Craving authentic Southern barbecue in Seattle? Look no further than Ballard, where Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ is serving up smoky flavors and hearty portions. While Seattle might be better known for its coffee and seafood, the desire for genuine Southern comfort food is universal. In my quest to find the best Southern cuisine in the city, Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ definitely stands out as a strong contender, offering a taste of the South right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Navigating the menu at Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ is an adventure in itself, especially for those who appreciate a good variety of sides. My personal challenge at any BBQ joint is always wanting to sample everything! Smokin’ Pete’s understands this dilemma, offering a range of options to customize your meal. During my visit, I found myself spending a considerable amount of time strategizing how to maximize my side selections without breaking the bank – a testament to the tempting array of choices available.
The ordering process at Smokin’ Pete’s is straightforward and efficient. You place your order at the counter, and then take a seat. Before long, your food is brought directly to your table, hot and ready to enjoy. This casual, no-fuss service style perfectly complements the hearty, down-to-earth nature of barbecue.
On this particular visit to Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ, I opted for their classic Pulled Pork Sandwich, accompanied by a side of creamy Coleslaw. However, knowing my own love for Southern sides, I couldn’t resist adding an extra order of their Mac and Cheese. It’s almost a mandatory side dish when exploring Southern food, isn’t it?
One of the standout items at Smokin’ Pete’s is their Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffin. While my personal quest for the ultimate honey butter continues (more on that in future reviews!), the cornbread muffin itself was undeniably delicious – and importantly, moist. This is a key detail, as dry cornbread is a major disappointment. Smokin’ Pete’s version strikes the right balance of sweetness and texture, making it a delightful accompaniment to the smoky barbecue.
Speaking of sides, the Mac and Cheese at Smokin’ Pete’s was genuinely superb. It delivered that creamy, cheesy comfort that you expect from good Southern mac and cheese. The Coleslaw, while not the most groundbreaking dish, was a solid and refreshing side, providing a nice counterpoint to the richness of the pulled pork and mac and cheese. Sometimes, you just need a classic coleslaw to complete the BBQ experience, and Smokin’ Pete’s delivers a good version.
The star of the show, the Pulled Pork Sandwich, boasted a wonderful smoky flavor. The pork itself was tender and flavorful, clearly having been given the low and slow treatment that is essential for great barbecue. While I wasn’t completely blown away – perhaps my expectations were a bit too high given the hype – the pulled pork was definitely enjoyable and satisfying. It’s a testament to the quality of Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ that even without being “wowed,” the food was still significantly better than many other barbecue options out there.
Compared to another Southern food spot I recently tried, Casper’s in Shoreline, Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ is a clear step up in terms of food quality and overall experience. While Casper’s had some interesting quirks and a promising pulled pork, the inconsistent sides and service didn’t quite hit the mark. Smokin’ Pete’s, on the other hand, delivers a more consistently satisfying Southern BBQ experience.
Final Verdict
Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ in Ballard is a solid choice for anyone in Seattle seeking authentic Southern comfort food. From the flavorful pulled pork to the delicious mac and cheese and sweet potato cornbread, they offer a menu of BBQ classics done right. While it might not be the absolute best BBQ I’ve ever had, it’s definitely among the top contenders in Seattle and a place I would happily recommend and return to. If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood and craving barbecue, Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ is worth checking out for a taste of Southern hospitality and flavor.
Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ
1918 Northwest 65th Street
Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 783-0454
