Brileys BBQ and Grill

"According to our sources, there are “no other good places in Lake Forest Park really” than Briley’s. But in reality, it’s so much more than the least-worst spot in the area—they serve BBQ chicken and brisket worth biking from Seattle to seek out, and there’s a picnic table-lined patio that overlooks Lake Washington. We’ll admit, though, that we’d rather just stare at the smoked jalapeño and cheddar links all day." - aimee rizzo

"Brileys in Lake Forest Park draws in many fans for good reason. The restaurant's Southern Pride SPK 500 smoker imparts the flavor of cherry and applewood into everything from sausages to brisket, ribs, and chicken. Sides are a big focus here, too, and the Brileys Fries, topped with barbecue sauce and Brunswick stew, are a must." - Meg van Huygen, Jade Yamazaki Stewart, Harry Cheadle

"Brileys isn’t exactly on the water, but this BBQ spot still counts, because if you stand up by their patio's railing, you can kind of technically see Lake Washington. An outdoor picnic table here is a great place to spread out with slaw-topped brisket sandwiches, wedges of cornbread, the city's best sausage links, and seasonal vegetables like honey garlic butter zucchini or lemon-squeezed broccoli that consistently steal the show." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"The smoked meats at this Lake Forest Park staple are pretty tasty across the board, but the jalapeño-cheddar link is Briley’s greatest contribution to the Seattle BBQ universe. With the snap of a sizzled brat but the gentle chew of a hot dog, these links are studded with pockets of spicy peppers and gooey cheese like chocolate chips in a cookie, all while split and scored for optimal charred surface bits. Sure, a plank of brisket will do, but we’d much rather house a metal tray absolutely slammed with sausages. And in a city full of sad, dry chicken and vegetable-based afterthoughts, Briley’s saucy pulled thigh meat—and seasonal produce like honey butter zucchini or lemony broccoli—really rule. Add on a square of cornbread and live your life." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"If you’re looking for a satisfying barbecue meal on the north end, Brileys is an excellent option. They serve the best jalape ñ o cheddar links in town, along with tasty brisket and pulled pork sandwiches piled high on toasted brioche. And, we’re huge fans of their seasonal vegetable dishes (like garlic butter zucchini or lemon broccoli) and juicy, semi-sweet smoked chicken—two things that many BBQ spots in Seattle often treat as complete afterthoughts. There’s also a great patio where you can eat mac and cheese and drink a cold beer while looking at Lake Washington in the distance. We’ll admit, though, that we’d rather just stare at their delicious cornbread all day." - Aimee Rizzo