Hammerdown Barbecue

This is a small local place, much better then some of the chain restaurants. Parking might take some effort but its well worth it once you sit down. They have two child seats. Nice country music was played during my visit. I felt welcomed also. The brisket is very tasty and flavorful. As I took my first bite the seasonings and flavors just took over my mouth. The mac and cheese and the greens were tasty. The ribs were also tasty with and without sauce. They have sodas(coke products)and beers and unsweetened tea, but they have some sweetener to add to your tea. There is also a cooler with can beers and soft drink bottles. There is also a sink in the restaurant next to the sauces which is great if you want to get the sauce off before you go. They also will keep your food in a warmer if you take something to go.

TENDER, JUICY, and DELICIOUS! 10/10 would highly recommend! Not only is it a bang for its buck, but the food was literally the best seasoned/ flavored and juiciest BBQ I’ve had yet! Sauces are a bit limited (3 flavors) but the food just is so good on its own- tbh it doesn’t need much more. The sides were also soooo good- get the Mac and cheese! Do it! Trust me! Sooo damn good! There was also like no wait time- so quick! I sat down and they called my name!

Overall impressions: It's very close to where I live. I sat on the terrace; it was a spectacular day. I came here based on the recommendation of someone who has been visiting this place for over five years. *** This review is based on my personal opinion and experience as a consumer and chef *** ** Welcome from the owner (Ken) and his team: 10/10 Food ratings (0-10, with 10 being the best): The sides: ** Mac and Cheese 10/10 (very good, I recommend it) ** Mashed potatoes 6/10 (it was plain) ** Potato salad 8/10 (it was creamy, but a bit plain) The meats: ** Pulled pork sandwich 10/10 (excellent flavor) ** Spare ribs 7/10 (the aroma of the smoke was beyond words, but they were quite dry and lacked seasoning. However, they have three sauces, and I added a lot to my ribs, and they were much better. I chose the spiciest one.) ** Sliced ​​brisket 6/10 (the aroma again is beyond words). My slices were the ones that had more fat (maybe not all slices are like that, but I didn't like the ones I got). The owner and his team make you feel good; they have a good sense of humor, and the customer service is very good. I'll be back. I really liked the place and the decor.

Hammerdown came highly recommended for their terrific BBQ. As someone who has lived in multiple "homes to the best BBQ" I have definitely tasted my share. And Hammerdown ranks well up there - the ribs were fantastic! Their various meat dishes do not require sauces to be flavorful and juicy. I worked with Ken to have a casual rehearsal dinner delivered. It took a while to connect, but once we made arrangements the food and service were everything we hoped for. On-time, fresh, great sides that weren't merely an afterthought, reasonably priced, and most importantly, delicious. It's a small business, so there is no "event coordinator" or easy online invoicing - but they came through in a big way. Highly recommend.

Best smoked chicken sandwich in Virginia. Come here every year after Oatlands Plantation Cross Country Invitational. If I didn’t live far from here I would eat here at least once per week.

Driven by so many times and finally decided to stop in on a Friday afternoon. Pastrami served Fri and Sat only, totally worth it! Excellent chicken also, not dry or shredded. Chopped and delicious. The pulled pork also excellent, as is the brisket. All are smoked and you sauce them yourself with a selection of sauces . We ordered a platter and pounds to go. The pastrami ran out by 3:30. Sides are very good also. The mac and cheese had a nice smoky flavor and very cheesy. The baked beans are sweeter than I like with a three bean mix, nice twist. Cole slaw has a wonderful tang from vinegar and not heavy on the mayo. They have an excellent tap selection with many local favorites. I will definitely be stopping back in!!

Hands down the best barbecue in Virginia. Their brisket melts in your mouth, and the ribs are authentically flavorful. One of the few barbecue eateries where you can truly taste the smoky wood baked into the meat. The price is also highly competitive for the quality and portion. We’ll definitely visit again!

Brisket sandwich was great with vinegar, but mac & cheese was bland. Tables weren’t wiped down, and customer service felt unprofessional—staff loudly told a customer they were out of onions.

