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Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10:30 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
83 reviews for Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque
Review Highlights
"...is excellent, right off the W&OD trail, and makes for a..."
(in 5 reviews)
"It's right on the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail, so..."
(in 3 reviews)
"But Carolina Brothers passes the potato salad test."
(in 19 reviews)
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83 reviews in English
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Review from Francis K.
Fairfax, VA
12/17/2011
This is, to be very blunt, the best BBQ I've had in this area. You have to love a place which signals you not just through the smoke coming out when you drive up but by the smell you get from a mile away. I'd go here just for the homemade cole slaw, forget the rest of the wonderful offerings. I don't have to just settle for deliciously crisp slaw and flavorful beans though, because the ribs are fall off the bone tender an oh so tasty.
Not too much sauce, the perfect amount of bark on the outside of the ribs, and a wonderful smoky flavor that just penetrates the meat through every single bite. Every time I go here I always hope I get the last couple racks, just so I can run out of the place laughing at my meaty, smoky, tasty luck. I haven't had some of the other sides, so I can't speak to the tastiness of them, but you're going to be set with the beans and the cole slaw. -
Review from Angela U.
Herndon, VA
10/14/2011
Pretty good BBQ, much better than chain restaurants. The ribs are great!
They do cook everything in house and they are consistent, so there are no 'surprises' when you go there. They are well priced and the food is good. I have been a couple times and I will go back. The only downside is that they close at 7pm. -
Review from Matt H.
Ashburn, VA
9/13/2011
The meat falls off of the ribs, have a good bark, and just melts in your mouth. The pulled pork is pretty good, and the brisket is pretty good too. They have a small, but very good variety of sauces to put on your meat that compliments, but does not overpower the meat.
The sides are ok. The potato salad is mustard based, so you won't like it if you prefer mayo based potato salad. The baked beans are good and the coleslaw is some of the best in the area in my opinion. The Mac n' Cheese is pretty good, but reminds me of cafeteria mac n' cheese.
They have hot dogs and kids platters. They also have great desserts and I'm a fan of their corn bread too.
Their location is the Old Partlow Brothers Store in old town Ashburn, right next to the bike trail and the Ashburn Fire & Rescue Station, so it's a location with a lot of history and traffic. -
Review from Kevin N.
Herndon, VA
2/4/2012
Maybe you're like me and you watch Food Network/Travel Channel/Cooking Channel, and you see a BBQ show, but all the places are hundreds, if not thousands of miles away. That was my problem for a very long time, until I found this place. The BBQ is amazing, and will make you realize the vast difference between major chain restaurants and "real" pit BBQ. Very comforting decor and food, you cannot regret coming to this place. Northern Virginia finally has a legitimate BBQ place.
This place is also directly off the W&OD trail, so many runners and bikers enjoy the pit stop. There is also a wide variety of neat drinks and trinkets to enjoy. Its just fun. -
Review from Brian P.
Ashburn, VA
1/30/2012
I've had all of the meats here, and its all delicious. My faves, in order are:
1. The brisket (unfortunately I think they only serve this on Saturdays, so time your visit if you want this)
2. The Rips
3. The Pork BBQ
4. The Beef BBQ
5. The Chicken BBQ
6. The Hot Dog (had to mention this cause we always get it for my daughter)
I'm seriously a huge fan of this place, so much so that I actually 'Liked' them on Facebook - something I never do for restaurants. There is something so 'homey' and comfortable about it, and the food is ridiculously delicious. Best BBQ in the area, for sure. -
Review from Derek L.
Manassas, VA
12/31/2011
If you want good BBQ, you don't have to go anywhere else. I'm sure you can find better in the deep south, but it definitely beats the local chains.
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Review from Susan F.
Ashburn, VA
10/24/2011
Not a bad little spot. We were out and about checking out the area and drove by and decided to stop and get some to go. The pulled pork was delicious. The sauce in the little sauce cups were good. I could have used more for the two pounds of pork we bought. The mac n' cheese was good. according to my husband. We will certainly be back to try the ribs and the brisket!
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Review from Jay R.
Oakland, CA
6/16/2011
The pulled pork BBQ was ok, deli counter style service, parking aplenty.
