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"DELICIOUS AND CHEAP!!! Here's another one of my favorite cheap spots in Seattle. Cheap but GOOD! I've been coming here since it was called…" read more »
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Pondering what catering option for our wedding would:
A) Taste great
B) Be affordable
C) Be awesome
we finally realized our favorite BBQ joint was all three!
Reservations were laid back, but professional. We went in for a big, delicious, tasting and made some tough choices. For $15.95/person we had cornbread, chicken, hot links, pulled pork, garlic mashed potato, baked beans, salad (w/ nuts & Gorgonzola- incredible!), and mac & cheese. In addition, we rented linens, servers, & bartenders directly from Smokin Pete's.
Everything stood up to being catered & tasted just as delicious on the day of the wedding (& even really good the day after when we finished the left-overs!) People raved about the food & even though it was hard for us to get any food past our smiles, we loved every bite.
On top of the wonderful food, service was perfect. They took care of everything day of without us noticing they were even working. We tried to check in & make sure no one was harassing the staff too much and they just laughed & said everyone was behaving.
One of the owners, Julie, was even present and ran a tight ship. We were touched to find that this was an especially rough day for her as she was at a funeral earlier in the day, yet she didn't let it touch us at all. My mum found out as she is a loyal reader of her blog: http://shesmoke.blogsp.... Julie also mentioned our wedding in the blog & coined the perfect term for our event -"retro travel theme".
Thanks to Julie & pete's, our event could not have been more successful. We will continue to be loyal followers for years to come- thank you thank you!
It's hard to truly mess up BBQ and this place doesn't! I went here with friends on New Year's Eve,… Read more »
I thought that perhaps I would be an anomaly writing a review on what used to be my favorite BBQ place in town, but it looks like many others are tired of the high prices, lack of quality and now rude kitchen staff. Apparently Petes has gotten "too big for it's britches".
I used to tell frends that it is the "place to go" for ribs, but suprisingly, they are out of the very thing that they sell. Tonight at 5:30pm they were out of ribs and were quite rude about it as well as indifferent. I lived in New York City for eight years and expect a little attitude there in the Big City, but not in Ballard.
I don't know else needs to be said. The had me at hello and lost me at "we sold out and that's it".
I actually contacted the owners and quite frankly, she dismissed it as "normal", saying that it is typical that BBQ places run out of food. I lived in New Orleans and San Antonio Texas and don't recall ever seeing them run out of food. Even the small BBQ places in towns like Llano, Texas kept up with the demand.
What has happened with customer service in this country. People think that if you sell a good product, that the way you treat you loyal customers doesn't matter anymore.
I won't be returning to Smokin Petes again, even though when they do have ribs, they are pretty good... again though the quality has suffered a bit and the attitude is just wrong.
The vague nature of a review that simply states, "This place is really gross" wouldn't suffice as a complete restaurant review; therefore, I am obliged to offer some details and hopefully some ideas for the owners. Don't we all want a good BBQ in Ballard? I dream of this, and at times that dream compels me to act in ways that are irrational . . . like continuing to visit Smokin' Pete's hoping for a different outcome. Isn't that the definition of insanity?
Well, I figured the fourth time would be a charm. Ignoring all I know to be true of Smokin' Pete's: dirty tables, greasy and sticky floor (this phenomenon may actually defy the laws of physics), flies (yes, flies), kale floating in fat, uncooked and crunchy beans, ill-prepared meats . . . you get the picture.
Every time I go, I expect this to be different, to walk in those doors and magically be transported somewhere else (RoRo's perhaps?) where the BBQ is tasty, the restaurant is clean, and I leave satiated. I tried again this week, against all odds, and swore that this will be the end of this adventure.
Maybe some comments to assist if you decide to go anyway:
1) Order take out. The dining area has never been clean in any of my previous visits. It's nasty. I shudder to think of the details of their Health Department evaluation . . .
2) The sides are soaked in grease or otherwise disappointing. How do you mess up baked beans? Come on!
3) The brisket is way too fatty.
4) Timbuktu gets more moisture than the chicken; it is dryer than East Mali.
5) I'm thinking the pork is the best option here.
6) Sauce is helpful, but the bottles are sticky and dirty--again with the hygiene!
