All I can say, is come see for yourself. I almost didn't try this establishment, because of the mixed reviews, and I am so glad that I went to see for myself! The brisket is on point and their smoked mac and cheese rocks! What makes it really good though, is the sauce. It is unlike any I've ever had before, and that says a lot! Also, the employees are nice, and helpful. I was there the other day, ordering my usual items, and the man working the register pointed out that one of my items was on special and I could get it cheaper and better. A lot of places wouldn't point that out to you. So, overall, I recommend this establishment, and guarantee you won't be disappointed! read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - Moist and juicy brisket! - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

This place is amazing. After getting a craving for Barbecue, I gave this place a try. The food was delicious and the service was quick. I got a Brisket Sandwich, which was awesome. Each table has several different bottles of sauce, some sweet, some spicy. The Ambiance is very Texas BBQ. read more

I wanted to love this place because the service was nice The chicken tasted rotten, smelled horrendous, and the brisket was so dry and under-seasoned. The Ambiance gives Texas vibes though! read more

Fall of the bone ribs! Tender brisket. My dad approves even with his dentures!!! Impressed with the quality! Be careful of the triple x bbq sauce super spicy but burns so good!! read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - Two meats and one side: ribs, brisket and collard greens - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

See all

I finally tried this place today for lunch and was not disappointed. I had a combo plate of brisket, hot links (not spicy) and ribs. I picked collard greens and Mac&cheese for sides. The brisket was actually very good and even moist. The hot link was pretty dry and didn't have a lot of flavor on its own. The ribs were perfect. They have a large selection of sauces and the waiter took time and explained them all. The one with a vinegar base is delicious on the greens by the way. The Mac & cheese was kind of dry. I'll definitely go back. read more

Absolutely terrible. Don't order the chicken. Hope it wasn't rotten but tasted like it was. Flat out worst bbq ever had. Ribs was dry, coleslaw tasted spoiled. Service was fast. No one was at the restaurant. read more

Stopped by Carolina Smoke on a whim while heading back up to Mill Creek from Bothell today. I had been there many times before, but not since the Country Village location. Damn, I've been missing out! It was noon and a few people were ahead of me in line. The owner himself was working the front counter. He clearly has his following, as he already knew the people in line and what they were going to order. That, coupled with tributes to our local firefighters and military on the walls made It a real community vibe and was so nice to see. It feels good support a small business, especially knowing that they care about and give back to their community. I ordered two Beef Brisket Sandwiches to go. You never know what you're going to get when you order to go, especially something like a BBQ sandwich - Is it going to be a sloppy mess tossed all over the inside of the box? Nope. Not here! Everything was so thoughtfully packaged with the BBQ sauce on the side. Containers that actually snap closed instead of nasty styrofoam. What really surprised me was the amount of meat they piled on top, though! They did NOT skimp. It was high quality and smoked to perfection. The saucing (I chose Burning B) had wonderful flavor. It was nice and spicy (I like spicy) so go for a milder choice if that's not your thing. Very delicious. The slightly sweet bun that it is all served on is the perfect compliment to the smoke and the heat. The potato salad and coleslaw were fresh and tasty, too. No complaints about anything whatsoever. I'm so glad Carolina Smoke decided to reopen. My only regret is not going back sooner but I won't let that mistake happen again! read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - Beef Brisket Sandwich to go - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

We loved our visit and we had the whole restaurant to ourselves since it was a little after lunch. We had half rack rib, and two meats and two sides meal. Overall, we loved everything and demolished both plates. In order of what we loved the most for the meats: ribs (nice and tender), pulled pork, and brisket (some pieces were dry). We loved the Mac and cheese - the burned layer on top was delicious! The baked beans were perfectly sweet and our favorite of all the different bbq joints we've been to. The sauces were yummy. We mainly had three out of the 5 options open. The fountain drink option are a a bonus - yummy flavored drinks. Lastly, the corn bread with warm butter and hot honey was also SUPER YUMMY! We'll be back. read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Amazing food and service from Jim and his crew for our daughter's wedding. Brisket and BBQ sauce is to die for. Recommend 100%.

