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Best Bargain Restaurants: Red Hot & Blue

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Red Hot & Blue
Arlington , Annapolis , Washington , Frederick , Gaithersburg , Herndon , Laurel , Manassas

Ribs are the center of attention at this dependable chain of Memphis-style barbecue houses. They come in two styles, wet, with a mild barbecue sauce, and dry, coated with a blend of spices. Wet seems more succulent, but you can order your slab "half wet, half dry" and make your own comparison.

The number-two attraction is "pulled pig," large chunks of pork shoulder pulled, not chopped, so that bits of the crusty exterior combine with the moist and tender interior. It is equally good on a platter or in a sandwich bun. Beef brisket is fork-tender and full of good hickory flavor.

The accompaniments here are not just plate fillers but are worthwhile for their own sake--not-too-sweet barbecue beans topped with chopped pork, crisp coleslaw, and potato salad that is well seasoned and not overdressed.

Given the quantity of the food, appetizers are almost superfluous, but the nachos--a glorious pile of crisp flour-tortilla chips, green onion, jalapeños, chopped smoked chicken or pork (or both), cheddar cheese, and sour cream--remind you how good this much-abused dish can be. The very good banana pudding is a comforting dessert.

Takeout locations at 3014 Wilson Boulevard (703/243-1510) and adjoining the downtown DC restaurant sell the same good barbecue to go.

Red Hot & Blue , 1600 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington; 703/276-7427. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm. AE, MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 200 Old Mill Bottom Road (exit 28 off of Route 50), Annapolis; 410/626-7427. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm. AE, MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 1120 19th Street NW, Washington; 202/466-6731. Open daily 11 am to 10 pm. AE, MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 402 S. Jefferson, Frederick; 301/620-7427. Open Sunday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, Monday through Saturday 11 am to 10:30 pm. AE, MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 16811 Crabbs Branch Way, Gaithersburg; 301/948-7333. Open Sunday noon to 9 pm, Monday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm. MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 208 Ellen Street, Herndon; 703/318-7427. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm, AE, MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 677 Main Street, Laurel; 301/953-1943. Open Monday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm, Sunday noon to 9 pm. MC, V. MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 8637 Sudley Road, Manassas; 703/330-4847. Open Sunday noon to 10 pm, Monday through Thursday 11:30 am to 10 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 11 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm. AE, D, MC, V. MapIt!

QUALITY: ****Excellent; *** Superior; **Very Good; * Good
PRICE RANGE: $$$= Very Expensive; $$ Expensive; $=Moderate; ¢=Inexpensive

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