Inside Epic Smokehouse, Opening Monday in Arlington

Grid View

Pentagon City's new Epic Smokehouse, a cross between an upscale steakhouse and a BBQ joint from two former employees of The Palm, is opening next week. Here's a quick peek at Epic Smokehouse's rustic decor, before the restaurant's first meal is served at 11 a.m. on Monday. To match a menu that runs from a $10 ground pork and beef burger at the bar to a $24 horseradish-crusted smoked prime rib, executive chef Wayne Halleran and general manager Joon Yang envisioned a relaxed space with some refined details, like a reclaimed wood wall, copper light fixtures, and leather accents throughout the dining room.

At 3300 square feet with 84 seats, this is one skinny, railroad-style floor plan. Seating includes wide leather booths on one side of the restaurant, and tables with leather chairs on the other side. Choose from two bars: a leather-clad "chef's eat bar" overlooking the open kitchen where a smoker has prime billing, and a "bar" bar, decorated with subtle, military-esque tattoo graphics as a reference to the Pentagon nearby. A patio seats 16.

There's the typical steakhouse fare on Epic Smokehouse's dinner menu, like filet mignon and sea bass, along with BBQ dishes including smoked brisket, apple wine smoked ribs, and a pulled pork or chicken platter. Sandwiches, salads, and BBQ entrees plus one side make up the lunch menu, while happy hour includes $5 bar appetizers and $8 burgers. And in addition to the long wine list, specialty drinks include a bacon-infused bourbon old fashioned, and possibly smoked ice to add to cocktails in the future — Halleran says they are still perfecting the recipe.

Lunch Menu

Dinner Menu

Bar Menu

—Adele Chapin

· Epic Smokehouse [Official Site]
· All Previous Epic Smokehouse Coverage [-EDC-]