I've had Texas Barbecue in the heart of Texas and trying to get that in Seattle has been a challenge. I've tried a few places and couple of them are good. But Carolina Smoke is at a different level. Before getting into what I liked about the food just know that you need to come try it for yourself. It is that good. It is easily the best barbecue place in the Puget Sound. I had the three meat platter with chicken, pulled pork, and brisket, I had potato salad and cornbread on the side. The chicken was tender and juicy. The brisket was easily fall off the bone, and the pulled pork was awesome. As in most barbecue places, it's the sauces that will make her break a place and I tried two of them. Both were incredible. The sweet apple butter, which is the non-hot barbecue sauce and the burnin' B were tasty and added different flavors to the meat. There are other sauces but I found my sweet spot. About the Potato Salad- the best I've eaten. The mix of relish in the salad was not too overpowering and they nailed it. This is a quick serve restaurant, but the staff was friendly and helped a newbie like me get some great food. Honestly, it's worth the trip to Bothell to try this place. I will be bringing my family and friends this summer for sure. read more

We had the rib special for the last Seahawks game..it was Pork ribs and two sides. The food was delicious and the homemade BBQ Sauce were perfect to add the heat.Thanknyou for the meaty and tasty food. read more

We came in a group of 21 and they were all super nice and attentive and patience. We really enjoyed the feeling of this place since it's very homey and friendly read more

Super delicious brisket cooked to perfection and the hot link is flavorful! The honey mustard sauce has a nice tang and sweetness to it, which went really well with everything. The mac and cheese is creamy and buttery, hits the spot! The interior is calming and welcoming, love the cute view of some grass dotted with wildflowers out the windows. Staff service is pleasant and food came out quick because I went right when they opened to ensure I could try something that wasn't sold out on their menu--and it's nice that they put all the signs explaining the price hike. It's unfortunate that they have to do that, but it's a sign of the times and a nice heads-up for why their Mac and cheese could cost more than 3.50$, and I appreciate their transparency. Overall delicious meal with a smoky southern flavor and I would definitely come back to try their ribs next time! read more

See all

The pork ribs were excellent! They have a very light, crispy crust and are very tender! Delish! The sides I chose were, sadly, not great. The collards had absolutely no flavor, and the potato salad needed something... I should've had the mac 'n cheese? Tho, like I said, I did love the ribs - yum!! read more

My family has eaten here a number of times and bought BBQ for parties. We've never had a bad experience, the food is good and everyone treated us well. Like a lot of BBQ places, the sides aren't outstanding but the meat is top shelf. read more

I hate having to write reviews like this. I just came in today and didn't have a good experience. Their food is fine but the older guy (owner?) was very unpleasant. I'm on keto so I had to ask a couple of questions, but he seemed unhappy to help. When I went to run my card I didn't notice it required a signature. He let out a very big sigh and signed it for me. I apologized. Listen, maybe you were having a bad day. I'm sorry that's happening to you. But I'm there trying to help sustain your business. I'm not demanding and I'm always friendly. And I definitely didn't deserve the attitude Sorry but I won't be returning. read more

This was the absolute worst BBQ I have ever had. I ordered 2 2-meat platters (ribs and pulled pork), pulled pork sandwich, cornbread, potato salad and mac n' cheese. $104 after tax. The ribs: I don't know what they are doing with these ribs, but I don't think they are seasoned nor smoked. When I picked one up, they were grey with no smoke ring and no bark at all. While I was examining the rib, it gave off a very off putting odor, it was nasty. Also, for a 'half-rack' of ribs this place only gives you 4 bones...pretty sure a half rack should be anywhere from 5-7 ribs and they also charge you a surcharge of $1.50 per platter. When I asked about this, the very unpleasant employee told me it was because they didn't raise the price of the platter when the pork prices was higher. Cornbread: I gave this to my 11 year old kid and asked him about it later and he said he didn't know it was even cornbread, he thought it was just a dry dinner roll. Potato Salad and Mac 'n Cheese: Nothing to these dishes at all. Average at best, nothing special at all. Pulled pork: The only saving grace for this restaurant was the pulled pork. It was good - had some bark and taste decent. I inquired about the "Sold Out" desserts and the employee that I was bothering with my business, told me that they aren't sold out, they just "don't have time to make them." Which was weird, because I was there at 1:00pm on a Friday and I was the literal only customer. This guy, this employee, needs to go find a new job. He was borderline rude, zero customer service skills, I was definitely bothering him by ordering food and spending $100+ at this place. Do not go to this restaurant if you are wanting average BBQ because they can't even do the basics that well. The cost, the piss-poor service and the bad quality is disappointing to say the least. Unless the owner fires his current staff and brings smoked BBQ meats back to the forefront of his business, I don't see how this place will survive. Avoid going here! read more

