Stan's BarBQ

To say that one place has the best bbq over another is all a matter of taste. Is Stan's the best? That is entirely up to your BBQ upbringing. The ribs are KC style and the dry rub was great. A bit of spice and the meat pulled off the bone just the way it should. Brisket was quite lean and the outside crust was full of flavor and smoke. The hot links were great and should not be missed. Chicken was moist and is well...chicken good chicken though. The pulled pork is mild and tasty and awaits your spin and choice of sauce.

None of the meats that I had were served swimming in sauce. I like to taste the meat and dip or pour on the sauce to make different flavors. The type of bread that is used at Stan's is KC BBQ style and serves the purpose of cleansing the palate before the next bite of goodness. The side dishes are good and help to put out the fire and cleanse the palate as well. I like the BBQ beans quite tasty.

I had plenty to eat with the "Who's your Daddy" plate and the price was very reasonable for the load of meat that was delivered. Overall pricing was very reasonable for the food and quality.

I don't drink and they had plenty of good options for non alcoholic refreshments. The bar was full scale and looked to be well stocked with anything you could think of. Plenty of micros on tap and the wait staff was easy on the eyes.

If you like BBQ you should give Stan's a try. Good food, good setting, and Front Street in Issaquah is always fun to run around.

Pros: KC, Carolinas, and Texas flavors its all good.

Cons: none

Posted 07/24/09

I could smell the extraordinary aroma as soon as I stepped out of my truck, the smoker was in full swing. The bartender welcomed me before the door had a chance to shut behind me, and my experience, not my lunch, had begun. I had eaten at a chain BBQ restaurant less than two days before so my craving for BBQ was actually below average until i walked past another customer with a plate full of ribs. I ordered a whiskey sour from the full liquor bar, along with a " Who's your dady" plate. First of all, the amount of food that was brought to me was borderline ridiculous, I was already planning on a huge late night snack. As a lifelong fan of brisket, my critical palate was overwhelmed by the flavor and texture!! The ribs looked to be just normal ribs until i took the first bite and the entire piece of meat was left in my mouth. I was actually embarassed that i wasted money on ribs at a place that also serves burgers and fuit salads!!!! There is no one who loves REAL KANSAS CITY BARBEQUE that wont love Stan's even more. The best BBQ in the state of WA is no doubt at STAN'S!!

Pros: Unbelievable BBQ- enough said

Cons: Too good of a place to have such a small parking lot!!!

Posted 02/14/09

After reading all of the great reviews for Stan's, I drove out to the restaurant with extremely high hopes. As someone who travels regularly, I've tried many well-reviewed restaurants over the years, some bad and some excellent. To just critique the meat and bird at Stan's, I will say that it is good, but not excellent. The pulled pork was flavorful, and probably my favorite of all the meats. There was no tri-tip, but there was a very fatty portion of brisket that was tender. The links are spicy and tasty, but the brats were just ok. The birds were cooked well, not too dry, but not extremely flavorful. The baby back ribs were the most disappointing to me... they leave something to be desired. They were dry, with very little flavor to speak of. They would do better to dry rub some spare ribs and serve them with some mop sauce. The three sauces were served in tiny dixie cups. In fact, everything came in plastic or styrofoam... so wasteful. Besides the foam containers that they came in, the sides were not good. If the corn and the beans didn't come from a can, they tasted as if they did. The restaurant also serves Lay's potato chips and low quality white bread that resembles Wonder Bread. No fresh biscuits, no braised greens, no mashed potatoes, no corn chowder, in fact, nothing that you would expect to find at a good barbecue restaurant. Perhaps a roadside stand would better suit this establishment, since they appear to not care about anything but the meat and the bar. Lazy is the only word to describe the overall approach to dining at Stan's. It seems as if someone walks in, throws the meat in the smoker, heats up some cheap sides, and slops it on to a disposable plate to order. There is just no care taken for the preparation or the presentation of the food, and this definitely counts, especially when I am dining at a restaurant and spending $40 on dinner. For those of you who get out often, trust me, there are way better places out there.

Pros: Pulled pork.

Cons: Lousy sides, terrible bread, bad ribs, everything served in plastic and styrofoam.

