We stopped by caveman kitchen after living in the area for less than a week. They are so close to our house, we were really hoping it would be good. It was better than good. It was fantastic. The stacks of wood outside and delightful smells were a dead giveaway walking in. We picked up brisket, chicken, beans, slaw, rolls, and an order of the bread pudding. All were delicious. They also offer smoking services on your meat, which we haven't tried yet. Someday! On top of the great food, they are very nice people, too. My debit card dropped out of my pocket and they held on to it in their safe and called my bank so I could come get it. That's a high level of care and integrity and I was so thankful. I highly recommend a visit.
(5)
Tiffany M.
I hold my rating for any bbq by the ribs and brisket. The ribs had a nice smoke flavor however very chewy, lots of work to get the meat off the bone. :( The brisket reminded me of store bought roast beef. Bland, chewy and tough. BYOB (bring your own breans!) The side dish of beans was more like a shot of beans. Way too small! The sauce was not the traditional bbq like you'd think. Tomatoe paste and ketchup are flavors that come to mind. The dragon wheels were just oil saturated potatoes and carrots. Not impressed.
(1)
Knick M.
After hearing great things about this place, I thought i would stop by. Got the salmon dip sandwich. Salty butter is all I tasted. Hardly any salmon. It was not good. I decided to come back to try something else. I got a beef bbq sandwich. The beef was fatty and the bbq sauce was some sort of ketchup. Gross. $23 in the hole and will not be returning. I do have to day that the bread is amazing and the menu is huge. I bet there is something good on it somewhere. 2 stars for the bread!
(2)
Aundrea P.
My second time here and my husband eats here often. We love it. The smoke salmon is amazing, and so are their dragon wheels! Last time I had the pulled pork sandwich and today the BBQ chicken, both amazing! Along with the service!
(5)
Renee G.
The caveman does not disappoint us every time we go there! The dragon wheels are yummy pieces of smoked veggies with potatoes with some pork pieces! Their bread us super fresh for their sandwiches and holds together well for the sandwiches! Enough meat on the sandwich and their bbq sauce is pretty good too! They gave us free samples of the pork cubes and have jones soda at the fountain drink station
(4)
LaDonna L.
I live close to this place but for some reason have not graced it with my pressence. Last night was the night. I went to Safeway to get a roasted chicken to make some chicken soup with but those chickens. HA! Did anybody know that they are $7.49/$7.99 for a whole roasted chicken? WHAT? I'm good on that. Also, when I went back to buy and it suck it up since I am sick, the puny little chicken was gone. Drats! Caveman to the rescue. I believe Sean is correct, don't go here expecting some downhome BBQ. This place is more like a roasting meat market or something. I only ordered the half roasted chicken ($7.99) but the prices where pretty decent. A great selection of meats like ham, turkey, chicken, ribs, salmon all roasted and a few different distinct sides. My soup has a smoky roasted flavor to it because of the chicken so for me it's very good. My husband thought the meat tasted like ham! Sigh!
(3)
Tabia A.
I got a bbq chicken sandwich and a side of baked beans. The sandwich was really good and feeling.The sauce was not typical bar Bque sauce but still good. The beans were good too, but a little small. I would come here again.
(4)
ted g.
I had the chance to try CaveMan last week and I've been thinking about it since. Thank goodness my client recommended it - this is one of those places that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunity. I ordered a French dip, and I was expecting something simple, what I got was a really healthy serving of delicious I wasn't prepared for. At the front counter they had a sampling of sausage with their sauce, and that's what's haunted me for the last week... It was amazing! Fantastic favors. Rarely do I get to enjoy a new flavor, but this was unforgettable... And now I'm typing my admiration for it. I hope to get back there soon and stock up one day.
(4)
Kurt E.
This was my first time here, won't be my last. Walked in and the staff was very friendly and very helpful. Smelled really good inside made it hard to make my mind up. I finally went with the beef sandwich, the roll was toasted on the outside but still soft on the inside. Also had a small potato salad and beans, I don't know if they are but both tasted homemade, very delicious. While I waited for my food I was given a sample of the kielbasa, now it's going to be harder to decide what to get next time. Sorry no pictures, once I started eating I didn't want to put it down to get my phone.
(5)
Shawna B.
Thank you Caveman Kitchen for once again delivering the best sandwich ever! The Salmon Dip rocks!
(5)
Alden C.
I was in the mood for a sandwich the other day and thought I would give Caveman a try. I got a Pulled Pork sandwich which wasn't too bad. The pork was pretty good as was the sandwich bread. The BBQ sauce was a bit bland and not very spicy. The place seems relatively popular though despite my so so experience with my sandwich. There is no seating inside the actual kitchen building but they have a nice yard filled with picnic tables where you can go relax and enjoy your food and on a hot summer day it was fun to do!
