Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Seattle area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Seattle area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Seattle based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Seattle were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Chuan BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (168 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7714 Aurora Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Aloha Plates
- Rating: 3.7/5 (211 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 511 South Weller St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Hawaiian, Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Son of A Butcher
- Rating: 3.7/5 (216 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2236 Eastlake Ave. East Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#27. The Grill King All You Can Eat Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.7/5 (370 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15740 Aurora Ave. North Shoreline, Washington
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Buffets
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Kau Kau Barbeque
- Rating: 3.8/5 (1266 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 656 South King St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Cantonese
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Baegopa
- Rating: 3.8/5 (235 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 509 7th Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Harbor City Restaurant
- Rating: 3.8/5 (2155 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 707 South King St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Dim Sum, Cantonese
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Rainier Restaurant
- Rating: 3.9/5 (672 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6400 Martin Luther King Jr Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Vietnamese, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Jack's BBQ - SoDo
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1071 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3924 Airport Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Jack's BBQ - South Lake Union
- Rating: 3.9/5 (271 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 228 9th Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Berry's BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11614 Ambaum Blvd. Southwest Burien, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Exit 5 Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (681 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 911 North 10th Place Ste D Renton, Washington
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Taste of Xi'an - Seattle
- Rating: 4.1/5 (532 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4523 University Way Northeast Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Mee Sum Pastry
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1231 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1526 Pike Place Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Bakeries, Dim Sum, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Stone Korean Restaurant
- Rating: 4.2/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 Dexter Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Canton Noodle House
- Rating: 4.2/5 (180 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6008 Martin Luther King Jr Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Cantonese, Noodles, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Sodam Chicken-Shoreline
- Rating: 4.2/5 (158 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 17551 15th Ave. Northeast Shoreline, Washington
- Categories: Salad, Korean, Chicken Wings, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Bellwether BBQ&Grill
- Rating: 4.3/5 (171 reviews)
- Address: 609 South Weller St. Ste C Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Meet Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (383 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 500 East Pike St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Hole In the Wall BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (287 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 215 James St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Ton Kiang Barbeque Noodle House
- Rating: 4.3/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 668 South Weller St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Brileys BBQ & Grill
- Rating: 4.3/5 (934 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15030 Bothell Way Northeast Lake Forest Park, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Niku Feast Yakiniku
- Rating: 4.4/5 (377 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 13200 Aurora Ave. North Ste G Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Emma's BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (212 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5303 Rainier Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Raney's Bar & Grill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (100 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3923 Airport Way South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Almanqal Mediterranean Grill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (203 reviews)
- Address: 1712 North 45th St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mediterranean, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Lil Red's Takeout and Catering
- Rating: 4.5/5 (283 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4225 Rainier Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Caribbean, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Wood Shop BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (769 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2513 South Jackson St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Ishoni Yakiniku
- Rating: 4.5/5 (325 reviews)
- Address: 611 Broadway East Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Friendship Foods BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13520 Aurora Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
