About Big Stick Barbecue
The Retired & Disabled Police of America (RDPOA) is a fraternal organization formed in October, 1990 and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia as a non-profit corporation, and is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Director.
Amazing BBQ, brisket was phenomenal, melt in your mouth with delicious bark and juicy flavors. Pork belly burnt ends had a nice sweet heat, seasoned kick. Bummed they were low on ribs and out of pulled pork, but everything else was good.
Technical score: 4.75 out of 5 (room for future menu growth, but absolutely deserving of a full 5 stars) Big Stick BBQ – Bellingham, WA I am from South Texas where BBQ is not just food. It is tradition, identity, and a standard that has to be earned. Brisket is its own form of craftsmanship, and every detail matters from the quality of the meat to the rub, smoke profile, patience, and instinct of the pitmaster. Pitmaster Rick clearly understands that craft, and it shows. I rarely eat meat anymore due to personal diet rules, so when I do make an exception it has to be worth it. Today was worth it. My family and I noticed Big Stick BBQ offered Texas style options, so we decided to go with an open mind and full respect for Washington BBQ. Back home in San Juan Texas we have GW BBQ and Catering which ranked number five in the world for brisket, and even though I do not eat much meat anymore, my family and I still visit twice a year. That place shaped our standard, so naturally I arrived curious but realistic. Texas has different cooking styles depending on region and wood type. Washington has its own identity, especially with access to orchard wood. Big Stick uses apple wood and the smoke flavor is clean, gentle, and enhances the meat instead of overpowering it. You taste real BBQ, not smoke overload and not sauce dependency. I ordered burnt ends and moist brisket. My father in law shared pulled pork and ribs. My wife shared a bite of her brisket melt, and my son shared lean brisket from his sandwich made on fresh rosemary potato buns that are baked by a local bread company. Those buns deserve their own compliment because they were fragrant, soft, and paired beautifully with the brisket. I love seeing a restaurant support a local business with a product that actually elevates the meal. Every meat item we tried was tender, juicy, and seasoned with intention. Nothing was dry and nothing tasted rushed. I also shared two friendly ideas with Brett, the restaurant manager, because I believe this place has the potential to expand into something even bigger. One idea was honey infused cornbread served warm with honey butter. The second was a pit prepared baked potato filled with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chopped brisket. With their level of quality both items would fit naturally here. Service and atmosphere also deserve recognition. Brett and his team were friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without feeling scripted or corporate. The restaurant has a warm home style feel that makes you want to relax and stay awhile. It does not feel like a franchise and that matters. Different region. Different wood. Different accent. Same level of craftsmanship. Texas Approved If this restaurant opened in the Rio Grande Valley, it would be respected. TLDR Real BBQ, tender meat, clean apple wood smoke, friendly staff, great atmosphere, and top tier locally baked rosemary buns. Fully deserves 5 stars and has room to grow into an even stronger menu.
Stopped in for lunch today. Being from Texas I was surprised how good the BBQ was. Brisket was tender with good smoke flavor and peppery finish. Ribs had a very good sweet flavor and texture. Pulled pork had good flavor but was a little on the dry side. Sides were very good as well. Even got a tour of the pits! Whole experience was great!
This place is TEXAS BBQ in WA truly! Fridays they have brisket burgers which I highly recommend! The food is utterly amazing in taste, super quick and the owner and staff are unbelievably kind! If you are passing thru Bellingham or live here, stopping by is a MUST!
A little hard to find, GREAT food, WELL worth the price. We are new to the area and trying new places. The portions are generous, the meat is super tender and fall out the bone. BBQ sauce is slightly sweet; the spicy BBQ is just enough spicy without 🔥 lighting you up. 9.5/10