Summer road trip to Loudon to explore something new place and something different to taste. Thats what we got. We ordered BBQ platter with Brisket, Ribs, baked beans and Cole Slaw And Grilled Chicken Sandwich For sweet tooth : Banana Pudding and iced tea Spicy BBQ sauce was just right spicy. Music on outdoor deck was good. Hot summer day , tree shadow, breeze and great food. Totally worth to drive all the way from Fairfax

Came across HammerDown unexpectedly on a beautiful Saturday afternoon while driving through the surrounding horse and wine country. When I see an independent looking BBQ place (with large smokers billowing blue smoke) I just about have to stop. I passed HammerDown and about a quarter mile later, said to myself, "I gotta turn around." Glad I did! HammerDown isn't a big place, but boasts a number of classic Q offering as well as beer. Bonus! I ordered the brisket sandwich with a side of beans. The meat was very good and flavorful -- if I'm being hyper critical I'd say it was a tad dry, but still very tasty. The brioche bun was a winning combo although I think it was ever so stale, maybe a day past its prime. Beans were outstanding and a nice compliment to the sandwich. HammerDown offers its own sauces too -- one slightly spicy, one traditional and sweet, and one NC style vinegar based sauce. All seemingly home made. Counter service and ambience were great with standard seating inside and out on the patio. Overall, I loved this place. If you're in the area, go! Take it from this BBQ aficionado, you'll be happy you did!

Hammer Down Barbecue is a local gem owned by Marine Corps veterans, bringing our community together every weekend. They hire local teens and offer the best smoked & BBQ meats with a simple yet focused menu. Their homemade sauces, potato salad, coleslaw, and beer on tap make for an unforgettable dining experience. Support this fantastic veteran-owned business in Loudoun County, VA! #VeteranOwned #LoudounCounty #NoVa #VirginiaBarbecue #SupportLocalBusiness

This place has one of the best briskets I've ever had. And the Mac and cheese is phenomenal as well. It's look average at first glance but man does it taste good and have a smokiness to it. Bbq sauce was great as well and ribs were good. Definitely going back soon. Also has outdoor seating so was able to bring my dog

We went here with a good friend and really enjoyed it. The food was well made with good flavor and a reasonable price. I had a half rack of ribs. They were perfectly cooked and not too fatty. This was our first time here, but not the last!!

My favorite was the pulled pork, which was really enhanced by the carolina style sauce. I'm usually more of a brisket guy, and theirs was also good, but the pork really stood out. The sides were ok. The portions you get in the 2-meat 2-side combo are great for the price though so definitely worth the trip. I did go on a sunday evening near closing, so it did seem like some things were running out, like the other bbq sauces were definitely low, and the wings were a little cold but still decent flavor. The counter was pretty quick, and the dining area seemed like a nice casual place to have a beer and hang out if you feel like spending more time there. I'm looking forward to checking out the patio once the weather warms up.

Brisket is TOO DIE FOR! BBQ chicken is so moist (unlike most BBQ Chicken) sausage is juicy and flavorful, Mac n chz, potato salad and mashed potatoes are all sooooo good!

Best brisket I've ever had. Not only good quality food but the service is great. Highly recommend this spot!

1st timer, always driving by it. Greeted nicely by a young lady who answered all my questions. Was getting something for carry out for family. Got pulled pork, sausage, sides of beans, potato salad, and cole slaw. Loved it all. The sausage is especially good, great flavor. Will definitely be back soon

Excellent! So glad we finally got a chance to try HammerDown BBQ. Indoor seating is available, it does get packed in here quick. Employees are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Ordered takeout and everything was ready in no time. It was neatly wrapped and ready to go. Their Original BBQ Sauce is delicious and goes well with everything! Tried the Sliced Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Ribs, Baked Beans, and Potato Salad. It was all a hit! The meats are seasoned well and have a lovely consistency. We were completely blown away by how flavorful their chicken was. It almost tastes like Peruvian Chicken! The Baked Beans were tender and filled with flavor. Our little ones are big fans! I am so glad this place is in our neck of the woods and can't wait for our next visit.

This place is nestled off the road on 50 going toward South Riding. My son asked me to go there on the way over to his house to pick up some brisket. The building looks like a big log cabin. There are people outside manning the open fire pits. Smells great. The brisket was exceptional! I've tried it in other places. In particular was Austin. The meat was dry and chewy. This however was just as it should be: slow roasted, saucy and succulent! I noticed they had a good selection of meats and sides. Plus banana pudding! I will be going back soon!

