also included a small helping of coleslaw — so it was really a bonus second side. Sandwich it was!  

Shortly after our orders were placed, a cone of small cornbread muffins arrived at the table. They were bite-sized and accompanied by a sphere of perfectly spreadable butter that tasted like it was home churned. Not too dense and not too crumbly, the cornbread hit the perfect balance of texture. A couple of them went down easily before our platters and a tray of assorted barbeque sauces was delivered to the table.  

With my pulled pork sandwich, I opted for a side of Brussels sprouts. My friend ordered the smoked turkey platter and mashed potatoes. Both dishes came out hot and artfully plated, with the turkey sliced thick and laid out neatly, and the pulled pork piled high on its bun, with the top off to the side to showcase the meat. The first thing I had to try was the pork, and it was love at first bite. Cooked to tender perfection and streaked with slightly crusted pieces from the outside of the meat, this dry-rubbed pulled pork requires no additional sauce to stand out. A generously buttered and charred bun created a heavenly pairing of flavors. The large serving of Brussels sprouts had no hint of the bitterness the vegetable can sometimes take on. Instead, they were a burst of flame-grilled and sweetly seasoned flavor bombs.  

No surprise, the turkey was also cooked flawlessly. This sometimes-dry poultry was instead full of juicy flavor, thanks in no small part, I’m sure, to the brining process listed on their menu. The maple wood-smoked flavor was subtle and unexpectedly delightful, while the accompanying mashed potatoes, topped with chopped herbs, were fluffy and decadent.  

Finally, we rounded out our meal with a shared helping of banana pudding. Served piled high with freshly sliced bananas, whipped cream, and Nilla wafers in a mason jar, this award-winning pudding is a bright and fruity dessert. Not overly sugary, it hit the sweet tooth spot without feeling heavy.  

Smokecraft’s aesthetic is a heightened traditional barbeque joint. It is warm and inviting with wood-paneled walls and a large bar stretching the length of the restaurant. Their signature colors of red and black are used as accents throughout. A large, caged wall at the back of the dining room accentuates the numerous types of wood used in their smoking processes and serves as a focal point, and rightfully so. Anyone looking for some no-nonsense, perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender meat would be happy at Smokecraft. A casual date, a night out with friends, or even a family dinner are all suitable here. 

According to their website, Smokecraft was “born from the idea that barbecue can be more than just traditional, smoke can be more than just smoky, and passion can be crafted…” This, they have certainly achieved. I may not be a fan of barbeque, but I am now a major fan of Smokecraft. Oh, and the meat doesn’t need it, but don’t leave without trying the pineapple bourbon sauce.