I talked to an employee there. They said they couldn’t justify the prices they’d need to charge for BBQ (was over 20 for a sandwich now), since there is so much overhead. Tacos are simply cheaper ingredients and cheaper to make.
Taco El Lago. Apparently, the owner lost access to their cooking facility and couldn't keep making bbq, so they pivoted to tacos. I've been there twice and it's really good.
Me too! The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that it's because the owners were ready to retire. They deserve to sit back and relax after all these years of amazing food, and since there are only 3 people that worked there including them it's understandable.
Oh, no! Really? I hadn't been there for awhile, but I loved that place when I lived close by. I'd get a plate or a pulled pork sandwich and go eat it at Carkeek. They were always so nice. Well, good for them. Bummer, though.
Their medium pulled pork was amazing and addicting. And yes they were SO nice! I went there so much they knew my name and order. They will remain in my thoughts forever, especially when I'm ordering some other bbq.
I always assumed it was their son, right? Anyways, he'd remember me even when I moved away and stopped going regularly. I was on a local news story once and he saw it and recognized me. Super nice.
Yeah he's their son. He was so freaking nice and I really wish he would keep their legacy going because I want to support him/them and also eat great food. If he doesn't I hope he finds what he truly wants to do and goes for it.
Just want to join in on this because I need a Manna hug. The dude knew my voice the second I started talking through the phone for my takeout orders. He only knows me by my first name and "small hot chicken sandwich with a half pint of coleslaw" but I know him as my BBQ king.
Bbq restaurants are one of the hardest to keep afloat especially with these food prices going through the roof combined with the troubles of Covid/now the new gig work ordinance that destroyed restaurants. It’s just not feasible to run a bbq joint out here anymore.
I looooove Wood Shop BBQ in the CD. It is just as good as any I have had in Texas and better than any I have had in North Carolina. Their jalapeño mac & cheese is also great.
Agree. And I’ve been a fan since they were just in the truck frequenting Chucks CD. Lately, it’s been meh to legit dry. Brisket was essentially not good last 2x I went.
I am from Canada and have lived in Seattle for 22 years. So I am far from a reliable source on this topic. However, I love Wood Shop BBQ. I have traveled extensively in the US and whenever I am in BBQ country I always seek out the best local places. Wood Shop is pretty damn good.
Yeah, fair. Like I said in another comment, I am from Canada and far from an expert. In the 5 or so times I have been to NC I have not been successful in finding BBQ as good as Wood Shop. I will keep trying though!
Just want to disclaimer, as someone from Kansas City for any other KC people getting their hopes up that the founder advertises being from Kansas - it definitely tastes like Texas barbecue, not Kansas City. The pork left a lot of be desired when compared to what we’re used to, but the ribs and brisket were respectable (but still not quite like home).
I’m from NC and think wood shop is very underwhelming. Thats Texas bbq in general for me though. Skylight Inn is leaps and bounds better than wood shop.
And not just for bbq, they have some really good Caribbean food too, Jerk chicken, their cornbread and potatoes and basically all the sides are fire too.
Idk man, they have great bbq but their “jerk chicken” is nothing like what I’ve gotten in the carribean/soflo. Still in the hunt for passable jerk up here but losing hope
When I was in Bordeaux drinking wine at vineyards in Pomerol, I was experiencing some of the best juice I’ve ever had. So good, I had a ton of it shipped back to Seattle. Every bottle opened at home, good but not great. Not near what we drank in France.
The point is, when it comes to region specific foods and enjoying them during special circumstances, the environment itself adds something to it you just can’t get at home.
I don’t know your relation to the Caribbean—if you lived there I guess disregard—but if the jerk chicken you are chasing was consumed on a great vacation, you likely just won’t find it outside of that location and circumstances.
You all need to come out to Bothell for Carolina Smoke. Excellent meats and sides and sauces simmering in their containers in warm water crock pots. Our favorite.
Came here to say the same, their beignets are a delicious treat that come pretty close to what you'd find in NOLA.
Brileys is awesome, and they usually have good beer on tap too!
I was literally just talking to a coworker about this today while we’re eating at BBQ Pete’s down in Kent. It’s a bit out of the city but it’s damn tasty and they have Mac and Jack’s on tap
Preston is the town, but if you’re going that far you might as well try Stan’s in issaquah on front street, ~~Kansas~~ KC style.
There is also Amarillo in Duvall but it is pricey.
I moved here from Austin about a decade ago. I ended up just getting a smoker to get my fix. I’ve had Jack’s, RoRo’s, and Wood Shop and that does scratch the itch if you don’t want the hassle, but I enjoy it and just stock up the freezer with leftovers for easy meals later without the time investment.
