Amazing BBQ Sauce. Most sauces I've tasted before eating here were overwhelmingly sour (vinegar). Emma's definitely has it to perfection and compliment and enhanced the meat I eat. Good: -Amazing and personable services -An authentic Grandma ran the kitchen (Oh Yeah!) -Their Candied Yam is legendary good and fresh! -Emma's food are cooked within the day and aren't left over! Fresh! -The meats are moist and fresh and full of flavors. Need Improvement: -None, I am completely satisfied with services and food qualities. Conclusion: -If you need a good meal, quick, fast, and people who are friendly, then Emma's is the spot to go to, especially on a date night! ZINC baby Zinc! -Emma's located across from Group Health and Sam's Poke. -It's one block south of Columbia city neighborhood. -The cornbread is also moist and delicious -Best to enjoy their food here with a lemonade or strawberry lemonade -I can't get over how good their BBQ Sauce tasted. I need to come back soon. read more

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We tried the brisket and it was excellent. Service was great and we'll definitely come again. We ordered take out, outdoor seating is available. read more

My gf was in town and said she wanted ribs before she left. This popped up on google as the top rated place in in our area. We definitely weren't disappointed. I would have liked more cheese in my mac and the yams weren't as flavored, but other than that they are fast and courteous. The service was actually amazing. Also, try the blackblerry lemonade. SO GOOD. read more

Pretty psyched a new BBQ place opened up near home. Saw it on Yelp and decided to give it a try. They're located right across from Sam Choy's Poke. They have a small parking lot that can fit maybe 3-4 cars and looks like you'll have to find parking on the street nearby. Small, decent space with about 20 seats (bar stools and 3 tables). The person who helped us order was really nice and helpful. They give you a sheet and you can mark off what you want from there. Pretty reasonable prices for BBQ. They are just cash only right now. I think they're going to be getting a card machine soon. We ordered a three way which included 3 types of meat, 2 sides, and corn bread. We got chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. We also wanted to get the ribs, but they were out :( Our sides were greens (surprise! with bacon) and mac & cheese. We also got the peach cobbler. We were REALLY happy with the brisket. The chicken was okay and the pulled pork was kind of dry. The brisket was hands down the best - it was tender, juicy, and easy to pull apart. We heard the ribs are a huge hit so we'll definitely have to come early for that next time. Being a new restaurant, I feel like they still have a couple of minor things to work out.. such as having an area just to get water/utensils/napkins/take out boxes. That would be easy to have out instead of us bothering them for it. I really like that it's a very family oriented restaurant. I love that they have a story about Emma on the tables for you to read. Family was just going in and out of the restaurant helping out. I love all the great vibes here! Can't wait to come back to try out the ribs. Yummm. read more

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a couple months ago a customer gave me a card for emma's bbq and I kept wanting to try it but they were closed by the time i'd get off work or closed for football games . let me tell you , THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT . i've tried many bbq places in washington & been to my fair share of cookouts and boy the love in this food is crazy !!!! the meats so tender you GOTTA eat it with a fork , the pork ribs just melt off the bone . the greens are better than my grannies ( may she rest in peace ) I will say I prefer the ribs over the chicken but everything is so good i'll be back to try the whole menu . last time I got a side of greens and mac with my meal , this time I had to pay for the bigger side so I could have leftovers ! the potato salad & beans are yummy too ! read more

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Emma's is a quality traditional southern style BBQ joint on the south end. For its style, I like it best compared to some of the bigger names in the area. That said, I don't think any menu item aspires to be more than a faithful recreation. If the style of BBQ isn't important to you then there are Haitian, Texas, and Kansas City influenced places around town that are doing more ambitious BBQ in Seattle. read more

The food was excellent. Tried the chicken, pulled pork, hot links, and brisket. The meat was all excellent. Tried these sides: coleslaw, collard greens, beans, Mac and cheese, yams, potato salad. All excellent as well. My kids liked the Mac and cheese but I thought it was a bit plain/boring. The cornbread was good if a little dry. Would definitely eat here again. We don't live close enough to eat here more regularly though. But if we did, we'd probably eat here more. read more

