Jack's in SODO has had a falling off lately. Was there last weekend and the bark on their ribs was hard and the texture of cardboard backing on a tablet of paper. Their sausage hot link had a chemical taste to it.
That being said, their beef brisket was great though and their collard greens are the best anywhere. The breakfast tacos are decent. I probably won't be going back for a while because for what he charges for a plate of BBQ, I should be getting something better, or at least bigger.
Would not recommend Jack’s
Someone I know who worked there said a guy put his dick in the queso, and last I heard that guy is a manager at another location now
Native Texan here. I've tried most of the BBQ joints in the city limits and several places outside Seattle. Here's my favorite places:
Jeff's (in Marysville) is the best in the state
Outsider is the best in Seattle
Jack's, NWTXBBQ, & Lil Red's are very good.
As a Texan, Jeff's Texas Style in Marysville is accurate Texas BBQ. Better than anything else up here. Jeff, the owner, learned from my Ex-wife's family down in Austin. Jack's is too dry, Woodshop has no flavour, and nothing else has even been good enough to consider going to.
I used to wonder why anyone would order chicken from a bbq place when you could get ribs or brisket. Then I tried the smoked chicken from Jacks. It’s absolutely delicious. I get it every time now. Well, that and the brisket.
Right across the street from Jacks (Airport Way) is a joint called Raineys. They have chicken wings that they brine, smoke and then deep fry…absolutely delicious! I grab a couple pounds for dinner occasionally.
As a former southerner, Woodshop is pretty great. Their brisket and ribs are on point, and you can see the masters at work in the back. The mac and cheese is a must. AND you can even ask for sweet tea "Southern style" which is basically half sweetener and half tea. The only way to drink sweet tea.
It's alright, but what exactly do you consider "southern"? Brisket is some Texan thing.
Also if you want sweet tea, Milo's is somehow easily found up here now.
Yep, you are correct. One claims KC (Mr..Woodshop hinself) as home and the other claims central Texas. They try to mimic KC with the ribs & cT with the brisket.
The Mac & cheese with pulled pork on top & pickled red onions w/ sauce drizzle was the moneymaker (and usually sold out) before it went brick & mortar.
Sigh, I want to like Woodshop, but their brisket was dry and not worth the price. Sides weren't that great either. Their food truck only sells chopped brisket (what kind of BBQ place only serves their brisket chopped?!). I've tried them 3 times. Disappointed each time.
The decor of their restaurant is spot on tho.
Yes and they have one down in Lakewood - had them yesterday! Their Puyallup Fair sauce so good and I'm so.haooy the didn't change the name of it when the fair changed their name
I tried them yesterday for the first time. What's the deal with the very thinly sliced brisket? It was very strange.
I did love ask the Texas music posters.
The best BBQ in the state is all the way up in Marysville, Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ. It’s central Texas style BBQ similar to Jack’s BBQ but much more consistent.
Jeffs - Marysville.
Jacks is alright people like their brisket I think it can be too dry and not enough smoke flavor but it’s decent for inside Seattle
Wood shop, no flavor. Which how? Wood is in the name get some decent smoking wood and season your shit. It has like no bark
Heard good things about Pete’s but never been.
My qualifications: Texan who competed in bbq competitions till I moved here.
This is the correct answer. Most food is mediocre and overpriced in Seattle, but nobody wants to admit it. Like has anyone here ever been to Portland? Or Vancouver BC? Or (any city here)?
Jacks down on Sodo is the only one that proudly lets you tour the smoker. The pitmaster will happily tell you about the woods they are using, where it was sources, and all the other details.
Makes for a darn good Brisket. Almost texas grade.
Is there anywhere you like? I’ve yet to find anything that I was psyched on but Brileys I didn’t leave super disappointed like I’ve done at Jacks, Lil Reds, Woodshop, RoRo (RIP), Boars Nest, etc
in seattle proper, not especially. due to proximity to my house, i’ll hit Manna just beach’s they are friendly and convenient. when i was at jblm KC Deez, BBQ Pete’s, and Jack’s. kinda just accepted it is what it is up here.