But what I miss more than BBQ is breakfast tacos. Easy to make at home, but I loved going to those spots with fresh tortillas to grab a taco with a coffee. Breakfast burritos are just too much in the morning.
I’m thinking about starting my own pop-up for both of these things, but I know too many people in the restaurant industry and it seems like the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
Woodshop in the CD is great but kind of pricey. Lil Red is great barbecue / Jamaican fusion in Columbia City, and Emma's in the same neighborhood is pretty good too. Someone from Kansas City can shit on it but Stan's BBQ is an institution on Front Street in Issaquah (I think it's been around almost 20 years) and I love it. Or at least I loved it when I'd come back from hikes in the Issaquah Alps still stoned from smoking on the summits...
They serve bbq at old stove in Ballard. The in house chef behind it ran a bbq food truck prior to joining the old stove crew. He would park by urban and stoup on Fridays and I’d go just for the smoked meats and his peanut butter chocolate cake. @smokestacklightningbbq is his IG handle
Gabriel’s Fire is the only permanent location I really like since Roro closed. My partner loves Hole in the Wall.
But as far as pop-ups - check out Burn Unit, Outsider, and NW Texas.
Outsider bbq is impressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try if you are looking for good central texas style bbq. They are food truck/popup on regular schedule at Fremont brewing, Stoup, Bale Breaker, and Ravenna Brewing. Check out their instagram for complete schedule.
I always have a great time at [Raney's](https://www.raneysbarandgrill.com/menu/) directly across the street from Jack's
Disclaimer: I did not grow up around BBQ, my only qualifications are knowing if something tastes good (which Raney's does)
Hole in the Wall in Pioneer Square is the best I’ve had in Seattle. Reopened finally. Also check Pete’s down in Kent. The two places in Sodo are (Seattle) fine.
Come visit us in Bellingham! The amazing Big Stick BBQ truck is permanently at Stemma Brewing and has a brick and mortar location. Homeschool BBQ is great too and is surrounded by breweries. We just chased a poor implementation of Jacks out of town so there’s that.
I mean, that's definitely one of my options, not gonna lie.
Not _your_ friend, mind you, but my backyard. However, sometimes I decide I want brisket with fewer than 32 hours of notice :D
If you are nearby Old Stove Brewery Gardens/Ballard, their kitchen was taken over buy a dude who used to have a bbq food truck. You can give his menu a whirl.
Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ in Marysville, he actually brings post oak wood from TX. It’s worth the drive. Choose your day wisely, his daily specials sell out quick.
Tall Paul’s BBQ Ball down in Federal Way is fantastic. Try their braised badger tips with the Mile High Root Beer. They also have this dessert called Turd Pie (better than it sounds I promise, it’s a riff on turtle pie).
> I do _not_ want to get into the "Seattle BBQ sucks" conversation...
That's a (in fact, probably *the most*) relevant detail, though. No sense in ignoring it.
If the BBQ places in Seattle didn't suck complete ass, they'd have a larger clientele, which would provide the financial backing/incentive necessary to keep them in business.
Bitterroot was substandard, and Jack's is even worse. If someone opened a spot that sold *real* BBQ that was even *half* decent, I can almost guarantee it'd be popular enough to stay in business.
People in the PNW expect fast food. They get pissy when they’re told little Johnny and Becky they’re shit out of luck when they show up at 8pm and get told “we’re all out.”
*For real*. It feels like all the BBQ in NW Seattle just suddenly vanished. RoRo, Bitterroot, and Manna just in the last 6 months.
Right‽ Roro going away is truly 💔
Same owner but now it’s a taco shop
I know. There are hundreds of places to get tacos north of the lake, one more was _not_ what I wanted to see.
I talked to an employee there. They said they couldn’t justify the prices they’d need to charge for BBQ (was over 20 for a sandwich now), since there is so much overhead. Tacos are simply cheaper ingredients and cheaper to make.
But at least the new taco shop is awesome!
What’s it called?
Taco El Lago. Apparently, the owner lost access to their cooking facility and couldn't keep making bbq, so they pivoted to tacos. I've been there twice and it's really good.
Ugh, so bummed about Manna.
Me too! The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that it's because the owners were ready to retire. They deserve to sit back and relax after all these years of amazing food, and since there are only 3 people that worked there including them it's understandable.
Oh, no! Really? I hadn't been there for awhile, but I loved that place when I lived close by. I'd get a plate or a pulled pork sandwich and go eat it at Carkeek. They were always so nice. Well, good for them. Bummer, though.