Great food, excellent service. The beef rib barbecue was amazing. We had to order it a day before as it was slow cooked, and it was cooked to perfection. Some side dishes were not up to par with the barbecue but it's ok since we were there for the meat and beer.

A nice out of the way restaurant with decent Greg barbecue. They have a nice selection of draft craft beers and soft drinks. I had the BBQ platter with pulled pork, ribs, Mac and cheese, and baked beans. They have a few sauces available, to include a Carolina vinegar and hot squirrel. There is a big outdoor eating area available as well.

Heard such great things about this place from the ladies at Loudon Market. We stopped in for a quick bite. The menu is straightforward...proteins, sides, drinks and desserts. There is a cute intimate dining space as well as outdoor patio seating. They have a hand washing station, fountain drinks or bottled/canned libations. Please try the 3 bbq sauces they have...each one is packed with delicious flavors and a slight kick. The staff is welcoming and efficient. We had the 8 piece bbq wings and added macaroni and cheese. The wings were tender, juicy and flavorful. They are lightly sauced and pair nicely with a cold drink. The potato salad and baked beans seemed to be what everyone was ordering. Next time I will definitely try both as well as the brisket. Great food, great atmosphere and great prices!

I have passed this place a few times and finally decided to stop. The atmosphere is on point for a backcountry BBQ place with a nice bar. The meats were some of the best as far as tenderness and texture, but were absent of any flavor. The sides ( mac & cheese, slaw) did not come close to anything good that I want to talk about. I moved from Texas last year and am still looking for some good bbq...

One of those rare places you find by accident, a drive in the middle of nowhere where a friendly guy next to piles of white and red oak with some hickory is making meat worth eating! We had a brisket sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich-- piled high, each with a pound of goodness. I'm glad it was on a country road in Virginia, not here in Wisconsin, or I'd be going back often and starting to take it for granted. U.S. Route 50. Check it out.

Great BBQ/Smoked Meat eatery. I am never disappointed when I come here. Recommend the sliced Brisket sandwich and the Sausage sandwich. Meats are smoked to perfection. Excellent smoke ring and brisket has perfect portion of meat and fat. Three types of sauces to choose from (Original, Secret a"Squirrel (sweet and touch of spicy) and Woo Tang (for those who like Carolina flavor). Staff always friendly. I'd come here everyday if I could. Highly recommend.

Cooked brisket right with a choice of dry or moist. My favorite is moist, and theirs is delicious! Tender, smokey, moist, perfect. Other winners are the macaroni and cheese, has a hint of Smokey in it. The green beans are also delicious cooked just right with lots of buttery yum. The staff and the owner are so awesome making this a five star joint.

Went to Hammerdown today for a winter ride with the American Legion Riders group I belong to. The owners just laid a new motorcycle only parking pad which was a great surprise. I think we were the 1st to use it. Great food, great atmosphere and I highly recommend this great roadside BBQ place. I had the 2 meat platter with pork and chicken with the baked beans (delicious) and potato salad. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the great food and fellowship.

Great BBQ, always interesting beer choices, quick service, perfect setting - everything you could ask for from a local BBQ joint. Give it a try - you will not be disappointed!

Disappointing, especially for the hype around this place. I got the brisket sandwich with collard greens and my friend got the pastrami sandwich with green beans. The pastrami was decent with good flavor and was moist, however, the green beans were near flavorless and not super tender; definitely needed some seasoning. Now for the brisket; one of the most disappointing brisket experiences i've had. To begin, there was MAYBE 2 pieces of brisket on the bun, the smallest brisket portion i've ever had. AND..... it was super dry, I mean dry dry; definitely not worth it. The collard were lack luster and again, needed some seasoning. Not worth the trip, save your money and go somewhere else.

I've tried their barbecue a few times. Compared to other local bbq places not too far, have to say it just average. Every time I visited, the brisket was dry, even after seeing them take a new one out of the warmer. Every thing else is good. Not great, or " the best I've ever tasted", just good.

Brisket Sandwich Pulled Pork Sandwich Excellent food And the service here is quick, friendly and clean! We will definitely return

One of the TOP 5 places for BBQ in the DMV. Once you've been there, and tried a few dishes. You'll ALWAYS go.

