The Stage: When I first moved to Seattle from Oklahoma City in 2011, I found myself missing the food I grew up eating. More than anything, I missed BBQ. Sandwiched between Kansas City and Texas, Oklahoma is bathed in great BBQ and experienced pitmasters. From well-established chains to charming hole-in-the-wall dives that locals rave about, communities both big and small across the state are well-versed in the art of smoking meat. Heck, even your next-door neighbor knows their way around a pit.  

Unsatisfied with the tired song that there wasn’t good BBQ in the Pacific Northwest, I added every BBQ joint I could find in the Seattle area to a list on Yelp. My mission was simple. I wanted to try them all and find the best BBQ and/or smokehouse in the northwest.  

After years of stuffing my face with some fantastic BBQ, my yellow brick road finally delivered me to Sharp’s Roast House in SeaTac. Nestled in the shadow of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, this local restaurant has greeted or sent travelers on their way for years. For those in the know, it has welcomed locals with nowhere to go.  

On a rainy night in January, we decided to give Sharp’s a try. I was particularly interested in seeing how it stacked up against the competition. The night of our visit, we found the space charming and inviting. Since our trip, the restaurant has undergone a renovation. I am excited to see how the space has evolved since our visit.    

The Food: As we dug through the cocktail and dinner menu, I found myself longing for a great steak. I know. I came for BBQ and decided for something straight from the grill. I was also eager to try a couple of cocktails: Lavender Seas and a Martini.  

Before I give you my verdict on the food, I would like to offer some thoughts on the cocktail menu. My partner and I always order different cocktails. We do this so we can sample more of the menu. We both found the cocktail menu and our selections playful, creative, and hyperaware that drinks with gimmicks can/will be shared on social media. As a lover of great cocktails, this often translates to a menu that seems ever evolving to match the tastes of customers. I appreciate the thoughtfulness on display. Without a doubt, there are many other drinks on Sharp’s menu I would love to try.  

Now, the food. I wish I found the food as inspiring as the cocktails. I found the seared steak and chips (fries for those who aren’t British) disappointing. The fries were greasy. The steak lacked character and flavor beyond the taste of cooked beef. Knowing this, some herbed chimichurri sauce also makes an appearance, but it isn’t enough to save an uninspired and unexciting plate. I found the whole dish cold and unapproachable. This wasn’t the meal I expected.  

The Service: While the food disappointed, our server took her cues from our cocktails. She was quick, attentive, inviting, and never left us waiting.  

The Price: For the two of us, we paid $170. The price included five cocktails, two main dishes, and a tip.  

The Takeaway: I had high hopes for Sharp’s Roast House. In South King County, this is one of those restaurants everyone recommends. As a big fan of BBQ and anything cooked over a grill, the stars seemed to be aligning for me with this recommendation. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case on this trip. I found the food forgettable and more like fare offered at much cheaper restaurants. If it weren’t for the cocktails, this entire experience might have been truly disappointing.  

Be good to each other,  
Nathan