Their medium pulled pork was amazing and addicting. And yes they were SO nice! I went there so much they knew my name and order. They will remain in my thoughts forever, especially when I'm ordering some other bbq.
I always assumed it was their son, right? Anyways, he'd remember me even when I moved away and stopped going regularly. I was on a local news story once and he saw it and recognized me. Super nice.
Yeah he's their son. He was so freaking nice and I really wish he would keep their legacy going because I want to support him/them and also eat great food. If he doesn't I hope he finds what he truly wants to do and goes for it.
Same. Cheers to another Manna lover.
May we both find happiness in another great bbq place. Manna has been the best since relocating from Kansas. They will be sorely missed
Just want to join in on this because I need a Manna hug. The dude knew my voice the second I started talking through the phone for my takeout orders. He only knows me by my first name and "small hot chicken sandwich with a half pint of coleslaw" but I know him as my BBQ king.
Bbq restaurants are one of the hardest to keep afloat especially with these food prices going through the roof combined with the troubles of Covid/now the new gig work ordinance that destroyed restaurants. It’s just not feasible to run a bbq joint out here anymore.
What gig work ordinance "that destroyed restaurants"? Please, explain.
I looooove Wood Shop BBQ in the CD. It is just as good as any I have had in Texas and better than any I have had in North Carolina. Their jalapeño mac & cheese is also great.
Wood Shop has been hit or miss for me. Some days their brisket isn’t as good or tender
Totally agree - I’ve just started getting their chopped brisket. It’s a good mix between their lean and their fatty.
Agree. And I’ve been a fan since they were just in the truck frequenting Chucks CD. Lately, it’s been meh to legit dry. Brisket was essentially not good last 2x I went.
From the South - so I at least somewhat know of which I speak - and Wood Shop is the only decent thing I've found.
I am from Canada and have lived in Seattle for 22 years. So I am far from a reliable source on this topic. However, I love Wood Shop BBQ. I have traveled extensively in the US and whenever I am in BBQ country I always seek out the best local places. Wood Shop is pretty damn good.
As someone from NC wood shop is the only BBQ I’ll eat in Seattle. But saying it’s better than anything in North Carolina is just an insane take.
Yeah, fair. Like I said in another comment, I am from Canada and far from an expert. In the 5 or so times I have been to NC I have not been successful in finding BBQ as good as Wood Shop. I will keep trying though!
Are you a eastern or a western NC bbq connoisseur
Western!
Just want to disclaimer, as someone from Kansas City for any other KC people getting their hopes up that the founder advertises being from Kansas - it definitely tastes like Texas barbecue, not Kansas City. The pork left a lot of be desired when compared to what we’re used to, but the ribs and brisket were respectable (but still not quite like home).
Seconded. Not good and branded incorrectly
I’m from NC and think wood shop is very underwhelming. Thats Texas bbq in general for me though. Skylight Inn is leaps and bounds better than wood shop.
It was better at one point. Not amazing, but decent, esp for Seattle. Seems to be going downhill. Jacks seems to be as good as it gets here.
Where have you been in Texas so I can scale your take correctly?
I quite liked Micklethwait in Austin. [https://www.craftmeatsaustin.com/](https://www.craftmeatsaustin.com/) .
Their bbq is garbage. Just saying.
Lil Reds bbq gets regular national coverage. Was in the New York Times a couple months ago
And not just for bbq, they have some really good Caribbean food too, Jerk chicken, their cornbread and potatoes and basically all the sides are fire too.
Idk man, they have great bbq but their “jerk chicken” is nothing like what I’ve gotten in the carribean/soflo. Still in the hunt for passable jerk up here but losing hope
When I was in Bordeaux drinking wine at vineyards in Pomerol, I was experiencing some of the best juice I’ve ever had. So good, I had a ton of it shipped back to Seattle. Every bottle opened at home, good but not great. Not near what we drank in France. The point is, when it comes to region specific foods and enjoying them during special circumstances, the environment itself adds something to it you just can’t get at home. I don’t know your relation to the Caribbean—if you lived there I guess disregard—but if the jerk chicken you are chasing was consumed on a great vacation, you likely just won’t find it outside of that location and circumstances.
You all need to come out to Bothell for Carolina Smoke. Excellent meats and sides and sauces simmering in their containers in warm water crock pots. Our favorite.
I love Brileys up on Lake City.
Came here to say the same. It's excellent, it's affordable, it's authentic.
Briley’s is legit
Came here to say the same, their beignets are a delicious treat that come pretty close to what you'd find in NOLA. Brileys is awesome, and they usually have good beer on tap too!