About halfway through our sad meal, my wife looked over and saw somebody happily eating a pulled pork sandwich. Maybe we are not ordering the best options on the menu! Alas, there is hope for another visit, but most likely, we will drive over to RoRo's.
I'm no BBQ aficionado, but once or twice a month I crave the pulled pork sandwich from Smokin' Petes. This sandwich couldn't be any more basic: good, hearty bread containing a hot-sweet, tangy mass of pork shreds and sauce. The bread contains all that grease and sauce without turning into mush but you'll have to wash your hands and face afterward anyway. There's no getting around the mess. I've also had the ribs on a few occasions -- plenty of meat on the bone permeated with that hot-sweet BBQ tang. Makes my mouth water just to write about it.
I wish the sides were bigger because they're pitch perfect. Dirty rice or beans are my usual choice. I don't question the prices until I think about the sides.
I've read a few complaints about service but they've been sweet as pie to me. The other day the lady came out of the kitchen to ask a guy in line if his German Shepard would like a bone. That was one happy dog.
Ignore the creepy Smokin' Pete's silhouette character, who dances around with tongs in the air. I've never liked that guy. Their Slow Joe pulled pork, however, is moist, smoky, and pig-a-licious! I always grab a side of mac n cheese and the Seattle Greens (the Southern Greens usually have too much vinegar for my liking). The dudes behind the counter are for real. They do meat and they do it well. I've never had dessert there, but the pecan pie always calls to me. And the dog bones they have available? I've considered getting a pup just to feed him such a delicacy.
I am a regular here because I consistently enjoy what I get. This may be because I have found the gems on the menu. It may also be that I really like the music they play, and the staff is consistently friendly and engaging.
Brisket, it isn't just cooked right, it is cut correctly as well. I've been to too many BBQ places where a chef or some knowledgeable cook makes great brisket, and some low paid counter person ruins it under the knife. Petes does a great job with brisket, this alone would get me to return.
Slow Dog sandwich, nice spicy sausage topped with pulled pork, YUM
Southern Greens, well made, flavorful and meaty, the way greens should be.
Ribs, big, meaty bones with meat that comes off easily.
Desserts, some are made in house, some are purchased whole, I've been very happy with their chocolate brownie with the soft center, their pies are consistently fruity with a nice crust.
Mac & Cheese, is one my 7 year old's favorite things to eat. When nothing else will suffice, we can get Pete's M&C and he's happy.
Sauces, I'm a fan of the spicy sauce, love to have some at home for use on home cooked items as well.
Why not 4 stars?
There are some clunkers
The chicken can be good, but is sometimes dry
Beans & rice are both inconsistent. It may depend on how they are cooked, who cooked them, or how long they have been held. When they are right, they are excellent, but I tend not to order them because they are often a bit crunchy.
Cornbread, somewhat dense and leaden, it is unusual for anyone in my family to finish one.
This BBQ joint is the only option for me since that Little joint on greenwood has moved to west Seattle, the meat is delicious and they have a shit load of sides that you can order with you BBQ. the service is great, I just wish that the place could have been a little neat and cleaner though.
In an effort to satisfy my weekly pork quota, I decided to take my father to another potential gem in the Ballard dining scene; Smokin'Pete's BBQ. Claiming to have southern-style "kick ass barbecue in the heart of Ballard," I was intrigued and optimistic we would discover some delicious creations.
If you are unable to find an appealing option at Smokin' Pete's, begin to question your hunger. Their Smokin' Pete's dry rubbed barbecue is available in several fashions; plated with optional sweet potato cornbread or fresh made hushpuppies, stuffed in an Essential Bakery organic baguette with your choice of coleslaw, potato salad, cowboy beans or "dirty rice," or you can opt to take "just the meat." Other appealing items at Smokin' Joe's include a catfish po boy, a slow dog (slow pulled pork topped with a hot link) and the all natural Pete's burger.
In a the mood for the classic combo, we each opted for the "Slow Joe." With a significant amount of Carolina-style pulled pork heaped on the deliciously fresh baguette, I questioned whether the remainder of my afternoon was going to be a bit on the slow side. The meat was extremely tender and its all natural character was apparent. I also enjoyed playing with the trio of sauces (original, hot and Thai) available on the table. Unaware my sandwich would be accompanied by a heap of coleslaw I opted for more as my side. However, I was able to steal some cowboy beans from my father and they were a nice accompaniment.
