Top 10 Best BBQ Restaurants in Washington State

Washington's barbecue scene has become one of the Pacific Northwest's more underrated food stories. From Seattle to Spokane and smaller communities like North Bend, Yelm, Preston, and Arlington, these restaurants stand out for craft smokehouse appeal, regional reputation, and serious dedication to brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more.

1. 1

   Rent's Due BBQ

   North Bend

   Rent's Due BBQ earns the top spot as one of Washington's most compelling barbecue destinations. Its high placement reflects strong local momentum and the kind of enthusiasm that turns a smaller-town BBQ operation into a statewide talking point.

   Known for: North Bend barbecue destination, strong local buzz

2. 2

   Betty Jean's BBQ

   Spokane

   Betty Jean's BBQ brings a Southern barbecue identity to Spokane, with a menu centered on slow-smoked meats and comforting side dishes. Its positioning helps it stand out in Eastern Washington's food scene.

   Known for: Southern-style barbecue, Spokane favorite

3. 3

   Moose Creek Barbeque

   Arlington

   Moose Creek Barbeque represents a classic local smokehouse experience with enough regional support to rank very highly. It gives Arlington a notable place in the statewide barbecue conversation.

   Known for: Arlington smokehouse, local destination appeal

4. 4

   Big Stick Barbecue

   Bellingham

   Big Stick Barbecue earns a top-four position through its reputation as one of Bellingham's standout BBQ names. It belongs on this list for delivering a clearly defined smokehouse experience in Northwest Washington.

   Known for: Bellingham BBQ favorite

5. 5

   Steele Barrel BBQ Company

   Yelm

   Steele Barrel BBQ Company gives Yelm a strong statewide representative and adds to the list's geographic depth. It ranks well for local enthusiasm and a strong smoke-driven restaurant identity.

   Known for: Yelm barbecue destination

6. 6

   Brileys BBQ

   Lake Forest Park

   Brileys BBQ smokes its meats daily using cherry wood from Eastern Washington, giving its barbecue a distinct Pacific Northwest point of view. Its broad menu of brisket, ribs, sandwiches, and sides makes it one of the state's most complete barbecue restaurants.

   Known for: Cherry-wood smoke, brisket, ribs

7. 7

   WOOD SHOP BBQ

   Seattle

   WOOD SHOP BBQ describes itself as "Homesick for Kansas. Inspired by Texas. Found in Seattle," which perfectly captures its cross-regional barbecue identity. The restaurant has become one of Seattle's best-known BBQ names.

   Known for: Texas and Kansas City influence, Seattle barbecue staple

8. 8

   Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden

   Seattle

   Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden brings barbecue into a more social, outdoor-friendly Fremont experience. It ranks as one of Seattle's more distinctive BBQ options for diners seeking both smoked meats and a lively setting.

   Known for: BBQ and beer garden concept, Fremont atmosphere

9. 9

   Rhodies Smokin BBQ

   Preston

   Rhodies Smokin BBQ adds a classic roadside-barbecue feel to the ranking. It earns its place for being a memorable local stop with a steady regional following.

   Known for: Roadside smokehouse feel, Preston favorite

10. 10

    Outlaw BBQ & Catering

    Spokane

    Outlaw BBQ & Catering closes the list as a Spokane barbecue name with both restaurant and event appeal. Its larger catering identity helps it stand out in the Eastern Washington scene.

    Known for: Spokane barbecue, catering strength