Not bad but a something was just off for my taste and I've eaten my fair share of Carolina style BBQ. If you're coming here for your connoisseur fix I recommend you choose somewhere else. If you're coming here for your quick bite or with a group I highly recommend it. I'd come here again for sure, but only if I'm already in the area.
Potato salad and beans are standard menu items at these places and tend to be highly similar from shack to shack. So yeah it was good, but don't come here for the potato salad or beans. Carolina Bros has a ton of potential and I sure wish the wedding I was at had Carolina Bros catering - if they do that. -
Review from Tucker H.
7/22/2011
These are at least the third, if not the second, best ribs I have ever had in my life (after Oklahoma Joe's in KC and pretty much tied with Buzz and Ned's in Richmond). They were a little inconsistent between visits, but always delicious. They put a nice bark on the ribs in the smoker, and the sauce was delicious. The amount on the ribs varied pretty heavily between visits, but if you prefer it with more or less sauce you could probably ask and get it the way you like it. The meat was tender enough to just pull the bones out, but not so tender that they fall apart or feel mushy. All in all, nearly perfect.
The pulled pork is also an excellent choice, it isn't the best I've ever had, but it is certainly some of the best I've had outside of North Carolina. They also put a pretty good bark on the pork shoulder before they chop it up, and it is fairly coarsely chopped, so again it avoids feeling mushy. They provide two sauces, a nearly pure vinegar sauce (eh, okay) and a tomato-vinegar sauce (excellent). The sides were fine, nothing to write home about though.
Come for the ribs, but also make sure you enjoy watching all the bikers (pedal, not motorcycle) come in off the Q&OD trail to have barbecue before finishing their workouts. It's not my idea of workout food on a hot day, but whatever works for you.Listed in: Best Barbecue
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Review from Christian G.
Santa Monica, CA
4/14/2011
I love family owned places, so fitting that this was my brother-in-law Andy's contribution to the blog...he and my sister Alicia stumbled upon this place and are now (VERY) frequent customers! Opened by 2 brothers from North Carolina and now nestled in picturesque Northern Virginia, it's located right on the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail and apparently bikers love bbq because a TON of them were chowing down when we visited! The place is super casual...I mean, we're talking about 5-6 DIFFERENT dining sets in their dining room...get that people...the table and chair sets don't match (!)...but it really does add to their charm.
Pulled pork is what Carolina Brothers is known for...(they even get their pigs from North Carolina and smoke them in huge pits right in front of the restaurant!!)...and you better believe a pulled pork sandwich is what I got!
....and so glad I did because this is By FAR the best pulled pork sandwich I have ever had (!!)...the hickory smoked meat is perfectly tender and I really appreciate the fact that it's not drowning in sauce...(Carolina Brother's has a REALLY GOOD vinegar based sauce and deviates from the usual sweet sauced, run-of-the-mill pulled pork sandwich)...they add just enough so you get the chance to taste all of the spices that add to the pork's flavor, but doesn't take away from it's texture.
A sandwich is only $4!! You can't beat it! Not to mention they are such nice people! (One of the brothers gave us a personal tour of the pits and even posed for a pic!) An absolute "must go" when in the DC/VA area!
*I would like to take this moment to apologize, in print, to my fabulous sister for not bringing her a sandwich back after we scarfed ours (she was SO mad...oops!!) Love you A!
From my blog http://www.girllovesfo... -
Review from Genesis B.
Annandale, VA
6/5/2011
When one bbq joint falls through, my prayers were answered with another one just a few miles away. This place is great. The location isn't ideal for folks who live closer to DC but it's worth the trip. I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was spot on. Potato salad and coleslaw on the side were good too though I didn't care much for the coleslaw. The apple pie here was also really good.
This place was busy so it's no surprise that they ran out of what I wanted originally, ribs, mac n cheese, and beans. Fortunately, that gives me a great reason to come back for more and the price here is worth it. I'll have to update my review later when i get my hands on their ribs and pit bbq meats. Also, they do pickups and they have huge family size orders here.
The service was fast and easy. The atmosphere looks like a nice little shack that does good bbq. The place just smells like bbq through and through. I can't wait to go back then I'll give them that last star. Very good price, great taste, and great service. That's all you can ask for in any place you go to. Awesome find. -
Review from Jon L.