I am pleased Pete's has chosen to "kick ass" in my neighborhood. I will be sure to revisit and try their other intriguing selections. Perhaps next time I will also wash everything down with one of the alcoholic selections they have on hand. A Red Stripe perhaps?
Pooh.
I had ordered BBQ from here a couple (few?) years back for a corporate function, and couldn't remember if it was good or not. Hubby came home and said he had a coworker who had "discovered" this new BBQ place in Ballard. I told him it was old, but I couldn't remember if it was good, so sure, let's have dinner there.
Rolled in with the three kids in tow, grabbed a menu and stepped out of the way to figure out what we wanted. Quickly realized we needed the family deal (duh) and proceeded to ask the lady at the counter what that came with. She was not exactly thrilled to be answering questions, but gave us the shortest to-the-point answers she could in an effort to make us hurry up and order. We asked if the family deal would be enough for our family, she said there would be lots of leftovers...so we went with it.
When the food came to the table, the side portions were enough for ONE person. Also, we ordered pulled pork and did not get it. I had to ask about our pork, then again about the sides. They had screwed up the portion size, so to make up for it they sent out another small dish (enough for ONE more person) despite the fact we ordered the FAMILY deal to feed our FAMILY (only 4 of us eating as one is an infant).
Ribs - eh, too fatty.
Pulled pork - it was probably the highlight, but where's the bread?? I just got a plate of pork. Now even if it's a slice of white sandwich bread, give me some bread to throw this on!
Links - hubby said they were "ok"
Brisket - bleh
Beans - double bleh, far too bland
Mac & Cheese - probably the best thing there
Cornbread - dry and tasteless, plus two of our pieces were burnt!!
They were extremely slow bussing tables and seemed more focused talking amongst themselves than helping the customers. We spent over $50 and she said we'd have a lot leftover - well we did but not from excess food. From the food not being good and not wanting to eat it.
Big bummer here. Maybe ownership changed in the past few years because I think I would have remembered it not being this good.
I have been three times trying to like this place but it always is horribly bad. Here is why I will not be back;
* Dry, fatty, old tasting meat.
* Poor customer service.
* Expensive for what you get.
* Haven't had a side yet that was any good.
I really wanted to like this place since I love BBQ but it's not worth a fourth try. The only thing that seems to have worked out is the dog bones, my dog loves them.
Ribs here is fat and gristle. Nothing tender, nothing good.
Cornbread...well, I might as well have just eaten some cardboard.
The establishment is sticky and the tables are rarely wiped down. So, I opted to go with takeout. That was good, until I got home and found hair in the food.
The majority of the food is actually made off site and is re-heated locally.
Save yourself the time as go to Famous Daves BBQ or one of the many other authentic BBQ places in the rougher parts of Seattle.
When I first visited Ballard, my friends and I walked all over the place. We could smell Smokin' Pete's BBQ from a block away. I remember just walking through so I could get a "closer smell".
For their housewarming party, they got Smokin' Pete's to go. Ribs, burgers, dogs, and pulled chicken plus lots of sides and salads. They ordered so much there must have been leftovers for days. I only had the pulled chicken, but makes me want to have more. Great stuff.
Why only four stars? Because I'm waiting to add the fifth when I have more.
Perhaps my expectations are too high when it comes to BBQ but I found Petes to be mediocre. The pulled pork sandwich was a bit bland and was needlessly served in a messy aluminum foil wrap that oozed BBQ sauce all over the place. Normally the word "ooze" in a sentence with "BBQ sauce" is a good thing but I did not really care for the sauce. The prices also seemed a bit high, as if Smokin Pete might be smokin' more than just meat.
As an aside, has anyone ever noticed that there are 3 BBQ places on 24th? I count 1) The Viking; 2) Gabriel's Fire and 3) Smokin Petes. In a city with a general dearth of BBQ places, I find that odd...even creepy.