First time eating here!! I called in to the restaurant to place my order and the lady on the phone was so pleasant and patient. It was my first time so she walked me through the menu and how to order what I wanted. I ordered a two-way combo with rib and brisket with Mac & cheese and baked beans on the side. My boyfriend ordered the same, but got greens instead of baked beans. She told me it would be ready in 20 minutes. The restaurant is very small, but has a southern comfort feel. Everyone was very welcoming. Limited seating though, so takeout was a great option. Food: Ribs and brisket was great and well seasoned. Mac and cheese wasn't as creamy as I like but tasted good. The greens weren't our favorite; sweeter than we usually like. The baked beans were delicious and flavorful. Now the cornbread was VERY dry and they gave us so much of it. Prices: For both meals it came out to $80 That was waaayy more than I was expecting to spend for 2 PEOPLE. All in all I would try this place again but for lunch. They have a very sweet deal for lunch!! Two-way combo for only $10 read more

Emma's BBQ - Rib, brisket, Mac & cheese, and greens - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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It's not easy to find good barbecue in Seattle. This place is an exception. If your in the area or looking for some good barbecue, I definitely recommend this place. Check it out! read more

Emma's BBQ - Brisket Combo - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Food was great! Would suggest calling ahead and pick up or u will wait a while for ur food read more

Emma's BBQ - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I will come out and say I am not an expert on BBQ. If you ask me what I like and dislike, you will hear crickets. That said, I think Emma's is pretty tasty. I've only had take out, but it got me. I'm not fond of BBQ that is all dried out. Sauce or not, Emma's is more on the moist side and has flavor. It doesn't taste like it's been hanging out a long time waiting for you to visit. I think its more a take out place than an eat in place. But it still brings the thunder when it comes to BBQ. read more

We're on lockdown and bored eating from the freezer and pantry. We hadn't been to Emma's BBQ yet and delivery was a must. I had a beef brisket dinner with mac & cheese and greens. My partner had a 2 meat dinner, ribs, hot links, yams, & greens. The young man who delivered was very nice but may not have realized that there's a pandemic and had to be told to leave it on the stoop. Not a complaint so much as a note about experience. The brisket was so delicious. We both appreciate that sauce was on the side. Not fans of charred meat smothered in burnt sauce. Ribs were fall off the bone cooked perfectly. The sauce was good enough to drink: sweet but not sweet with just enough tang. The sides were all really good but seemed like something that would have come from my Big Mama's kitchen. Thanks to the staff who are bravely working to nourish us when those of us in vulnerable populations are on serious lockdown. Can't wait to get in there when this is over. read more

If I could get through when I call to find out whether they're actually open on the dates advertised, I'd love to be able to provide them with a review. Emma's was recommended to me by a friend knowing I was looking for some good bbq. Drove from Kent to Seattle on a Saturday in early March-Google showed open. Got there and it was closed with a sign stating on vacation for two weeks. Waited three weeks, tried calling on a Saturday-no answer and no voice mail. Called today-website shows open. Called-no answer and no voicemail. Hoping the business owner reads this and let's me know how if they're still in business. read more

Sweet Jesus. I came here for the first time today. Got the ribs, cornbread, mac n cheese, baked beans & strawberry lemonade. Devoured. The ribs melted in my mouth and fell off the bone. Everything tasted phenomenal (cornbread was a tad on the dry side, but the taste was on point). Hands down best BBQ in the city. Super kind & personable staff. The atmosphere was cozy. You can tell the food is made with love. Excited to try the sweet potato pie next time read more

I grew up in this neighborhood and my parents still live here, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to try Emma's BBQ. All I can say is -- wow. Completely blown away by the food and service. (The mac and cheese is life changing.) We ordered the pulled pork sandwich (the bread they use is so, so soft and perfect for the sandwich), pulled pork dinner, cornbread, collard greens, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. To say I was stuffed after I inhaled everything in 7 minutes is an understatement. We got the mild sauce, which was excellent. Trying the hot sauce next time. Can't wait to go back this weekend! read more

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Hole in the wall BBQ shop with friendly staff and conveniently located next to a tap house. I've eaten lunch here twice now. The first time there was some kind of $10 lunch special which was a great deal, but I didn't see it on the menu the second time I went. So I bought a two meat dinner plate which was pretty expensive for lunch, but the portions were hefty so it easily made two meals. Emma's rivals Jack's for best BBQ within city limits I think. I ordered the brisket moist and it came out as expected. The pulled pork was moist and had a good but not great flavor. The yams and the coleslaw are ON POINT. I miss yams like this since I moved from the South and these really hit the spot. The coleslaw tastes fresh and homemade. There aren't a lot of seats so you may consider ordering to go or taking it right next door to Hillman City Tap House where they welcome outside food and have plenty of drink options. I love the people at Emma's too! They are very nice and the service is fast! I just wish it wasn't quite so expensive. read more

