Barbecue cravings come in all shapes and flavors, and the Eastside is ready to satisfy them all. From time-honored smokehouses to lively Korean BBQ joints where the grill is built right into your table, every city here has a spot worth rolling up your sleeves for.
Let’s get to it.
Hollywood Tavern
Down in Woodinville Wine Country, Hollywood Tavern has a casual vibe that feels just right. This spot skips the velvet ropes and fancy garnishes to focus on hearty comfort food with a twist. Live music fills the air and outdoor tables spill onto the sidewalk, making it a lively spot any night of the week except Wednesday.
Generous portions of American classics get an upgrade here. Think Beecher’s cheese mac paired with hand-cut fries. Every protein, whether beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, gets its turn in the spotlight and is dressed up by house-made sauces like whiskey barbecue and spicy honey butter.
The bar lineup keeps pace with the food. Cocktails hit the perfect balance of bold and refreshing, and the wine list showcases regional bottlings you won’t find elsewhere. Even if you overorder, leftovers travel well.
Part casual hangout, part culinary playground, Hollywood Tavern nails the art of combining comfort and a bit of swagger. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit on repeat. Go ahead, see what’s on Hollywood’s menu.
3 Pigs Bar B-Q
Since 1989, 3 Pigs Bar B-Q in Bellevue has been smoking over mesquite and collecting trophies. Founded by two brothers from Atlanta, this counter-service spot feels more like a neighborhood sports bar, complete with jerseys on the walls and a laid-back charm. This no-frills attitude keeps the focus on flavor and smoke.
Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork take center stage. Hot links and turkey join the lineup for those wanting variety. Each meat carries a hint of mesquite smoke, plus housemade sauces ranging from mild and tangy to seriously spicy.
Classic sides like creamy mac and cheese and crisp coleslaw round out the meal. Portions scale from solo sandwiches to family platters without emptying your wallet. Award after award shows these pigs know their business. Dig into the smoky details here.
Jack’s BBQ & Steakhouse Bellevue | Redmond
Jack’s BBQ & Steakhouse Bellevue | Redmond captures the heart of Texas barbecue in the Pacific Northwest. Pitmaster Jack Timmons, a true Texan, smokes brisket for up to 16 hours over seasoned oak. The result tastes like meat sorcery.
Alongside brisket, you’ll find beef ribs, pulled pork, and sausage each bringing its own flavor. Steaks from Double R Ranch share the stage, seared and seasoned to Texas standards. The dining room welcomes families and friends to linger over plates piled high. Rustic wood tables and friendly staff keep the mood casual.
Sides run from creamy mac and cheese to collard greens, all served in generous portions. Weekend brunch turns up the heat with Texas-themed breakfast tacos and candied pecan banana pancakes.
To wash it down, try the Smoked Orange Old Fashioned. Dine in or grab takeout. Just remember to bring your appetite, and maybe some stretchy pants. Sink your teeth into the menu here.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Since 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has shared the gospel of authentic Texas style barbecue. This family-owned chain has grown into the nation’s largest barbecue franchise without ever straying from its roots. All meats are slow smoked over hickory wood daily for maximum flavor.
You’ll see brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and an entire sausage lineup on the menu. Everything leaves the smoker tender and rich, ready for sides that feel like home. Fried okra brings a crisp Southern staple. Creamy macaroni and cheese provides comfort in every spoonful. Even waffle iron fries earn a spot for those aiming high on flavor.
Service comes counter style in a fast casual setting. Options range from solo meals to family packs, and catering is available for larger events. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on your own or feeding a crowd, Dickey’s handles the smoke and the stress. Find your new go-to barbecue fix here.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
For anyone who enjoys cooking their meal at the table, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ delivers a fun, interactive dining experience. You become the grill master, flipping and tending marinated cuts of beef, pork belly, seafood, and chicken right at your spot.
Marinades run from sweet soy to garlic and spicy blends. Appetizers set the tone with Japanese fried dumplings and crispy seaweed salad. A selection of Japanese beers and thoughtfully mixed cocktails rounds out the drinks list. Desserts go beyond green tea ice cream for a truly satisfying finish.
Families appreciate special kid’s menu items. Vegetarians find tofu and vegetable grill plates. Gluten free diners discover options too. Service stays attentive as you juggle tongs and timing. If you’d rather stay home, takeout grilling kits arrive ready for stove top or backyard grill. Gyu-Kaku turns every meal into a shared activity. Reserve your grill at Gyu-Kaku Bellevue here.