I have been here a few times in the past and i have always loved it. I have heard some bad things but i never found them to be true... until last night. I would have given Smokin' Pete's BBQ four stars before my experience last night but now i had to give only three. I ordered for take out around 8:00pm and when i arrived they were putting my order together. The kid behind the counter was awesome and very engaging and helpful. The service here is always excellent in my experience. There was a new face at the grill though. A younger guy who seemed a little new. I could be wrong. I grabbed my order and went home. The brisket which i have never found too fatty or too dry was riddled with fat. Almost every piece was almost inedible. At least kinda disgusting. Nothing to chew on, just fatty gross grey meat. I ordered the larger size (which is not cheap) and I was probably able to eat about a quarter of it. It may have just been a bad part of the brisket but I feel like an experienced cook would have carved those pieces away. I like fat on my meat. It's kinda necessary, but this was terrible. The cornbread was terrible, but to be honest it has always been awful here. The hushpuppies which are usually a highlight were all still raw in the center, to the point where wet batter leaked out when you bit one. The potato salad which is usually pretty good, although the chunks of potato are usually too big, was not good. Thankfully the southern greens were great. I really enjoy these here. If last night was my only experience i would have written a harsher review and given it one star but since i have had much better from here in the past i will probably be back. I may just see who is in the kitchen first.
hmm. it smelled good outside. they seemed friendly enough. the pulled pork was not bad, but is a pulled pork sandwich always supposed to served on soggy bread? (am not from the south, but I feel like everytime I have had them, it is on soggy bread) I got a few sides, all of which were EXTREMELY bland. perfect for my one year old, but I am not sure that you want to be advertising as such. The Mac and Cheese had no flavor. and the Seattle greens, also had no flavor, and I found part of a twist tie in them. bonus for me! I dont know, I dont think I will be back. sorry guys.
I used to go here for take-out dinner, but eventually stopped after consistently tough and crusty pulled pork. Their sandwiches come wrapped in foil that causes the bread to get completely soggy. So I started ordering the platters. That's when I noticed the meat was crusty. Their cornbread rolls have interesting chunks of sweet potato, but don't ever seem to be cooked right. They also wrap them in frustratingly impossible to remove saran wrap. I never ordered a dessert because of the prices.
When I order large quantities of BBQ for parties, I never order from Smokin' Pete's. I used to order from the Steel Pig on Aurora (now closed), or sometimes from a little joint on 24th Ave that I can't remember the name of right now.
I'm not going to pretend I'm any kind of barbecue expert, but I do know what tastes good, and Smokin' Pete's brisket tastes mighty, mighty good.
Here are the positives:
The meat is tasty, all of it.
The portions are big. We usually get a family style meal with three different kinds of meat and have enough for lunch AND dinner the next day left over.
They have a fabulous selection of beverages.
The service is always great.
Their Spicy BBQ sauce is PERFECT. We buy bottles of it to use on my homemade pork sandwiches and grilled chicken.
They are very child friendly.
The negatives:
They aren't open very late.
The potato salad is the only passable side (my son, who loves the macaroni cheese would disagree), and even that needs a boat-load of salt.
I don't know how they eff up the corn bread as bad as they do, but I think it involves the torture of sweet potatoes.
There is a lot of "self-service" involved. I have two kids, I hate having to get my own silverware and condiments at what is otherwise a sit-down joint.
As far as the fatty meat, I guess some people like that 'cause they always ask if I want the fatty part or something else. I always pass.
I've been thinking about this since I walked out the door. I had the smoked ribs, they were smoked, but they were not fall off the bone tender. They weren't bad, but they weren't good... they were really really salty... My son had the brisket... It too was smoked, but the fat hadn't rendered completely. I thought it needed a few more hours in the smoker. It was edible, but it didn't leave me doing cartwheels on my way out the door. I loved the collard greens. I can still feel the iron coursing through my viens and the spud salad was pretty damn good. What they really need, is to cut way back on the salt in the dry rub! next stop... Gabriels fire! JR
Pete's is a good place for a large portion of beef that's just okay. Now, I'm a bit picky about BBQ and my expectations are very high. I found the brisket to be be a bit too fatty for my expectations and will try the pulled pork next time. The sides are in a big glass case and looked like they were cooked 8 hours ago and the price was a bit steep with $18 for an entree + 2 sides and a root beer.
I'm trying to find BBQ brisket that's as good as I can get when I'm visiting my cousins in Arlington, Texas. So, where can I find a place that has good BBQ with a great mustard sauce, some sliced white bread and a quart of Busch beer?
I'm still lookin.