(3)
Sean M.
Caveman is a Northwest institution. This is *not* Southern or Texas barbecue, so don't go expecting it to be like the stuff from JimBob's Pig Shack in Charlotte. It is Northwest style, which is unique. The BBQ sandwiches come on a toasted French roll, and are smothered in a sauce that is unlike a traditional Southern or Texas sauce. Fairly bland and tomatoey, without the dark undertones of molasses or brown sugar, it rides on top of the alder smoked meats without overpowering the flavor. I like it, but you might ask for it on the side and dip your sandwich or ribs in it. The sides are outstanding as well-- the kitchen puts the meat scraps into the beans and chili, and the potato salad is unparalleled. Try the dragon wheels, a potato and veggie side dish that is also wonderful. Highly recommended--go with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Ivan O.
My favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman, we called him that because he lived in a cave and every once in a while he'd eat one of us. Later on we found out he was a bear.
(5)
Greg P.
Very friendly, no bathroom, pretty good food. Of course, I only had the chopped pork sandwich. It was tasty but nothing blew me away. I'll give it another try and get into the unsauced meats and see how they really do it!
(3)
Heidi I.
Friendly and delicious food. I just found out that do Thanksgiving turkey and ham smoking. Whenever I'm in the area, I stop by. They only have outdoor seating, though.
(4)
Tyy W.
Always have amazing client service. Always very kind. Food tastes amazing. Favorite place to come for BBQ. highly recommend for anyone. Perfect for summer time!
(5)
Danielle M.
I've eaten here a few times, always pretty good. But today I picked up an order for lunch of one of their potato bugs and a side of chili. It was ready when I got there, which was great, but first thing I noticed was the to-go bag had bbq sauce handprints all over it which was kinda gross. Secondly I opened the bag and no utensils but luckily I had some at work I could grab. But the chili container had chili spilling over all the sides of it, very very messy, and it was filled so high it was hard to open the top without making a mess. The chili smelled burnt, but it tasted pretty good. The baked potato, however, was terrible. It was all broken up, not a very pretty presentation, and was sooooo oily. There was a puddle of oil on the bottom of the container. Not a good experience at all :(
(2)
Kevin C.
The meats are done perfectly and the portions are generous. Great smokey flavors. I'd love to see a dry rub option and different bbq sauce choices but I will definitely stop in again! Very friendly staff tonight too.
(4)
Arthur V.
Hands down the best French Dip you'll ever eat. I've been coming here for over 10 years (specifically for the French Dip). I can't necessarily say anything about their BBQ since I haven't really ventured through the menu. But if you're ever in the areas, definitely try it out, you won't regret it.
(4)
Stef S.
The smoked sandwich dip sandwich was crazy good!!! The bread was perfectly toasted and buttery, the salmon was flaky and high quality, and the dipping sauce was insanely good. What's in that dip?!
(4)
Kristal J.
Love the smoked salmon! Texture is really great, and just enough smoke. I could eat a pound of this stuff it it wasn't so spendy. I have yet to try anything else here, but looking forword to. I just one of those people who always gets the same thing because I dont want to be dissipointed. I get the salmon because i can add to just about anything, noodles, eggs, veggies, salad. LOVE IT
(4)
Jeremy D.
This is one of those one of a kind restaurants you have to taste for yourself. My favorite item is their smoked salmon, i really like the texture and flavor. They also have good lemonade. I have also ordered smoked half chicken and turkey sliced which I also like. After trying the place I seem to have a craving for Cave Man every time I am driving through Kent. I should also add that the owner is amazing, she treats each guest like family and she gave me some samples to try while I was waiting for my order.
(4)
Traci P.
My husband says this is just plain yummy . Also a good place to take your meat to smoke it if you can't do your own ! Salmon is great
(4)
Michael C.
I visit this place about once every other month. Partly because it is a bit pricey. My favorite is beef sandwich, $8.19 full, $4.39 half... I always get a full one. Great flavor, which is savory, and tastes like smoked as it should be. never disappoints.
(4)
Mary M.
Chicken sandwich was greasy and the BBQ sauce was more ketchup than anything. The husked corn was way over buttered (tasted like fake butter even). The kids wouldn't go near the tyke meals and I don't blame them. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is for the smoked salmon and the employees were super nice. Won't be returning...there are too many other bbq places nearby that are outstanding.
(2)
Mike M.
Pork rib dinner was horrible, fatty, tough and cut across the bone. Great cole slaw and baked beans through.
