On our way West on Hgwy 90 to Seattle we got hungry and thought we'd see what was in the college (CWU) town of Ellensburg. Having never been there before and only having heard of the annual rodeo, we were plesantly surprised coming upon SMOKEY'S BBQ. This restaurant has excellent BBQ and an owner who has won numerous awards for the BBQ Sauces. With an extensive menu it was hard to decide what to choose. We decided on the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Smoked Beef Brisquet. Both were excellent: tender, moist, smokey. All sandwich orders come with a side. We went for the BBQ beans and cole slaw. Both excellent. You order from the counter, from an expansive Southern-themed menu: Ribs, Beef and Pork sandwiches, fried Okra, hand-cut fries, chicken, and much more. Display case with good looking pies and cakes. Service was friendly and helpful. You can eat-in, eat-out or pick-up. After eating, suggest going across street to the Rodeo Museum.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a delicious, hearty meal in the heart of Ellensburg, look no further than Smokey's On Pearl Street. Located at 417 N Pearl St, Ellensburg, WA 98926, this cozy diner is a local favorite, offering a welcoming atmosphere and an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Smokey’s is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a twist.
Walking into Smokey’s feels like stepping into a place where everyone knows your name. The interior is warm and inviting, with rustic decor that gives the restaurant a homely, down-to-earth vibe. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always ready with a recommendation if you’re unsure of what to order. This welcoming atmosphere plays a big role in why Smokey’s has become such a popular choice in Ellensburg.
When it comes to the menu, Smokey’s delivers a range of classic diner favorites, but with their own unique spin. From the moment you look at the menu, you'll see the kitchen’s dedication to using fresh, local ingredients. You can’t go wrong with the burgers here-juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with golden, crispy fries. But what really stands out are the specials. The daily rotating specials bring in a variety of flavors, so each visit offers something a little different, making it easy to return again and again without getting bored.
One of the standout dishes at Smokey’s is the homemade meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes and a rich brown gravy. It’s the perfect dish for anyone craving comfort food. Another fan favorite is the breakfast all-day menu. If you're someone who loves a good stack of pancakes, you’ll love the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes served with syrup that’s just the right amount of sweet.
What truly sets Smokey’s apart from other diners in the area is its attention to detail in both the food and service. For example, the staff knows how to make recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or light, they’ll offer personalized suggestions that show they understand the menu inside and out. This kind of service builds a sense of trust with customers, creating a loyal following that keeps coming back.
The drink menu at Smokey’s complements the food perfectly, with a selection of craft beers and classic milkshakes that are the ideal pairing with any meal. The milkshakes are a must-try, thick and indulgent, with flavors that vary from chocolate to strawberry to vanilla bean. For something a little more adult, the bar serves up a great selection of cocktails, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
But don’t just take my word for it-many customers rave about their experiences at Smokey’s. In fact, the restaurant has garnered positive reviews on multiple platforms, with regular mentions of the great food, welcoming staff, and the overall cozy ambiance. Visitors note that no matter how busy it gets, the staff always maintains a high level of service, making sure that every guest feels appreciated.
Another aspect that deserves attention is the location. Situated right on Pearl Street, Smokey’s is in an ideal spot for both locals and visitors. It’s easy to find, and whether you’re in the area for a shopping spree or visiting the nearby attractions, Smokey’s is the perfect stop for a satisfying meal. The location makes it convenient for anyone looking to grab a bite before heading out to explore more of Ellensburg.
If you’re planning a trip to Ellensburg and haven’t yet visited Smokey’s, you’re missing out. The combination of great food, a warm atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it a must-visit spot. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or enjoying a meal with family and friends, Smokey’s on Pearl Street is sure to leave you satisfied. It's a place where you can enjoy comfort food, made with care and served with a smile, making it an integral part of the local dining scene.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as veteran-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Came at lunch on a Saturday in the Fall. It was our first visit. BBQ is all made on site. We were welcomed quickly and warmly. We had a Chicken Sandwich plate and a rib plate. After we had ordered, we noticed the PIE. Pecan for the win!! We highly recommend that you stop into Smokey’s when you are in Ellensburg.
Great bbq restaurant off the historic square. The people were very engaging, and the food was great. We came on a Friday, but will return for $3.00 margaritas & tacos on Tuesdays.
This was a great find in Ellensburg. It's away from all the hustle and bustle of the fast food joints near I-90 and just a block off of Main St. The decor will capture your attention as soon as you walk in and give you plenty to look at as you chow down on some great bbq. I had the Texas Two Step sandwich which was absolutely delicious! I took some St. Louis ribs home as well and they were fantastic. I'll definitely be stopping here again and skipping all those fast food places.
This was a super cool BBQ spot. I was staying in Ellensburg for a couple of days and really felt like some BBQ and found Smokey's. I'm glad I did. Walked in the door in a Friday evening to the sound of a live trio playing in the corner. That was really cool enjoying live music while my meal arrived. I really want to acknowledge the very friendly and helpful service I received. If you're looking for a place to eat where you really feel welcome, this is it. I ordered a 2 meat platter. Planned on getting the 3 meat platter but unfortunately they were out of ribs for the evening. It worked out though because after finishing the 2 meat platter I was absolutely stuffed and more than that would have gone to waste. For my platter I asked for brisket and pulled pork, with Collard greens and BBQ beans for sides. The helping of meat was generous and flavorful, but a bit on the dry side unfortunately. The sides really shined. The collards and beans where honestly some of the best I've ever had. I make collards at home and do a pretty good job, but these were much better than my own. And the beans were probably the best BBQ beans I've ever had. I've got a party coming up and I plan on smoking a pork shoulder and might just drive over from Tacoma to get a few quarts of these beans to go along with everything else. That's how good these beans are! Next time I'm on that side of the mountains, I'm definitely stopping back on to Smokey's.
We actually had a really good time at Smokeys. Cle Elum low-key has a lot of great places to eat, but we were in a BBQ mood and this looked pretty good. When we pulled up, there was only one other person there and the inside was freezing cold from a robust AC. We dined outside where they had a big patio that was partially covered and it was the perfect setting. I ordered smoked chicken, but ended up receiving pork which was fine with me, but for other folks that would not be OK. My husband got a pulled pork sandwich and that was pretty tasty. I actually really loved the mac & cheese and I am not a mac & cheese fan. I got three sides so that I could try some more veggie dishes. The greens were great the beans and rice had no beans, and no flavor and the coleslaw was pretty good. I recommend studying the menu before you roll up because the offerings are pretty overwhelming and there are specials and things off menu as well. There’s lots to see in this area as it’s a very historical location. We love that the restaurant was on the edge of the forest and definitely will return with her other BBQ, loving friends and family.