The Beef Rib at 2fifty, Riverdale Park, Prince George’s County, Maryland – John Tanner’s Barbecue Blog

I was able to get together with my North Carolina-Texas cousins recently. Naturally, they chose 2fifty, the best barbecue place in the area. Ann Thomas Johnston is one of the Wilson, NC, Griffins (fans of Bill’s and now Marty’s), some of the nicer people around. Husband Murray, whom you’ve met at the great Blue and White in Alexandria, is from San Antonio, and you met their daughter, Griffin, here in her capacity as a Senior Correspondent, back when she was literally a senior in high school. She’s now graduated from Hillsdale and is looking toward divinity school. I was excited to see them because they’re fun, I love them, and this was my chance at last to try 2fifty’s beef rib. I hadn’t ordered one before because it’s a full pound of meat, which is a lot for me to eat with only a polite No Thank You Portion for Nancy.

I got to 2fifty a few minutes early

and squeezed past the line of customers that ran out the door, stuck my head inside and looked around.

It’s such a welcoming spot, and it really, really smells good. I’d ordered ahead — always order ahead online at 2fifty and choose your pick up time. They do run out, and that would be heartbreaking. Debby Gonzalez asked me if I wanted them to cut the meat and make up my order to go, and I said I’d be joined by family and we’d be dining in. The Johnstons arrived presently, and I gave the green light to prepare my order.

I’d chosen the beef rib, a half pound of smoked lamb, one each of poblano and spicy cheddar sausages, two orders of grilled vegetables, sweet corn off the cob, and savory brisket beans.

That’s a feast for your eyes as well as my tummy. The beef rib was sensational, the meat amazingly tender and succulent. The flavor was a lot like their wonderful brisket, only moreso. Both of the sausages were excellent, as usual, and I really liked the tenderness and moisture of the lamb, although the others seemed less enthusiastic. Lamb shoulder isn’t for everyone. The lamb was especially good with some of the raw onion, which balanced the richness of the meat.

And the sides were first class. I especially liked the beans, which leaned rancho instead of the treacly Boston baked beans many places serve up. 2fifty’s grilled vegetables were, again as usual, a big hit, and the street corn is another winner. And it’s much easier to eat than off the cob.

2fifty, by the way, has collaborated with Denizens Brewing Company on a custom beer, All American Lager. I look forward to trying some. 2fifty keeps their menu fresh with a lot of specials and collaborations. I loved their collaboration with La Tejana, and their collaboration with Manifest Bread produces the best pastrami sandwich I’ve ever had. It’s pastrami is better than Katz’s.

Pardon that interruption. It was a great meal, with outstanding food, setting, service, and especially companions. I need to get together with them much more often. And you should do the same. Get together with good friends or family and head over to Riverdale Park. Share a beef rib and some brisket and sausage, and whatever that day’s special is. It’ll help make your life as wonderful as mine.

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