It's called Carolina BBQ in Ashburn,Va?
What's up with that?
Do they import their pork from Carolina?
I think not.
Do they have a special source in Carolina that mixes up their secret recipe sauce and ships to Ashburn?
I think not.
It's Carolina style, which is the best style.
This happens to be of the tomato based variety.
Rich, thick, slathered and lathered to make those ribs irresistible.
Danny Hurdle the owner, hails from N Carolina and he has made his Tar Heel brothers proud!
Support your Independently owned and operated business, call ahead
and order a rack right now!Listed in: IOO - Independently Owned &…
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Review from Frankie M.
Aldie, VA
8/28/2011
Don't waste your time. We are a North Carolina family and couldn't have been more disappointed with the false claims made by this restaurant. If you want barbecue, drive to Frederick, M.D. or Urbanna and go to Black Hog Barbeque. They actually know good barbecue and do it right. This place is pathetic. Remember: If ya don't see smoke, don't eat the barbecue!
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Review from k j.
Leesburg, VA
10/26/2011
I was a regular at Partlows Market before it closed down and became Carolina Brothers.
I love BBQ and for whatever reason, I am not a fan of this BBQ at all. I enjoyed the burgers, steaks and sandwiches at Partlows Market so much that I regularly would go out of my way to get there. Ever since it turned BBQ I drive by it unless I am invited to lunch there by others.
The better BBQ option in the area is out at B'z BBQ right past Leesburg off of Route 9. It's not NC style, but it taste great.
They are also not very personal. Everytime I've been there it's like McDonalds employees just dishing out bbq. -
Review from Mary L.
VA
9/3/2011
Finally! A BBQ place in Ashburn! BBQ is such a personal thing. In Texas, I hated the BBQ because they used a vinegar based sauce that was very sour. I am more partial to the BBQ that we're used to on the east coast with the honey undertones. This place nails it!
I had the Pulled pork BBQ sandwich with two sides. The BBQ was quite good and I LOVED the sauce. I got my sandwich with a heap of coleslaw on the top and that was delicious too. It wasn't too creamy. All the flavors worked really well together.
For my sides, I got the macaroni and cheese and the potato salad. I thought the mac and cheese left a lot to be desired. It wasn't that good. The potato salad on the other hand was pretty good.
Overall, I'd say this place is solid. For $7 you get a very hearty meal and you really can't beat that for lunch or dinner. That said, the parking situation is interesting. There's enough parking but it's just a little awkward to get into. I missed the turn the first time. There's one parking space where there's a beam right behind it so that was awkward. Why would you mark a space if nobody can get into it?
That said, I would definitely come back when I have a BBQ craving. -
Review from Emily L.
Sterling, VA
9/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My husband is very particular about his BBQ - he prefers St. Louis style, while I like Carolina. I won the BBQ battle this time, and we went to try Carolina Bros. Boy, am I glad we did! The BBQ was tender and delicious, the sides were awesome - we each tried two different, and the only one we felt was lacking was the coleslaw, but it's just a personal preference since we like ours with more sauce. Definitely coming back!
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Review from Alexis D.
Ashburn, VA
8/9/2011
Pure awesomeness!! Pulled pork sandwich was delicious!! Loved the beans, slaw and tater salad too!! Well worth it!!
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Review from Michele D.
Sterling, VA
9/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Drippy, gooey, messy, tasty, finger lickin, lip smackin...it's good.
I have had the 1/2 rack baby back ribs, which were fall off the bone tender. I realize bbrs may not be the "true" test of ribs, but I was happy that their ribs were tender, meaty and full of flavor. I have also had the chicken sandwich and I was so quick to eat it that it never had time to fall apart on me; good thing considering how much meat was stacked between the buns. 6'5" had the pulled pork sandwich and pretty much crushed it in a few bites.
I'm no bbq expert, that's for sure, but their meats make me happy, the employees at the counter are always so friendly and are quick to offer samples, and the prices are super reasonable for the portions they serve. I really can't ask for anything better short of making a long drive to distant places for piggy heaven. Why do that when all I have to do is venture into Ashburn? -
Review from Michael H.
