There’s nothing like the mouthwatering aroma of slow-smoked meat wafting through the air to kick off a serious craving. Whether you’re after Texas brisket or crave a Pacific Northwest spin on Southern classics, the city’s barbecue joints deliver plenty of smoky surprises.
Let’s get to it.
Bob’s BBQ Pit
With roots stretching back more than 75 years, Bob’s Bar-B-Q Pit in Tacoma offers a taste of history alongside every plate. This family-run institution serves Texas-style barbecue with a closely guarded “hot dip” mop sauce recipe that remains its proud secret.
Brisket is sliced tender enough to almost melt on your fork. Pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and hot links all come from the same traditional pit-smoking methods that have defined the restaurant for decades. The sides shine too… creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and freshly baked cornbread muffins round out the meal.
Prices stay reasonable and portions lean toward generous so leftovers are a given. Whether you choose to dine amid the nostalgic decor or grab an order to go, Bob’s delivers an authentic barbecue experience that honors its long-standing legacy. See why Tacoma barbecue fans are loyal for life.
My 4 Sons BBQ
Since 2018, My 4 Sons BBQ in Tacoma has served up a delicious mashup of regional smokehouse styles. A team of BBQ-loving family members pools secret spices and fires up a hickory-fueled pellet smoker for brisket, ribs and more. Every cut arrives with a crusty bark and juicy interior—the kind that makes you glad cardio exists.
Their menu isn’t shy. Burnt ends steal the spotlight and the “BBQ Sundae” piles mac and cheese with beans, meat and coleslaw in one towering bowl. Pulled pork and smoke-fried wings earn loyal followings too.
Don’t skip the sides. Baked potato salad balances tang and creaminess, and mini cornbread muffins arrive warm and sweet. A house-made sauce brings a gentle heat by default, with an extra-hot version available upon request.
Counter service and casual seating keep the focus on food. It’s an easy favorite for families and friends seeking sticky fingers and big smiles. My 4 Sons BBQ shows you can enjoy Texas and Kansas City styles all under one roof. See what’s smoking at My 4 Sons BBQ.
Opal Lounge
If your ideal evening includes melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and a robust whiskey selection, Opal Lounge delivers. This Tacoma spot leans into CenTex-style smoke, letting brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage linger over cherry or apple wood for up to 18 hours. Sauces arrive on the side, a nod to purists who prefer to control every bite.
House-made pickles and classic sides round out the plates. Mac and cheese comes creamy, potato salad brings a bright mustard kick, and fluffy cornbread mops up every last drop of sauce. The bar team crafts cocktails that echo the smoky vibe, from barrel-aged classics to spicy riffs. If beer is more your speed, the tap list covers local heroes and international favorites.
Inside and outdoor seating suit any mood, whether you’re catching up with friends or settling in solo. Portions feel generous, prices never shock and service stays friendly. Opal Lounge even made the list of Tacoma’s best BBQ spots, and it’s not hard to see why. browse the full menu here.
Pacific Southern
For a taste of Southern comfort with a Pacific Northwest twist, Pacific Southern shines in Tacoma. Family-owned and friendly without pretense, this spot nails fried chicken and catfish alongside hush puppies you’ll wish came in buckets. BBQ pulled pork and baked BBQ chicken wings gain depth from a slow smoke before finishing in a sweet glaze.
Sides stay true to tradition. Collard greens simmer tender and slightly tangy, mac and cheese stretches with cheddar richness, and coleslaw brings a crisp counterpoint. Cornbread arrives moist and golden, the perfect vehicle for butter or a dip into gravy.
Casual dining and takeout options let you enjoy soul food at home or on-site. Prices stay moderate while portions remain generous. The vibe feels welcoming and relaxed, ideal for families and weeknight dinners alike. They also cater events big and small, bringing Southern-style fare to any gathering. Pacific Southern proves that real comfort food can be both classic and fresh. Feast your eyes on the menu right here.
BBQ Pete’s
Over in Kent and Lakewood, BBQ Pete’s has been smoking up the Northwest since 1972. This family-owned spot turns out brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and hot links from a wood pit fueled by Alder. Every cut arrives with that signature smoky aroma you expect from generations of pit masters.
Their award-winning sauces have earned a devoted following. The Puyallup Fair Sauce alone has ribbon after ribbon to its name. Sides are equally tempting… creamy mac and cheese, classic or chipotle coleslaw, hearty barbecue beans, and cornbread muffins paired with honey butter.
Service comes by counter order, and picnic tables keep the vibe as relaxed as a summer potluck. Generous portions and friendly prices make it easy to stay or grab a box to go.
