Old Blue BBQ, Union Market, Washington, DC

I posted earlier on Old Blue BBQ’s kitchen and carryout in a warehousing area of Alexandria, and pronounced theirs the best ribs in Alexandria. I’d neglected to bring along a Campaign for Real Barbecue window sticker as proof that they cook exclusively with wood, but assured them that I’d drop by their booth in Union Market and give them one.

That was in July, and I rush to point out, and it was December before I finally made it down there. The Old Blue in Union Market is situated in, I’m pretty sure, the same booth that hosted 2fifty before they moved up to their downtown brick and mortar location near Mount Vernon Square. That made it easy to find in the maze of vendors there. I handed over the window sticker with instructions and, while I was in the area, ordered a brisket sandwich (moist).

I’m glad I did.

Let’s look inside

and see that gorgeous, delicious outside crust. The meat was very tender, succulent really. Its flavor was beefy and smoky, and the sandwich offered a good honest helping of brisket. Old Blue’s brisket is a winner. That booth seems to have an aura.

The sandwich came with a small container of slaw topped by two pickle slices. The pickles were interestingly seasoned, but sweet, while the slaw boasted a very good vinegar dressing. It was a nice counter to the richness of the beef.

Old Blue offers very good brisket in addition to their ribs. I expect that before long Old Blue BBQ will have a new Blue brick and mortar place. Go to Union Market or to Alexandria and try their products, and consider them for a caterer if you’re having a playoff or Super Bowl party. Help them get a brick and mortar location, and free up that magic Union Market slot for another barbecue place.

***

And while you’re at it, click “follow” on our front page to receive blog posts in your email box. Or bookmark us and check in from time to time. We’re on Instagram  (johntannerbbq) and X/Twitter (johntannerbbq1). If you’re planning a trip, you can “Search” the name of the destination city, state, or country for good restaurants (in Europe, often close to sites, like the  Louvre, Prague Castle, Vienna’s Old City, or the Van Gogh Museum, that you’ll want to visit in any event.  We welcome comments and questions, and eagerly seek suggestions of places to eat and stories to cover.