Bitterroot BBQ
| Address: | 5239 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA |
| Phone: | +1 206-588-1577 |
| Site: | bitterrootbbq.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
BA
Barb Morgen
Walking into Bitterroot makes you feel like youve stumbled onto something kind of exciting -- hipster BBQ and whiskey? Is Johnny Depp at the bar? You wont wait long to find out, because you will likely be sent there soon after arrival, as the entire establishment only seats 20 in the dining room (no kidding. I think my own dining room actually seats more), creating a Studio 54 "velvet rope" situation, with a constant line of people at the door. Although, like the iconic nightclub from the boomer-era, the line may create more hype than the experience merits. Chain link fence covers every side window, and an entire wall. The "plates" are tin rectangles -- reminiscent of Johnny Cashs last visit to Folsom. But somehow, mixed with the smoke (on the BBQ), the mirrors (to make the tiny place look bigger), one wall covered in wood -- (is that cedar?) and a cord 10 feet above diners heads, Bitterroots holistic-urban prison "look" actually seems cool. Pass through the dining room to the back bar, and enter the retro-speakeasy that time forgot. The bartender knows your name (or acts like it, God bless him) and has some creative whiskey cocktails to offer -- I recommend the Backyard Lemonaide -- a concoction of slow and low whiskey, moonshine honey and lemon that really is a treat. Theres a good reason to stick to tasty cocktails -- if you take a look at the whiskey list, youll see a lot of American stuff -- but not really the "good" stuff, and disappointingly -- the same goes for the food. Memorable names for meals that people can brag about on social media, and long after they get back home -- like the Cowboy Killer (1/2 chicken, brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, 3 sides), smoked jalapeno hushpuppies (best hushpuppy Ive ever had -- crisp, light, fluffy, and a little bit of heat), the smoked pork shank *dinner only (same taste as the one you got to go at the renaissance faire last summer), house-made hot link (tastes like Whole Foods - more like a "grill" experience than BBQ), and sandwiches served on a Tall Grass Bakery pretzel rolls. Sides are very hit-or-miss -- the cast iron cornbread with honey butter may actually be worth waiting in line for -- or, perhaps they should make a side business out of delivering this via drone. (Id even sign up for Prime, if they offered this!). The braised greens were in a word, inedible - the overpowering vinegar drowned any other flavor or texture you might have enjoyed from them. One surprising joy was the house-made Carolina mustard -- all at once, sweet, sour and tangy - this is a winner and yet another drone-delivery product suggestion. Service was very quick and friendly, far above the local standard for less than a 5 star restaurant -- kudos to the general manager and the entire service staff for that. When you go above and beyond in service, it does make a difference in the experience -- and lets face it, customers are buying the food AND the experience. So, whats the verdict? If youve never left the PNW, then you will love Bitterroot -- theres not a lot of BBQ in this area memorable enough to compete with the food, and none that compete with the experience. However, if youre a true foodie, or if you happen to be from Texas, or even Kansas City, and are hoping for a taste of home -- youd be much better off firing up your own grill and calling granny for her recipe. That said, you should still head over to Bitterroot for the creative whisky cocktails, hush puppies and corn bread - its still a great date night, a place for a drink with a friend, that is, if you can get in past the line at the door.
JO
John Combellick
Came mid day on Sunday. Front was full, but ample seating at bar. Service was outstanding. On point and attentive. Beers were well chosen, and they had a varied selection. Sauces left me wanting. The mild one was too sweet and the hot wasnt too hot but vinegar came through a lot. I found a great mix of 1 part hot and 2 parts mild. Ribs were great. Absolutely great. Corn bread was salty and dryer than I normally like. BUT. Somehow it came together with the ribs and sauces to be exactly the right corn bread recipe. I really enjoyed it by the end of my meal. It was also cooked perfectly, despite not being to my taste when by itself. Baked beans were the only weak point. Depth of flavor was not there. They tasted like a weak simple syrup. Also, the beans had tough skin. They were like when you occasionally get an apple with tough skin. Resulted in a chewy experience. Not unpalatable. Just disappointing. Overall, an experience I am satisfied with. And they did several things very well. Edit: also! The table trays were great! They had toothpicks, wet wipes, extra napkins, and all the sauces. So often toothpicks and wet wipes are missing, but oh so crucial for bbq.
JE
Jerica Sifuentes
Hubs and I went for brunch before hitting the farmers market - seated right away and the waitress was very nice. So nice that we didnt have the hear to tell her that both of our meals were pretty substandard. I had the greens, eggs, and "cheesy" grits, and he had the biscuits and gravy. The eggs were great on both plates, but where my meal was extra bland (couldnt make out the cheese in the grits) his gravy was so over seasoned, it was barely edible. I did sample each of the bbq sauces, and the only one I found good was the chipotle bbq. The bloody mary was very good though, Id go back for one of those for sure - amazing bacon! May give this place another shot, for lunch or dinner though.
MI
Michael Szabo
First time here and I can only review the drinks. There is a back door into a small whiskey bar that was pretty neat. The bartender knew his drinks and was welcoming and unpretentious as some crafty bartenders can be. I had the vanilla bean (they make their own vanilla bean simple syrup) old fashioned and it was yummy. A little on the sweet side but still good. I also tried the house fireballesque whiskey. This was super sweet and syrupy. I probably wouldnt order it again. It was more of a sipping liquor than a shot. I want to come back and try the food and give a more detailed review. But if youre looking for a hidden gem bar, I would go around the back and head into the bar area.
CA
Cartier Rowlette
My son recommend this eatry to me. Tonight I went for my birthday, and let me say, service was on point. I had the ribs with potatoe salad, pan fried corn bread & I ordered the Mac n cheese with bacon to go for lunch tomorrow. Ill will be coming back to Bitter root in the future!!! Great Food!! Ordered the cowboy killer last night for take out. Was very disappointed in the portions of food we received. Not enough potato salad to feed a family of 5. Less meat also, needs to be upgraded if youre spending that amount of money.
KA
Karen Bryan
Bitterroot BBQ catered our sons high school sports banquet tonight. They did an outstanding job! The food (pulled pork, pretzel buns, smoked chicken, beans and mac & cheese) was absolutely delicious---we got so many compliments---and plentiful; they were very generous with their portions. We had leftovers, even with all those teenage boys. Bernadette delivered on time as promised. It couldnt have been easier. I have hired a lot of caterers over the last several years, and I give Bitterroot BBQ my highest recommendation.