(1)
Charles C.
Caveman dropped the ball and didn't have a special order ready. They apologized profusely and filled the order at no cost. We have used them for over 30 years and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Alex W.
Was thoroughly impressed with how clean everything was! Even in the kitchen/grill areas and fridge/employee areas in the back. Everyone was nice but had to wait awhile to grab my catering carry out order. Just call ahead before you come pick it up! Food is great.
(4)
Ben W.
The pulled pork sandwich was soggy which is to be expected when you dump 3 gallons of BBQ sauce on it. The BBQ sauce tasted like straight ketchup and the baked beans were extremely bland. The only reason I am giving them a second star is because they allow dogs in their outdoor eating area. Washington state is not known for its BBQ and this local joint seems to be fine with maintaining that reputation. Needless to say, we won't be back.
(2)
Mathew M.
Cave man offers to smoke salmon so I brought in a king salmon I caught. They charged me over $50 and when I got it back it was barely smoked and completely raw in the middle. Never tried there food but their service is awful. Will not use this company again in the future.
(1)
Melissa D.
I saw CaveMan Kitchens (that's what their menu says) and just knew it would be one of those "can't miss" hole-in-the-wall bbq joints. I was really wrong. I paid $10 for a tiny smoked (and really dry) baked potato, and a 6" sandwich - I will take their word when they called it a smoked chicken bbq sandwich. I am pretty sure it was smothered in ketchup. All I could taste was the ketchup. Given the reviews of others, I suspect this restaurant changed ownership and is trying to ride the coattails of a once great bbq joint. If you're looking for a great hole-in-the-wall - you should try that exact thing -it's in downtown Seattle around the corner from Smith Tower.
(1)
Dasia A.
First off I'm only putting 1 stars because I got the Polish Sausage Sandwich Spicy and it was REALLY spicy and I like how it was true to what it was (some places say spicy and it really don't be spicy). But if I could put ZERO star's I would. I just left from here with my grandma for lunch. She got the Pulled Pork Sandwich. She said it was VERY bland, no flavor, too much tomato sauce. She gave it to the crows that linger outside. The Polish Sausage Sandwich was cut up in pieces. I was definitely not expecting that. There was too much tomato sauce. They tried to offer us some Soup or something it was mixed with too many different meats for my liking. The customer service was okay. She recommended Dragon Wheels which was horrible. She stated it was seasoned potatoes with carrots, onions and pork (I think that's what the two small pieces of meat was). It was not seasons and the vegetables were dried out and cooked. This place should be out if business and if you are a regular or enjoy this place you must of never tried real good BBQ or you must enjoy tasteless, bland, no seasoned food.
UPDATE 1-17-2012: A fellow Yelper was kind enough to let me know the original family is back manning the smokers. Great! Alas, Caveman Kitchen fans, the original restaurant is truly closed. In it's place is CK's Smokehouse. I spoke with the manager and learned a few things; CK's opened just recently, Caveman Kitchens ceased operations in early June. The menu and recipes are new, as is the smoker itself. The staff is also new, with no holdovers from the Caveman Kitchen gang. I was told they took over the location but they're entirely different. That's probably a little disingenuous; CK is an abbreviation for Caveman Kitchens, and as you can see by the photo of the sign, they've co-opted the Caveman's prehistoric theme. From a business standpoint I don't blame them, Caveman Kitchen was iconic and a longstanding destination restaurant. But this is really about the food right? I remember talking with Dick Donley, the founder of the original Caveman. This was in the 70's and he had just closed the Puyallup Caveman Kitchen and I asked him what happened. The Kent location was always packed so I imagined a Puyallup location would thrive as well. He explained that he couldn't get the smoker right. The Kent smoker that he had built from scratch produced a signature flavor that he found he couldn't duplicate. Expansion plans were put away. They told me the smoker there is new, so this was the long way of explaining why the food will taste different. Not bad, just different. As with the original, there's a lot on the menu - and in this review I can speak only to the beef and chicken. Both were very good, the difference might be indistinguishable to all but us Caveman diehards who will notice the slicers are set differently and other little things that shouldn't deter you at all from giving CK a shot. So, will I go back? Longtime Caveman customers remember when there was no indoor seating, then they moved for a time across the street and provided those awful but beloved wooden picnic tables they'd dragged across the street for indoor seating. They're retro again, the storefront across the street is chained shut and the tables returned to the area across the street. And that's a long way of saying that I was willing to sit in my car and fumble with the chicken, ribs and dragon wheels for the old Caveman Kitchen flavor, but anymore I'll probably just patronize one of the many other good BBQ joints with someplace to sit. If you'd forgo indoor seating to eat a Dick's burger and fries in your car, you understand what I'm saying. Still, I wish the new CK operation all the best. Goodbye Caveman. Rest in peace Mr. Donley. PS: Someone added a review that Yelp filtered. It says that Caveman is still run by the Donley family, but has been transferred to a family member because of legal issues from unpaid wages. So there's that.