Tucson, AZ
9/3/2011
Not too shabby. Pretty good BBQ, good portion sizes for a reasonable price. Right off the trail and certainly caters to a biking crowd.
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Review from Sean M.
Ashburn, VA
8/30/2011
It's a must try for lunch... Great sandwiches, great price, friendly people. Southern hospitality brought to Ashburn.
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Review from Daniel R.
Washington, DC
8/20/2011
I came here as part of a project to escape DC for the day and find some good local barbeque. My initial target had been the Pit Stop BBQ at Gilbert's Corner, but they were sold out of pulled pork and had a half hour wait for ribs and chicken so I moved on to Moley Brothers in Leesburg to find that they had gone out of business. I was starting to worry that my smoked meat needs were going to go unmet, but the third time was the charm when I arrived at Carolina Brothers.
Their pulled pork was delicious - tender, smoky, top rate. I was thrilled. Their in house sauces were also top notch. They were tomato and vinegar based with options to add hot sauce as well.
My only slight quibble is with the sides. I had mac&cheese as well as potato salad. The potato salad was fine, if not exciting and the m&c could have been better - tasty, but forgettable. None the less, together with the sandwich and a coke, my total was ran $8.50, which is completely reasonable.
The space is great. It used to be a sort of gas station and general store in a previous life and now has tons of room for tables, a wall of beverage options and outdoor seating as well.
If you are a bbq fan and going to be in the Leesburg area, this is a great option. I definitely look forward to going back. -
Review from Miguel C.
Fairfax, VA
5/12/2011
I've been to this place twice in the last week. After riding my bike for 30+ miles, I needed something to bring me back to life. The beef brisket is just awesome and the pork sandwich just as good. I've had the beans, macaroni cheese and potato salad for sides and all three were very good. This place is right next to the WOD so it's convenient to stop by after a workout. I love their BBQ sauce, it's to die for. The pies are equally as good, I wish this place was closer to Fairfax. This is my sure stop every time I'm going for a bike ride.
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Review from Eric V.
Austin, TX
8/28/2010
I really enjoyed stopping here for a sandwich. It is a no frills country store BBQ shop. They have homemade sauces and rubs for sale, cokes and soda from some places that are not too ordinary are in glass-door coolers lining the walls.
Very simple menu of Pork, Beef, Chicken, Ribs and sides of slaw, beans, potato salad, and one other thing I can't recall. They sell potato chips and iced tea too. They had two big smokers going out front that smelled wonderful. You know this is the real deal. No steaming the meat here. You can eat inside or outside at their picnic tables right next to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. Lot's of people coming by on their bikes and seems like a perfect spot for a lunch or dinner stop.
I had the pulled pork and it was very good. I abandoned the bun because it got soggy, but I usually do that anyway and just eat the meat. The slaw was very fresh and crunchy and the beans were hot and tasty. The sauce was very good and a vinegar base but not too runny and had nice spice.
I'll be back for sure. I'd like to try their beef and ribs. -
Review from Joy F.
Reston, VA
7/10/2011
Thank you yelpers - found this eatery because of your glowing reviews.
Carolina Pit BBQ is my kinda place. Great, actually amazing food. Low prices. Dress is casual - bike helmets, shorts and bike shoes okay. Come in from the W&OD trail for just water and a bathroom break - or go the whole hog for pulled pork BBQ sandwich.
My husband had the pulled pork sandwich with the mac & cheese and the cornbread. I tasted his sandwich - and have never had pulled pork that was so fluffy, non-greasy, light and tasty! The mac & cheese was quite good too.
My bbq beef was also just right - not too dry, not too moist, not too vinegary, not too tomato-ey. Perfection. We'll be back.
There is an actual pit barbeque in front of the joint, and inside there is a sign that states where the pig of the day was from. The inside is like an old country store which it used to be. There are tables you choose for yourself, there is one wall lined with shelves of soft drinks including a few you don't usually see (Nehi, Cheerwine). You stand in line to order your food to go or eat in on paper plates with plastic cutlery. There is also some outside seating where you can watch the other bikers whizzing by (not us).
The atmosphere inside seems super friendly. We overheard one family talking about how long it would the bike trip would be to an Arlington hotel. Apparently worried, they asked the obvious veteran bikers at the next table (not us) for advice as they were tired and wanted to avoid biking at night. Both tables helped them out with their trail knowledge (not us) and suggestions for alternate places to stay that were closer.