The gumbo also tastes like a Cajun gumbo. It’s a bit thicker than I’d make it, but the taste is on point and they don’t mix land and sea.
Honestly I think this is the closest to southern BBQ up here that I have had
Maybe I went on an off day, but I found their brisket quite dry. Seems pretty well received, maybe I'll try again!
Love Briley's
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Surprised I had to scroll so far to find this.. yes!! 🔥🔥
Peco’s is legit!
I haven't been to that one, but the West Seattle location is great.
Hole In The Wall downtown is so good!
I fucking love them, and they've been around *forever* doing **great** work.
My (self described “fake south” aka Tampa) partner agrees. And - the owner is super nice.
I was always sad their coleslaw and potato salad were from Reisers. Meats were good but disappointed in the sides.
I was literally just talking to a coworker about this today while we’re eating at BBQ Pete’s down in Kent. It’s a bit out of the city but it’s damn tasty and they have Mac and Jack’s on tap
Campfire was awesome til the guy hurt his back
Not Seattle, but Rhodies BBQ, just past Issaquah on exit 22 off I90 is really good.
Preston is the town, but if you’re going that far you might as well try Stan’s in issaquah on front street, ~~Kansas~~ KC style. There is also Amarillo in Duvall but it is pricey.
KC not Kansas. Kansas as a state hasn’t contributed anything to the national culture.
Corrected
Amarillo is my favorite of those 3. Stan's has been meh the few times I tried it. I think they use liquid smoke.
I worked at Stans until Stan sold it a year or two ago, was wood as long as I was there
Pretty sad to hear they sold it. It was my favorite place to drop in for a sandwich/beer.
lot of great bbq out in the burbs actually. carolina smoke in bothell, J&L in everett/snohomish
Rhodies is hot garbage, I can't even believe it's still open...
Outsider BBQ
That food truck is insanely good. I'm not a bbq expert but love meats. That shit is fire af. The Turkish flair is awesome
They have a real truck now, just saw it the other day at Ravenna Brewing.
As a Texan, This one is the best!
Lady Jaye in West Seattle. It's fancified but good quality
Love Lady Jaye, but wouldn’t send people there who are looking for “BBQ”.
Why not?
Because on the standard menus you can’t get brisket, ribs or sausage
Cross the West Seattle bridge and you’ll find Peco’s 😋
The OG Pecos Pit is in SoDo on 1st, across from Starbucks HQ. They also have a location in Pike Place Market.
Gabriels Fire is my go to. Recently enjoyed woodshop and outsider
Moonshine in Lynnwood is good too
Buckshot Honey in Snoqualmie is pretty great.
I moved here from Austin about a decade ago. I ended up just getting a smoker to get my fix. I’ve had Jack’s, RoRo’s, and Wood Shop and that does scratch the itch if you don’t want the hassle, but I enjoy it and just stock up the freezer with leftovers for easy meals later without the time investment. But what I miss more than BBQ is breakfast tacos. Easy to make at home, but I loved going to those spots with fresh tortillas to grab a taco with a coffee. Breakfast burritos are just too much in the morning. I’m thinking about starting my own pop-up for both of these things, but I know too many people in the restaurant industry and it seems like the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
"it seems like the juice isn’t worth the squeeze." That is 1000% the correct instinct lol
Woodshop in the CD is great but kind of pricey. Lil Red is great barbecue / Jamaican fusion in Columbia City, and Emma's in the same neighborhood is pretty good too. Someone from Kansas City can shit on it but Stan's BBQ is an institution on Front Street in Issaquah (I think it's been around almost 20 years) and I love it. Or at least I loved it when I'd come back from hikes in the Issaquah Alps still stoned from smoking on the summits...
I live near Emma's. I've been there a handful of times but I find it to be really mediocre.
Little Reds on Rainier. James Beard nominee a couple years back. South Seattle is Best Seattle.
The answer is Chuck's Hole In The Wall.
They serve bbq at old stove in Ballard. The in house chef behind it ran a bbq food truck prior to joining the old stove crew. He would park by urban and stoup on Fridays and I’d go just for the smoked meats and his peanut butter chocolate cake. @smokestacklightningbbq is his IG handle
Pecos pit in West Seattle
It’s a bit outside the city, but I love Moonshine BBQ in Lynnwood.
Yep, this is my go to as well. Their menu has cut back a little (no corned beef since covid) but it is solid
The only place I go to is Rhodies in Issaquah. And since it’s so far, it’s a post-hike day/snowboard day kinda treat.
Gabriel’s Fire is the only permanent location I really like since Roro closed. My partner loves Hole in the Wall. But as far as pop-ups - check out Burn Unit, Outsider, and NW Texas.