The best barbecue in the area this place is super delicious you won't go wrong with anything everything is exquisite I recommend this place.

Yummy banana pudding!! First time here and not only are the sauces good and meat tender but also decent prices for the amount of food. Leilani was the friendliest restaurant employee ive ever encountered as she chatted with us and all the customers about the food.

I dig the environment /atmosphere ambience, good service and the food was delicious. I can't wait to go back!! Smaller place nice bar !!

They say the best BBQ in the area is at Pit Stop BBQ at the Saturday Gilberts Corner Farmers Market. From the line at the stand, it's no lie, BUT if you need good BBQ Wednesday through Sunday, head to HammerDown BBQ. Here's why you should go: 1) BBQ: The menu written on a giant chalkboard tells you all the meats you can order. My party opted for the pulled pork sandwiches and chicken sandwiches. Each came with onions, pickles and slaw. There are three kinds of BBQ sauce on the back counter, but the original sauce was the favorite. It's a mix of BBQ and vinegar based sauce. 2) Space: There's parking in the front and a vintage Coca-Cola machine on the porch. Inside, vintage decorations mix well with the wooden booths. It's what you'd expect a country BBQ spot to look like. 3) Location: It's very close to the Saturday Gilberts Corner Farmers Market and the little historic downtown of Aldie with antique shops. A number of wineries are nearby as well. 4) Story: The shop is owned by a U.S. Marine veteran and a first generation American. Starting off as a food truck, it became so popular they started a brick and mortar.

Absolutely phenomenal food with an even better staff. They were efficient in getting my order out and were very insightful with their sauce recommendations. The feel of the restaurant is so vibrant while still feeling conservative. 10/10 would come again!

On your way to the Middleburg, VA area, don't drive too fast, you might miss it! Whoever the pit-boss is, they can definitely burn on the grill, meats are very good. My only recommendation is to put some seasoning on those sides. Otherwise, it's a solid spot to eat. Good social spot in the summer months.

Went on March 16, 2024 and had an AMAZING Pastrami sandwich!! The Brisket was also outstanding and the owners made us feel right at home! Seeing the Marine Corps flag displayed when we pulled up instantly got me motivated:) DEFINITELY a place we will be going back to eat. Sat outside and it was a gorgeous day with a great atmosphere! You will not be disappointed.

Absolutely the best bbq quality I've had in the area. This place may not look over the top but I assure you it's beyond expectations. The sides are less to be desired; nothing stands out to me between the collards, slaw, and Mac but the baked beans are delicious. It's a mix of pinto/black/kidney/no-name bean and they have flavor. The pastrami: Come. On. This pastrami is just out of this world. Perfect rub, perfect texture. Perfect flavor. Nothing compares. I'm told it's not always available but when it is they sell out quick. The brisket is second to the pastrami. All of the same qualities however my portion had a little less flavor which I balanced with the house sauces. So moist, so tender and just great overall. I'm not a rib fan but after chit-chatting with a few of the employees during a down time for them they offered up a rib for tasting and let me tell you...it's the definition of fall off the bone. I soon became a fan of ribs and I'm coming back specifically for them. The sauces are simple and few to choose from leaving your with little to no dilemma of which one to use. The spicy one is pretty good and the regular is...regular but good taste and the vinegar is what it is...not my cup of tea. The beer selection is pretty strong for this area. They pull a lot from the breweries around the area and they have a few taps from the better breweries from Richmond. This place is so small town in the biggest county. I met a few people working the lunch shift but I spent the most time talking to Damien. He had such pride in the place and was more than accommodating. I had questions about the meat before ordering and he had no issues giving me the info I needed. I located a spot at the bar after eating outside he talked a little bit about the history and how things were going. After asking more questions about the meat he brought out the rib sampler and talked all about the process and cooking. He's a true ambassador to the restaurant and you can tell he's very proud of its success. Thank you Damien! Overall this place is now my bbq destination and I don't think I'll be going out of my way for any of the others. The prices are reasonable and the meat is done so well. Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.

HammerDown has been our go-to spot for years. It's conveniently located on the main route to most local wineries. I have to say that we not getting the same quality and quantity of food as we did in the past. The prices have gone up significantly however. I wish the prices were reflective of quality. I hope that HammerDown corrects itself and returns to its old glory.

