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Located in Bothell, WA

Carolina Smoke BBQ

It's not just BBQ, it's an experience!

Hello , family and friends of Carolina Smoke BBQ!

We strongly feel the need to give our thanks to all of you for the overwhelming support you have shown Carolina Smoke over the past year.  To say that Covid was a challenge is an understatement.  Through it, we were able to keep our heads up, doors open, and staff fully employed.  We could not have done it without your support.

Now, as we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we are facing yet another challenge.  This new challenge is the fast-rising cost of meat and supplies.  One example is the  price of beef went up 40% this week.  The reason:  shortages are driving up the prices.  We don’t mean the shortage of beef, pork, or chicken.  We mean the shortage of workers at the meat processing plants.  When Covid shut down the restaurant industry, the farmers stopped raising stock.  As a result, the processing plants were forced to lay off their employees because of the decrease in meat to process .  The trucking companies followed the same pattern.  As the country reopens, folks in these industries are not returning to work.  Some are nervous and some are not working due to the enhanced unemployment programs.  Those who are returning to work are demanding much higher wages to compensate for what the state and federal programs are paying them not to work.    If the processing plants start paying these inflated wages, the cost of the final product will continue to rise.

Restaurant supplies are another example of increasing costs.  There was a 200% increase in nitrite gloves and to-go containers.   The cost of a case of gloves went from $30 (pre Covid) to $150 a year ago and still remains the same.  As we were forced into the 100% take-out world, we started using styrofoam boxes for the take-out meals.  We realize styrofoam is not the best choice, so six months into the pandemic we made the decision to switch over to 100% recyclable and reusable containers.  We knew there would be a slight increase in cost, but with the ongoing support of our customers we were able to keep our prices the same.  We will never be able to recoup the costs associated with the packaging and labor involved in getting a to-go order ready, though.  We did not charge a take-out service fee like other restaurants, because we were grateful for the support of the community.  We also did not want to pass along more of a financial burden to our customers.

We are committed to our customers, so daily we are spending countless hours shopping all suppliers in order to find the best deal and still keep our costs down.   Let’s face it, we need to show positive figures to stay in business.  We also feel the need to do everything we can to not pass the increased costs onto our loyal customers.

From time to time, we may find a good deal on a cut of beef or pork that we do not normally smoke.  When we find said deal, we will pass it along to you in the form of a special price. The rib deal we had on Mother’s Day is a good example.  We found St. Louis ribs at a reduced cost and passed the savings along to you.  Normally, we sell racks of ribs for $32 to $36 a rack, depending on the cut.  As we got the ribs for less, we sold them for $25 a rack.

Please follow our website to look for the specials.  When you see a special, you will know that we found something at a lower price and are passing the savings along to you.  We are unable to thank each and everyone of you in person, so this is our way of doing just that.’s  Myself and my crew truly enjoy seeing all of you, and are greatly humbled by your support.

We hope this gives you some understanding as to the challenges Carolina Smoke is facing.  We ask for your continued understanding and support.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

If you have any questions or any ideas for the menu, please feel free to let us know.  We are open to any and all ideas as we move into this next phase.

Thank you,
David Hayward

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The Best BBQ in Town

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O U R    D E L I C I O U S    S T O R Y

Carolina Smoke is owned and operated by David Hayward, who originated from Charleston, South Carolina.

He moved to the Northwest in 1971 bringing his home-style southern cooking with him. He has been sharing his delicious BBQs with family and friends in Western Washington for 20 years and after rave reviews he decided to start his own business.

David, the Chef and Owner
David, the Chef and Owner
sauce

NEW BOTTLED SAUCES AVAILABLE!

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Featured Specials

FRESH FROM THE GRILL

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Check our menu and call the shop for daily specials

They our food

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Carolina Smoke has some really wonderful customers and we are so thankful they love our food and keep coming back!  Here are just a few of the glowing reviews we've received.

"I used to visit Carolina Smoke about once per month. We moved away and have not been back for awhile. I forgot what I was missing -- some of the BEST brisket I have ever eaten (and I eat a lot of BBQ brisket whenever available). Well seasoned and juicy -- add to that an excellent selection of sides and Carolina Smoke is a must-visit eatery in the Bothell area."

~ Reviewer on Trip Advisor

"We love this place! It's just good old bbq! Classic choices of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and wings, along with the staple of sides such as baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. They have so much more than just that to offer too with Dave always trying something new! Keep your eye out for his specials too! We are so excited for his new location and all the new things it brings! New soda machine, more space, and even new menu items!"

~ Callie M on Yelp

"The BBQ here is authentic. I grew up in Eastern NC and to my astonishment/delight found this business nestled away in the Bothell Village. Everything is done right and I've never had an unpleasant experience. One downside to knowing this place exists is that I can never see myself trying anything else - it's just that good!"

~ Ellie W on Google

"Lucked out finding this place on a recommendation from a guy in a pet supplies shop. Carolina Smoke makes some of the best brisket I've ever tasted! The ribs and pulled pork are near the top, too. The North Carolina Red sauce mixed with a little of the Apple Butter sauce is my idea of perfection: sweet, tangy and spicy. The beans are outstanding as a side, and the broccoli cole slaw is pretty good. i've read in a few different places that you can't get good barbecue in Seattle and if that's true, the solution to the problem is to head to Bothell and try Carolina Smoke."

~ Rebecca P on Facebook

Let's Pig Out

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Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Carolina Smoke will be closed this Sunday and Monday, Sept. 2nd and Sept 3rd in order to give the employees of Carolina Smoke time off for all the hard work they do during the year. Thank you all for your business. We will be open again on Tuesday, Sept. 4th. Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!