Kangaroo Boxing Club

Vegetarians take heart, there is something for us even in the land of BBQ. I was skeptical when my friend first suggested it, but the spicy lentil wrap ($ 13) was excellent, as were the Brussel sprouts and vinaigrette cole slaw that came on the side. Drinks, less surprisingly, push up the bill quickly at $ 7−10/ea but the service was good and the vibe was cool. A small space, but not claustrophobic; I could hear my friend without having to shout and I never bumped the diners at the table next to us. Note: no reservations, and probably not advisable for parties of more than 4 during peak hours. Overall a hip and very tasty place, I just regret forgetting my takeout container with the other half of my wrap!

Unfortunately I did not have a good experience with KBC this time around. I ordered a take-​out order of the pulled pork platter with sides of johnny cakes and brussels sprouts. I took the food home, excited to dig in and devour my meal. However, I found the johnny cakes burnt black completely on front and back. Usually I like a little burnt on my food, but this was too inedible. I turned my attention to the pulled pork and it was too mushy and flavorless. Even the bbq sauces were unable to redeem it. The brussels sprouts were also overcooked and tasted like oil. The coleslaw tasted purely like cabbage overwhelmed by vinegar and lacked freshness to supplement the meat. Overall, the food quality was so disappointing that is is enough to deter me from coming back again.

My food was so tart. Didn’t taste right at all. Pulled pork mushy and not enough people on staff.
UPDATE: As a response to the manager who so kindly replied to my review:
I did not have enough energy to request another plate of food at a place I had already decided I did not like. The tart nature was not the only problem with my food. Also, our drinks were filled about 3 times. I clearly did not almost finish the food– as a I requested a to go box (you noted). I did not want to waste my 13 dollars.
You flagged me outside your place of business. If you knew I was not happy with your service while I was sitting down, you were welcome to say something then.
Again– I did NOT like the establishment so I did not tip. Also, why tip someone who obviously engaged in workplace gossip instead of addressing the concerns she knew about??? Please focus on improving your establishment instead of coming for customers on Unilocal!
Have a good night :)

A solid BBQ join with great service! My boyfriend LOVES this place, so we come here pretty often.
We usually do the Pick 2 platter, which comes with two sides – our favorites are the brussel sprouts and mac & cheese. For meat, we’ve tried everything on the menu and our faovrites are the Jerk Goat and the Brisket, but everything here is really good!
Drinks are fairly priced and the cocktails are delicious as well. Vibe is friendly and cool – but be warned, it’s a Michigan sports bar as well!

Possibly the best burger I’ve ever eatten in my life. My friend I was with got the brisket and pulled pork and he said it was also amazing. It’s a little bit of a treck to get there (over in columbia hights), but worth the drive.

Holy cow delicious BBQ. I am not much of a BBQ person to be honest but this place changed my mind at least for the time being. I had the gravy cheese fries, BBQ falafel, coleslaw, Johnny cakes, jalapeño Mac n cheese, and a Moscow mule. All were excellent. The gravy fries were poutine style but the cheese was not in curds– once the cheese melted especially this was an addicting dish. It was super filling though which is why I went with the BBQ falafel– which was delicious in its own right. It came on a bed of lettuce and a good sauce. It was really gooey on the inside (in the good way) and had quite a spicy kick to it.
As for sides, the coleslaw was good, albeit strong tasting and more of the watery variety. The jalapeño mac was also very solid with just the right amount of creaminess. The johnny cakes (corn pancakes with butter drizzle) were my favorite. The moscow mule came in a quintessential copper mug and was perfect for my tastes. I also took bits of my friends’ dishes– the ribs were melt-​off-​the-​bone amazing, and the pulled pork was the best I’ve had in recent memory. The food also holds up well as leftovers. So I’d absolutely come back and recommend it to all my friends.

