Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Emma’s BBQ – Seattle
Emma's BBQ - Seattle
Photo from Emma’s BBQ
Emma's BBQ at a glance
Seattle Columbia City
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#553 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Barbecue Restaurant out of 4 in Seattle
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
412
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful BBQ
- Friendly staff
- Homey atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent hours
- Value concerns
- Order errors
The restaurant Emma’s BBQ in Seattle’s vibrant Columbia City neighborhood invites you to savor authentic barbecue flavors. This casual and cozy Barbecue Restaurant is your go-to spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
You’ll find delicious options for lunch, dinner, and even catering. With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, enjoying their offerings is always easy.
The friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for a satisfying experience.
Overview: Introducting Emma's BBQ
Emma’s BBQ offers a comforting experience with its well-regarded dishes. Many appreciate the flavorful brisket and tender ribs, alongside standout sides like mac and cheese.
The welcoming atmosphere and genuinely friendly staff also contribute positively to the overall visit. However, some guests have encountered challenges, particularly with inconsistent hours of operation and occasional issues with online ordering.
There are also mixed feelings regarding the price and portion sizes, suggesting room for improvement in perceived value.
Good
7.1
out of 10
412
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
110
negative
18
neutral
284
positive
Emma’s BBQ generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its overall score of 7.1. This is a solid showing, especially considering the 412 customer opinions, with 284 positive remarks outweighing 110 negative ones.
Guests particularly praise the Food (7.3) and the inviting Ambience (7.9), which consistently receive high marks. While the Service (6.8) is generally seen as competent, the Value (4.2) receives a more modest assessment, indicating some customers feel the portions or pricing could be better aligned.
This contributes to a Customer Satisfaction rating of 68.9%, which falls into the mixed category, suggesting that while many are pleased, there’s still a segment seeking more consistency.
What people like
- Flavorful BBQ dishes
- Warm, friendly staff
- Welcoming, homey atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent operating hours
- Perceived poor value
- Order accuracy issues
Emma’s BBQ offers a compelling experience for those seeking well-prepared barbecue and a friendly environment. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize delicious food and a welcoming vibe over perfect operational consistency.
If you’re flexible with your visit times and prepared for potential minor hiccups with ordering, you’ll likely find the food and hospitality rewarding. However, if strict adherence to advertised hours and consistent value are top priorities, you might approach with tempered expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Emma's BBQ
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.4%. Out of 301 comments, 218 rave about the delicious, flavorful, and tender brisket and pulled pork. Many also cheer for the Mac n cheese, collard greens, and potato salad, often described as perfectly seasoned and comforting.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 70 comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the chicken and brisket dry, while others mentioned ribs being oily or overly smoky. There were also concerns about tasteless collard greens, bland mac and cheese, and sides that felt uninspired or store-bought.
Food
301
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
70
negative
13
neutral
218
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, flavorful brisket
- Excellent Mac and Cheese
- Delicious, seasoned sides
What people don't like
- Dry, chewy meats
- Bland, tasteless sides
- Small, inconsistent portions
Often praised
- brisketIt's the best BBQ I've had since I moved to Seattle. Everything was really good, including the perfect ribs, brisket, cornbread, and Mac and cheese. The lemon cake is excellent too.
- foodMy husband and I absolutely loved the food from here! We found some of the best ribs and brisket around.
- ribsI can easily eat a whole pound in one sitting without sharing, leaving no space for anything else except maybe a piece of white bread. I’ve also had the ribs, and they were delicious, but my pork consumption has dwindled over the years. I have a harder time resisting the beef, and even though I eat less overall, I throw the whole ideal out the window when it’s time for my brisket.
- collard greensI regret not coming here sooner. I ordered the dinner special, which included pulled pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The pulled pork was incredibly flavorful, and the mac and cheese was truly out of this world, complete with crispy bits of cheese.
- cornbreadI regret not coming here sooner. I ordered the dinner special, which included pulled pork, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The pulled pork was incredibly flavorful, and the mac and cheese was truly out of this world, complete with crispy bits of cheese.
- greensMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent BBQ ribs, the creamy mac and cheese, and the flavorful greens. The potato salad was also a hit.
- potato saladCame in for our first time and thanks to The Intentionalist, I discovered the restaurant's freebies for Black History Month. My partner and I were so excited to receive two pulled pork sandwiches with potato salad. While waiting, we were charmed by Kayla, whose customer service was outstanding.
- baked beansThe baked beans and Mac n cheese are definitely secret ingredient material.
- flavorGood flavor but just nothing like I've ever had
- BBQIf they happen to answer the phone, it seems they are open, but their listed hours online are inaccurate. Despite this, the BBQ itself is some of the best in the area. I was disappointed that I couldn't get their food more often because of the inconsistency.
Frequently criticized
- brisketbrisket that my fork couldn’t easily pierce or that took so much effort to chew
- cornbreadThe cornbread looked and tasted just like the box it came out of.