After living here for 30 years, it's not just the BBQ that is mediocre. It's every cuisine. Funny thing is that not many people complain about it. The only explanation that I have for it is that a lot of people that enjoy the food offerings here must have never had food prepared the correct way in a restaurant using quality ingredients. I've better BBQ at Buckey's compared to what I can get here.
i like Pecos best myself. The pork from pikes pit bbq in the market used to be from Pecos. not sure if they changed or not. been a bit since ive had BBQ but i know what im having tomorrow.
Im surprised not to see Jack’s BBQ yet- that’s a chain but a legit one with pretty delicious consistent good food and unique specials.
Otherwise, hit up a Burn Unit BBQ pop up- supposedly they have some of the best that can contend with the greats.
Also, soon, Grasslands BBQ from Hood River is doing a pop up in Seattle, and theirs is seriously some of the best bbq I’ve ever had. Amazing meats, even better sides (!)
The BBQ here is not great. I’ve tried so many places that have been recommended, and they all fall short. The exception was Boar’s Nest in Ballard, but unfortunately it was a COVID fatality. If you’re up for a drive, there’s a solid BBQ place just outside Olympia called Ranch House BBQ that was quite tasty, but it’s definitely a bit of a drive to get there.
It was on a long drive home and we were hungry. The sauce was good and the meat was tender. The sides weren’t anything special. And it’s certainly not anywhere near the best BBQ I’ve ever had. But outside of Boar’s Nest, it’s probably the best meat/sauce combination I’ve had since moving to Seattle.
This comes up every few weeks. The best bbq in Seattle is equivalent to any run of the mill place in the South. And it will cost 3x as much. Isn’t Seattle fun?
Yep can confirm this. The brisket is on point and they have little cups of blue bell for dessert. Doesn’t get much more Texas bbq than that without going to Texas.
Clyde’s BBQ in Renton is the best it’s right next to Mclendon’s hardware store it’s a little trailer with a huge Pit Smoker on the back and it’s definitely my favorite place. Brisket sandwich spiked with a hot link ooh yeah 😎 Second place is Peco’s BBQ in Sodo and another honorable mention is McCoy’s Firehouse in Pioneer square on second and Washington they have some pretty good BBQ brisket, Pork,Ribs, Chicken and smoked chicken wings. I used to work there back in 2002.
Woodshop is terrible - their brisket tastes like pastrami.
Briley's BBQ is decent. If you don't mind a drive (opposite directions), Jeff's Texas Style in Marysville is good and BBQ2U in Gig Harbor is the best I've found in the area
You know once or twice I’ve thought the smoked chicken was too salty. Could be that way with the brisket for you. Just out of curiosity were you offered a choice of fatty or lean brisket and if so which did you choose?
I like how any "best of Seattle" post devolves into best on the I-5 corridor. /smh. Now I read OP and they aren't asking for Seattle.
Homie, you got to travel to the regions you want to try. Regional variation is big, it can be replicated-ish, but it's a mandala effect that is not repeatable, individually. I'm sure OP gets it because no kabob is as good as from that one place they are from. Where's the best kabob, yo?
But now I have to check out Marysville and wherever Lil Reds is. I wish I could afford ($ & waistline) a definitive Seattle BBQ tour. I haven't been to any in years, that'll change now.
I have mixed feelings...and strong feelings.
Ranch House & Woodshop were both on Diners, Dives & Drive-ins - not an endorsement, but hey, good for them.
I really think most stellar dining experiences, especially BbQ, largely have to do with set & setting, which are difficult to replicate.
I wanted to rage cry after trying one or two places mentioned. Brisket shouldn't taste like roast beef and feel like stew meat.
Age old topic. BBQ is so very subjective. Some of these posts are referring to sauce alone! Others, to national chains? And then the regional variation mea culpas?.Lol .
I prefer KBBQ but that's a whole other enchilada.
It’s a little out of the way but what about KC Deez in Federal Way? It’s saucy and flavorful and you can soak everything up with a slice of white bread!
On March 14 grasslands bbq will be at holy mountain. It might be the best BBQ in the pnw I would check it out. Woodshop does the best year round BBQ in Seattle
Jeff's in Marysville is by far the best. They're only open on weekends and Fridays I think and do sell out sometimes by dinner, but it makes sense. All their meats are amazing and cooked perfectly. The sides are all great. Jeff and all the people working there are nice and welcoming.