It would be nice if another cashier could help out when the line gets long. Or if corn on the cob or fresh tomatoes could be added for side dishes. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And Carolina Bros. BBQ is not broke.
I love this place! We might even start riding our bikes again to come here next time in biking shorts :-) -
Review from Tuan N.
South Riding, VA
6/20/2011
Good BBQ for Nova and cheap too
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Review from Bamboo G.
San Jose, CA
12/12/2011
simple, casual, and good bbq place in Leesburg area.
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Review from chris m.
5/1/2010
This place represents what BBQ should be! Good and simple.
Ribs, brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, and chicken. 4-5 sides to pick from and that is really it. We stopped in here last week and its a small place with a handful of bench tables inside and a few coolers of local soda..they had glass mountain dew and coke..
I got a brisket sandwich and 2 sides for 7 dollars..come on that's a heck of a deal. The baked beans were really good and the sandwich was gone quickly.
This place doesn't get caught up in the idea of fancy BBQ, they just make really good food! Glad I found it! -
Review from nemo h.
District of Columbia, DC
7/16/2011
This is the only BBQ place in the DC area worth going to (for a district resident). I can't wait until my next pilgrimage to pay homage. Don't get the chicken and you will not be disappointed. I like to take it home and pair with a good lager or full bodied red wine. Make sure you ask for their super spicy sauce. For DC residents who like this place, be on the lookout for the Carnivore BBQ truck, which also never disappoints.
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Review from Neal E.
8/5/2008 2 photos
Nat H.'s review today of Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue made me want to stop by for some BBQ on the way home - so I did!
I got a full rack of baby back ribs, a pound of the pulled pork, a side of macaroni cheese, and a bag of crab chips - to go. The guys asked me if I wanted any sauce - I asked if they had anything hot. They told me yes but that it might be to hot for me. I laughed and told them to bring it on. I just had to taste it on the spot - I think they were waiting for me to freak over the heat level - it was hot as hell but I enjoyed it. I ended up buying a whole bottle of this hot BBQ sauce.
Everything was very tasty - the pulled pork was succulent, the ribs were just slightly overcooked, but were still good. The one downer was the Mac and cheese - it was not very cheesy. When I got the food home, I heated up the Mac and cheese and added a good bit of shredded cheddar to it, then a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Next time I will stop and eat in.Listed in: Babbling for BBQ!
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Review from Heath A.
Boston, MA
3/7/2008
Nothing Could Be Finer than Cue from Carolina.
I believe that a great restaurant focuses on one thing and makes it the best they can and that's exactly what Carolina Brothers offers. The Cue here is Carolina-style which is a pork staple with a spicy vinegar sauce.
I'm tired of BBQ chains and shops offering the wide range of BBQ that our country has to offer. Inevitably most of the menu is just good but nothing great.
That's not the case here as the menu is limited only with all stars. Pork, Beef, Chicken and Ribs. Each sandwich is only $4 and is heaped on a pillowy Potato Bun. The Pork is moist, tenderly sweet and with a kick of the peppery vinegar sauce a full mouth experience.
The ribs come in half and full rack at $18 and $21. If you're hungry you can make each item into a platter adding $3 to the price for 2 sides (Beans, Coleslaw and Potato Salad).
I opted for just a side of slaw that I could place a top my sandwich. The cool crispness provide the perfect balance to the meal. To make the meal a full on Carolina theme grab a Cheerwine from the cooler. The sweet soft drink has no High Fructose Corn Syrup and provides a more original flavor to the meal.
The restaurant is set up like an old general store with plenty of seating to eat in. There is also a section of the store where you can gaze on their BBQ Championship Trophies (1st Place in Whole Hog, 1st Place Chicken and 2nd Pace Ribs all in the National BBQ Battle).
So if you're in the mood for some top quality cue head over to Carolina Brothers BBQ for some of the best in our area.
If you want to throw a Q party at home they do cater as well.Listed in: The Wich List, BBQ
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Review from Beth W.