I had not heard of this place before and was just driving by. The sign said barbecue takeout. That is my love language. I went with the brisket, potato salad, and baked beans, with a strawberry lemonade, to wash it all down. I'm not saying I was letting out little weird sounds of happiness as I ate my food, but I was. So good! I will be back. read more

Happened to be around that part of town around 3pm. Ordered brisket and ribs to go. Both tasted good. The service was very friendly. read more

Emma's BBQ - Sign said open Thur, Fri and Sat only - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Finally! I've tried so many bbq places trying to find a good one. Everything I ordered was perfection. Spicy beef brisket--tender, smoky, packed with meat. Perfect! Mac and cheese, flavorful, not overly greasy or salty. Perfect! Sweet potato pie--I opened up yelp to write this review two bites in. Perfect! And the woman and the counter was so sweet and had the best energy. Perfect! read more

Wow! Yes Emma's is a strong 5 star BBQ place. My brisket sandwich was probably the best BBQ anything I have ever tasted. Plus it was huge! I couldn't eat it all sadly. When she brought it out she also brought us forks so we could eat the meat down to a size we could hold on to. The only thing wrong is that it is in Seattle and I live in California. I'll never make another Seattle trip without dropping by Emma's BBQ. read more

Emma's BBQ - Chicken for Mercedes - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Food is way to high and don't give you enough food for the price that you pay for and seen roaches and the lady that works there I seen her kill one read more

Emma's has the BEST EVER BBQ. I ordered several pounds of ribs yesterday and the juicy delicious meat was falling off the bones! If I could have I would have eaten my pound at one sitting! I will have some for breakfast this am! 20 plus stars! Simply the best BBQ around!! Thank you Emma's!! read more

Good old, southern comfort food with southern hospitality. We couldn't have met a nicer lady taking our order. She gave us some great recommendations. Good food, for sure. The mac and cheese is out of this world! read more

I was trying to place a order and was asked if I could be on hold. Sure, no problem. Keisha was taking the order of the person in front of her and I heard the whole order. Once that customer's order was completed, she came back to me. I said, Hello a couple of times and it was like she didn't hear me. Then I heard her talking to another customer and started taking her order. This is horrible customer service. I gave this place multiple chances and they keep disappointing. I once waited 30 min for Mac and Cheese when the worker said it would only be 10 minutes. Don't say a time frame if its not true. read more

The food taste excellent, I highly recommend the brisket!

Ok ... so I decided just from meeting Tess I'm not giving them anything but 5 stars but the food was great so this is easy :). Loved the friendly vibe too. The brisket was just the way I like it. It had texture and was just the right amount of juicy and for reference I asked for lean meat only. The baked beans and Mac n cheese are definitely secret ingredient material. There was so much flavor in everything. Portion sizes were perfect ... 1/2 lb of meat and 2 right sized sides with the dinner option hit the spot for me. I think they mixed up the sauce coz I asked for spicy and it wasn't ... and they forgot my corn bread. I guess I'm just going to have to go back and eat more brisket ‍ read more

Best BBQ you will taste along Rainier, North or South of SEA! Not the roomiest spot for dining in, but you'll be licking your fingers! AND, unlike most BBQ joints I visit, their sides are pretty good too! read more

Really great spot and REALLY great BBQ. Classic smoked pink ribs, pretty good sides, and a fresh squeezed house made strawberry lemonade. If you're looking for an adult beverage, head next door with your food to hill city tap house. read more

Ordered from UberEats, so I can't speak to the service. The brisket was too fatty, the ribs were tiny, and they forgot my sauce. Definitely avoid. read more

We were out for a drive far from home and stumbled upon this place because of the great Yelp reviews. The hubby and I shared a brisket plate with cornbread, mac & cheese, potato salad, and collard greens. It was all delicious. The blackberry lemonade though was insane! I can't even explain how much flavor it had going on. We loved all of it. I hope to come back and try more. read more

This is my second time here in less than 1 week. Yes, they're that good! Like my first experience this was the same. Extremely friendly service, and good food. I love how consistent they have been. Give them a try. You won't be sorry. They're so nice if you're not satisfied, tell them. I'm sure you won't leave with a negative experience. Grammar sucked in my last review... lol sorry. Typing too fast. read more

