Good BBQ in Seattle?
Is there any good/authentic Southern BBQ in Seattle? I will take any style. Thanks!
heathj
Aug 01, 2006 01:31AM
Is there any good/authentic Southern BBQ in Seattle? I will take any style. Thanks!
heathj
Aug 01, 2006 01:31AM
Jones is good. Ribs are better than the brisket, although I usually get the brisket. Their sauce is really good, although they're of the school that dumps the sauce on before the customer sees the meat, which is too bad.
The Pecos Pit has its adherents, but I've never been. The Steel Pig had nice crispy catfish, but we didn't really like anything else there.
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anyone know how jones sources its ingredients? i think their grub is great, but am scared to find out where they get their meat. it might mean never going back...
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The thing I reallty like at Steel Pig is the pig wings. Smoked chicken wings [the whole wing, 3 parts] that are then fried. Get the sauce on the side. They are one of the best wings I 've have in Seattle.
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Has anyone tried (or seen open) the Jones BBQ in SoDo?
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The one across from the Starbucks office? I've been for weekend lunch many times.
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I've been for lunch a few times...the food tastes good, but I always feel terrible afterwards. I'm not sure if the 'cue is to blame or if I am...
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Second the Jones' recommendation. If you want pulled pork, the sandwich at Maple Leaf Grill ain't half bad, either.
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Try Mama Williebelle's at Lake Washington off Madrona. Summers only.
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Co...
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I went and tried Mama Williebelle's last week. Wow! This place is really bad. The ribs and chicken were dry, the greens had too much vinegar, and the yams were too sweet. They need to change their catch phrase to SHO IS SLOW!!! I waited in line for 20 minutes while to girl fumbled with orders and needed things repeated to her several times before getting it right. The food took just as long to prepare.
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Good to know. (I haven't tried it yet, but have always been intrigued....)
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after ardent searches and many a plate of awful stuff, it is obvious that there is simply no decent barbeque in seattle. jones is the best in town (with longhorn a close second) but that is a bit like identifying the best cajun restaurant in tel aviv...
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Concur with Howard 1st - there's no good Q in this part of the world. At best you can find OK pulled pork at a few places. Run screaming from BBQ ribs or brisket in Seattle.
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I used to like Willie's House of Smoke on Beacon Hill -- is it no longer any good? though, for the most part, I concur that there has been no good Q in Seattle since Hills closed.
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I have to agree with the comments above. BBQ in the Seattle area is bad to terrible.
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You've got to go see The General. He used to be off Madison, now he's down south of IKEA, General's Bar-b-que 19249 84th Ave. South, past Southcenter. In the same neighborhood (kinda) is another institution--the Caveman (Cave Man Kitchens 807 West Valley Highway, Kent). The Caveman's pulled pork sandwich and Beef w/ au jus almost make an IKEA visit worth it. I find these to be the best of the bar-b-que offerings in this area. Both have a hint of the K City molasses style but are definitely more on the sweet and hot vinegar side of Que.
Do yourself a favor and mapquest these before you go off all half-cocked.
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Try Pig Iron BBQ in Sodo/Georgetown area, my gf who used to live in Texas said it is just like the places down there and I really really enjoyed it. Plus, they have Shiner Bock beer on tap...
http://www.pigironbbq.net/
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Anyone try the BBQ place in Granite Falls? The owner apparently has been involved in some BBQ competitions. There's also a BBQ caterer based in Monroe.
When offering opinions about BBQ places, it would help if you mentioned the meats you tried, and types of sauces. Also what kind of BBQ you expect (Kansas, Texas, Memphis, Carolinas, east and west, etc).
paulj
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Sorry about that, we tried the ribs and the brisket, and there 3 sauces on the table to add if you like. If i remember right, there was a mustard based sauce, a regular, and a spicy sauce. From my limited knowledge, I would have to say this was real similar to Texas BBQ even in the decor of the place
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at the risk of sounding like a little old lady whose corset is too tight, barbeque has NOTHING to do with the sauce - it is ALL about the meat. really good barbeque (meaning fat meats smoked slowly and at low teperatures) can - nay, should - be served without sauces which get in the way of the wonderful flavors of smoke and meat and grease. as for what kind of meats, it is really of no matter as a place that does one well will do them all with competence. i am fan of ribs (and of mutton and goat where available) but would gladly dine on good beef brisket or pork shoulder over bad ribs. i repeat - THE SECRET IS NOT IN THE SAUCE; IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MEAT.
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I have to agree, hence, my first posting said nothing of the sauce...
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Thanks for all the feedback! I tried Willie's House of Soul yesterday and it was very very ok. He closes @ 8pm and I got there @ 7:50 so Willie wasn't so siked to see me ( I should have left then!).
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I think that's "House of SMOKE." Willie (if that is his name) has his good days and bad, demeanor-wise.
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There is a decent spot on Front Street in Issaquah as well, but due to a terrible case of alcoholzeimer's I can't remember the name. It's definitely white folk's barbecue, but they have a really beautiful smoked brisket, sauces are pretty good.
