BBQ Heaven at American Ice Company

A few weeks back I went to check out American Ice Company for drinks with a few girlfriends. It’s a great new spot for the young hipster scene on 9th and V with a bare bones interior that sports distressed brick walls and an expansive outdoor space which will be no short of packed as soon as the weather turns nice. The space used to be a garage and still boasts the large garage door that was left open when I was there on Sunday night in order to provide an easy flow from outside to inside with heat lamps aplenty. The first time we were there we really enjoyed the scene and the unique beer list (especially that they serve everything in mason jars), but we were even more intrigued by the basic and limited food menu that promised to deliver some of the best barbecue in town.

The "kitchen" at American Ice Company which serves up BBQ and sides.

Dining at American Ice Company is casual and no-fuss.

Interior at American Ice Company

The menu includes only a few items, but each item is prepared skillfully and although delivered on paper plates with plastic cutlery, American Ice Company isn’t messing around when it comes to their food. They offer three types of sandwiches or platters: pork, brisket, and turkey. Sandwiches come with cole slaw and a pickle for $9 and platters are served with cole slaw and baked beans for $12. In addition, there are multiple “sides” that range from $3-$6 and the options include chips and queso, chili con queso, veggie chili, nachos and beans. Perhaps one of the most authentic things about American Ice Company is the fact that they cook and smoke their BBQ off the premises and bring it over to the bar every day to serve fresh. On the menu it clearly states “Dinner starts at 5PM. Available while it lasts”. We were lucky to arrive on the earlier side around 6:15 on a Sunday evening, but the recommendation from all of the servers is to get there early, grab a table, and order fast in order to get your BBQ fix before the food runs out.

My friend Julie and I started with some beer: 312 and a Strongbow respectively. We ordered the veggie nachos to start and they were loaded with different kinds of beans, cheese, onions, jalapenos, and a few other treats. While served on a paper plate, they really hit the spot. Next up I ordered the brisket sandwich and Julie went for the pork sandwich. I loved the brisket as it was moist and tender and delicious with a little extra BBQ sauce on top. Julie loved the pork as well, and it was clear that this place may only offer a few things, but all of the things they offer they do well. The experience was fast and casual, yet really pleasant and a perfect Sunday night outing.

BBQ brisket sandwich

Veggie nachos with beans, corn, cheese, and jalapenos

917 V Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Tagged as: American Ice Company, BBQ, beer, brisket, pork, Strongbow, veggie nachos