Matthew’s Smokehouse — Restaurant in Washington

We have eaten at Matthews Smokehouse four times in the last 12-months. First visit would have garnered 5-stars: the brisket was outstanding, lean and flavorful. The pulled pork was extraordinary, very little fat. The BBQ sauces (you choose which you like from a fridge located at the entrance) was exact. And the sides (beans, fries, collards, corn) were best we've had. The next three visits were a mixed bag resulting in three stars overall. Most notably the brisket was always fatty: of the three generous slices, only about 50% was edible (And you had to work hard to find it). The pulled pork was riddled with fat, as was the brisket sandwich. On the fourth visit we ordered ribs and were happy with the texture and taste. That was a win. The sides were dependably good at all visits: the fries are some of the best on Orcas. The collards sell out too quickly. The beans are world-class. Those at our table enjoyed the mac and cheese. The corn was, well, corn - hard to mess that up. We also tried the $7 cod which was excellent, maybe the best value on the menu. The atmosphere is convivial, not what you'd expect. Indoor dining in winter is island standard, outdoor dining on a green lawn with picnic tables and sun umbrellas when the weather is good is exceptional. There is live music on some Friday or Saturday nights. We thought "Reese's Pieces" was a fun little band, lending perfect atmosphere to the setting. Between our visits the deck had closed because it was "broken." That was our favorite dining spot and we look forward to it reopening (if it ever does - it looks pretty beat up now). The service at Matthews makes the visits even more pleasant. After you self order at the entrance, the very kind servers are quick to deliver your meal (and drinks from the bar) to your table, but be patient if they are busy. While the deck is closed we prefer dining at "the circle" across the driveway. It's flat and quieter there, and it also is not subject to the occasional invasion of bees in the lower dining area. Yes, Matthews has a bee problem on some days (comes with the location and outdoor setup, I assume). There is a bar, but in summer we don't see anyone sitting inside. Will we go to Matthews Smokehouse again? Yes. We've tasted them at their best (visit one) and their worst (the next two visits), but the thought of perfect brisket or pork will probably lure us back for another try - and maybe another star....

Comparing what we found to what their website looks like, we were so disappointed. It seriously felt like a roadside afterthought at a Family Camp. I never post bad reviews.

Upon arriving, the place looks fun with potential. Then we walked in. A young girl to the right was at a kiosk desk, with what looked to be her boyfriend hanging on it. He was pleasant and quickly removed himself to the pool table. I asked it this was where we ordered food. The young girl couldn't have looked more bored. After telling her this was our first visit and we needed an introduction to what was offered, she motioned to the menu board and answered our questions with almost one-word answers. While we read the menu that was new to us, she just stood there awkwardly. Most likely the awkwardness was that she was young, and maybe because her friend was standing off to the side. We asked her about the size of the Brisket order and the Pulled Pork order, and it was SO vague that we opted for the sandwich version of each - assuming we could guess what a sandwich looked like.

We went to our table inside and about five minutes later our order came out. My Pulled Pork was okay, but nothing to drive across the island for. But my husband's Brisket sandwich was NEARLY NON-EXISTENT. The amount of beef in it was embarrassing. After the items were delivered we saw no one to flag down to mention this to. More people were coming in so the first girl was busy with them. A younger girl lurked in the background seeming only capable of clearing tables. (She at least smiled as we left and said she hoped we had a good meal.) I really wanted to call attention to the meager, almost rip-off amount of beef NOT on my husband's sandwich, but my husband didn't want to "deal with" our complaints. He did say what he got tasted good, and thought about bringing an order of the Brisket back to our rental, but I disagreed that we should spend more money at such a disappointing place. The amount paid ($17) for an amazing sandwich is understandable, but not with an insulting amount given in the sandwich. (Two sandwiches, an iced tea, a Dr. Pepper, tax = $54). We'll chalk it up to a learning lesson. Dear Reader, maybe you can learn from the...

Ok, I do apologize my original review was poorly written and can be presented in the mood I got as a result of the experience.

Please allow me to properly elaborate. I do have suggestions if you are willing to understand the criticism.

I drive up, after reading all the reviews for 2 years. I finally get the opportunity to try "the best BBQ in Orcas." I have been having a hankering for some good BBQ..

I arrive, not a lick of smoke in the air, I get it, it's noonish. Not a smell in the air. Not many people, that's cool, a lot of flies inside the building.

There are safe for chickens flytraps you can put indoors that will collect flies. Also, there are plants you can have indoors that will make them not be present.

The pork, though prepared in an oven not a smoker, it was quite bland low salt, easy to digest, not flavorful, the order to which the flavoring for the BBQ flavor, just doesn't have the same emulsified pallet of flavor heck, mix in the coleslaw, instead of allowing it to fall apart. . When it came to the untouched by any flame burger slab I couldn't. I passed several local meat sources when I was lost trying to find you. Anyone you're friends with you can make a deal?

And the French fries were absolutely spectacular! Low salt, infact the presence of any form of salt and pepper eluded my view of the 3 places I walked.

The restroom was clean, great pressure, hot water in 17 seconds. To hot...