Honestly this may be the best BBQ I've ever had. The owners are so kind & the price is right for the portions and quality of the food. I've only had a few items off of the menu so far (brisket, coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad, yams, baked beans, mac & cheese...ok actually maybe that's a lot), but it's all so tasty that I can't stop thinking about it once I leave. The yams are so sweet and delicious, they could be a dessert. SO GOOD. Cash only for now. Bring at least $15 with you. ENJOY!!! read more

Emma's BBQ - Brisket with spicy BBQ. Absolutely delicious. - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This place is incredible! Tess (Emma's daughter) is one of the nicest people I've ever met. She told us the story of how this place came about and it's something I can't even begin to tell you in a short review. Stop in and say hi, get some incredible BBQ, and learn about how it came together! *Ask her about Paris* read more

Emma's BBQ - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The family that runs this place knows their stuff!! Your experience starts with a very friendly person at the cash register where you'll place your order off of a simple menu with all the traditional soul food. You wouldn't expect there to be any good bbq in the PNW but Emma's is here to prove you wrong. The pulled pork is tender and flavorful. The ribs are succulent. The Mac and cheese is the perfect gooey and creamy side. I love Emma's with all my heart!! They are only three tables inside, it's really more of a takeout place - even if you choose to dine in, you'll be eating off of takeout containers. Doesn't matter, the food is all you need! read more

Emma's BBQ - Menu and cute Halloween decorations! - Southern Near Me - Seattle, Washington

At Last, bbq on the same style as back home in Los Angeles. Not L.A., now, but close! Served with two sides. I'm sick of these bbq places jamming up the price on ribs and paying extra for sides. At Emma's, the ribs were tender and the sauce was good and recognizable (unlike the Wood Shop). The mac was creamy and the greens were ok. My daughter and grandson loved the baked beans. I'm not quite a fan of the sweet taste in greens and I don't particularly like stems. But I was more than satisfied. Service was great! Real down home feeling. My grandson was treating and he loved the price. We'll be back. Yeah, we liked the food well enough to drive from federal way. read more

Delicious spot on Rainier by Columbia City, right next to Hill City Tap House. Order take out and enjoy a beer next door! I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and I've had the macaroni and potato salad sides; everything was delicious. I'm normally not a huge fan of potato salad but theirs had a great tang to it. read more

It's a tiny joint that is family run, with excellent flavor and generous portions. We've been meaning to get Emma's since moving here a year ago and it finally happened tonight! We got a four way with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and hot links. The ribs might be the best I've ever had? Perfect flavor and fall-off-the-bone tender. Nothing fell short. Go sooner than we did! Yummmmm read more

Review for takeout I talked my friends into ordering from this place because I was craving cornbread and the cornbread was the driest piece of bread I've ever had. We were flabbergasted at how dry it was! Saw dust with corn flavoring. The brisket was meh, the spicy sauce wasn't spicy, Mac and cheese was greasy, The potato salad was okay and the baked beans were pretty good! read more

My family and I stopped into Emma's after a quick Google search. If we could give 6 stars, we would. When you first walk in, it feels like you've walked into your family's home. It's very relaxed. We took the menu and decide on what we wanted, then walked up to the counter and gave our order. I only wish that all three of us had gotten different items each because everything that we got was fantastic. My husband and I both got the sliced brisket, and my son got the chicken. All three of us got the macaroni and cheese, and corn bread. I opted for the blackberry lemonade, and we all shared a piece of peach cobbler. The chicken was so moist and juicy, and totally flavorful. And the brisket was extremely tender smoky and delicious. The cobbler was wonderful...not overly sweet, and packed with cinnamon. But the star of the meal....Mac and cheese! Crispy outside, cream inside. So goooood!!!!!! read more

After reading the reviews, I had very high hopes. The service was good. The barbecue was fair, not as good as I expected. I do not put sauce on my ribs, so the flavor of the meat must stand on it's own. It didn't. It was a bit dry, which made it tougher than I like and it was missing the smokiness I expect in a barbecue. I also had the collard greens. The greens had not cooked long enough as a result, they were stiff and still had the taste of vinegar. Also they were missing some fat. A smoked neck bone or smoked turkey. Something to add more flavor. Not good enough to return. Too bad. read more