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.
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.
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.