Wooooo hooooo!!!! When the Country Village shut down and all the businesses had to leave, we thought Carolina Smoke was gone for good and we were heart broken to lose our favorite BBQ restaurant!! Little did I know that they relocated here shortly after!! I accidentally discovered it the other day. Just as amazing as it was 4 years ago!! Simply stated, THE BEST BBQ you will have in the entire Seattle area!! We gave tried countless places since BBQ is my husband's favorite food and none of them compare to this in terms of meat quality, the tenderness and how good the sauces are. You know smoked/BBQ meat is good when its good even WITHOUT the sauce All the sauces are gluten-free and delicious. The sandwiches are very good and they are very generous with the amount of meat they include in them. All of the entrées sized meats are very generous as well. They have you put on whatever sauce you want so it's just how you like it. The potato salad is very good, but the coleslaw is just OK. There is a lot of outside seating Inside is clean and has a nice BBQ atmosphere with picnic tables and Seahawks pictures. The service is good You will love the food and then be back for more!! Be sure to support this small business! read more

See all

Well....i love BBQ but I won't go back here. Meats were fatty and my husband was sick all night from eating the brisket. I could not finish my chicken because it was not good. The beans and corn bread were good though. read more

I'm going to give it 3 stars because we had good service, but the food to value ratio was just not there, maybe 2.5 at best. We got there late in the day and the guy at the counter tried to sell us beef ribs even though we wanted spare ribs. They were about to close and he was trying to get rid of them. I asked if they're a special price and he said they're cheaper than pork, which I assumed meant he was giving us a deal, but I later found out they're always cheaper than the pork. They were ok but I really wish we'd gotten the pork ribs instead. The sausage was really good though, but I think it was 6 or 8 dollars, seemed pretty high for the size of it. But the taste was amazing. The hot sauces we got with it were also really good. We got a couple sides and a dessert but nothing really stuck out much. Again, later in the day so maybe it just didn't taste super fresh, but for the price you're paying I expected better. Doesn't help that we just had barbecue down in Austin this spring that was half the price and twice as good! This is our second time here and it's the price that's kept us from coming back more. Two people shouldn't be spending nearly $80 bucks for barbecue in my opinion. I know it's labor intensive but I feel like I'm the one that got roasted! read more

Pretty cool bbq place. We got the daily special which was the prime rib sandwich which comes with Anjou and fries for +$3. The meat was a bit cold but the sandwich was tasty and it was a ton of food. We had this for late lunch and couldn't eat anything more till noon the next day! The brisket sandwich is a must! It was so tasty, That alone is 5 stars and we got it with Mac and cheese which was also good. We also tried some interesting ciders. read more

See all

Excellent service. Ordered three meats and they were all moist and flavorful. Enjoyed the pork, beef brisket, and chicken.

