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Very Best Restaurants: Red Hot & Blue

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Red Hot & Blue **
Arlington , Laurel , Annapolis , Gaithersburg , Frederick , ¢

This locally owned Memphis barbecue chain had a rare failure last year when it closed its branch on 19th Street in downtown DC. Perhaps it was lack of dinner trade or shortage of parking, perhaps it's just that ribs don't go well with business attire, but whatever the reason for the failure downtown, those ribs and good pulled pork still taste good in the suburbs.

The ribs come in two styles: wet, with a mild barbecue sauce, and dry, coated with a blend of spices. To compare the two, order your slab half and half. The pulled porkshoulders slowly cooked over hickory wood and pulled, not choppedis available on a platter or in a bun. Don't overlook the accompaniments: good barbecued beans topped with chopped pork, crisp coleslaw, and not-too-sweet potato salad.

Several good microbrews are available on tap, and the jukebox plays Memphis blues. All in all, it's a combination hard to beat. A location at 3014 Wilson Boulevard (703-243-1510) sells barbecue to go. All locations are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Red Hot & Blue , 1600 Wilson Blvd., Arlington ; 703-276-7427. Open daily for lunch and dinner MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 677 Main St., Laurel ; 301-953-1943. Open daily for lunch and dinner MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 200 Old Mill Bottom Road, Annapolis ; 410-626-7427. Open daily for lunch and dinner MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 16811 Crabs Branch Way, Gaithersburg ; 301-948-7333. Open daily for lunch and dinner MapIt!

Red Hot & Blue , 402 S. Jefferson St., Frederick ; 301-620-7427. Open daily for lunch and dinner MapIt!

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

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