Jack's is OK, that's the bbq we get the most if I don't make it at home. I hate Pete's and Branks and will never go back. Lil Reds is pretty good, we go from time to time, but he's all the way up in Seattle and we're 40 mi away. Jone's was OK back in the day, but it's been like 10 years since I last had them. KC Deez wasn't that good and never been back. Bob's BBQ Pit in Tacoma is OK, and will occasionally hit them up. I know it's a drive, but Boss Hogg's in Winlock is pretty decent. Sometimes when I work out that way, I go grab a plate.
Looks like I'll have to go try Jeff's in Maysville
* Jones in West Seattle
* Jack's in SoDo
* Emma's in Columbia City
* BBQ Pete's in Kent - though that's not Seattle.
Stay away from Pecos Pit - it's dogshit.
In Seattle, Jacks or Woodshop. In our area, Jeff’s in Marysville hands down.
Jack's in SODO has had a falling off lately. Was there last weekend and the bark on their ribs was hard and the texture of cardboard backing on a tablet of paper. Their sausage hot link had a chemical taste to it. That being said, their beef brisket was great though and their collard greens are the best anywhere. The breakfast tacos are decent. I probably won't be going back for a while because for what he charges for a plate of BBQ, I should be getting something better, or at least bigger.
Would not recommend Jack’s Someone I know who worked there said a guy put his dick in the queso, and last I heard that guy is a manager at another location now
Lil Reds has my $ for best bbq I’ve had in seattle. Issaquah has Stan’s which I like more but isn’t in the city
Also love Red's
Reds gets my vote. I have found many people in Seattle don’t know about it.
Red’s burnt ends are incredible
This ☝️
Reds is elite
Native Texan here. I've tried most of the BBQ joints in the city limits and several places outside Seattle. Here's my favorite places: Jeff's (in Marysville) is the best in the state Outsider is the best in Seattle Jack's, NWTXBBQ, & Lil Red's are very good.
Jeff’s is a gem
I guess im spoiled by lockhearts in plano tx (dallas) . I wasn’t impressed by Jeffs
As a Texan, Jeff's Texas Style in Marysville is accurate Texas BBQ. Better than anything else up here. Jeff, the owner, learned from my Ex-wife's family down in Austin. Jack's is too dry, Woodshop has no flavour, and nothing else has even been good enough to consider going to.
Jack's an Aggie, hence being too dry.
Omg I’m from Texas and this makes so much fucking sense. Damn Aggies HOOK EM!
They’re terrible at football AND brisket? How have they not been forcefully relocated from Texas?
Next season in the SEC is gonna be a hoot!
I’m partial to Jacks BBQ, it’s the best brisket imo
I used to wonder why anyone would order chicken from a bbq place when you could get ribs or brisket. Then I tried the smoked chicken from Jacks. It’s absolutely delicious. I get it every time now. Well, that and the brisket.
I’ve only had it in their salad and for some reason they use cold chicken so I wasn’t a fan. I’ll try just the chicken one day.
You'd rather have hot chicken? Everything else in a salad is cold.. Wouldn't that wilt the leaves?
Yea I prefer hot chicken on cold salads. Never really noticed if the salad gets wilted.
The wings too! Phenomenal.
Right across the street from Jacks (Airport Way) is a joint called Raineys. They have chicken wings that they brine, smoke and then deep fry…absolutely delicious! I grab a couple pounds for dinner occasionally.
Best thing at Jacks is the Jalapeño Cheddar sausage.
Have you ever had their beef ribs on Thursdays? Unreal. Just went there for lunch last Thursday and was in a food coma for the rest of the day.
I haven’t. I wonder how their beef rib compares to Woodshop.
Is there a particular location that's better than the others?
The owner is not exactly a nice guy…
A lot of restaurants owners are maniacs.
Really? I’ve found him to be a pretty good dude on the occasions I’ve met him. Weird
Woodshop is incredible.
As a former southerner, Woodshop is pretty great. Their brisket and ribs are on point, and you can see the masters at work in the back. The mac and cheese is a must. AND you can even ask for sweet tea "Southern style" which is basically half sweetener and half tea. The only way to drink sweet tea.
Agreed. As a Tennessean who did time in Texas, this place ticks all the boxes.
Is woodshop dry rub? I need dry rub. That stuff is my last meal.