I've been here. Couple of times now. The staff is always wonderful and the owner a Marine I've tried their pulled pork, brisket, and most recently the pork ribs that were on special. A group of 4 of us shared a rack of ribs with a couple sides. The broccoli salad was a nice spin on traditional slaw and the cornbread with honey butter is always a must. We also got the Mac and cheese which was so cheesy and creamy, mmmm! I think it's also worth mentioning that their water was excellent for whatever reason the fountain water is so crisp and refreshing. Tastes like absolutely nothing just as water should. You know, sometimes water can have a weird taste, but not here! Get yourself a beer and don't forget the side of water. If you're in the mood for BBQ, or even if you're not, this is a must try! They cater and have indoor and outdoor seating available. They also had speakers outside for some tunes while you enjoy. read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Came here because we were next door and hungry so we decided to stop by. Staff was super friendly, including a gentleman we think was the chef/owner. Prices listed were decent, but couldn't figure out why 1 sandwich with a side, one 2 meat combo with a side, a beer and a cider came out to $90 with tip. Like that's outrageously overpriced. But whatever, inflation I guess. We sat at a table and food came in a decent amount of time. Bottles of bbq sauce on the tables were appreciated and we enjoyed tasting the variety available. We especially loved the really really spicy one made with ghost pepper. Good job! Aside from that, the place was a little unkempt. Messy, cluttered, not very clean. The storage room next to the bathroom (door open for all to see) was off putting with all the clutter and mess. The whole place in general had potential, but overall kind of dirty. The bbq sauce bottles on the tables were caked with goopy sauce all over them. It's clear that no one bothers to clean them on a regular basis. The place wasn't disgusting. But it certainly was not clean. Brisket was a bit tough. Not sure if it needed longer to cook or if the staff cut it with the grain. Sausage was not good. Mac was decent. Beans were actually really good. Loved the spicy sauce and bought a bottle to go. Would I come back. Probably not. read more

The BBQ ribs were very very dry and just tasted like a warming tray. The brisket was very tough and dry. Both of our dinners were bland and had no flavor of meat or seasoning. We felt like the food was not freshly smoked, the coleslaw was definitely old and the taste was that of a refrigerator. The beans were fresh out of the can with some added meat and some sugar sauce. The service was lousy the owner was more involved in chatting with other employees and nobody checked in with us to see how our food was. No customer service. The restaurant was clean and the restrooms were kind of clean. No paper towels and no hand soap. We will not return to eat here again, there are many choices for BBQ and I recommend you look for better BBQ, you will probably be disappointed eating here. We will not recommend to our friends or family. read more

I really, really, really wanted to like this place. Small BBQ joint run by a former competitive BBQ cook, black owned, and from the Carolinas. What would not be to love? Well, the q for one. It's dry and not juicy. Flavor is okay, but dry, dry, dry. I had a three-meat plate (brisket, pulled pork, and chicken). The pork was the driest of the three, to the point of almost being inedible. Only by adding BBQ sauce to it could I make it edible. With the sauce, it's not bad. It's also not great, but it's not bad. Not much flavor other than from the sauce. The sauce is interesting. I had a bit of both (normal and spicy). It's a very sweet sauce, with an apple flavor note. It's good, but unusual and not like anything I ever had in the Carolinas. But fine. Everyone's sauce is a little different. The brisket was...odd. It tasted like brisket that had been precut and then kept on heat until it dried out. The serving temp was also not hot, and that seemed to make it seem even drier. But the meat had some fat left in it, and heating it up later seemed to make it taste okay. Again, okay. Not great. And it was still far to dry (as though it sat out under a heat lamp for a long time). The chicken was oddly flavored. Not much flavor and super dry for a chicken drumstick. It was the least dry of the bunch, and it was still very dry for chicken. I could not eat it. The collard greens were okay. Not bad and not great. Okay and edible. The mac and cheese is practically cheese-less and very dry. Not creamy or delectable at all. I could not eat it. So, this is NOT great BBQ. It's probably about average for the Seattle area, but it's not anything to write home about. I had high hopes going in, and they were dashed by poor quality. And the price was high. To paraphrase the prominent sign posted in the business, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the [sting] of [high] price is forgotten." Won't be returning, and that's a shame. read more

See all

Perhaps we had a bad portion but the 1/2 # pound of brisket was fatty - like are you kidding me. 2/3 of it was almost inedible. The beans were awesome, cornbread blah and broccoli salad just ok. Should not have tried - should have waited 10 days until we are in TX. Really feels like 1 star but the beans were very good. The sausage link was also Meh. Really wanted to like - after 2 months in Alaska was ready for some Q - should have waited until we got farther south. read more

Sick to my stomach. The chicken breast looks so badly I wouldn't dare take a bite. Mac & cheese is dry/ tasteless. The wings were extra soft when I ordered extra crispy. Save your money... worst "soul food" I've ever had Not to mention the very messy presentation. read more