Stan’s Bar-B-Q
In Issaquah’s oldest historic building, Stan’s Bar-B-Q brings Kansas City style barbecue to the Northwest. The focus stays on slow smoked meats prepared with a signature dry rub. Hours of hickory smoke soak into beef brisket and pulled pork before sauce ever touches the plate.
Brisket smokes for 14 hours. Pork takes 12. Each bite highlights the rub’s blend of spices and deep smoke notes. Sauce arrives on the side so you can decide how much sweetness or tang you prefer. Service follows a simple counter service model. Large screens keep sports fans entertained while orders get prepared.
Sides stick to tradition: creamed corn, baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw all play supporting roles. Portions arrive generous enough for even the biggest appetites. A beer list and whiskey selection from KC ensure the perfect pairing. They cater parties too, making Stan’s a neighborhood staple for any smoky celebration. Taste the Midwest in Issaquah.
Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering
Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering brings authentic Southern barbecue to the rain-soaked streets of Bothell. Family-owned since 2000, pitmaster David Hayward blends maple and pecan smoke in an Ole Hickory smoker to deliver tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Years of dedication show in every perfectly barked slice.
They serve sauces from apple butter to honey sriracha and the fiery Burnin’ B. Sides include gooey smoked mac and cheese, fluffy cornbread muffins, and all the essential fixings.
Counter service keeps things easy for dine-in or takeout. Their catering handles everything from weddings to family reunions. There’s even an amber ale brewed just for them. No matter the occasion, Carolina Smoke delivers Southern flavor with Northwest hospitality. the real kind, not the metaphorical kind.
Brileys BBQ and Grill
When you step into Brileys BBQ and Grill, you can immediately sense the genuine local love it has earned since opening in 2015. Kyle Brierley and Skyler Riley joined forces to blend Kansas City heartiness, Southern comfort, and a touch of Seattle flair. Their brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and house-made sausages spend quality time smoking over cherry and applewood, picking up layers of flavor you won’t find in a bottle.
The sides are just as creative. Brunswick stew and gumbo share space with hush puppies and even beignets, making sure you cover every corner of the flavor spectrum. Each sauce and rub is crafted in house, from tangy to fiery, so there’s always something new to try.
Don’t skip the rotating lineup of local microbrews and wines. They complement the smoky meat and crunchy sides perfectly.
Seattle Eater once dubbed Brileys the “Best Barbecue in Seattle,” and given their consistency and passion, that recognition feels spot on. See what’s smokin’ at Brileys BBQ and Grill.
Buckshot Honey
In Snoqualmie, Buckshot Honey occupies a former bank vault now filled with the aroma of low-and-slow applewood smoke. When Chef David Storm opened the place, he brought two decades of Seattle culinary expertise to Cascadian BBQ. Brisket, pulled pork, and smoked ham all showcase his commitment to flavor and tradition, even if the region’s known more for rain than smoke.
Everything else joins them in homemade fashion. Scratch-made sides pop with personality, making the mac and cheese a standout rather than an afterthought. Vegans and vegetarians won’t feel left out either, thanks to thoughtful options beyond the usual.
Order at the counter, then pick a spot at a communal table where you can watch the kitchen at work. For a beverage, local beers and spirits await at the bar, ready to pair with every bite.
With every dish crafted from local ingredients and smoked to perfection, Buckshot Honey proves that Northwest barbecue can be both classic and fresh. Peep their smoky menu and see what’s cooking.
Meet Korean BBQ
Across Capitol Hill, Meet Korean BBQ turns dining into a shared experience with top-tier meats and table grilling. Prime Angus, American Wagyu, and even A5 cuts arrive at your table ready for that satisfying sizzle. The servers move with precision and speed. They handle the cooking so you can focus on the flavor and the moment.
Each cut comes paired with a custom sauce, from tangy classics to spicy creations. Traditional kimchi and rice join a rotating lineup of banchan, along with soybean stew, pillowy egg soufflé, and gooey corn cheese. Every visit feels fresh thanks to seasonal and surprise additions.
Thirsty diners can choose Korean beer, local brews, or soju kocktails crafted with care. The bar keeps pace with the kitchen’s energy, especially during happy hour.
Whether you cap the bill under $100 for a solid feast or treat yourself to a higher-end combo, Meet Korean BBQ delivers a no-fuss dinner show that lives up to every expectation. Have a look at Meet’s menu here.
Rhodies Smokin BBQ
Out in Preston, Rhodies Smokin BBQ answers the Eastside’s craving for authentic barbecue. This family-owned spot has earned two Best BBQ awards at the Bite of Seattle. They stick to hickory smoking because, as their motto says, it’s the wood that makes it good.