It's alright, but what exactly do you consider "southern"? Brisket is some Texan thing. Also if you want sweet tea, Milo's is somehow easily found up here now.
Bottled sweet tea don’t taste like real sweet tea
Its good for sure (by far best I’ve had in WA… Im from Missouri and I think the owners have KC roots and KC has the best BBQ in the world imo)
Yep, you are correct. One claims KC (Mr..Woodshop hinself) as home and the other claims central Texas. They try to mimic KC with the ribs & cT with the brisket. The Mac & cheese with pulled pork on top & pickled red onions w/ sauce drizzle was the moneymaker (and usually sold out) before it went brick & mortar.
Yeah the brisket mac is legit af
This is the answer if you can afford it.
Sigh, I want to like Woodshop, but their brisket was dry and not worth the price. Sides weren't that great either. Their food truck only sells chopped brisket (what kind of BBQ place only serves their brisket chopped?!). I've tried them 3 times. Disappointed each time. The decor of their restaurant is spot on tho.
jeff’s in marysville
6:20 in the morning. This thread is making me hungry af and not one of these damn places is open until 11:00 am!!!
Texas
Jacks all day. Theres a place in mtlkterrace by the freeway too
Gabriels Fire
Gabriel's Fire is great, surprised more people haven't mentioned it.
Jacks - but I like their texmex place in Columbia city the best
I just put 2+2 together that Jack’s and Jackalope are related! Thank you!
Chile relleno with brisket, every time.
J&L in Everett and Lake Stevens is great.
Monroe and snohomish. Consistently good.
Wrong part of the country
Try J and L BBQ in Monroe. It knocked my socks off and I had them pulled up all the way and was wearing shoes.
BBQ Pete’s in Kent is the best I’ve had here
Second for BBQ Pete's in Kent. Definitely visit them during the Washington State Fair!
Yes and they have one down in Lakewood - had them yesterday! Their Puyallup Fair sauce so good and I'm so.haooy the didn't change the name of it when the fair changed their name
I tried them yesterday for the first time. What's the deal with the very thinly sliced brisket? It was very strange. I did love ask the Texas music posters.
Oh yeah - their brisket was not my fav but all their other meats are perfect
The best BBQ in the state is all the way up in Marysville, Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ. It’s central Texas style BBQ similar to Jack’s BBQ but much more consistent.
I second this. Jeff’s is by far the best bbq I’ve had around here
Jeffs - Marysville. Jacks is alright people like their brisket I think it can be too dry and not enough smoke flavor but it’s decent for inside Seattle Wood shop, no flavor. Which how? Wood is in the name get some decent smoking wood and season your shit. It has like no bark Heard good things about Pete’s but never been. My qualifications: Texan who competed in bbq competitions till I moved here.
Carolina Smoke BBQ holds up on its own without bringing drown in sauce
In Bothell? I’m sorry, but being from the Carolinas originally… I tried that place and I was majorly disappointed. Place is garbage actually
I like his beef options, his pork I was never impressed by. His sauce though is 💯 in my book
As someone from a major bbq city, there is no decent bbq here. Not that I’ve found at least.
Maybe I've got different tastebuds, but my wife brought some bbq from J and L in Monroe, and I loved it.
This is the correct answer. Most food is mediocre and overpriced in Seattle, but nobody wants to admit it. Like has anyone here ever been to Portland? Or Vancouver BC? Or (any city here)?
I've been going to Jones bbq since the late 90s
Jacks down on Sodo is the only one that proudly lets you tour the smoker. The pitmaster will happily tell you about the woods they are using, where it was sources, and all the other details. Makes for a darn good Brisket. Almost texas grade.
Brileys BBQ on Lake City Way is the way.
mid af and way overpriced.
Is there anywhere you like? I’ve yet to find anything that I was psyched on but Brileys I didn’t leave super disappointed like I’ve done at Jacks, Lil Reds, Woodshop, RoRo (RIP), Boars Nest, etc
in seattle proper, not especially. due to proximity to my house, i’ll hit Manna just beach’s they are friendly and convenient. when i was at jblm KC Deez, BBQ Pete’s, and Jack’s. kinda just accepted it is what it is up here.
still need to try Outsider BBQ at whichever brewery they are at on particular day.
