15 butchers, BBQ spots, and premium sauces in Seattle, WA

They’ve all got the meats (and condiments)

These beef roasts wrapped in beef fat from Beast & Cleaver are a must-try.

These beef roasts wrapped in beef fat from Beast & Cleaver are a must-try. | Photo by @beastandcleaver

Are you fired up yet? Summer is just about here and everybody’s thinking about chillin’ + grillin’ in preparation for sunny weekends on the horizon. Whether you’re organizing a backyard BBQ or want a restaurant to do all the work, Seattle has no shortage of great options.

Here’s a selection of where to get meaty with it.

Neighborhood butchers

Beast and Cleaver, 2362 NW 80th St. | It’s all about local farms + whole animal butchery at this quaint Ballard shop that features premium cuts like dry-aged ribeye.

Bob’s Quality Meats, 4861 Rainier Ave. S. | Columbia City’s longtime butcher has been known to carry rare cuts like knuckle bones, with the occasional ground elk patties + gator in the freezer.

Rain Shadow Meats, 1531 Melrose Ave. | From leg of lamb to Painted Hills beef, there’s no shortage of grill-ready items to impress your BBQ guests — you can also get a monthly butcher’s box subscription.

The Shambles, 7777 15th Ave. NE | You can come here for a steak dinner and drink, but don’t forget about that well-stocked deli case.

The Swinery, 3207 California Ave. SW | As the name suggests, there’s some top quality pork sourced sustainably at this small West Seattle shop + a daily sandwich menu perfect for packing a picnic lunch.

A barbecue platter with ribs, mac 'n' cheese, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes with gravy.

Etta’s Big Mountain BBQ shifted from seafood into smoked meats and dry rubs.

Photo via Etta’s

Smokin’ restaurants

Emma’s BBQ, 5303 Rainier Ave. S. | The family-run Hillman City restaurant may have some of the best pork ribs around, but don’t forget about those darn fine yams + cornbread.

Etta’s Big Mountain BBQ, 2020 Western Ave. | Restaurateur Tom Douglas’s former Pike Place seafood destination changed tracks to serve items like smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.

Lady Jaye, 4523 California Ave. SW | West Seattle’s smokehouse has a chill patio + menu filled with the likes of bulgogi short ribs and smoked bologna sandwiches.

Lil Red Takeout & Catering, 4225 Rainier Ave S. | Jamaican flavors stand out in this unassuming Columbia City spot — it’s highlighted by stellar jerk chicken.

Outsider BBQ, Various locations | You can find this pop-up at local breweries specializing in Central Texas-style barbecue with Turkish flavors.

Wood Shop BBQ, 2513 S. Jackson St. | Sawdust Rub is a lot better than it sounds and one of the signature touches that makes this Kansas City-style barbecue joint so hot. Vegetarians can try the portobello machaca sandwich.

These Murder Hornet sauces come with serious flavor.

Spice, spice baby.There’s some serious flavor in these sauces. | Photo via @murderhornetsauce

Don’t forget about that sauce

Coming in “sweet hot” + “mild,” locally made Leon’s BBQ Sauce is an essential for any serious grilling session. If you want something with some more kick, try out the habañero-infused Murder Hornet , Hot Jawn or Friendly Fire.

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