Annandale, VA
6/11/2008
The menu at Carolina Brothers is simple. NC style pulled pork, chicken or beef, and ribs. Three sides, two kinds of pie, and chips are available. I don't care much for barbecued beef, so I haven't tried Carolina Brothers'. I can't drag myself away from their excellent pulled pork long enough to try the chicken or ribs. One day, I'll at least get the ribs. They make and bottle their own NC style sauce that is really outstanding.
The best time to go is around lunch - the meat is generally at it's freshest at this point. Keep in mind this is not a chain restaurant that cooks your meal to order! Also, be aware that as the day goes on, due to the nature of barbecue's slow-cooking process (especially the pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs), you'll be getting meat that was probably ready to eat around noon. Any meat that isn't being kept warm for sandwiches will be containerized.
The pulled pork and excellent sauce get 5 stars - reserving a higher rating until I try the ribs. -
Review from Chuck k.
6/23/2008
I ran up to what looks the the old part of Ashburn for a quick take out lunch.
The pulled pork was great! Nice flavor and moisture (pork can get so dry). And I loved the sauce that came on the side. Just tangy and spicy enough.
The sandwich came with two sides, potato salad and baked beans in my case (slaw was the third option). I also like the beans. They were sweet and spicy and darn good. The potato salad was not my thing, too many pickles in it.
I also tried the BBQ Beef, it was good but not great. The consistency was off a little and it wasn't a flavorful as the pork.
At seven bucks for a sandwich platter, the price isn't bad. I'll go back the next time I'm in town. -
Review from Mimi C.
12/4/2008
The service, barbecue, sides, and pies were good but they could be more organized. Who knows, maybe they've worked out the kinks since September when we used Carolina Brothers to cater a small picnic for about 30 people.
Although the staff were helpful, I had to place my order twice. Our picnic was Tuesday and I called in the order Friday afternoon. When I called Monday afternoon to confirm our order, I was told that they didn't have it. The man asked me who I'd talked to on Friday, but I didn't know because the employee didn't introduce himself and I didn't think to ask for his name. I placed my order a second time and called Tuesday morning to check. The employee who answered told me, "What a coincidence. I have your order right here and I was meaning to call you. I'm new here and I gave you the wrong price for the pies." The price of pies had increased but instead of offering to eat the additional expense, the employee asked if I wanted fewer pies. That would be unacceptable if the pies were as good as we were hoping. After 3 different price quotes on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, we got things settled.
They don't need much notice, only 24 hours probably to make sure they have enough ingredients and the cooks know. Their website have a couple of options for packages but the man I talked to when I called helped me estimate the amount of pulled pork, pulled beef, pulled chicken for our group at $10/lb. We also ordered baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, pecan pies, and apple pies. They provided us with buns, serving tongs, and serving spoons. We requested plates, napkins, and forks for an additional charge.
They also offer delivery which can save the party organizer some time but maybe they don't have a central message board so that everyone knows what deliveries are on the schedule. During one call, the employee taking my order didn't know if it'd be possible to make an afternoon delivery until another employee said "No, the other delivery is for lunch." Delivery of the food was $20 and the boss made the delivery. I know because he called the venue and the venue said that our party wasn't there. The confusion was sorted out when one of the employees called me to say his boss was in a white truck. When we eventually found each other, he pulled up and unloaded.
Overall, our party enjoyed the food and their house BBQ sauce was good enough for one of our guests to take home with him. With a larger order and a tight budget, make sure that they have the correct prices and all your pertinent details such as exact location for delivery. They don't accept American Express - Visa, yes. All the people I talked to were very friendly, but if things were more hectic on my end and I hadn't the time to confirm, I think there would have been several unpleasant surprises. -
Review from nat t.
Centreville, VA
8/5/2008
I organized a birthday party near Ashburn on the weekend and found Carolina Brothers after doing a Yelp search. The reviews seemed so great that I knew I had to bring all my friends here.
Everyone loved it and couldn't stop talking about how good the bbq was the next day! Being the organizer, I was very relieved!
I love how Carolinas looks like a rustic, southern looking mom and pop place. It gave me a good vibe as I drove towards it.
I thought the pork was the best meat, followed by the beef. Really juicy and tender, but a bit on the salty side. Also, kudos to their mac and cheese - my friends kept raving about it, saying it was the best they'd had.