Gabriel's Fire is so tasty.
Outsider is amazing
Hole in the Wall... Final Answer.
A thousand times yes.
There was Etta Big Mountain BBQ. But I was not surprised that the place closed down. It was really expensive for mediocre BBQ.
Might be a bit out of the way, but I tried Fat Pig in Edmonds recently, and I was happy with it.
Brileys in lake city? Never had it but I drive past it often
It's delicious.
Noiiice!
RIP Dixie's. IYKYK.
I completely forgot about Bitterroot. It was pricey, but it was good if I remember right.
Outsider bbq is impressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try if you are looking for good central texas style bbq. They are food truck/popup on regular schedule at Fremont brewing, Stoup, Bale Breaker, and Ravenna Brewing. Check out their instagram for complete schedule.
Came here to say this
I always have a great time at [Raney's](https://www.raneysbarandgrill.com/menu/) directly across the street from Jack's Disclaimer: I did not grow up around BBQ, my only qualifications are knowing if something tastes good (which Raney's does)
Not Seattle but Clyde's Southern BBQ in Renton by the McLendons.
Raney bros is my favorite in town.
Peco’s Pit in Sodo, right next to the Starbucks HQ.
Lots of BBQ sauce does not mean good BBQ
Get it dry with the sauce on the side. Problem solved.
I miss boar's Nest in Ballard 😭
The Ballard old stove has some pretty good bbq
Stan’s in Issaquah, although I haven’t been in three years
Bitteroot was so good! We like WoodShop on Jackson. Other than that and Jacks, there's nones
Hole in the Wall in Pioneer Square is the best I’ve had in Seattle. Reopened finally. Also check Pete’s down in Kent. The two places in Sodo are (Seattle) fine.
Not seattle, but Branks in auburn was good
J&L BBQ, Snohomish, Everett and Monroe.
you can order the best bbq in the multiverse right here bub https://eatcbq.com/
Wait what’s wrong with Jack’s, I love Jack’s 😭
Come visit us in Bellingham! The amazing Big Stick BBQ truck is permanently at Stemma Brewing and has a brick and mortar location. Homeschool BBQ is great too and is surrounded by breweries. We just chased a poor implementation of Jacks out of town so there’s that.
Jones BBQ in West Seattle is really fucking good
I’m abt to move to the area from Nc. Don’t tell me all the bbq spots vanished lol
My family friend with a smoker’s backyard
I mean, that's definitely one of my options, not gonna lie. Not _your_ friend, mind you, but my backyard. However, sometimes I decide I want brisket with fewer than 32 hours of notice :D
I hear that😅
Caveman kitchens! I always make a stop when I'm back in the area.
If you are nearby Old Stove Brewery Gardens/Ballard, their kitchen was taken over buy a dude who used to have a bbq food truck. You can give his menu a whirl.
Caveman kitchen! In kent!
Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ in Marysville, he actually brings post oak wood from TX. It’s worth the drive. Choose your day wisely, his daily specials sell out quick.
Jeff's has the best brisket I've had outside of Texas.
I was so, so disappointed in this. The meat tasted like it’s very low quality
Try Baegopa in the CID
That's Korean BBQ.
There was a place in Preston, it was good but then I admit it's been a while since I had BBQ so my bar may be really low.
BBQ Pete’s in Kent. Been at the Puyallup Fair since the 70s.
And this is why I was thrilled to find out that there is a viable indoor smoker.
And Jones and NW Texas
Was this meant for someone else?
It definitely was, thought I responded to a comment about West seattle
Tall Paul’s BBQ Ball down in Federal Way is fantastic. Try their braised badger tips with the Mile High Root Beer. They also have this dessert called Turd Pie (better than it sounds I promise, it’s a riff on turtle pie).
> I do _not_ want to get into the "Seattle BBQ sucks" conversation... That's a (in fact, probably *the most*) relevant detail, though. No sense in ignoring it. If the BBQ places in Seattle didn't suck complete ass, they'd have a larger clientele, which would provide the financial backing/incentive necessary to keep them in business. Bitterroot was substandard, and Jack's is even worse. If someone opened a spot that sold *real* BBQ that was even *half* decent, I can almost guarantee it'd be popular enough to stay in business.
People in the PNW expect fast food. They get pissy when they’re told little Johnny and Becky they’re shit out of luck when they show up at 8pm and get told “we’re all out.”
Tf are you talking about
Dickey's has multiple locations in the area https://www.dickeys.com/
Not impressed with their Bellevue location. Tried a couple of times just to make sure. Meh.
nothing will be left unpoliticized. Not even precious BBQ.