Posted 10/20/08

I went into Stans Barbq on Friday night and was amazed that a Barbq restaurant could look and feel as impressive as this. It's situated in quiet, old Downtown Issaquah, but when you walk in you get a little feel of what downtown Kansas City might feel like on a Friday night. The smell of smoked meat and the quick introduction by the wait staff walking around, "Welcome to Stans, go ahead and sit anywhere you like" made me feel instantaneously welcome. The focal point of the restaurant had to have been the smell that I smelt from where I parked in the rear parking. Plus the choice of meats I had from Turkey, to Half Chicken, the brisket and pulled pork made it so difficult because it all looked so good. I recommend the "Whos your Daddy" because you get a choice of 4 meats with two of the sides. Why go coleslaw and potato salad when you can have baked beans everyday (not just wed and fridays like Dixies) and creamed corn. The sauce, the service, the smoked meat, and to meet Stan are all worth the drive to Issaquah, but I truly wish I could have it in every city in the northwest. Aweseme job, Stan. No wander you were voted best of CitySearch for BarBq in 2007.

Pros: SMOKED MEAT, SERVICE, SAUCE, AND AMBIENCE

Cons: ONLY IN ISSAQUAH

Posted 07/18/08

I usually don't take the time to write a review but felt that this place was just so good I had to let everyone know. You must make sure you stop in to Stan's and try this food! It is so flavorful and cooked (smoked) to perfection.l The meat isn't disguised in sauce...it is what it is and it is the best I have ever had. We were made to feel welcome from the minute we walked in the front "screen" door and our food was at our table in minutes!

I read most of the reviews on Stan's and all were raving except for a couple, made by people that either are clueless or just tasteless! Don't let those reviews keep you from checking this place out...I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Posted 06/29/08

Stan's is one of those friendly places you just love to hang out. if you're a sports fan, the 6 HDTVs rock. Stan definitely knows his meat--the rib meat falls off the bone, easy and tender. My favorite side is the coleslaw, not too sweet or swimming in dressing, but just right. Our new favorite is the chili, though, which comes complete with sour cream, cheese and jalapenos. Perfectly done barbecue, a pitcher of Mac & Jack's, during a great game, finished off with cheesecake made one at a time. It's just so great to have a friendly, warm neighborhood hangout, with food that would draw us in even if there wasn't great service and atmosphere. We're regulars and we'll stay that way!

Posted 01/11/08

I do have a caviat or two about this review: I LIKE my pulled pork sandwiches SLOPPY with sauce all over it... if it's been sitting in the sauce all day, even better! It's .. an opinion. Stan's is NOT like that. It's rubbed meat and you have to drop your own sauce on it. AND I was there for a friend of mine's performance (a nice bonus!) , so it was late at night. SO... it was okay. I want to try there maybe for lunch or early dinner, when the food is HOT. But... it was decent, and I'll go back again.

Pros: They had live music along with their food!

Cons: No real cons -- just not the type of messy/sloppy Q I prefer

Posted 08/12/07

Screw "the man"....dried out meat with hotsauce ain't gonna cut it for this serious BBQ lover. If you want REAL BBQ with meat cooked and smoked to perfection with your choice of sweet, mild or hot sauce "on the side" if needed in the authentic Kansas City style...Stans is it hands down! The most cordial staff around that greets every person that walks through the door with a friendly: "Welcome to Stans!" It's all about the meat: The hot links, the brisket, the pulled pork...it's all good! For first timers I would suggest the "sampler"...it has a lot of everything. From the hardcore BBQ lovers, to the first timers...Stans is the best around. Heaping portions, great beer on tap, live music on Friday nights- what else could you ask for? If you truly want to taste the BEST BBQ in the Northwest...you need to get your mouth to Stans!

Posted 07/15/07

I love Stan's the best Bar-B-Q this side of Kansas City - there's nothing in Seattle that comes close.

Posted 07/15/07

I can't believe I have been able to find one of the best BBQ joints in these United States right here in Issaquah, WA. This place was perfect from the great food to the great service. I have lived in Texas, Missouri and Memphis and can speak to BBQ with authority and this place is smokin!!! I liked the traditional KC style of the dry rub with sauce on the side, white bread that sticks to the roof of your mouth and three choices of awesome sauce, sweet, mild and HOT!!

The atmostphere was great. Even though there was a full bar, families were in abundance and everyone seemed at home. I usually don't take the time to write comment cards or reviews on City Search but I couldn't let this one slip by. I am all about telling people when I find great BBQ! This is a must try!!

Posted 06/06/07

What else can I say? People are still raving about our rehearsal dinner - My now-husband and I love going to Stan's and they dragged all their equipment, piles of pork, brisket, chicken, sides, etc. and Stan himself to serve it all the out to Lake Forest Park for, I kid you not, about $9 a head, tax and gratuity included. The pulled pork will make you cry tears of sheer joy. My only complaint? No cornbread!