We ordered the meal for 8-10 people ($70), and ate family style at a table. Usually these meals are reserved for people who phone in to go, but the staff were happy to have us order and eat it there.
The inside of the restaurant looked a whole lot like Five Guys - with their blackboard indicating where today's pig was from, the signs indicating where to order and pick up, and the red and white checkered tile.
I'm pretty confident that this is the best bbq place in Northern Virginia. -
Review from Lindsey P.
Chantilly, VA
9/3/2008
This little BBQ place might be the best kept secret in Ashburn. Great BBQ, great side items, and great on the bank account.
While the indoor seating is very basic, its nice and clean. I wish my coworkers liked BBQ, because I would come here for lunch, well, every day. -
Review from Krysta S.
Ashburn, VA
4/2/2011
OH so delicious, even dry. It is torture to run past this place on the trail and smell the food cooking! I always have to go back later to get some! :)
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Review from Mrs. S.
Loudoun, VA
8/20/2010
The food was good and it was cheap. I think the price made it taste better in all honesty.
On the plus side, the potato salad was good. Any potato salad lover knows that you can't just eat anyone's potato salad. But Carolina Brothers passes the potato salad test. They also pass the portion test because they weren't stingy with the side dishes.
But why the heck do they close so early? 7PM...we just barely had time to pick up some take out after work. And also, what's up with the carry out menu...it's gross. Don't open the menu before you've had a chance to eat.
That's all I am going to say about that, other than you all really should consider the gross factor of any pictures you put in your company literature! -
Review from Kevin O.
Falls Church, VA
7/3/2010
meh. I really wanted to like this place, I drove like 20miles just to check it out.
ok. I personally love NC BBQ. and consider myself to be a bit of a BBQ purist, so take my review with that in mind.
The pulled pork was pretty good, but not great.
The only ribs they have are baby-backs, they were okay too.
They don't "fall off the bone" which is a GOOD thing.
BBQ RIBS SHOULD STICK TO THE BONE!!! so that's a plus i guess, but honestly they ribs seems more grilled than BBQ'd. Zero smoke flavor.
I was a little miffed that they don;t have a sampler tray. I had to order a 1/2 rack and a sandwich platter. It just seemed like they should have more modularity in the menu, like a "pick 3 meats" platter.
The sides were a let down. The cole slaw was ok. The mac-n-cheese looked great, but was fairly bland and served less-that-warm.
There are two kids of BBQ sauce on the table: one that is just vinegar and pepper flakes, and another that is vinegar, pepper flakes, tomato, and sugar. Neither were great.
All that said the staff was very pleasant and helpful. They even offered to make me a multi-meat sandwich. There is a great selection of beverages (uncommon colas and cheer-wine type stuff) but no fresh UN-SWEET tea. There are dessert options, but I didn't try any. They had pies, sliced lemon bundt cake, and cookies.
It's right on the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail, so there were a lot of cyclists fueling up. their bikes seemed very safe out front.
All and all this place was acceptable, but i won;t be making the trip again. -
Review from Frank H.
San Antonio, TX
Updated - 12/28/2009
The food here is consistent every time I go.
Also, they have an extra spicy bbq sauce behind the counter you can ask for. We usually order chicken sandwiches with slaw on them.
Really good and worth a try if you're in the area.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/20/2009
Barbeque always seems like it looks better than it tastes. Maybe it's because I grew up eating… Read more »
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Review from Jon M.
4/3/2010 8 Check-ins Here
From now on, when I'm homesick, I'm coming here!
To be honest, I went in hoping to like this place... usually, when this happens, I end up greatly disappointed, but not this time (thankfully). This is the kind of pulled pork BBQ that I grew up on and miss so much, and the good food doesn't stop there. The potato salad, beef brisket, mac n' cheese were all so tasty, too. In addition to the great eats, the service was friendly and the ambiance was just right for a BBQ place.
I know that I'm gushing here, but I was really pleased with this place... I felt at home and homesick at the same time. I will be back, and I will most certainly make a point of stopping by the next time I'm biking by on the W&OD (not to mention I'll be stopping by any time I can come up with an excuse to go to Ashburn).
PS - They even have Cheerwine, Sun Drop, and RC Cola!Listed in: BBQ is king