My bff was craving bbq so I obliged & took him to Smokin' Pete's BBQ in my native Ballard. The people behind the counter were none too friendly, nor was the sticky floor. I should say that I do love bbq and there's nothing I love more than some delicious slow-roasted pulled pork or the like. I had the brisket (which was just slices of meat placed on a baguette-y sort of roll with some sauce on it). My friend had the pulled pork which I think I would have liked more. I'm not one for spicy foods so I found even the original sauce (as opposed to the hot stuff) a bit too hot for my liking. I could only eat about half my sandwich... I think the smell of the place was more alluring than the actual quality of the food. I think I'm going to keep searching for the best bbq in town.. or just make it myself.
The pulled pork sandwich was finger lickin good. Literally. Don't feel embarrassed, BBQ laughs in the face of good manners.
If you eat there for lunch, you'll probably be set for the rest of the day. The portions (including your choice of a side) are large enough you can skip your next meal. Definitely worth $8.
I had the brisket here. I think I got more smoke taste out of the avocado that I fried up with my eggs this morning. The brisket itself wasn't cooked enough. I had the ribs also. I don't know why places in Seattle insist upon spare ribs. There's more bits of grizzle than actual meat and there's little bones all over the place. I'm sure the answer boils down to cost. I'm paying, let me pay a little more for real (baby back) ribs.
I had some of the sides. The pea and bacon salad seemed to have far too much mayo. I shouldn't explode from eating the side dishes. Make something with reduced fat sour cream. It's not difficult. The greens were very greasy and the corn bread wasn't that great.
The place has potential, but until they make some serious changes, I couldn't be bothered.
It's across the street from me, so I get take out from here relatively often. I loooooooove their brisket, either original or hot. The catfish sandwich is also very good. And the barbecue beans aren't bad either. Plus, they put their sandwiches on Essential Bakery baguettes, which I love.
Still, I have to admit, I'm not super crazy about the menu options other than those - the pulled pork's a little bland, the chicken's a little dry... But between the brisket and the friendly service and atmosphere, I've got a big squishy soft spot for them anyway.
Meh. It was ok.
I had the pulled pork sandwich. The meat was dry and seemed like it was left over from the day before. The side of potato salad was all mayo and mustard - NO potatoes. WTF is that about?
I was excited about the sweet potato corn bread. What I got was some crumblin' a$$ corn muffin that tasted it was from last month.
Sorry Ballard. This BBQ is for the birds.
Won't be going back.
I wish the butcher shop was still in that space; at least I could ruin my own meat instead of paying someone to do it for me.
I went to Smokin' Pete's a few times in the first year they were open, and I was frankly shocked as hell to see their banner recently, celebrating four years. Four years of mediocrity! Get out the streamers! I really want to like this place, because it's like two blocks from my house. But, I just can't.
Now that I'm Yelping, I thought it only fair that I return for a new taste before I slammed the place. So, I went back tonight. First, it's Saturday night, and they are out of ribs. OUT OF RIBS? On a SATURDAY NIGHT? Wow, now there's some good advanced planning.
But in all honesty, I am grateful. I not-so-fondly remember those dry-rub ribs (I prefer wet mop). They were dry and chewy, and if you wanted any moistness at all you had to smother them in the "house BBQ sauce," which tasted like tomatoes and vinegar.
So tonight I opted for a hot link and some catfish, with a side of mac and cheese, a side of blackened broccoli, and a piece of "sweet potato cornbread."
The hotlink was fine. It was a link. It was hot.
The mac and cheese was bland, bland, bland, and had obviously been sitting under the heat lamps for quite a while.
The catfish breading was so greasy, thick, and disgusting that I had to peel my fish in order to eat it. And that was pretty easy, considering that the breading fell off in huge chunks. The tartar for the fish tasted like thousand island dressing.
Sweet potato cornbread? Why for chrissakes can't people leave well enough alone? I either want a sweet potato or a piece of cornbread. But I digress. In this particular case that hint of sweet potato didn't help my little hockey puck, which was also flavorless and dry.
This I will say for Smokin' Pete's: I have always loved the blackened broccoli, and it was just as good as I remembered it.
Now, for their "to go" service. It isn't a big place, and it's smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood; think they get a lot of to go orders? They sure do, but you'd think I was the first one. Every time I've ordered the food to go, and it takes fifteen minutes to get my order together. After four years they don't have that down-pat?
I really wish there was a half-star rating.
Sure, you may end up paying $11 for a sandwich and a tiny side of potato salad, but there was enough brisket on that thing to feed three people.