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Wildfire Ranch? Yeah, not too bad.
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Wildfire has actually been gone for probably a year now, I believe the BBQ Wanda is referring to is Stan's BBQ - which would be my recommendation to others on this board seeking good BBQ. Although I must say that I'm more of a Pulled Pork and brisket fan than Ribs - so I can't really speak to their ribs.
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well, that's what I get for moving from Seattle and still posting here :)... lol.
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Okay, Q-hounds, y'all are looking in the wrong place. You need to head north, just beyond the Seattle city limits in Lake Forest Park. Upon the recommendation of a friend I stopped at a place called Greg's Roadhouse BBQ. It's tucked behind an espresso stand on Lake City Way (actually called Bothell Way in that part of town). I ordered a beef brisket sandwich and it was heavenly. A generous portion of real, wood-smoked brisket (cut and trimmed to order) on a sesame seed bun topped with a tasty, reminiscent of sloppy-joe, sauce. Not too sweet -- the way I like it. Because I need a bit more fire I asked for a side of their "hot" version. My-oh-my, sphincter-on-fire, it was good! A little bit goes a long way, so be forewarned. Those who like it hot will love that sauce.
I have not yet had the opportunity to check out his other offerings (ribs, pulled pork, chicken, hot links, even a stuffed potato), but I'll be back. I'm curious to hear from other Q-hounds what they think of this place. For the record, his BBQ is Kansas City style.
Greg's Roadhouse BBQ
15030 Bothell Way
Lake Forest Park, WA
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Anybody tried the new BBQ place downtown under "Happy Plaza," home of Cafe Zum Zum and Happy Teriyaki?
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Replying to my own:
I went yesterday. It's (inexplicably, but for being on Madison Street) called Mad Oven BBQ. Sauce is good and tomato-ey, but kind of bitter for my taste--I prefer sweeter, more along the lines of Pecos.
Sandwiches are big, but I wasn't a fan of the meat: chicken breast was a little too chewy, and beef brisket was pulled and stringy (?!?!).
I doubt I'll be back.
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i second the rec for greg's. pretty good. jones/willies/pecos-avoid at all costs. i have heard great things a bout a small shack spot on lake city way just south of ne 80th. haven't tried yet. the best bbq choices in the puget sound region imo are branks in sumner, depot cafe and smokehouse in everett, or texas smokehouse bbq in woodinville. in addition to the bbq, all three have great homemade potato salad. you can thank me later.
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That's Willie's BBQ on Lake City Way. It's not really that good. It's about average for Seattle.
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Smoking Pete's on 65th in Ballard has great ribs...and brisket too. And I think they use natural meats.
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I found a pretty decent place that is only open from 11-2pm and has a very limited menu but close to the office and isn't bad for a quick fix!
Hole in the Wall Barbecue
215 James St
Seattle, WA 98104-2211
(206) 622-8717
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What do Seattle 'hounds think of this BBQ?
Longhorn BBQ in Pioneer Square:
103 1st Avenue, Seattle, 98104. The phone number is 206-341-9696.
We're on our way to a family reunion and will pick up BBQ on Saturday.
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The pulled pork is decent, everything else is bad (including the sides).
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agreed. stick with the pork.
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Cynsa, Longhorn is bad even by Seattle standards. I suggest takeout from the International District instead.
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What about R & L on Yesler?
Although I'm posting from out of town, having leftt Seattle in '96, but I lived in the CD and we used to enjoy R & L, also Catfish Corner, Thompson's Point of View and Sam's Super Burger. The General Barbeque was good too. And although it's not barbecue, there's always Ezell's chicken.
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Yes, big ups to Ezell's.
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My vote goes for Bodacious BBQ in Granite Falls. I have always contended that good BBQ should stand alone without any sauce, and that's the end product at Bodacious. The rub they use on the ribs gives a nice hot spice to them. Cut into them, you can see the smoke layer into the meat. My favorite by far is the pulled pork. Sides are great, prices reasonable. They have catered a friend's party and we have eaten there after many sporting clays shoots at the GF Sportsman's Club. It's a stretch from Seattle Metro, but if you are out hiking Pilchuck or farther, stop in, you will be surprised
Bodacious Barbecue
402 East Stanley - Granite Falls 98252
360-691-5007
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I've been out here for 2 1/2 years and have been trying desparately to find decent Q. I'd be willing to drive out to Granite Falls if they are even half the place that's in my hometown in Iowa.
I'm used to good Louisiana/Texas style delicious barbeque and everyone out here thinks that it needs to be candied pork stewing in sauce all day.
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I love the bbq pork sandwiches at Pecos Pit BBQ on So. 1st, across from Sodo Starbucks. Mon-Fri, lunch only. The owners are from Texas and what they serve is better than I had in Texas.
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Gabby's Q, in the alley between the nail shop and the Beachcomber Tavern in Skyway, (12600 block of Renton Avenue South)maybe the best barbecue in the area. It's takeout only, and the area is less than inviting, but a true chowhound would risk gunshots for good ribs, no?