Every visit ends on a sweet note with complimentary soft-serve ice cream. That free treat might just be the reason you keep coming back to BBQ Pete’s. See what BBQ Pete’s is grilling up.
Jack’s BBQ – Lakewood
At Jack’s BBQ – Lakewood, you encounter Central Texas barbecue in its purest form. Opened by Jack Timmons, this spot honors Lone Star roots with mesquite-fired smokers and a classic salt-and-pepper rub. Brisket smokes for over 12 hours, delivering tender slices framed by a satisfyingly crisp bark.
Choosing between brisket, pulled pork, sausage or ribs may feel daunting. Portions guarantee you’ll have leftovers. A full bar stands ready if you need something stronger than sweet tea. Cocktails, $5 drafts and rotating local brews pair perfectly with each meat selection.
Sides here earn as much praise as the main event. Queso mac and cheese bubbles with cheddar while Texas caviar adds a tangy crunch. Friendly service and ample seating make it a reliable stop from breakfast tacos at dawn to Friday-night smoked prime rib specials. Jack’s proves that tradition and consistency are everything when you’re chasing authentic smoke flavors. See what’s grilling today.
Warthog Barbeque Pit
When it comes to wood smoke, homemade sauces, and slow-cooked meat… Warthog Barbeque Pit practically wrote the dictionary on barbecue. Owner Gary “Mr. Warthog” Kurashima has poured decades of Pacific Northwest restaurant know-how into every plate of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork that receives the hickory treatment it deserves.
Sides here are no afterthought. Golden cornbread and mac and cheese both deliver classic comfort-food vibes. If you’re craving something green, the coleslaw brings crisp freshness and a bright counterpoint to all that smoke.
The vibe stays relaxed and welcoming, exactly what you want when you face a family-style portion. Bring your crew, bring your appetite… chances are you’ll end up sharing stories and trading forks. Generous servings land in the “just right” price range, and a carefully curated beer list pairs perfectly with every bite.
If barbecue true to its roots but with a Pacific Northwest accent sounds appealing, Warthog Barbeque Pit is the place to go. See why Fife locals keep coming back.
BBQ2U
Right in the heart of Gig Harbor, BBQ2U brings authentic Central Texas barbecue to the Northwest. Their low-and-slow method means brisket smokes for twelve hours over mesquite and post oak… the result is meat with a depth of flavor that speaks for itself.
The menu covers all the staples. Pulled pork, ribs, turkey breast, and smoked chicken each arrive simply seasoned with salt and pepper. You choose your sauce—there’s no guessing which pairs best. Classics like creamy mac and cheese, fried okra, and banana pudding round out the spread. Portions are hearty enough to satisfy an appetite or leave you with a handy to-go box.
Family owned and community driven, BBQ2U earned the title Best Barbecue in Pierce County. They pour Texas brews, keep service friendly, and deliver a genuine taste of the Lone Star State. When you want true Texas-style barbecue up north, BBQ2U never disappoints. Dig into the real Texas taste in Gig Harbor.
Brank’s BBQ & Catering
In Sumner, Brank’s BBQ & Catering has been perfecting its smoke techniques since 1995. This family-owned operation embraces Kansas City traditions after training under pit-master Paul Kirk, so every cut emerges tender and richly flavored.
The menu reads like a carnivore’s playlist. St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, chicken, and sausage arrive dressed in house-made rubs and sauces crafted to highlight the smoke. Sides stick to the classics… creamy mac and cheese, crisp slaw, baked beans, and sweet cornbread.
Now led by the second generation, Brank’s expands its reach with a food truck and catering for local events. Prices remain moderate and portions generous. A rotating selection of regional beers ties the whole experience together.
Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply craving a smoky meal, Brank’s friendly team ensures every order hits the mark. Dig into their menu here.
Brimstone PNW Smokehouse
Right off the bat, Brimstone PNW Smokehouse shakes up the usual BBQ playbook. Classics like Texas-style brisket and St. Louis ribs share the spotlight with globally inspired twists. Pork belly arrives with a char siu bent, while smoked trout earns its own fan club.
Sides aren’t an afterthought. The Mac Daddiest will test your hunger and love for gooey cheese. The Million Dollar Corn Bread lives up to its name, and house-made sauces called “Sissy” and “Sassy” bring the perfect finishing touch. After dinner, head over to I Screamery for ghost pepper chocolate ganache ice cream that separates the bold from the cautious.
Every bite feels like an invitation to taste-test the entire region. Brimstone keeps things playful without ever feeling gimmicky. It’s the kind of spot that makes you rethink what barbecue can be. Take a peek at the menu that’s shaking up Gig Harbor—this is PNW BBQ at its boldest and most approachable.
