Nomsters, I need you to sit down for this one, because 2Fifty Texas BBQ might be the best BBQ I have EVER had. Not best in Maryland, not best in the DMV, best I’ve ever put in my mouth, full stop! My buddy Deke and I went in curious and left completely blown away, already scheming about when we could go back!
This husband-and-wife smokehouse in Riverdale Park does Central Texas-style barbecue smoked with nothing but wood, no gas, no electricity, just fire and patience, and you can taste that care in every single bite. The beef rib and the smoked duck wrecked me in the best way. So consider this your official heads up: you NEED to get here! Let me break down exactly what to order.
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What Makes 2Fifty the GOAT
The story behind this place is honestly as good as the food. 2Fifty’s owned by Fernando and Debby Gonzalez, a Salvadoran couple who started out selling smoked meats at a farmers market before opening their Riverdale Park smokehouse. Fernando’s the pitmaster, and his whole philosophy’s old-school Texas: no shortcuts, only wood, high-quality and ethically sourced meats.
And the accolades back it up. The Washington Post named them the number one BBQ in the D.C. area, Fernando’s been a James Beard Award semifinalist two years running, and they took home a RAMMY for Casual Restaurant of the Year in 2025. This isn’t hype, it’s a spot that genuinely earned every bit of its reputation.
What to Order at 2Fifty Texas BBQ
We went big and got a whole spread, and here’s everything worth your stomach space.
The Beef Rib (around $38 a pound)
Start here. This thing’s a foot long and packs about a pound of meat, so it’s genuinely huge, and it was so tender I had a hard time even picking it up because it was falling apart in my hands. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s the kind of showstopper you order once and never forget. This tied for my absolute favorite of the entire spread!
The Wagyu Brisket ($22.50 a half pound)
They use American Wagyu from Snake River Farms for this, and just WOW. It was one of Deke’s top picks of the day, and I completely get why. Brisket’s what they’re most famous for, and it’s the first thing that sells out, so if you’re a brisket person, order it the second you walk in.
The Smoked Duck
Okay, this one’s my sleeper pick: if you see smoked duck on the menu, RUN don’t walk! It was so good I could’ve eaten the entire thing solo, and I may or may not have been ready to smack it out of Deke’s hands when the meat got low, lol. It doesn’t always show up, so grab it if it’s there.
Pork Ribs, Sides, and Dessert
The pork spare ribs (around $12 a half pound) are seasoned and smoked for a full five hours, and they’ve got that proper low-and-slow tenderness. For sides, don’t skip the sweet potato mash, the watermelon with Tajin, and the mango salad, they’re a fresh, zippy contrast to all that rich smoke. And save room for dessert: the banana pudding and key lime pie were both solid, but the banana pudding edged it out for me. It’s their best-selling sweet for a reason.
Meet the Salvadoran Couple Behind 2Fifty
Part of what makes this spot so special is that Fernando and Debby don’t just nail Texas barbecue, they weave in their Salvadoran roots too, with touches like sweet plantains alongside the smoke. Fernando actually trained as a civil engineer before he taught himself the craft, and Debby comes from a family of restaurateurs.
They’re such genuinely nice people, and their story of building this from a farmers market stand into an award-winning smokehouse is so inspiring. You can taste that passion, and it makes every single bite hit harder.
Do They Sell Out at 2Fifty?
Yes, and often, so plan accordingly. They smoke a set amount each day and serve until it’s gone, with the brisket and beef ribs usually the first to disappear. Your best bets: go earlier in the day rather than later, or preorder ahead through their site so your meat’s set aside. Rolling up at closing time and hoping for a beef rib’s a good way to leave disappointed, so be strategic about it.
The Vibe and Experience
It’s a casual, counter-service smokehouse, so you walk up, point at what you want, and they cut it and charge you by the pound. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, and I love that they’ve got a parking lot just for customers, which makes it all so easy. It’s laid-back and unfussy in the best BBQ-joint way, the focus is squarely on the food. Come hungry, come early, and don’t wear anything you’re precious about.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 4700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
- Hours: generally open midday until they sell out (hours have shifted over time, so check their site before heading over)
- How it works: counter service, ordered by the pound or half pound
- Beat the sellout: go early, or preorder online a day ahead
- The meats: everything’s smoked over wood only, no gas or electric
- Parking: dedicated customer lot on site
- Menu note: the menu rotates and specials come and go, so double-check for items like the smoked duck or any Salvadoran specials
- More info: menu and preorders are on their official site
Is 2Fifty Texas BBQ Worth the Drive?
One thousand percent yes. This is the best barbecue I’ve had, the meats are unreal, the owners are the kind of people you root for, and it’s smoked with a level of care you can taste. Yeah, quality BBQ isn’t the cheapest night out, but it’s worth every dollar, and I’d send anyone here without a second thought. For more smoke, Texas Jack’s in Arlington’s another DMV BBQ spot worth knowing, and if you’re eating your way around the College Park area, 5th and Steaks is a nearby favorite.
Have you guys made it to 2Fifty yet? If you have, tell me your order in the comments so I can plan my next haul, Nomsters. And if you know a certified BBQ fiend, do them a solid and send this their way.