Pros: Food, well-stocked bar, tons of sports

Cons: Minor quibble - no cornbread (I know it's not KC traditional, but it's so good!)

Posted 10/17/06

WOW! That was the best barbecue I've ever had! The brisket was unreal, moist & tender. Awesome selction of meats to choose from and great barbecue sauces. The only barbecue I will eat when I'm in Seattle from now on! GO BEAVS!!!

Pros: The staff is extremely friendly and they have a good variety of live music

Cons: NONE

Posted 07/18/06

Stopped at a place down the street but had our 14yr old daughter with us. As we wandered up the street this awesome smoked BBQ odor was wafting down the sidewalk. We just had to stop. It was a bit crowded but the wait was but 5 minutes or so and the staff was VERY friendly. We were eyeballing the patrons portions and figured we were in the right place. Indeed we were. My wife had a full rack of ribs and I split a combo platter with my daughter. The ribs were meaty and very tasty, the links were spicy, the pulled pork lean and plentiful and the brisket was truely incredible. My daughter (all 90lbs of her) ate more in that sitting than she has in years. The EXTREMELY friendly and helpful staff stopped by to gab and check on us many times during the meal. I haven't had service like that since I was in an upscale place in NYC last fall. Don't miss this one it's fantastic.

Pros: Fabulous Wait staff, To die for Brisket

Cons: none

Posted 06/17/06

I just gotta say that being from KC walking into Stan's made me feel like I was back home. His hickory smoked flavor was up there with my all-time favorite bar-b-q in Kansas City. The sauce was a true spicy KC sauce that made the experience that much better! I have found my BBQ away from home and believe me I have been looking for a long time!!! GO CHIEFS!!!!

Posted 05/21/06

I was at a Bellevue Chamber event last week and someone at my table mentioned Stan's in Issaquah. He couldn't say enough great things about the food, the staff and the comfort of the restaurant. It was almost as if he owned the place! Anyway...I convinced my husband to go and he is the biggest BBQ critic I know...well I scored big time by bringing him this new find!! We were both amazed at how much food we got @! a great price as well as the feel of the restaurant. I would say that it is a place that could easily become a weekly event. We went on Friday and they had LIVE MUSIC!! Yes...I said live music in Issaquah!!

I never take the time to do this type of survey but I just had to because I can't imagine people missing this great place! You will love it!!!!

Pros: GREAT TASTE, Value & Cleanliness, Staff

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/02/06

First of all, you have no idea how good barbecue can smell until you walk in the front door of Stan's. Stan's BBQ is outstanding. It's everything you want in a barbecue joint.

The food, oh, the food is fabulous. Succulent ribs--try the dry and the wet. I never knew that smoked chicken could be as stunningly delicious as it is at Stan's. Get the smoked chicken wings. I'm not a huge fan of the hot links, but the ribs and chicken will give you a new reason to live.

They have good happy hour specials, big TVs for watching the game, and best of all live blues on Friday nights. There's a big lot for parking back behind the restaurant. It's the best place in Issaquah, and (I think) the best barbecue in all of Seattle.

Pros: Great barbecue!, Friendly service, Great atmosphere

Posted 03/23/06

We passed by this place so many times over the course of a year and finally decided it was time to give it a try. Wow! This place is awesome! The food is amazing. I now have an alternative to my dad's BBQ(he's in CA) that is really great. BBQ sauce, pulled pork, coleslaw on top and a cheap white bun to cover it all! I was truely in heaven. My hubby had to brisket and said it was the most tender brisket he has ever had. I totally recommend Stan's to anyone who loves good BBQ.

Posted 03/08/06

I was just at Stan's recently after a long day of skiing, and ordered the 1/2 rack of ribs with a side. I got 9 ribs, and they were so meaty that I couldn't finish them all, and took 4 home for my husband. He also commented that they were the meatiest ribs from a restaurant that he had ever seen!
We've been to Stans now about 4-5 times, and we think his ribs are the best (other than our own).

Pros: Quick service, Friendly owner, Good portions

Cons: Lousy parking, OK sides, sometimes crowded

Posted 01/19/06

Don't expect the average BBQ place at Stan's. This place rocks. It's the "Cheers" of Issaquah. The staff makes you feel at home and the food tastes better then home cooking! You really have to give this place a try. I did, and have been back once a week ever since.