See all

Trying out this place since we're in the area. Was intrigued by the recommendations Ordered full rack of ribs, pulled pork and brisket. It all tasted very good. I think for us the brisket and pulled pork worked for us. I think the ribs were good tasting but a little on the dry side. read more

See all

What a wonderful find. Popped in today when we were in the area. They had a baked potato topped with the meat of your choice on special. Holy smokes, delicious. It's substantial. Come hungry! Very nice casual place to meet up with friends. Don't forget to save room for the banana pudding. read more

I feel the food quality has changed a lot. I always enjoyed the brisket, ribs, and sausage, mostly brisket. When the location was still by the Country Village, I felt the brisket is wayyy moist & tender. Also, it had thinner cuts. Now, since the restaurant moved, the brisket cuts are wayyy too thick, and most of the times the meat was hard. Those combinations make it unpleasant to eat. Why did this happen? That's just my opinion. Unfortunately, some of my family & coworkers also noticed the difference. We used to buy for office party all the time, but not anymore. Hopefully, the owner (& staff) give more LOVE to their food, just like before. read more

First time here. The employees were amazing. I think it was the owner that helped me. And, he was great. We will for sure be back.

Short review: I so wanted to love this place. So, I have a history with this place. I came here when it was Country Village. Really good bbq, came here 15 times to soak up their delicious food. So good, I asked the owner to cater an event for 50 people , for my bbq loving father. Unfortunately, at this time it was overwhelming for the owner. He said it was impossible to book him at any time in the future, for a party this large. He said he was going out of his mind with the many orders being placed. Since understanding stress issues, chose not place an order with him. Now that this restaurant has relocated, wanted to give them a third try.Sadly, current meat offerings appear precooked and dry. Very dry brisket and dry pulled pork. Ribs are too dry. Please, offer redemption with your sides. No, coleslaw is not good. Cornbread unfortunately dry and stale. Cold and under seasoned beans. Macaroni and cheese , unremarkable cheese flavor. What happened to this former great place? Want to give you BBQ love. Love you and the concept, but sadly your food is mediocre at best. read more

We've gotten take out before and it was good. Not great but good. Friday was bad. Brisket was not slow cooked. It was tough and extremely fatty It was inedible. Hubs said the pulled pork was good. Greens were very good but broccoli slaw was wayyyyyyyy too salty. $60 bucks for pork and greens (because thats all that was edible) is gross. Unfortunately we wont be back. Disappointing read more

You only have THREE parking spots plus one handicap spot in front of your restaurant. One of the spots is taken up by your big BBQ wagon. So that leaves two spots. I was Door Dashing one day and no parking available. I pull into the handicap spot because it is going to take me literally 2 seconds to run in and grab the order and leave. The young kid working the counter would not give me the order unless I produce a handicap sticker! It would have taken him less time to hand me the order then the time I spent arguing with him about parking in the spot. Just RUDE! Get more parking then.... read more

Wonderful pulled pork and brisket! We both got the two meat platter which comes with two sides. I had delicious baked beans and a fresh coleslaw. We have enough food left over fir another meal. To-go containers are all compostable. The staff and owner/chef are all super friendly and helpful. We'll be back! read more

Carolina Smoke BBQ and Catering - 2 meat platter - Barbeque Near Me - Bothell, Washington

Walked in this place for the first time, was not greeted with a hello but instead a nasty attitude and poor customer service from a caucasian older gentleman. (Did not get his name) I turned right back around and left ! Would not recommend this place to anyone! 0 star if I could give it! read more

Solid BBQ. I'm just a little jaded after living in San Antonio, TX for a while. Nice and clean spot with ample parking.

Love this place. The food came out so fast, the owner was so friendly, involved and welcoming. Checked on us multiple times. The portions for the price were UNBELIEVABLE. The food was bomb! And once again, I cannot stress how fast the food came out. All around world class experience 10 out of 10 recommend. read more

$46 for lunch for two. Fatty brisket, dry pulled pork, dry corn bread, and service that is, if not quite rude, certainly terse. The portions were generous, but if the food isn't good, having extra isn't too exciting. I had high hopes for this restaurant and I'm truly sorry to say I wouldn't go back. read more