Image: The Trinity with stuffed sides.
Last Updated: January 2024
Overview:
Lauded by many as one of the best BBQ spots in the area, 2fifty grew from a farmers market stand to a brick & mortar spot in Riverdale, MD. Their first foray into D.C. was a stall in Union Market, where they did a menu focused on the Texas Trinity (brisket, pork ribs, sausage) and very good sides. In January, 2024, they opened a full-scale spot in Mt. Vernon Triangle on the edge of Chinatown, and there was great rejoicing.
Like the Union Market spot, the meat for the Mt. Vernon is cooked in Maryland and is brought in (now twice a day). They even set up a camera in Maryland with display screens at the restaurant so you can watch the cooking from D.C. We have yet to visit the new location, but previews were nearly giddy.
Owners Debby Portillo and Fernando Gonzalez came to Texas BBQ by way of El Salvador. The pineapple and beans tip towards Central America more than central Texas. Coming from a family of caterers and restaurateurs they made pilgrimages to Texas BBQ landmarks, with tasting leading to inspiration to open a spot. One of the things that they picked up was how Franklin’s vacuum-packed meats for sale and reheating, something that helped them with sales during the early days of the pandemic.
Summary:
Cuisine: BBQ
Locations:
Mt. Vernon Triangle: 414 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Union Market: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (Main Hall)
Riverdale, MD: 4700 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Website: https://www.2fiftybbq.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tim Carman put them as #1 in his survey of area BBQ in 2021 and again in 2022.
Washingtonian: Made the summer 2021 list of new BBQ places to check out.
Local Blogger on BBQ John Tanner is a big fan.
Texas Monthly: Yes, that Texas Monthly, with some backstory.