Lincoln’s Barbecue is Closed

When The Restaurant Group closed AG Kitchen in downtown Silver Spring and transformed it into Lincoln’s Bar–B–Que, they wanted to shake things up. Research pointed to potential for a barbecue restaurant in the area.  If a bustling dining room just weeks after opening Lincoln’s is any indication, the decision seems to be a fitting one.

Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que offers up classic barbecue fare with touches of whimsy.  There is nothing quite like eating barbecue in the great outdoors, except when bad weather or lack of seating gets in the way.  Lincoln’s decor emulates those sought-after outdoor barbecue stands, but here you can enjoy your food from the comfort of your very own red leather banquette.

 

The intoxicating scent of barbecue tempts diners from the get-go.  Pork, ribs, brisket, turkey, and sausage are smoked for hours in one of the restaurant’s two 200-pound smokers.  A dry rub coats the meat, and then diners choose their own adventure when it comes to sauces. Some barbecue lovers have strong preferences on style, others like to change it up.  Here you can mix and match between house-made sauces including peppery Alabama White Sauce, Georgia Mustard Sauce, Texas Sweet & Spicy Sauce, Kansas BBQ Sauce, and Carolina Vinegar Sauce.

Frito Pie chili nachos served in a cut open Fritos bag is the signature appetizer at Lincoln’s, and a fun way to start off a meal.

The Big Old Combo for $99 feeds at least four people, and it’s a good way to get the lay of the land on a first visit. The combo includes a whole chicken, a pound of brisket, half a rack of barbecue ribs, two Texas Hot links, and four double sides. The barbecue ribs, tender and smoky, are where I’d hang my hat if I had to choose a single protein.

Old Bay fries, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and collard greens are offered up as sides. It’s impossible to resist the potent barbecue scent at Lincoln’s, but for those who insist on keeping it light there’s a selection of salads, a roasted veggie plate, and seafood.

Things get a little crazy at Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que when it comes to dessert.  Super Crazy Milkshakes sound simple enough with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry.  They’re covered with frosting and brimming over with assorted goodies like cookies, pretzels, candy, and themed accessories. These are fun for the kids, but adults can enjoy their own bourbon-spiked version as well.

Lincoln’s is more than a restaurant.  There’s also a general store, where customers can purchase sauces, spices, and a variety of barbecue accoutrements.

On an early visit service has some kinks, and some of the meat could use tweaking (chicken in particular is overcooked). Still, Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que is a promising addition to Downtown Silver Spring, which has had its share of restaurant shake-ups over the years.  Here’s hoping for a smoking hot success.

 

Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que, 931 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910

 

 

*My meal at Lincoln’s Bar-B-Que was provided compliments of the restaurant.