I've only had one experience here that wasn't good and it was just b/c there was too much fat on my meat. The service has always been friendly, not necessarily fast, but this ain't fast food. My friends have complained about the sweet tea tasting odd on several occasions, but I wouldn't know first hand.
All I know is they have some tasty greens and when I get a hankerin' for meat, Pete's satisfies. (that sounds wrong, but I think you know what I mean)
Pretty good barbecue. It kind of depends on what you order as some things are clearly better than others. The Slow Dog sandwich is wonderful, as is the brisket and pulled pork. For sides I usually go with the mac & cheese which I cover in bbq sauce (sounds odd but it's good, try it), and the blackened broccoli is both green and delicious. As an added bonus, you can get a Pabst tall boy for $2, what a deal!
When I moved back to Seattle I really wanted to find a BBQ place I could commit to, a BBQ place that I could trust and count on, a BBQ place that I could grow old with. After reading the Yelp reviews I decided that Smokin' Pete's was the one for me.
I'm sorry Smokin' Pete's, but I think we should see other establishments. I just don't think I'm ready for a commitment of this nature so soon. I need to try other BBQ places, just so I can be sure that you are the one for me.
So far I've tried the brisket and it was fatty and not all that tender, I'm looking for someone who has more tender brisket. Your ribs, while flavorful, are kinda tough, and quite frankly, not all that. The sides were ok, even if the mac n' cheese was a little flavorless, and you did have that sweet sweet rhubard crisp, so I guess that will keep me coming back for more.
And, there is another thing, you are kind of cold. I know we are in a cold snap right now, but everyone in the joint was wearing their jackets and some were even wearing hats. Would it kill you to be a little warmer?
Oh, there there, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. It's not you, it's me. You see I lived in TX for a while and was spoiled by good BBQ. I'm sure you are the best that is offered in WA state, but like I said I need to see other BBQ places to be sure.
I hope we can remain friends.
After having hit it up Smokin' Pete's a good 3 days every week during my house hunting last summer in Ballard, I was kind of over this place. But going back there on Sunday reminded me why I had once been so very fond of it. It was like falling in love all over again. The food was G-O-O-D. Sure it can be greasy at times, but c'mon, it's bbq.
The only sin I won't forgive them for, and the reason they're not getting 5 stars can be summed up in four words, FATTY BRISKET and TASTELESS CORNBREAD. I can forgive them for a fatty brisket once or twice but after that I realized it's simply not worth the gamble of ordering it anymore. The brisket didn't use to be fatty and perhaps I just had a few bad cuts, but when it is...gross. The cornbread I just don't get. It isn't that difficult to make good cornbread so I'm not sure what's up. Pete, why does your cornbread taste like a brick?
Ah well, no one excels at everything. What they lack in the cornbread department they more than make up for in so many other great sides...mac n cheese, blacken broccoli, homemade potato salad, dirty rice, baked beans. I could go on and on.
Not to mention the cheerful Andy Warhol look-a-like who's working the front counter most days. He's always so pleasant and helpful that just thinking about him brings a smile to my face. Plus, the chicken salad sandwich with pecans on sourdough? GOOD!
Don't get me started on desserts. Molten lava chocolate cake, fresh baked pies, homemade brownies to write home about. This place will make you fat. But at least you'll die happy.
Smokin' Pete must be smoking some good stuff to conjure up some damn delicious BBQ.
Yet another firm believer that this place serves the best Dry-Rub BBQ in town. I need to stop dining-in here to save other patrons from seeing my "O' face whenever I have the brisket sandwich; which features the most tender, juicy, semi-fatty, slices of beef on a delicious roll. Throw in a side of Mac-n-Cheese or some Southern Greens, OMGWTFBBQ!
The Catfish and Smoked Duck (both not too greasy/fatty) are also amazing. Its like an orgy for your stomach. They also got smoked BBQ bones for your dog to get in on the action too. *get your mind out of the gutter and into Smokin' Pete's!*
Skip it. There are plenty of other good options in Ballard and nearby. Food is below average (tried the pulled pork and brisket). Beer in plastic cups - you got to be kidding me.
Love this place. LOVE IT!
It literally is SMOKIN! You cant beat it, well - yeah maybe some Southerner out there can tell me why it ISN'T the best, but as far as this PacNW reviewer is concerned, its top notch!