- ribsThe ribs were so small I couldn't believe how they would serve them
- foodThe mac and cheese was dry, and my co-worker even commented that it looked like leftovers from three days ago. I was truly unhappy with the food. The chicken was also not on point; it was chopped into pieces and not on the bone.
- mac and cheeseMac and cheese was a bowl of greasy noodles and hardly any cheese
- potato saladThe barbecue sauce pushes the flavor of the food even farther. You should note though that if ordering potato salad as one of the side options for your meal, it will not be a generous helping of the stuff. If you can afford it, just order potato salad as a separate side.
- baked beansThe baked beans obviously come from a can and aren't made with any love whatsoever.
- chickenI ordered the chicken & brisket sandwich, mac & cheese, and potato salad. The chicken was very dry, and the brisket was chopped into small, dry pieces. The sides were just okay.
- collard greenssugar in their collard greens
- 3way dinner mealordered a 3way dinner meal from Uber and my Order was wrong
Overall, the food here offers a generally good experience, especially for its standout brisket and flavorful sides. While there are some reports of dry meats or inconsistent sides, its definitely worth a visit if youre craving well-prepared BBQ, just be mindful of what you order.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Based on 64 comments, the service here often shines, with many guests raving about the incredibly warm and friendly staff, highlighting their genuine kindness and the family-run vibe. With a solid score of 6.8, its clear that many found the service to be good, with terms like super friendly and family run frequently popping up in the 40 positive remarks. However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.5%, indicating some bumps in the road.
The 22 negative comments frequently point to issues like hours of operation being unreliable, order was wrong, and occasional attitude' from staff, suggesting inconsistency in service delivery.
Service
64
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Genuine hospitality
- Personalized service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent hours
- Order accuracy issues
- Unreliable service
Often praised
- servicethe food and service is always the same, amazing
- staffincredibly warm and friendly staff
- workersMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The BBQ was great, and the workers were very friendly. I especially loved the strawberry lemonade; it was so good that I would drive miles just to get it.
- ServiceThey kindly bought my freshly prepared meal out to my vehicle
- customer serviceHer customer service is outstanding
- ownerstalking to one of the owners
- Grandma Emma's granddaughterGrandma Emma’s granddaughter is adorable and very sweet.
- Kaylacommenting on how adorable Kayla is
- Micealagreeted by Miceala Who has incredible customer service relations
- Tessso I decided just from meeting Tess I’m not giving them anything but 5 stars
Frequently criticized
- hourshours were posted they were open
- orderMake sure to double check your order they forgot my peach cobbler and rang my order wrong
- answer the phoneIf they answer the phone—, they’re open. I guess.
- attitudeserved with an attitude
- false advertisingFalse advertising on their hours of operation is unacceptable
- hours listedhours listed on line are a fiction
- hours of operationhours of operation clearly state they are open on Thursdays until 7 PM. However, when a group of us arrived at 5 PM, the restaurant was closed.
- missing sidesthey always forget to give me something
- online hoursMy experience was that the restaurant was advertised as open online, but when I arrived, there was a sign in the window stating they were working a sports event. This was disappointing as I had planned to visit.
- online ordersMy experience at this place was quite negative. They advertise an online ordering system, but when I went to pick up my order, they claimed they don't accept online orders and only take cash. Despite this, the money was still charged to my card for the online order.
You're likely to encounter genuinely friendly service, especially from the owners and staff who aim to make you feel like family. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies with operating hours and double-check your order, as these are common frustrations for some patrons.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 7.9 and boasting a 76.9% customer satisfaction. With 20 positive comments out of 26 total, folks really love the friendly vibe and home-made feel.
Many describe it as a neighborhood gem with an amazing atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few of the 26 comments pointed out some minor quirks, like issues with a compost bin or someone having seen the dog.
More notably, some found the seating very limited, with one even mentioning its a take out only' place, which can make enjoying the atmosphere a bit tricky.
Ambience
26
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming home vibe
- Friendly atmosphere
- Neighborhood gem
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Take-out only
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- amazing atmosphereAmazing atmosphere makes you feel right at home
- cheerfulfamily run and cheerful
- establishmentlucky to have a establishment like this
- family restaurantI highly recommend this place; it's the best BBQ in Seattle. It's a great family restaurant.
- friendly vibeLoved the friendly vibe too.
- gemThis place is a gem.
- home type vibesAnd the kindness and “home type” vibes was just impeccable.
Frequently criticized
- compost bintrying to use a compost bin for trash
- dogseen the dog
- seatingseating was also very limited
- take out onlyThis is a take out only place which makes it hard to enjoy
If you're looking for a spot with a genuinely warm, homey feel and a friendly vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that seating might be limited, so it might be better suited for a quick visit or takeout if you prefer to dine in comfort.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. Despite an average score of 4.2 and a poor customer satisfaction rate of just 28.6%, some diners, based on 6 positive remarks, found bright spots. They appreciated the great value and reasonably priced options, feeling their money was well spent for the quality of food received.