The Trailboss pork sandwich and fall-off-the-bone ribs arrive tender and smoky. Carolina-style pulled pork sandwiches add a tangy edge. Every bite tastes of genuine craft.
The sides hold their own alongside the meat. Pepper jack mac and cheese brings a spicy kick, coleslaw adds crisp balance, and baked beans round out the plate. A selection of house-made sauces lets you adjust the heat or sweetness as you go. Try the daring “hooch sauce” if you want a thrill.
Counter-service keeps things simple. Grab a cold beer, find a seat, and dig in. With prices that won’t break the bank and flavor that demands return visits, Rhodies delivers on its promise every time. Try the Trailboss yourself at Rhodies Smokin BBQ.
WOOD SHOP BBQ
At Wood Shop BBQ, Kansas City and Texas traditions collide in Seattle. What began as a food truck in 2014 grew into a brick-and-mortar spot in 2016. Founders Matt Davis and James Barrington use Ozark hickory and Texas post oak in stick burner offset smokers that draw nods from pitmasters everywhere.
Their menu reads like a barbecue hits list. Brisket is smoked for nearly eight hours, St. Louis-cut ribs arrive finished with the Sawdust Rub, and pulled pork slows down just enough. Sides show off plenty of personality too. Smoked jalapeño mac and cheese, tangy buttermilk coleslaw, and classic potato salad could each stand alone as a meal.
Counter-service dining and a heated outdoor patio give you options in any weather. Generous portions and reasonable prices make second helpings a temptation, not a regret. It’s easy to see why this spot landed on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Get your BBQ fix—with a side of Seattle charm.
Exit 5 Korean BBQ
At Exit 5 Korean BBQ in Renton, a 30-year family dream meets modern dining. The lively street market style space hums with energy yet keeps the air clear with built-in ventilation and provides aprons at each table. This family-owned spot lets you grill premium meats right at your table.
The menu focuses on high-quality cuts: beef brisket, LA galbi, pork belly, and more. Orders come à la carte or in combos big enough to share or not. Homemade sauces bring sweet heat, and a rotating lineup of banchan—japchae, kimchi pancakes, corn cheese, soup—rounds out the meal.
Prices reflect the quality but stay reasonable. Pair dinner with soju or beer for the full experience. Reservations fill up fast on weekend evenings. Whether you’re a Korean barbecue veteran or a curious newcomer, Exit 5 delivers serious flavor and a welcoming atmosphere. Get grilling at Exit 5 Korean BBQ.
Rent’s Due BBQ
At Rent’s Due BBQ in North Bend, WA, you’ll find the kind of family-run spot you wish you lived closer to or that delivered to your door. Harrison and his family opened shop in 2023 with one straightforward goal: source honest local meats, smoke them with care, and serve them in a setting that feels like a friend’s backyard barbecue.
The menu leans into Texas traditions. Brisket arrives tender enough to soften life’s worries. Pulled pork and pork belly burnt ends arrive piled high. Rotating sausages keep things interesting for anyone who can never decide. The Texas Twinkies earn their reputation too, thanks to a filling of cream cheese and brisket wrapped snug in bacon.
Every side comes fresh from the kitchen. Creamy macaroni and cheese never feels gluey. Pit beans boast chunks of brisket. Crisp pickled veggies and classic coleslaw round out the plate. Harrison’s crew crafts their own rubs and sauces. They open Saturdays at noon and close once the meat runs out… trust them when they say that means you’d better arrive early. Browse their menu before they sell out.
The Grill King All You Can Eat Korean BBQ
When endless helpings of sizzling meat are on offer, The Grill King All You Can Eat Korean BBQ on Aurora Avenue steps up to the plate. After more than ten years in Shoreline, this restaurant has earned its reputation as the city’s top choice for Korean barbecue.
For $25 you get all the classics. Beef brisket, pork belly, marinated chicken, and spicy pork arrive ready to grill. Standard sides include crunchy kimchi, hot rice, and refreshing cucumber salad. Each component balances spice, tang, and texture. Groups find an upbeat atmosphere made for sharing platters. Solo diners love the chance to work through their own feast.
Dine-in or delivery works equally well. There’s free Wi-Fi, friendly staff, and room for loyal regulars or newcomers. The friendly vibe welcomes big gatherings or anyone determined to conquer a few orders of short ribs alone. It’s no wonder locals proclaim it the Grill King. See what’s grilling tonight.
