Although you get a crap load of attitude from the restaurant owners, it’s almost impossible to get pissed off at them. The food is excellent, but going there to MEET THE MAN is what makes the dinning experience so much fun.

The Man walks around with a spoon and a pot of his secret chili sauce. If you’ve never had it, he’ll dip a toothpick in the sauce for you to try.

Never tempt him by saying “I heard it’s nothing” or “I’ve had it, it’s nothing”, because he will put a spoon full of chili sauce right on your bbq. You will CRY! (literally, from the spiciness).

Never ask him to put his chili sauce on the side, because he will never do it. It has to go on top of your food.

If you’re in the Greater Seattle area, or you plan on visiting, go to Dixie’s BBQ. The experience is one of a kind.

Dixie’s BBQ has a lot of character. The food is good, but the real reason to visit is to try “The Man”; a painfully spicy sauce that Gene (the owner) brings around to customers as they dine. If you like spicy food, try a toothpick dipped in the sauce. If you’re really adventerous, let him put a very small amount on your meal. Have plenty of water and peanuts on hand to put out the flames!

Don’t go here for a quick lunch. They are interested in serving good food, not in doing it quickly. Realistically, you can plan to spend 5 minutes in line for each person in front of you (yes, you will wait an hour for 12 people). Gene will help keep you entertained.

The line is always long and moves very slowly. The restaurant is famous for “meet the man”. The hot sauce does not have any special taste, it’s just very hot from the start to the end.
The portion size is very large! The sandwhiches are VERY meaty! The restaurant used to be an old auto shop which makes it unique to dine there.

This is definitely one of the more unique places on the east side. This repair-shop-turned-resturant shed serves you slabs of tasty meat and ribs in styrofoam containers. If you haven’t been there try it once if only just for the experience. Once you’re there you may not be able to get away from trying the “man sauce”…

Mrs. Dixie Porter (USAF Colonel-ret.) is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege to meet. Together with her man, Gene, and daughter, L.J., they prepare a delicious feast of down home delights and adorn the feast with feisty friendship that lifts the spirit. They are generous souls who bless the well founded and the down n’ out alike. Their operation at Dixie’s BBQ certainly features great pork ribs, outstanding corn bread, sensational beans and rice…and my all-time favorite: Lemon Cake from heaven! Sometimes there is a wait and sometimes Gene Porter is a bit out of sorts and a bit owly. But what a great little retreat in the middle of a busy suburban/urban day! Since stumbling into their Northup Way shop a decade and a half ago, I can never quite bring myself to enter a chain BBQ joint again. The mix of great food and quirky ambience topped off with THE MAN hot sauce is a real joy-bringer!

Rev. Jack Richards
Everett, WA