The owner is from Alabama, and the ribs and pulled pork are tender and smoky. The coleslaw is very unusual, almost a sauerkraut-coleslaw spicy hybrid.
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Ira, I have to agree with Landguy. I just got back from a Dallas trip where I ate at Sammy's BBQ. (30 minutes after getting off the plane.) There's no "Q" in the Pacific Northwest that compares. But since my favorite Tacoma Mexican place has 5 police locks on the doors, bars on the windows and extra drive through patrols, I have to assume, therefore, that Gabby's might be worth checking out.
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dixie's bbq is almost the greatest thing ever, they have one at safeco field, try some of "the man sauce"
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When Dixie's was new they were OK. When they became "cool" they went downhill. Bad service, bad attitude, so-so bbq, but they did have "the man" so they were cool. I recommend Jones. Great food, good service, nice people.
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How about the OK Corral on Greenwood? I think it's Seattle's best BBQ and authentic Southern food; down to the attitude. :)
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As I got further and further down this, I was beginning to wonder why no one had mentioned OK Corral...unfortunately I couldn't remember the name of the restaurant, just that the owner, Otis, is the most fantastic guy ever. He barely has a menu, you just kind of walk in and ask him for some food.
He also has done some catering for events for us (I don't know if this was as a favor to my family or if he does it as a business) but it was always a huge hit for beach picnic parties and the such!
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I'll second the vote for OK Corral. In a miserable BBQ city, Otis is about as good as you'll find.
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Try Kau Kau's in the International District. It has BBQ Pork, Duck, Ribs that taste nothing like the regular BBQ you get at Chinese restaurants. It's amazing. They have it all hanging in the window so you can see from outside how great it looks.
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along these lines, for a slightly different take on bbq pork ribs, try the wild boar ribs (from Texas) grilled to order at Joule...for those who like their ribs juicy/moist, as opposed to crispy/burnt...the boar is darker and richer tasting than the usual pig (their marinade and rub may have something to do with this also, of course)
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Has anyone been to Willie's in Lake City? It's pretty good for Louisianna style BBQ and it's open til like 2am on the weekends.
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C'mon, people! Have you never heard of Roy's in Columbia City? Great pulled pork sandwiches. Try the Georgia Gold (pulled pork with mustard BBQ sauce) - yummy.
The place is tiny, with only 3-4 tables,so if there's no place to sit it's wrth the wait or great for take out.
4903 1/2 Ranier Ave. S
206.723.ROYS
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Roys is yummy. We went there the first day we arrived in Seattle, totally enticed by the smell. I know we had the pulled pork sandwich and I think we had brisket. The pups and I inhaled both.
Haven't tried Jones yet but sounds good.
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Agree with the rec for Roy's. Had a good brisket sandwich and also had a really good smoked oyster po'boi.
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My best friend, a fine dining chef, and myself have a soft spot for Q. We spent last summer trying all the Q in the city. I'm sure we missed one or two, but not many. We dove into the crumbling downtown suburbs, the highway strip malls and everywhere we found Q offered. We were almost always disappointed. The ONLY Q worthwhile in this city is The Pig Iron, in a funky old house in the middle of the industrial area of 1st Ave. S., everything is so damn good there. I even love the jailhouse tins you eat off and the endless selection of old fashioned sodas. Otherwise, you can get great cuban sandwiches at Paseo in Fremont, it's close to bbq and you'll feel like you need to be hosed down after you eat one. Mmmmmmm.
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I've got to respont to the idea that Seattle is a terrible place for BBQ. There are a few places that would compete in parts of the great southern states.
Roy's is a great choice for BBQ in Seattle or even ,dare I say, in the hill country of Texas. We recently had a brisket sandwich and the Carolina gold. Both had the perfect white bread rolls from the Columbia City Bakery.(Sure beats the Texas traditional wonder bread.) The brisket was correctly sliced, tender, but not mushy due to the use of the Texas crutch - aluminum foil. I'd have liked a more pronounced smoke ring on the meat, but this is Seattle. The Carolina pulled pork is a 10 out of 10, It's that good. The cole slaw is an excellent home style with long slices of cabbage. Roy's also serves beer which beats half of Texas with its dry counties.
I also enjoy Jones' ribs when they're having a good day.They're around the corner from Roy's so Columbia City is like being in Lockhart. And the BBQ joint in Granite Falls is superb as well.
I'd say the scene has changed remarkably from 10 or 15 years ago when Seattle was a bbq wasteland.
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Addendum to above. We just tried Pig Iron BBQ today and had their brisket. Not bad for low roast brisket like grandma made, but it wasn't BBQ. No smoke ring, dry (which means they trim too much fat off) and little flavor. The presentation was ok and I appreciate the side sauces. Bread was stale, beans were texas style doctored canned beans. Cole slaw was good; rough cut with a tangy cream sauce.
Perhaps people like their booze and beer selection plus their staff with tatoos and piercings, but that's still not what bbq is about.
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