EPIC Smokehouse Expected to Open in Early September

(Updated at 2:25 p.m.) An “epic” new restaurant is coming to 1330 S. Fern Street in Pentagon City, across from Costco.

EPIC Smokehouse is being billed as a neighborhood restaurant that “combines the best aspects of a fine dining steakhouse and a barbecue joint.” Work on the restaurant’s interior is still in progress, but according to a press release the eatery is expected to open in “early September.”

“The vision behind the smokehouse is simple — quality smoked meats and seafood paired with innovative cocktails and high-caliber wine at affordable prices, all complete with incomparable service,” according to the release. “Above all, [owners Joon] Yang and [Wayne] Halleran want their place to be an integral part of the neighborhood.”

Yang and Halleran, formerly of The Palm restaurant in Tysons Corner, say the idea for EPIC Smokehouse has been in the works for years.

“We’ve been waiting for the opportunity to make this concept a reality for a few years, and we are ecstatic to have found the perfect location here in Pentagon City,” said Yang, who will serve as the restaurant’s general manager, in a statement. “Our goal is not only to provide delicious food and the most amazing wine list in the region, but to engage our neighbors in a way that makes us a staple in the community for years to come.”

Signature dishes at the restaurant in include horseradish-crusted prime rib, chipotle-seasoned sea bass, a light poached peach and prosciutto salad, pancetta macaroni and cheese, Carolina slaw and fried asparagus.

EPIC Smokehouse will be one of three restaurants on its particular stretch of S. Fern Street, which is located across the street from Costco and two blocks from Pentagon City mall. The street is home to a Dunkin’ Donuts store and Nell’s Carryout.

The street could be getting a lot busier in the next couple of years, however.

A proposed development that’s currently being reviewed by the county’s Site Plan Review Committee could bring up to 2 million square feet of new office and hotel space along S. Fern Street, and a new 18-story, 411-unit apartment building is in the early stages of construction at the intersection of S. Fern Street and 12th Street S.

The press release for EPIC Smokehouse, after the jump.

Something epic is coming to Pentagon City – EPIC Smokehouse. The highly anticipated concept from Joon Yang and Wayne Halleran, is slated to open its doors at 1330 S. Fern Street, Arlington, Va., in early September. The vision behind the smokehouse is simple – quality smoked meats and seafood paired with innovative cocktails and high-caliber wine at affordable prices, all complete with incomparable service. Above all, Yang and Halleran want their place to be an integral part of the neighborhood.

“We’ve been waiting for the opportunity to make this concept a reality for a few years, and we are ecstatic to have found the perfect location here in Pentagon City,” said Yang, who will serve as the restaurant’s general manager. “Our goal is not only to provide delicious food and the most amazing wine list in the region, but to engage our neighbors in a way that makes us a staple in the community for years to come.”

EPIC Smokehouse boasts an eclectic menu that includes everything from barbecue classics to inventive smoked dishes. Standouts include horseradish-crusted prime rib, chipotle-seasoned sea bass, and a light poached peach and prosciutto salad. Side dishes burst with home-cooked flavors: pancetta macaroni and cheese, Carolina slaw and fried asparagus. The lunch menu features hearty sandwiches like the EPIC burger – a ground pork and beef blend topped with bacon, smoked gruyere cheese and a homemade apple wine BBQ sauce, and the cho’gall, a brisket and pulled pork blend, topped with grilled onions and chipotle mayo. Diners with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed with satisfying dessert selections like candied bacon cupcakes and bourbon bread pudding.

EPIC has a remarkable wine list with a selection of bottles matching that of a high end steakhouse, but at half the price. Hand-crafted cocktails are blended with fresh, seasonal produce and ingredients like egg and pork further distinguish the bar menu. The bacon bourbon old fashioned is a muddled blend of bacon-infused bourbon, orange, cherry and simple syrup. The apricot ice pick, a fusion of apricot iced tea and Maker’s Mark, provides a refreshing complement to the smoky flavors found throughout the menu.

“We’re called a smokehouse, because we are not your classic barbecue joint, nor are we fine dining,” said Wayne Halleran, Executive Chef/Owner. “Our menu is focused on smoked meats and seafood with unique twists. I want us to be known for our food. Joon wants our wine list to be the big draw. I think beyond all that though, our guests will remember the personal attention they are paid on every visit. This is the most important aspect of true hospitality we learned from working at The Palm. ”

Set within a sophisticated, masculine décor of rustic barn wood and brushed concrete, the restaurant seats 84 indoors, including a 10-stool eat bar that faces into the open kitchen. Yang and Halleran hope to eventually use the space to host cooking and mixology classes with seasonal themes for their loyal patrons. The patio will accommodate 24 and will keep the savory aromas wafting down the streets of Pentagon City, enticing locals to this new neighborhood spot.

EPIC Smokehouse combines the best aspects of a fine dining steakhouse and a barbecue joint. It features smoked meat and seafood entrees. Located in Arlington near the Pentagon City Mall, EPIC is designed to be the ideal neighborhood gathering place with an open kitchen eat bar, patio seating, extensive bar selection and unparalleled wine list. EPIC will be open for lunch and dinner: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 10:30 pm; and Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Happy Hour specials will be offered Monday – Friday at the bar 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

For more information visit EPIC Smokehouse online at www.epicsmokehouse.com or call (571) 319-4001.