Another great meal while visiting the area. The brisket so tender, the pork great. I even liked the green beans.

The owner and the staff are very friendly and their system seems to be working very efficiently. Their pulled pork sandwich is really good.

Succulent. Passed through the scenic route back to Dulles from Front Royal and spotted this place after trudging through Middletown's mess (Eastbound). Honestly considering moving to the area from Chicago, which really is a food Mecca, due to the phenomenal food I experienced in VA. This establishment is one of the local lovely places I had the honor of eating at.

Pulled pork was good but a little bland. I used both the vinegar based sauce and the original sauce. The macaroni and cheese tastes massed produced. I don't really know how else to describe it, nothing to write home about. Overall a nice place to stop if you're in the area but don't go out of your way. Cute little restaurant inside with plenty of seating, parking lot isn't huge.

Don't know why, but I was surprised by how much I liked the food. I had the ribs and brisket combo and both were delicious. For my sides, I had beans (tasty mix of 2 kinds) and cornbread (solid but I've had better). My son ate my leftovers and declared them yum - so I'll definitely go back. My friend had pulled pork, collards, and green beans that all looked great. The rest room was nicer than I might have expected in a BBQ joint. And I loved the gorgeous sink by the condiment bar for washing hands. Not cheap at $23 for the combo but worth a revisit - especially since my son will eat the food.

This review is specifically for the new pastrami sandwich. As with their brisket, the pastrami itself is fantastic. I think the only room for real improvement is the to go packaging. I love this thing. The sandwich is pretty large and a meal to itself. It comes with a good bit of pastrami, sauerkraut, and horseradish sauce on rye bread. I typically steer clear of sauerkraut but in this sandwich it works. The horseradish sauce was not overpowering but but I could have done with a little more kick. Next time I'll ask for more and sauce it myself. While the sandwich was great, the to-go packaging did not lend itself well to this. By the time I got to eat it (~3 minutes later) the bread had already turned soggy and it made eating the sandwich a bit sloppy. Fortunately the flavors were great so I kept going. I would recommend that if you order this to go, get the bread and fillers separate, then assemble on your own. Also, since the sandwich is so big, I would also suggest cutting it in half to make it a bit more manageable to eat. If you dine in, I don't think you'll have any of these issues. Hopefully they keep this on the menu for some time and not just this week. Can't wait to try it again!

Easily the best BbQ in the area. I wish it was closer in, but anytime we're near HammerDown BBQ we take the time to stop. Excellent beer selections also!

Their barbecue is awesome! I have had the chicken & brisket.. both are smoked perfectly! Their sides are equally as good! Love the collards, green beans, & macaroni cheese!

Food is absolutely delicious the ambience is amazing and service is super fast. Must try

Great BBQ. Quick service. Have not been to the restaurant, just ordered and did pick up.

Simply Unbelievable. Best brisket I've ever had. Friendly staff in a rustic setting. This is my go-to.

Food is really delicious!!! Love the sauce options. Really generous portions!!! I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was great!!!

Another recommended restaurant, HammerDown. I'm not so familiar with the area where it's located but it's pretty unique place. I liked how you can tell their sides and BBQs are all made from the kitchen. Super friendly staffs and excellent food! The last time when I visited, they only offered outdoor seating but the heat didn't bother me. It is definitely a place to visit during this fall season! Highly recommended to BBQ loversssss

Great food. Relaxed atmosphere. They love car racing. Recommend the brisket an chicken. Beans, potato salad and collards are fine sides.

The best place to get barbecue in nova! The service is amazing and the food is always delicious.

Good food although just a bit pricey. They seem to have a nice following hard to know what days they are open.

We don't eat here often, usually because the times we're craving BBQ are the days they are closed. Nevertheless, we really like their food. We get carryout so I can't vouch for the ambiance--it's a roadside stand of sorts--but I know lots of "regulars" who grab a sandwich or platter and hang out at one of their picnic tables and love it. Our service has always been good. The people are very busy (speaks to the demand for their food), but appropriately accommodating. The location is removed from any residentially-convenient area (on Highway 50 west of South Riding), but it's worth the extra few minutes' driving. And, if you're in the mood for BBQ, it's the closest place, so it's bonus that it's actually GOOD!