Seattle Duck: Arriving there… and meeting Gene: First off, I got lost. Lived here 8 years, worked not 3 blocks from the place, still had no clue where it was. Drove around for 20 minutes until I finally figured it out ? “THAT is the restaurant everyone?s been yappin? about? You?re kidding right?”
I can’t believe I never got around to writing about my two visits to Dixie’s last year. Or the fact that The Man left a burnt stripe of skin across my cheek and down my throat, when I’ve never had happen before… and I didn’t take time to chew the cornbread that Gene had put the sauce on. Anyway, the ‘Duck tells it better than I could: I would require physical gestures and sound effects that are un-blogable.
Best BBQ in WA, in my opinion, and a required stop for any out of town visitors.
Legend has it that Dixie started making BBQ sandwiches to sell to the construction workers when 520 was being built. I love the fact that the building is still basically a body shop altho the bodies are no longer automotive. The clientele is a true cross-section of the Eastside. I’ve even been to parties where the menu was Dixie’s takeout. Gene mostly limits his Man intimidation to men altho women can have some if they want it. I have met The Man but we’re not close friends. The initiation ceremony is a highlight of the entertainment.
Thanks for the link to the Duck site. He got it just right.
Dixie’s is an icon, he got that right. But it’s WAY overated for quality. I’d much rather visit Milt at Milt’s BBQ closer to Microsoft, where I can get better BBQ without the hostile service. And a sauce that has actual flavor (in addition to being ripping hot, if that’s your thing).
I’ve also heard good things about the BBQ place in Crossroads, but I haven’t tried it myself yet.
I can attest to the BBQ place in Crossroads (Jones’ BBQ) – their regular sauce is good but the roll at Dixie’s makes them better. Dixie’s also has the combo sandwiches, which Jones’ doesn’t. Their beef and pork are about the same at both places… and frankly I’m not into the whole hot thing – that’s part of the first timer experience that Dixie’s offers.
I haven’t been to Milt’s tho, so I can’t comment on that :)
I can’t speak to the other BBQ spots, but the point of my first post was more about the story around Dixie’s. There may be better places in town, but people still make a point of visiting Dixie’s if only to say they’ve been there (and “Met the Man” of course). I honestly don’t even remember how good the BBQ was, but the experience stuck with me.
Indeed. And you tell it better than I could, which is why I linked it over (sorry about the double trackbacks BTW). I’m glad that I’ve been twice: without the Man getting in the way, it’s good BBQ. Cornbread was better than most too!