Summer and barbecue go together like old friends. I always think of barbecues as a time to spend with family or friends at a big table with lots of meats and sides. But I don’t always have a big backyard for a barbecue in the city. Instead, my go-to spot is Hill Country in Chinatown.
Hill Country offers meat by the pound and several sides, but the easiest way to order is to get The Pitmaster. It comes with a ¼ pound of brisket, 1 pork spare rib, 1 hot link, ¼ pound chicken and two sides. The Pitmaster doesn’t look like much but it easily feeds 3 people. Don’t let your eyes fool you and order too much! You are also going to want to make sure at least one of your sides is their famous mac and cheese. Hill Country is a full service restaurant with hostess and waiter service but you’ll order all your meats and sides from the giant grill in the back. This not only makes ordering easier but also creates a family cook out feel. Â
Hill Country’s location makes a it a great stop after sight seeing on the National Mall. They also have happy hour drink specials daily from 15:00 to 19:00 and also Sunday through Thursday 22:00 to 00:00.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.
"Julia's Empanadas" is one of my favorite places in DC. While Latin food isn't hard to find in DC, empanadas can be, especially good ones...
By
"Smoke and Barrel" Washington DC is one of my favorite spots in the city for barbecue. The cozy rustic decor creates a warm summer feeling, even in winter!
By
"GoodWood" in Washington DC looks like a general store, but it holds many vintage treasures. It's like an antique store that doesn't take itself too seriously.
By
Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!
By
"Bombay Street Food 3" in Washington DC features Indian and Indo-Chinese foods. Its street food versions have less heavy cream and more spice & herbs...
By
What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at "DC Writer's Homes"...
By
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
By
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
By
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
By
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
By
There's an ultimate frisbee pick-up game that's been going on for years in a park across from the Pentagon City Mall in DC. It's so friendly and laid back there!
By