Across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is most often associated with tech, high-end shopping, and international restaurants.
But over the past decade, a small but serious barbecue scene has taken root—one that reflects the city’s love for precision, fusion, and amazing ingredients.
Expect slow-smoked meats alongside Asian-inspired sauces and foodie-friendly twists.
1. John Howie’s Beardslee Public House (Bothell, Near Bellevue)
Technically in Bothell but a Bellevue BBQ pilgrimage spot, Beardslee crafts house-smoked meats right on site: brisket, spare ribs, house-made sausage, and barbecue short ribs.
Don’t miss the brisket sandwich—piled high and paired with a zesty apple slaw.
They offer excellent Pacific Northwest beers, too, making it a perfect BBQ-and-brew target.
2. Hole in the Wall Barbecue
As the name suggests, this place focuses on the basics: hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and hot links, offered up in hefty portions and slathered in a house tomato-vinegar sauce.
The lunch crowd comes for giant sandwiches and a side of the house spicy beans.
The setting is casual; BBQ is all that matters here.
3. I Love My GFF BBQ Truck
A seasonal pop-up and food truck, I Love My GFF stands out for its brisket tacos, smoked chicken nachos, and genuinely inventive BBQ bowls (try the Tex-Mex Bowl or Korean-inspired BBQ Beef over rice).
Their gluten-free approach draws in a broader crowd, but the smoked meats impress even the biggest BBQ purists.
4. Woodblock
BBQ here comes with a foodie twist—think wagyu brisket burnt ends, smoked pork belly on polenta, and house pickles that add extra zip.
They offer both Texas-style and some Asian-inspired barbecue options.
The bartenders know their craft, so pair your ribs with a northwest IPA or a custom cocktail.
5. Crossroads BBQ
A laid-back, family-run spot tucked away in the Crossroads neighborhood, this BBQ joint excels at family-style combo platters, tangy ribs, and half-chickens with a side of jalapeño cheese grits.
Their peach cobbler is the sweet finish you deserve, and the mezcal-based BBQ sauce brings a little Southwest kick to the Pacific Northwest.
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