4.5 stars
Well I certainly didn’t expect it, but this place is absolutely delightful. I heard about Kangaroo Boxing Club a while back from a friend from the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, but for some reason fabricated the idea that they weren’t super vegetarian-​friendly, so I never gave it a shot. How wrong was I? Oh my goodness, KBC is such a great little joint.
One of our best friends was in town for New Year’s and we decided to enjoy our final meal of the weekend at Kangaroo Boxing Club for brunch. We walked in and were pleasantly surprised by the close-​knit vibe. The bar itself has very festive decoration and is very well stocked. The tables are rustic and the service is really nice. Our waiter was easy-​going, friendly, and very responsive to our questions and requests.
We first ordered a carafe of the pineapple papaya mimosas, which were much more fun and interesting than traditional mimosas (and are admittedly not my favorite). The price was reasonable considering the area and what we got. But even the fun drinks couldn’t hold a candle to how delicious the food was. Our friend ordered the Hair of the Hog and thought it was absolutely delicious. My husband enjoyed the pastrami on rye, which he got with the delicious jalapeño mac ‘n’ cheese. But I strongly believe that my dish topped them all. At first, I was dubious about the Veg & Egg, since I’m not a huge fan of lentils or spicy, but boy, was I wrong. The mild spice of the lentils paired perfectly with the sweetness of the reduction on the brussel sprouts. Even the egg was cooked perfectly, and everything came together to make a beautiful dish.
The environment is excellent, the drinks are fun, and the food is absolutely delicious. I am so happy that we gave this place a try, and we will definitely be coming back for more in the future. Can’t wait to enjoy another brunch here again sometime soon!

They have a sandwich with pork and apocalypse. I think it’s self explanatory. Also gorgonzola mac and cheese.

My friends and I had a great evening here! It’s a small, kind of divey bar with delicious bbq and a surprisingly good and well-​priced beer menu. Our server was also wonderfully patient when we sat around forever and brought us all separate checks (even unprompted, I think!) I’d definitely trek back up here again for a low key night and great meal.

Great hole in the wall BBQ gem with even better food. Prices are fairly reasonable and the food was phenomenal. Complete warning though — this restaurant is tiny so be prepared to scrunch up next to your friends and the guests next to you.
Despite the small size, came in on a Friday evening and only had to wait about 20 minutes. Not bad for Friday and for dinner! We grabbed a drink at the bar (which seems to be a full menu) and were seated rather quickly.
Service:
Average service. It’s a small restaurant so the staff doesn’t need to go above and beyond. Or server was knowledgeable, suggestive, and the food was fast. Host took our name on a mini clipboard and shouted our name when they were ready. Slowest service was trying to get the 1 bar tenders attention — but this is usually a given, especially at a full bar.
Drinks:
Decent selection of craft brews and cocktails. I opted for a Moscow mule while my friend had an IPA. Reasonably priced and nothing over the top! They also have bottled cider.
Food:
DELICIOUS. Weird that the pulled pork comes without a bun, but they were happy to bring one on the side. My falafel wrap was actually delicious and flavorful, something that is not always a guarantee with a veggie wrap. Brussels had a Devine BBQ flavored, although a little over cooked. Was more than enough food and we took both of our left overs home! Tuesday and Friday nights also offer a rib special, which I’m sure are delicious. Cohi gem for sure
Also is a Michigan bar if you’re into college ball. I’m surprised because it’s so small, but apparently they pull down a projector screen and the place gets a little rowdy.

I was not impressed at all. I came here for bunch with my boyfriend. Getting seated was a bit weird. It was packed but there were tables opening up — and there seemed to be some delay in cleaning the tables and getting the waiting groups seated. We couldn’t tell if it was self seating or not. Eventually we got a table
Outside. The outside sitting area is nice. The tables are pretty close to each other but that’s pretty DC typical.
I ordered the chicken and waffles. And it was the worseeeeee chicken and waffles I’ve ever had. The gravy it came with was pure salt. The chicken was also pretty dry. I took a few bites but gave up after that. My boyfriend who eats everything and usually finishes my meals for me couldn’t have more than a few bites either.
Not going back.

KBC has become one of my favorite dinner places, so my husband’s! We love Tuesday and Friday ribs, they’re tender, full of flavor and the service is really good.
The pulled pork is to die for and the Johnny cakes are of those sides you can never get tired of!
The place is really small, so you should wait, but it’s worth the waiting time!

