HONEY BEE BBQ

The ribs, chicken and brisket are slow-cooked over an alder wood fire until the meat is tender but not soft, and infused with smoke all the way down to the bone. 1314 72nd St. E., Tacoma, 253.535.0588.

PAPA EDDIE’S CORNER CAFÉ & RIBS

Papa Eddie’s offers more than standard barbeque fare, as does the catering service. Making available steaks and pastas, salads, chicken and seafood dishes that fall outside the expected barbeque realm definitely broadens appeal for diners since not everyone loves licking tangy hot barbeque sauce from their fingers at dinner. 7104 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6310.

PORTER'S PLACE SOUTHERN CUISINE & BBQ

Serves up the deep South offering ribs, catfish, coleslaw, collard greens, gumbo, etouffee, catfish, jambalaya, and blackberry cobbler. Check out the Saturday night jazz.  2615 E. N Street behind the La Quinta Inn, Tacoma, 253.383.7603.

RANCH HOUSE BBQ & STEAKHOUSE

The restaurant looks like someone’s home off a side road in the woods. For those that think great barbeque can only be found south of the Mason-Dixon, Chef Amy has something for you. The barbeque sampler platter is massive horizontally and vertically. A juicy smoked chicken quarter with amazing lightly glazed skin lay half under a tender three-bone pork riblet. All entrees come with choice of side dishes consisting of rich red, tangy and sweet baked beans, an ultra light shredded coleslaw that tasted like it was tossed in sweet vinegar had zero mayo anywhere near it, and very yellow potato salad. Full bar. 10841 Kennedy Creek Rd SW (off Hwy 8 West) Olympia, 360.866.8704.

LINK: Full review 4/23/09

SOUTHBAY DICKERSON’S SLOW AND LOW BBQ

Dickerson’s family-owned restaurant sports a bustling lunch and take-out business and is the epitome of casual dining with comfort food. 619 Legion, Olympia, 360.943.6900.