About a year ago, we were in the DC area for the day and decided we were going to eat at Ben’s or Dixie Bones for lunch. We chose Dixie Bones and had a fairly good meal. After reading the above posts, I’m feeling fortunate of the rather arbitrary decision we made. I never did make it to Ben’s before it closed.

Check out this link to The Baltimore Sun for some info on reportedly good joints in the area:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal-fo.kasper26jul26,1,1331704.column

I’ve been told that Half-Moon BBQ in Silver Spring, MD, is no longer open.

Anybody out there familiar with T&J’s BBQ located on a crossroad (MD Rt. 226?) down near La Plata, MD? Most people traveling Rt. 301 know Johnny Boy’s BBQ, but in my opinion, T&J’s is a real find.

Also, a couple of roadside joints down near Indian Head, MD on Rt. 210 are very respectable. Charles County Q-Culture is alive and well!

I had been there twice since the new owners had it. Not good at all. I kinda saw the close coming. There is a great place in Woodbridge, VA called, well, I forget the name now, but its off RT 1. Dixie Bones! Thats it!. Real Sweet tea, as well. Good stop to get get out of the horrible 95 traffic south of Washington.
Matt

I had the very good fortune of eating at Ben’s when he was still there. Went back a year+ later and it sucked. The new owners just flat ruined it.

MikeS.

Ben had to sell the place, and the new owners never got their stuff together. last i heard they were out of business. it’s a shame they besmirched ben’s good name, b/c he made arguably the best BBQ in the state.

Don’t waste your time looking for Ben’s. They must have been good in the past to establish the reputation for the shop, but my wife and I went there about 2 years ago …..and, ….what a dissapointment. We had a hard time finding it too. I must tell you, the food was horrible, apparently under new ownership. We brought a friend with us, and we were completely embarrased about the food. I will never go back there!

For the Wash, DC area, try the Half Moon Barbeque in Silver Spring, MD, and Anette’s BBQ in Alexandria. They’re both very good for pork ribs and pulled pork, and sides. The Half Moon BBQ also has a great catfish sandwhich and more. I’m sure there are some other good places around DC that people like, such as Capitol Q (beef), or Johnny Boys in La Plata, MD, ..but I go to these two places on a regular basis.