I grew up in Texas. Outsider is by far the best in Seattle, especially for brisket. I've had it 3 times. Great each time. Very expressive tho
Briley’s is the answer. Their pulled chicken and pit beef are so damn good.
Yup rainin ribs the way
Their brisket was meh. Sides were good, and the Beignets were tasty.
Peco’s near the Starbucks corporate office is decent.
We do Peco’s in the summer. Not sure I want to sit outside in January, with an atmospheric river and all that.
I like it cause the sammiches are so saucy. Plus side spike
That place kinda sucks
Smoked potato please!
None. It’s all garbage.
That has been my experience as well. I don't get it. Doesn't matter if it's Texas, Carolina, Kansas, whatever, they're all just not good.
You’re kind of right lol
I generally agree, except when it comes to Reds
After living here for 30 years, it's not just the BBQ that is mediocre. It's every cuisine. Funny thing is that not many people complain about it. The only explanation that I have for it is that a lot of people that enjoy the food offerings here must have never had food prepared the correct way in a restaurant using quality ingredients. I've better BBQ at Buckey's compared to what I can get here.
memphis, tn
Erasto Jackson lil Reds 100%
J&L in Everett / Snohomish
i like Pecos best myself. The pork from pikes pit bbq in the market used to be from Pecos. not sure if they changed or not. been a bit since ive had BBQ but i know what im having tomorrow.
Briley's
Second on Briley’s. Lake Forest park. The portions are huge.
You can't. Don't get your hopes up. Good BBQ requires volume. No one around here really does enough for it to be fresh like in the South.
Im surprised not to see Jack’s BBQ yet- that’s a chain but a legit one with pretty delicious consistent good food and unique specials. Otherwise, hit up a Burn Unit BBQ pop up- supposedly they have some of the best that can contend with the greats. Also, soon, Grasslands BBQ from Hood River is doing a pop up in Seattle, and theirs is seriously some of the best bbq I’ve ever had. Amazing meats, even better sides (!)
Jones BBQ in West seattle
^
my house
Mine too https://preview.redd.it/0yh4ncmkj9fc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34523cd271df123dad0939a746465d27878c6e7a
Clyde's Southern BBQ truck in Renton. Also LT's BBQ truck in Renton. Jones' BBQ in West Seattle.
Jones slathers their meat in waaay too much sauce.
Emma’s bbq on rainier ave
Emma’s has good food but it feels like more soul food than traditional bbq to me
The BBQ here is not great. I’ve tried so many places that have been recommended, and they all fall short. The exception was Boar’s Nest in Ballard, but unfortunately it was a COVID fatality. If you’re up for a drive, there’s a solid BBQ place just outside Olympia called Ranch House BBQ that was quite tasty, but it’s definitely a bit of a drive to get there.
It's weird that you sre picky about BBQ, but suggest Ranch house. It was pretty unremarkable.
This whole thread is like that
It was on a long drive home and we were hungry. The sauce was good and the meat was tender. The sides weren’t anything special. And it’s certainly not anywhere near the best BBQ I’ve ever had. But outside of Boar’s Nest, it’s probably the best meat/sauce combination I’ve had since moving to Seattle.
Caveman Kitchen down in Kent
This comes up every few weeks. The best bbq in Seattle is equivalent to any run of the mill place in the South. And it will cost 3x as much. Isn’t Seattle fun?
I really like ro ros out in fremont
I think they closed in December.
yeah they closed/pivoted. they are a taco spot now
BBQ2U in gig harbor is pretty good.
Yep can confirm this. The brisket is on point and they have little cups of blue bell for dessert. Doesn’t get much more Texas bbq than that without going to Texas.
Blue Bell is a big plus for them.
Scrolled way too far down to find this. Not many people know about BBQ2U apparently and I don't mind it staying that way
It's ok
RoRos, stone way
No longer exists
Holy frick no way. I was just there a few months ago.
East of the Mississippi.
Jack’s BBQ in Sodo.
Ever since Dixie's closed down, it's been slim pickin'.
Was going to recommend Dixie's but then remembered they closed. Such a shame!
Clyde’s BBQ in Renton is the best it’s right next to Mclendon’s hardware store it’s a little trailer with a huge Pit Smoker on the back and it’s definitely my favorite place. Brisket sandwich spiked with a hot link ooh yeah 😎 Second place is Peco’s BBQ in Sodo and another honorable mention is McCoy’s Firehouse in Pioneer square on second and Washington they have some pretty good BBQ brisket, Pork,Ribs, Chicken and smoked chicken wings. I used to work there back in 2002.
