Image: Buns up.
Last Updated: August 2025
Overview:
The fun open-air spot on 14th serves up BBQ sandwiches and sides to crowds that fill up the picnic tables. It has gone through some menu revisions over the years. Currently, it is focused on sandwiches – brisket, pulled pork, Cubano, fried chicken lead the charge. Based on our recent sampling, they are done well, lightly sauced, and pretty tasty. Solid sides include spicy and not fussy mac ‘n’ cheese, two takes on coleslaw, fries and onion rings. The whole places surfs on the suds of German and American craft beer. The pretzels and kraut indicating the more robust Bavarian elements of the earlier versions of the place.
A few things to note. The place gets busy as the more youthful demographics of D.C. fill up the patio, which is first come first served. The juicy sandwiches are meant to be eaten quickly after preparation (especially the pork), so the bottoms may be soggy by the time you get home. And, most important, it is not open year round, choosing to leverage the outdoor space during the months when it is best (though they push their luck by going pretty far into the darker days).
Other guidance: It is located at street level, but there is uneven pavement throughout. GF and vegetarians are going to be hard up here.
Summary:
Cuisine: BBQ
Neighborhood: 14th Street
Address: 1801 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: http://www.gardendistrictdc.com/
Reservations: Walk-in or Take-out.
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tim said nice things back in 2015.
Washingtonian: Not Top 100, but still used to get on some lists.