So you're hungry — and you're ready for some Southern food. Good news: we've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for brisket, collard greens and other Southern fare.
Dad's Diner
2236 Eastlake Ave. East, Eastlake
Dad's Diner is a traditional American spot, offering barbecue and more. Taking over the former Babirusa space, this is its second location, with the first Dad's Diner in Anacortes.
Menu offerings include a pulled pork sammy, biscuits and gravy, grits and gluten-free banana cakes.
Yelpers are excited about Dad's Diner, which currently holds five stars out of 14 reviews.
Chelsea G., who reviewed it on Sept. 7, wrote, "I'm so thrilled for this place to be open. Our group ordered the Party Melt, the burger and a fried egg sandwich. All were amazing."
Yelper Dirty D. wrote, "Tonight was our first visit and we loved it! So welcoming, great service and the food was delicious! I had a Gorgonzola burger with their housemade garlic aioli and the hubby had Dad's fried rice."
Dad's Diner is open from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Central Smoke
1305 E. Jefferson St., Central District
Central Smoke is a smokehouse and bar, offering a unique mix of American, Southwest, Asian and globally inspired fare. The eatery comes courtesy of the Saigon Siblings restaurant group, which also operates Ba Bar and Monsoon.
Menu options include the pork short rib, smoked sausage, wood-grilled salmon and tri tip steak. Stop by on Friday or Saturday to take advantage of the 20-hour smoked brisket special.
Round out your meal with sides like mac and cheese with smoked Gouda, creamed corn, collard greens with smoked bacon, cornbread and cabbage coleslaw.
Signature cocktails dominate the drinks menu. Expect libations like the scotch-based Bonaroo Bonobo with banana de bresil and chocolate mole bitters or the boozy bourbon Redhawk with blackberry, crème de mure, lemon and raspberry purée served on pebble ice. Here's the menu.
With a four-star rating out of 14 reviews on Yelp, Central Smoke has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Ric P. wrote, "This place has amazing food and great service. The brisket, salmon, ribs and sides are some of the best I have ever had at a restaurant. The servers are great, very attentive and know the menu."
Central Smoke is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Tuesday-Saturday and 4–9 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Meaty Johnson's BBQ
1201 Pine St., Capitol Hill
Meaty Johnson's BBQ is serving up barbecued meats, sandwiches and homestyle sides. It sells brisket and pulled pork in quarter-pound, half-pound and full-pound increments.
Sausage and chili sandwiches and sides like coleslaw, cornbread and mac and cheese are also on offer.
Meaty Johnson's BBQ is developing a local fan base with a current rating of five stars out of 67 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Jinu J., who visited on Sept. 1, wrote, "Best barbecue in Seattle. Meat is always nice and juicy. Brisket and ribs are the usual go-to."
And Tina C. wrote, "So happy to finally have a real barbecue restaurant in Seattle! The quality and time taken to thoroughly cook everything shows in the food, and the tenderness of the meats. Service is quick for as busy as it gets during the lunch rush."
Meaty Johnson's BBQ is open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
