Washington is known for salmon, apples, and coffee, but slow-smoked brisket and ribs have quietly built a loyal following here too. From Seattle’s industrial south end to a small-town stretch of Pearl Street in Ellensburg, pitmasters across the state are serving the kind of barbecue that usually requires a trip to Texas, Kansas City, or the Carolinas.
This list covers seven smokehouses spread from Bellingham to Kennewick, each with its own specialty worth knowing about. Some lean hard into Texas tradition, while others mix in Northwest touches like smoked salmon.
You will find burnt ends, gouda mac and cheese, banana pudding, and even breakfast at one spot. Save this one for your next road trip, or send it to the friend who always asks where to find good brisket.
1. Jack’s BBQ & Steakhouse – Seattle, Seattle, WA
Few barbecue joints in Seattle open their doors at 7 AM, and that early start says a lot about how seriously this Airport Way spot takes its craft. Breakfast runs on weekday mornings before lunch and dinner take over.
The real draw is Texas-style brisket, slow-smoked until it develops a dark, peppery bark. The Brisket Plate is the obvious starting point, and the Texas Trinity gives indecisive eaters a way to sample more than one meat.
Southern sides get proper attention here too. Collard greens and cornbread sit alongside pork short ribs, and the dessert case is worth saving a little room for.
The dining room has an eclectic, no-frills look with mismatched chairs, and a lunchtime buffet adds another way to eat. Kids are welcome, high chairs are available, and the place accepts reservations for groups.
Parking is usually easy, with an on-site lot and street options nearby. I would plan a visit on a quieter Sunday morning if you want to skip the Friday evening rush.
2. Mr. Texas Smokehouse Barbecue, Tacoma, WA
A barbecue restaurant with a drive-through is not something you see every day. Mr. Texas Smokehouse Barbecue on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma offers one, along with curbside pickup, delivery, and dine-in seating.
The motto here is simple: slow-smoked barbecue, made the right way. That means low and slow brisket, ribs, and sides built around classic Texas pit traditions.
Rib tips deserve a special mention. They come out tender with plenty of smoke, the kind of result that takes real pitmaster experience.
The Brisket Sandwich is the menu highlight for a quick lunch. Prices land around $10 to $20 per person, which makes it an easy weeknight choice.
Plan ahead on the schedule, since the restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday it runs 11 AM to 9 PM, with later hours on Friday and Saturday.
3. Outlaw BBQ & Catering – North Location, Spokane, WA
Spokane diners who grew up in the South have been known to call this the best smokehouse they have found outside of it. That is a big claim, and Outlaw BBQ backs it up with a rustic, Texas-style menu at the River Ridge Shopping Center on West Wellesley Avenue.
Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork form the core lineup. The ribs carry a smoky flavor with a bit of spicy kick, and portions run generous.
Where Outlaw really stands apart is the playful side of the menu. Look for Cow Tip Dip, Outlaw Nachos, Gringo Tacos, and Outlaw Pickle Fries alongside Chili Cheese Fries.
Classic Southern sides hold their own as well. Southern Mac and Cheese, BBQ Baked Beans, Texas chili, and smoked baked potatoes round out a full plate.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs, and dogs are allowed on the outdoor seating. The doors stay open seven days a week, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
4. Porter’s Real Barbecue, Kennewick, WA
Look for the hand-signed Guy Fieri poster on the wall. Porter’s Real Barbecue in Kennewick earned a spot in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives fame, and the menu shows why.
Prime Grade Beef Brisket leads the way, joined by St. Louis Ribs, Smoked Turkey, and sausage. Burnt ends nod to both Kansas City and Texas styles, so you get a little regional tour on one tray.
Three house-made barbecue sauces sit ready for dipping. Pair them with Gouda Mac and Cheese or The Smoked and Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato for a hearty meal.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves quickly. Prices generally stay in the $10 to $20 range per person.
Reservations are not accepted, so lunch rushes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday can get busy. Free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and dog-friendly patio space make it an easy Tri-Cities stop.
5. Smokey’s on Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA
Brisket with a mountain view is a pretty good trade for a stop in Ellensburg. Smokey’s sits on North Pearl Street in the historic downtown, and its outdoor seating looks out toward the surrounding peaks.
The kitchen smokes brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. Its brisket has a reputation as some of the best in the Pacific Northwest, and the award-winning sauces and dry rubs help explain that.
Menu standouts go beyond the meat tray. The Bar-B-Que Bowl, Soup Kitchen BBQ Bowl, BBQ beans, pork rinds with cowboy caviar, and brisket mac and cheese all have fans.
A full vegetarian menu is a nice surprise for a barbecue spot. Live music and a rock and roll soundtrack add to the old-school personality.
Staff here have a warm, welcoming style, and the restaurant is friendly to families, groups, and dogs on the patio. Note that Smokey’s is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so time your Central Washington road trip accordingly.
6. Big Stick Barbecue, Bellingham, WA
Pork belly burnt ends with a sweet apple drizzle are reason enough to head up Interstate 5. Big Stick Barbecue on West Orchard Drive in Bellingham keeps its focus on Texas-style barbecue done with care.
The brisket arrives with a clear smoke ring and balanced seasoning. Grab the Brisket Plate or order it by the half pound if you are sharing.
Sandwich fans have options like the Rissa Sandwich and the Brisket Blue Slider. The Dirty Mac and BBQ beans with a spicy zip make strong sides.
Save room for Banana Pudding, a true Southern finish. Brisket chili also shows up as a cozy pick on cooler Bellingham days.
The space is casual and on the quieter side, with live music at times and quick counter service. Hours end early, 7 PM most days and 6 PM on Sunday, and it is closed Mondays.
7. Larry’s Smokehouse, Snohomish, WA
Smoked salmon on a barbecue menu might be the most Washington thing on this entire list. Larry’s Smokehouse along Highway 9 in Snohomish has long been a dependable stop for smoked sandwiches plus beef, pork, and salmon dinners.
The beef brisket sandwich with house barbecue sauce is a signature order. That sauce plays a big role here and pairs well with the pork and brisket.
Ham sandwiches come in hefty portions too. Classic sides fill out the plates, and a kids’ menu keeps younger eaters happy.
The venue is small, quiet, and personal, with a friendly team behind the counter. Prices usually stay between $10 and $20 per person.
Hours are limited, so check before you go. Larry’s is closed Sunday and Monday, open until 6 PM Tuesday and Saturday, and until 7 PM Wednesday through Friday.
From Seattle to Bellingham to the Tri-Cities, these seven smokehouses prove Washington can hold its own when the craving for real barbecue hits. Pick one close to home, then plan a road trip for the rest.
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