The Sloe Joe Pulled Pork sandwich is perfect! The Brisket is good, but I'm not the biggest fan so I cant say for sure. Get the potato salad on the side, beans or cole slaw, all good! They even have fresh baked home-made pie's, amazing! And for those late work night blues, head home and stop off to grab a whole smoked chicken or some of their HUGE ribs to go. They also have a slew of awesome sauces to try!
Oh also, beer on tap! That's the cherry on top - SOLD - you win Pete!
I'm not really much of a BBQ fiend or Southern; however, I wanted to try out Smokin' Pete's BBQ because it's located in my neighborhood.
Smokin' Petes has a few metal chairs and small tables outside, so you can bask in the sunlight if you so please. The inside has a wonderful smoky smell. It smells like the lazy days of summer!
The service was prompt and friendly and the atmosphere was airy and low key. The tables had ornate bottoms that reminded me of an old English lamp post. There are big windows all around so you can stare out into residential Ballard and daydream as you chow down on your meaty meal and sip your cold brew-ski.
I ordered the BBQ Chicken Plate ($6.95), along with a cold Fat Tire to wash it all down.
The piece of chicken I received was small and mostly bone. It didn't come slathered in BBQ sauce as I envisioned.
They had four different sauces in squirt bottles on every table. The sauce flavors included: Original BBQ, Hot, Carolina Sour, and Thai Sweet and Sour.
I ripped off and devoured the flavorful chicken skin first, and then I proceeded to squirt each sauce on different parts of the tender white meat. I ended up liking the Thai Sweet and Sour sauce the most.
It was tasty, but really no different than baked chicken. I expected it to be marinated in deep, smoky flavor and drenched in tasty BBQ sauce. I wanted my face to be dripping with juice and sauce! My BBQ chicken was so clean and dainty, basically it was a "metro-sexual" yellow belly!
The BBQ Chicken plate comes along with your choice of slaw, potato salad, cowboy beans or dirty rice and cornbread.
Unfortunately, I chose the cowboy beans. If I ever go back again I'll try the potato salad instead.
Once again I had a unrealistic vision dancing in my head. I imagined the bake beans to turn out the way my mother used to make them. Cooked overnight in a Slow cooker in a tomato, sweet molasses and brown sugar base with huge hunks of bacon...Mmm.
In reality, my cowboy beans were incredibly masculine in flavor.
Robust, dark brown, excessively smoky and woodsy. I felt like burly cowboy with a chest covered in wild, thick hair as I bit into the bold beans (I'm a dainty female!) .
It was like eating beans drizzled in liquid smoke with bits of burnt log thrown in.
The Cornbread was nothing to write home about. I think I prefer the Jiffy brand muffins I can quickly bake at home!
Needless to say, the BBQ was pretty mediocre, but I may give it another try before I completely dismiss the restaurant.
They had a deli case full of hunger inducing food. Homemade type cupcakes slathered in thick chocolate icing and chunky potato salad! I didn't get to sample everything, so I'm not going to be so quick to judge.
If I come in again I'll try the chicken salad sandwich instead of the actual BBQ.
I tried the BBQ chicken plate and it was very tasty - the meat was smoked to perfection & rubbed with goodness. The accompanying sauce was spot-on.
Unfortunately the meat portion was small... Too small to pay that much ($6.95), really. I chose the Seattle greens as my side and they were far too greasy and too overcooked for my liking. I don't recommend them. I gave the cornbread to my boyfriend so I can't comment on that.
On the plus side the unsweetened ice tea was surprisingly good. This is a big one for me because I'm cutting back on sugar and I love love love tea.
The place was nice 'n cool inside despite the 96 degree heat and the staff were friendly. Seating area was spacious.
I'll probably come back and try something else to see if there's anything better. I'll let you know if I do.
**** Edited 8/07
Minus one Star!
I tried the pulled pork and although the taste was there, so were big bite-sized globs of fat. Yuck. C'mon guys, trim the meat properly. Getting a huge bite of that nastiness is not in any way tasty or healthful.
Also what the heck is all this being out of everything business? I understand stuff sells out, but if there are more than 2 things out at the same time maybe you could tell me what they were BEFORE I try to order them - especially when I'm the only one in the place.