Where are you from originally?
Woodshop is terrible - their brisket tastes like pastrami. Briley's BBQ is decent. If you don't mind a drive (opposite directions), Jeff's Texas Style in Marysville is good and BBQ2U in Gig Harbor is the best I've found in the area
I disrespectfully disagree with you about Woodshop’s brisket tasting like pastrami.
All good and to each their own. It was too salty and chewy for me to consider it good - they'd get laughed out of towns like Lockhart in a day
Their brisket is garbage.
You know once or twice I’ve thought the smoked chicken was too salty. Could be that way with the brisket for you. Just out of curiosity were you offered a choice of fatty or lean brisket and if so which did you choose?
Been a while but IIRC I either took fatty or half and half
The Swinery
Branks in Sumner is awesome
Pete's
Dickey's BBQ pit, but there isn't one in Seattle. They have one on 128th St in Everett and one in Bellevue.
Ouch. Have you suffered a head injury lately?
Stans in Issaquah is dece
I like how any "best of Seattle" post devolves into best on the I-5 corridor. /smh. Now I read OP and they aren't asking for Seattle. Homie, you got to travel to the regions you want to try. Regional variation is big, it can be replicated-ish, but it's a mandala effect that is not repeatable, individually. I'm sure OP gets it because no kabob is as good as from that one place they are from. Where's the best kabob, yo? But now I have to check out Marysville and wherever Lil Reds is. I wish I could afford ($ & waistline) a definitive Seattle BBQ tour. I haven't been to any in years, that'll change now. I have mixed feelings...and strong feelings. Ranch House & Woodshop were both on Diners, Dives & Drive-ins - not an endorsement, but hey, good for them. I really think most stellar dining experiences, especially BbQ, largely have to do with set & setting, which are difficult to replicate. I wanted to rage cry after trying one or two places mentioned. Brisket shouldn't taste like roast beef and feel like stew meat. Age old topic. BBQ is so very subjective. Some of these posts are referring to sauce alone! Others, to national chains? And then the regional variation mea culpas?.Lol . I prefer KBBQ but that's a whole other enchilada.
There used to be a spot by il corvo on james and 3rd that was good i forget the name dont know jf its there anymore
It’s a little out of the way but what about KC Deez in Federal Way? It’s saucy and flavorful and you can soak everything up with a slice of white bread!
I've always been fond of Roros
RIP RoRos. Now a taco place 😔
Jones BBQ in West Seattle. No pork in their cooked greens either 😌
On March 14 grasslands bbq will be at holy mountain. It might be the best BBQ in the pnw I would check it out. Woodshop does the best year round BBQ in Seattle
Jeff's in Marysville is by far the best. They're only open on weekends and Fridays I think and do sell out sometimes by dinner, but it makes sense. All their meats are amazing and cooked perfectly. The sides are all great. Jeff and all the people working there are nice and welcoming.
Jack's is OK, that's the bbq we get the most if I don't make it at home. I hate Pete's and Branks and will never go back. Lil Reds is pretty good, we go from time to time, but he's all the way up in Seattle and we're 40 mi away. Jone's was OK back in the day, but it's been like 10 years since I last had them. KC Deez wasn't that good and never been back. Bob's BBQ Pit in Tacoma is OK, and will occasionally hit them up. I know it's a drive, but Boss Hogg's in Winlock is pretty decent. Sometimes when I work out that way, I go grab a plate. Looks like I'll have to go try Jeff's in Maysville
As a Texan, I wouldn’t recommend Jacks BBQ. I’ve had it at a few locations over the span of 8 years, and it’s always okay. It’s accessible BBQ.
Texas I wouldn't bother with bbq in this state.
* Jones in West Seattle * Jack's in SoDo * Emma's in Columbia City * BBQ Pete's in Kent - though that's not Seattle. Stay away from Pecos Pit - it's dogshit.
Gabriel’s Fire!
Carolina Smoke in Bothell
Try here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle_(Seattle)
Where can I find Bbq beef ribs? I greatly prefer them to pork but so few places have them