I had my eye on KBC for some time now, and after one previous failed attempt to visit here on a late Saturday evening, I finally made it here a little earlier this time on a Friday, and had no problem getting two seats at the bar. It was around 7:30 and when we walked in the hostess said it’d be about 20 minutes for a table. We decided to grab a drink while we were waiting, however, after we saw how busy it was getting, we decided to relinquish our place on the wait list in favor of the two prime spots we had at the bar. I prefer sitting at the bar in places like this anyways, which has a kinda divey but not gross vibe going on. The first thing I noticed from sitting at the bar is that they do a good bit of take-​out service, which is understandable since the food is really yummy but the actual dining space is pretty minimal. Even though the bar tender was extremely busy, she was quick to serve us throughout our stay and seemingly heard every request we made (like for another drink or the check) despite the rambunctious and rowdy atmosphere around us.
I started out with a blackberry sour and my boyfriend had a margarita. My drink was pretty weak so I switched over to Bells Two Hearted for my next couple of drinks. Anyways, beer and BBQ are a marriage made in heaven in my book! Several items jumped out at me, but I wanted to focus on the meat! They have a pick 2 platter, however, my suggestion would be to have a pick 3 platter too or have an option where you can add extra meats to the pick 2 platter sans extra sides. Or just have a meat sampler and sides ala carte. I’ve obviously thought about this slightly longer than I should have… We split the pick 2 platter, choosing the brisket and the jerk goat with fries and bacon gorgonzola mac and cheese. Portion wise, this amount was perfect because we were both satiated but not stuffed. I would have liked to add the duck– I was sold at blackberry carmelized onions– but, now I just have an immediate reason to return soon! I loved the horseradish BBQ sauce paired with the brisket. It provided that perfect tang to compliment the smoky meat. It also was a good dipping sauce for the fries. The brisket itself had a nice smoky flavor and was very tender. KBC is the first place I have tried goat and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, however, this was my favorite of the two meats. It was very tender-​reminded me very much of pulled pork-​and had a nice kick due to the jerk seasoning. The salsa verde was a nice complimentary choice to the jerk. I loved the bacon gorgonzola mac and cheese! It tasted very much like the kind I make at home myself and was an excellent companion to the meats. The bacon added another smoky dimension and the gorgonzola cheese added extra creaminess. I’m excited to try the other variety-​jalepeno cheddar next time! The cole slaw was non-​mayo based and was great-​perfect for topping a pulled pork sammie in the future. I’ll absolutely be back, 5 words: duck with blackberry carmelized onions!

Jerk goat– ORDER it! My friend ordered jerk goat as an entrée and then proceeded to order 2 more helpings of the jerk goat, just for himself because it was so good. Had I the appetite for more– I would’ve done the same. Luckily, I live in DC and can come frequently. (YAY!)
Pulled pork sandwich= deliciousness… and Johnny cakes were yum!
Beer and barbecue is such a great combination!

I was super excited about this place as I LOVE BBQ, but KBC was such a disappointment! I went with my dad and he wasn’t impressed either. Locals rave about this place and I have no clue as to why. Maybe they haven’t had real bbq before?
I’ve never had bbq taste the way it did at KBC. We had the pulled pork, it was dry and rather flavorless. The Johnny Cakes were soggy and the mac n cheese cold and bland. I ALWAYS devour my bbq, but this bbq was such a let down that I struggled to eat even half of it.
I value quality so don’t mind spending more if it’d be good, but this place is definitely overpriced.
In general, the restaurant is small, cluttered, and loud — it feels claustrophobic and you can barely hear the person you’re with. Service could vastly be improved as well. It was very hard to flag down a waiter and we had a long wait for our food. The couple at the table next to us also seemed uncomfortable and were not pleased.
If you want real bbq, go to Hill Country in Penn Quarter! It’s a bit pricey, but so worth it!!!