Posted 05/29/05

I highly recommend you give this place a try. Great food, great employees and great atmosphere. Free wireless, inexpensive, full bar, outside seating and friendly staff.

Posted 05/29/05

I stumbled on to this place on a Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised with not only super food & service but LIVE music! This place offers a huge menu, gotta try the smoked chicken wings, in a warm, friendly setting. Don't pass up this joint! You are going to love it.

Posted 05/29/05

Stan's is a welcome addition to Issaquah and always crowded. The BBQ is authentic, served fresh and hot and the service is always excellent. The brisket from my experience is not very consistent, but still tastes great. It can be very greasy at times, but Stan makes up for it with his great side items

Pros: Ambience, Food, Service

Cons: Order Confusion, Small dining area

Posted 03/27/05

Having a good amount of options right around here, I find this is the best. If you are by yourself pull up to the bar enjoy a great sandwich and there is always one of the owners there to talk to you. You get great service in the dining area as well. The food is always great and the just added a drink selection. Great idea.

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: Parking, size

Posted 03/15/05

This place rocks. It has a great feel, good service, priced right and the food is unbelievable. I have been in a half dozen times and each time it has been consistent. You know what your are going to get and that is GREAT FOOD. I highly recommend you give this one a try. If you don't it is definitely your loss.

Pros: TASTE, CONSISTENT, AMBIANCE

Cons: NONE

Posted 02/27/05

Anyone who give negative feed back on this place should have their head examined.

Stan's food; words can not describe it (awesome, fabulous and wonderful only scratch the surface of how good the food is!!). It is the best BBQ anywhere in the NW, period. The people are friendly and the service is good.

On par or better than any restaurant I've had BBQ at in Atlanta or Dallas. Everyone else should be ashamed to call their food "BBQ" after eating at Stan's.

Pros: family atmosphere, The food, Good value

Cons: none

Posted 02/25/05

Fun setting to go with very good BBQ. The meat at Stan's is of exceptional quality. It has a smoky flavor that sticks to you fingers well after you've finished your meal. Great natural flavor that makes the sauce an accessory rather than the key component. The staff is young and fun. Prices are reasonable.

On the down side the; the side orders are just average. Creamed corn is very good but the potato salad tastes like the stuff you can buy at Safeway. I was hoping for more creativity in this department. Also the bread for the sandwiches gives you the choice of plain old white bread or a flavorless bun. It made me want to stop at a bakery go get a real bun. Improvements could be made but all in all, Stan's is a great BBQ joint if you know what their strengths are.

Pros: Quality Meat, Setting, Quick food

Cons: Potato Salad, Sandwich Bread

Posted 02/18/05

Stan's is truly the best barbeque I have ever had! The ribs and the chicken are must haves. Although I love the sauces, you truly don't need them because the meat is so tender and packed full of flavor. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, a friendly and welcoming staff, it's truly become my home away from home. I highly recommend!!

Pros: Great Flavor, Awesome Ribs, Fun atmosphere

Posted 02/15/05

Stan!! Or rather this best bet off the expansive menu. The best of the best BBQ..great to share this with someone to taste a little of everything. They might even ring the bell for you !!
Definitely the best BBQ in the Seattle area and I know BBQ - I'm from Kansas City !! Yum!! Thanks Stan for bringing some homestyle BBQ to the Pacific NW!

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 01/23/05

It's about time Seattle gets a real BBQ restaurant. This place gives you the ability to add the sauce and trust me you will find the meat is so good you won't want sauce!! Best BBQ I have ever eaten and I have been to over 100 BBQ places in my life.

Pros: Flavor of meat, Very Clean, Quick

Posted 01/22/05

Stan's BBQ has it all. The food is fabulous and I love the Saloon atmosphere. It makes you feel like your back in the old West. It's in a great location in the heart of downtown Issaquah. It's a great addition to the Eastside.

Posted 12/08/04

I have eaten at virtually every barbeque restaurant in this city and believe this is the best barbeque food I have ever had. I am originally from Texas and would put Stan's Barbeque up against any joint in Texas.

Pros: Inexpensive, Friendly Staff, Excellent Food

Posted 12/05/04

This place is a must on your way home! Their food is so good. Some of my personal choices are b.b.q. ribs, chicken or my favorites, hot links! Call it a great dinner to take home if you don't have the time to cook. If you are going out, then you must relax at this joint! The atmosphere is warm and cozy. Our perfect place for a night out!

Pros: To go food, Flat Screen T.V., Great BBQ

Posted 12/05/04