However, a significant number of 14 negative remarks highlight considerable concerns. Many felt the price and cost were too high for quality and quantity, describing experiences as disappointing or not worth the money. Issues like unexpected charges for a Mac and Cheese only side despite advertising any 2 sides also contributed to dissatisfaction.
Value
21
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Worth money
What people don't like
- High cost
- Small portions
- Misleading offers
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was great tasting and very affordable. I tried the ribs, brisket, yams, collard greens, cole slaw, and mac & cheese.
- Great valueGreat value
- moneyMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was awesome and definitely worth the money. The ribs were so tender they fall off the bone.
- pricesprices are super reasonable
- valueGreat value for the quality of food
Frequently criticized
- pricepaid over 35.00 and they were also burnt
- $30for 30 dollars w/ 2 sides it was a true rip robbed
- 50 bucksfor 50 bucks this is extremely disappointing
- Mac and Cheese only sideMy only complaint is that the mild sauce was a little too sweet for my taste. However, they now charge an extra $5 for a Mac and Cheese only side, despite advertising any 2 sides. Due to this new policy, I will not be going back for a while.
- advertise any 2 sidesThey advertise any 2 sides.
- card chargemoney will still be charged to your card
- cashMy experience at this place was quite negative. They advertise an online ordering system, but when I went to pick up my order, they claimed they don't accept online orders and only take cash. Despite this, the money was still charged to my card for the online order.
- cost49. While the flavor of those few bites was good, the minuscule portions and high cost mean I would not return.
- larger mealsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While their larger meals come at a bigger price, the food here is as good as homemade, if not better in some regards. The ribs almost fall off the bone, and the brisket is tender, just the way I like it.
- pricesprices were a concern
This restaurant's value is a real mixed bag, so proceed with caution. While some find it affordable and worth the money, many others feel the prices are too high for the portions and quality. If consistent value is your top priority, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at Emma's BBQ?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests stick to the $21–$30 range, with a fair number finding options a bit cheaper. This means prices are quite consistent around the average, with only a few venturing into premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
How this Barbecue Restaurant in Seattle stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Barbecue Restaurant in Seattle. If youre looking for a solid meal in that mid-range budget, wed say this place is a good bet.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Emma's BBQ
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Consistently Amazing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently amazing. I go there often, and both the food and service are always the same, which is fantastic. We are very lucky to have an establishment like this in Hillman City.
- food10
- service10
- establishment9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious and Affordable Meal!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was great tasting and very affordable. I tried the ribs, brisket, yams, collard greens, cole slaw, and mac & cheese.
The meat was incredibly tender, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The mac & cheese was also perfectly cooked, with delightful crispy cheese bits. For dessert, I had the peach cobbler, which was very tasty.
I will definitely be going again!
- food9
- price9
- ribs9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious BBQ and Amazing Mac n Cheese!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was happy to have such delicious BBQ around the corner. Everything was so flavorful, especially the meat, which was incredibly tender.
The Mac n cheese was also a standout; the pasta was perfectly cooked, and the cheese had a delightful toasty, grilled cheese vibe. We will definitely be back!
- delicious bbq10
- flavorful9
- meat10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Confusing Brisket Experience
I came here trying to figure out what happened. The brisket I had was like rubber. It had good flavor, but it was unlike anything I've ever had and definitely needed to be served with a steak knife.
I'm confused as to how any reviewer could say it fell off the bone. I'm unsure if I received a rough and inconsistent batch, but this is not an experience I wish to repeat.
- flavor7
- batch5
- brisket2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Legacy!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious, and my family and I particularly enjoyed the brisket, collard greens, and cornbread. I'm excited to return and support this local establishment.
Thank you for sharing Miss Emma's legacy with us. ✊❤️💜🩵
- food10
- brisket9
- collard greens9
What Emma's BBQ offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Emma's BBQ offer for guests?
Emma’s BBQ in Columbia City ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it a welcoming spot for all patrons to enjoy their barbecue experience.
What dining options and atmosphere does Emma's BBQ offer, and is it family-friendly?
At Emma’s BBQ, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a full meal. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert, with catering available. It’s also good for kids, making it a great choice for family outings in Seattle’s Columbia City.
How does Emma's BBQ generally perform?
Emma’s BBQ holds an overall score of 7.1. Its Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.9) are highly regarded, while Service (6.8) is seen as average, and Value (4.2) is a point of concern for some.
What are the standout food items at Emma's BBQ?
Customers frequently praise the tender brisket and ribs, along with flavorful sides like mac and cheese and cornbread. Many find the BBQ dishes to be quite satisfying.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Emma's BBQ?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies with the restaurant’s operating hours and occasional issues with online orders or perceived value for money. It’s advisable to confirm hours before visiting.