Blacktop Barbecues: Mobile Eateries Offer Top-Notch Grilled Goods

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You may not expect to find some of the area's best barbecue in the parking lots of auto repair shops and clothing outlets, but these eateries on wheels will shatter those preconceptions. Offering everything from succulent ribs to pulled-pork sandwiches, these joints specialize in top-notch grilled goods.

BRANDED '72
These mobile maestros don't mess around. Their beef brisket is smoked for 18 hours then slathered with a delicious secret sauce that has tangy hints of citrus intertwined with its tomato base.
» 8804 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; 301-340-8729.

STEWART'S BAR-B-QUE
You can see the smoke from its customized cooker down the road, and that haze is accompanied by a tempting scent. The best reason to pull over immediately is the North Carolina pork sandwich, which is topped with fresh coleslaw and a sweet barbecue sauce.
» 2710 Bladensburg Road NE; daily, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; 202-255-6211.

MR. P's RIBS AND FISH
Whether you're on the way to Home Depot or just getting out of church, this bus-turned-'cue joint is an essential detour. Go for the sticky, but juicy, pork ribs (hold the sauce) and the hearty Grandma-style potato salad.
» 514 Rhode Island Ave. NE; Fri.-Sun., 202-438-3215.

PIG AND POKE BBQ
If you're willing to road-trip for mind-blowing ribs, then set your GPS for this scrumptious roadside attraction. Smoky pit sandwiches are its specialty, and they go down nicely with a cup of homemade sweet tea.
» Route 108 & Muncaster Road, Gaithersburg; Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 240-750-4512.

Written by Express contributor Nevin Martell