Just YES. Came here because it was recommended by a friend… It’s around the corner from where we just moved to (both a blessing and a curse, as I’m sure we will come here way too much).
The food was BOMB. I got the smoked duck sandwich with blackberry caramelized onions. The duck was MELT-​IN-​YOUR-​MOUTH, as was the buttery brioche bun. Their bbq sauces were really good, but honestly I just wanted to take the savory and sweet flavors of the duck in on their own. So so good. The Johnny cakes were amazing, too. A grainy and crispy, but welcomed, texture. Sweet and soaked in a house made sweet butter. Definitely complemented the savory smoky duck well.
My husband got the brisket sandwich with the horseradish sauce and the Brussels sprouts. The brisket was super tender. Smoky and salty– delicious in the horseradish or in any of the bbq sauces. The Brussel sprouts were crispy and delicious; one of my favorite Brussel sprouts I’ve ever had. Our friend got the three little pigs sandwich– bacon, ham, and pulled pork… Need I say more? Incredible. The jalapeño Mac and cheese was pretty good too– really cheesy, and just enough peppery jalapeño flavor to let you know it’s there, but not overwhelm you.
Good service, cozy, divey feel, awesome food. Will definitely be coming back for more!
(Will include pics next time… We scarfed everything down before I had the chance to snap anything with my phone)

Who ends their happy hour at 6:30pm? :(My friend and I made it with about five minutes left to spare, and another friend arrived right on time. Seating is limited which may be why the HH is cut shorter than elsewhere as you’ve got smaller party tables outside and then a small bar and some bigger tables inside.
The best part IMO is the garlic parmesan fries which are soooo good. That’s how you do National Beer Day right, with beers on the side of course! :)
I need to come back for a Fuck It Bucket.

I would spend time blah blahing my life away and your eyeballs about the same stuff that every one does but I’m not gonna. I’m gonna give it to you straight.
I was a little Pissed when it appeared that dining alone gets you the shaft. I got stuck at a tiny table I didn’t like between no personal space Suzy and nose blowing Bob. Not a fan of the space situation. It is CRAMPED. Put me in a crap ass mood from the jump. But like food often does, it snapped me outta my funk.
I cOuld tell you every thing I ate but I won’t, there’s pictures and you can see for yourself. It was ALL delicious. But I will take a second to RAVE on bipolar manic level 10 about the caramelized bacon. It’s like candy & BACON. Candy… and BACON. CANDIED BACON! OMGAAAAAAHHHD! I just sat there chewing really slow trying to make those 4 slices last. I was straight making love. All out in the open. Smh… LOL bacon makes you freaky.
Brunch is good here. Try it. I wouldn’t come with more than 5 ppl though. It just ain’t that type of party. And if you don’t have the caramelized bacon, dude, you’re doing it wrong! ⁴⁄₅ tummy rubs.

Not sure if we hit them on an off day or what. I had such high expectations after reading the Bitches Who Brunch write up and all the great Unilocal reviews, but I wasn’t nearly as wowed by KBC as I had hoped. The space is cute and intimate, and the food was good but not 5 stars by any means. It didn’t help that our waitress seemed to be having a bad day and was rather rude the entire time.
Brunch review:
–Caramelized Bacon– I was pretty excited to try this because everyone raves about it, but found it to just be bacon covered in BBQ sauce and sugar. Granted, it was nice, thick cut bacon, but I didn’t notice much caramelization and overall didn’t love the taste.
–Stuffed French Toast– This filling changes daily and on the day we visited, it was stuffed with chocolate and figs. And topped with frosted flakes. DELICIOUS.
–Four Horsemen of the Aporcalypse– Okay when laden with BBQ sauce, but I would not order this again. The patty by itself did not have much flavor.
–Biscuits and jam– Tasty, but not particularly special.
The people eating next to us ordered BBQ dishes, which I will be back to try because they looked amazing, as did the biscuits and gravy. I hope to someday be able to update this review with more stars…

If you like good BBQ (especially by DC standards), cold beer, sports on the TV, and a place that is new and nothing fancy without suffering (yet) at least from the invasion of the dreaded hipster horde this is your place. This place is tiny so there might be a wait but I was able to get a table on a Sunday afternoon.
The BBQ is tasty, the pulled pork sandwich comes with a large serving of tender pulled pork. The meat isn’t fatty and there are four BBQ sauces on the table so try a little of each before you commit to one. It comes with one side and since I was unknowingly there for brunch I went for the home fries were which were tasty and had a BBQ seasoning flavor. The sandwich also comes with a side of interesting, non-​mayo based coleslaw. It’s a large serving of food so be ready to stuff your piehole.
Yeah it’s a little expensive for BBQ but that’s DC for you. I’ll be back here and am surprised it too me so long to finally get here and check this place out.