As a professed meat-lover, I can't believe I've lived in Ballard 4 years and never been here. Got the pulled pork and 3 sides to share tonight. Blue cheese and macaroni with crumbled cornbread push another star on. Bringing back all my friends next time.
Man, I really wanted BBQ today. Pete's is very close to me, a few blocks away, open till 9pm on a Sunday night, so I went ahead. I had been there a couple years ago when they first opened, and thought it was pretty good. Unfortunately tonight's meal was so-so, especially since I spent $20. Got brisket (fatty, not "falling apart" like it should", and pulled pork (sorta dry), greens, cowboy beans (not thoroughly cooked) and cole slaw (too much mayo). Enough meat to save some for tomorrow, so almost two meals worth at least. The "hot" bbq sauce on the side was not hot at all. I'm full, but disappointed. Probably won't go there again any time soon. I'd rather drive all the way to Georgetown to Pig Iron BBQ which is also expensive but EXCELLENT. I wanna love Pete's, but I don't. Dang.
Gross.
We've driven past this place plenty of times, usually with a dinner plan already in mind. One day a few weeks ago, we drove by around dinner time with no other plans and decided it was time to try this place out. Boy, was I underwhelmed.
Now, I may not be the most "qualified" person to rate BBQ - I'm not from the South (though I did live there for a bit as a child) and would usually much rather eat raw fish than grilled meat.
I ordered the Slow Joe Pork Sandwich, which the menu proclaims is slathered in sauce and you have your choice of Original or Hot Sauce. I ordered it hot and I also asked for a glass of water. My request for water was taken as a request for bottled water, which is understandable. I'm apparently one of those strange people who still drink water from the tap. My sandwich however, wow, it was....not good.
All sandwiches are served on baguettes from Essential Bakery. While this is supposed to be a good thing (and at a sandwich shop, it would be great!), it was one of the main reasons for my distaste towards my sandwich. Here's the thing, IMHO a pulled pork sandwich is supposed to be messy, like I need several Wet Naps or a warm washcloth messy. This sandwich on this bread, was the cleanest pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. The bread was way too hearty for this sandwich.
Additionally, they had not "slathered" on the sauce as the menu promised. And the sauce was not Hot (spicy, not temp).
My third main issue with my sandwich was the meat. It was not tasty at all. I don't know why this was, but it was just not very good.
On the plus side, the side I had ordered with my meal, the potato salad, was tasty.
My meal wasn't that expensive, about $8, but considering I wanted to be sick after the fact, I wouldn't call that a screamin' deal.
So, 2-stars for not crappy counter service and good potato salad. Oh, and they gave me a chilled pint glass to drink my tap water from. Sorry Pete, but I won't be returning here anytime soon on purpose.
Pretty good BBQ overall, but portions could be bigger and meat is sometimes fatty.
I have ordered take-out twice and I definitely enjoyed the meals, but I feel it was a bit overpriced. I always order the brisket which is quite tasty and fairly lean. They also have a great selection of side dishes, I recommend the greens.
Q: What is the worst thing about Smokin' Petes?
A: Their logo and sign; Is that a KOKOPELLI? I don't get it.
Better than I expected, but Seattle bbq still has a ways to go.
I'm from the South and spent a lot of time in the Kansas City area so I've had plenty of good barbecue. After several terrible experiences with bbq places here in the NW, I am slowly giving up hope. Looks like i'm going to have to invest in a nice grill.
Smokin' Pete's would probably get a 1 or 2 rating if it were in KC or in the south, but I'm giving a 3 for the Pacific Northwest, because, well, the BBQ here just isn't that good.
The ribs I got here were, to my surprise, pretty good but could have been more tender. The sauces here just completely miss the mark for me. The cornbread is just blah.
The servers were pretty nice and I did like the laid back nature of the restaurant. Given that it's close by I will probably even head back. Pete's has potential, but needs to step up the flavor a bit to really be the best bbq in Seattle.
Okay people let's be realistic this is Seattle and Seattle and BBQ don't mix well. That said as a southerner with a long line of BBQ geniuses in my family this food is decent. I get takeout here when I want something that reminds me of back home. They have sweet tea and while yes their brisket tends to be fatty and okay so their cornbread is like bricks they do have a few gems here. Plus I have yet to have a Seattle BBQ joint blow my socks off. Going to try a place called Dixies though.
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