(3)
Roberta O.
Portions were good size. I was very disappointed in the flavor. The BBQ sauce was very bland. Will not be returning. When I saw this location had won awards - I'm not exactly sure for what item they submitted. It was horrible. #pulledporksandwich
(2)
Somaria C.
Sorry caveman. I really wanted to like you. I've always driven by this place for many years and thought to myself "I've gotta try it!" Finally the day has come and I am extremely disappointed... I ordered the polish sausage sandwich and my bf ordered the pulled pork sandwich. Both on a crusty French bread smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. It was awful. There was soooo much sauce my buns were soggy. It wasn't edible. Why would they put a tomato sauce on that kind of sandwich anyways? I also got a side of baked beans. I wasn't impressed, I've had cans of Busch baked beans that tasted better than that. What a disappointment. *Updated* After eating here my boyfriend and I have had the worst stomach aches for two days straight not able to consume anything else and keeping it in. Zero stars for you caveman kitchen!
(1)
Grant G.
I want to like this place but just can't. My sandwich had so much sauce it made me worried what they were trying to cover up. I have tried this place more than once thinking maybe just an off day. Nope bad everytime. No more
(1)
Stacey P.
Like many I was skeptical. It looks more like a shack with a picnic area then a restaurant. But let me tell you their French Dip sandwich is a mouthful of paradise. Layers of tender smoked brisket on a buttered French loaf dipped in au jus sings sweet perfection! I have had their smoked BBQ pork chunks and fell in love all over again! They were bite size morsels of delight packed full of sweet flavor! Then I sampled their apple cobbler dessert - cinnamon, cheese, apples on a French loaf - and was caught off guard with how well cheese and cinnamon blended! The staff is always friendly and delightful. Seating is all outside. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Kristina T.
If you haven't been here, you're missing out. This is a BBQ icon in the PNW that shouldn't be passed up! I have yet to try a menu item that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
(5)
Eve S.
I'm accustomed to Texas BBQ so it may be different in the NW. I ordered the BBQ pork sandwich, a side of Baked Beans, and an order of bread pudding. The french bread was perfectly buttered and toasted however the BBQ sauce tasted like watered down ketchup. The meat had no flavor and tasted as if it had been boiled. The baked beans, packed full of sliced bacon, were delicious! The bread pudding was served cold...biting into cold bread pudding was a bit gross. The service was slow and I had to wait 10 minutes (for the person behind the counter to finish their conversation with a coworker) before they took my order. If you have free time and are looking for a "subtle BBQ flavor" then this might be a good spot to grab lunch. They also have plenty of picnic tables outside for those rare sunny days.
(2)
Vera P.
Smoked salmon is the best one I have ever had.. I was not a big fan of smoked chicken, but the way they do their chicken is so yummy.. I can't wait to try other meats here, new favorite place to go too. Customer service was great too.. I can't believe that I didn't know about this place before.
(5)
Jesse C.
I'll keep it simple and just state the facts. They don't have brisket, they have "smoked lunch meat". At least that's how the lady at the counter described it, I didn't bother trying it. The pork ribs had no flavor. They looked and tasted like they had been boiled. There was no smoke ring or discernible smoke flavor. They were tender. Too tender. The sauce is like watered down ketchup. I've heard this place has great BBQ. I didn't find any thing BBQ about it. If you're looking for bland, boiled ribs with ketchup, Cave Man is for you. If you want BBQ look somewhere else.
(2)
Nick W.
A northwest staple being around since the 1971. Great smoked meats with an average BBQ sauce. I almost always get the BBQ beef or pork sandwitch with a side of Dragon Wheels. If you haven't had Dragon Wheels - try them. It is potatoes, carrots, onions and pork seasoned and cooked togher. Try IT! I've yet to find a 5 start BBQ in the Seattle area but this is among my favorites.
(4)
Scott H.
Not my cup of tea. Very different - seemed like overboard on the tomato sauce in the BBQ sauce.
(2)
Tom C.
This is one of those places I have driven by a hundred times and always say to myself, gotta try this joint! Well, I tried it - and wont be back. We had the French Dip, with BBQ beans and potato salad as sides. I always take a bite before I dip the Dip, to get a taste of the beef - this sandwich had absolutely NO FLAVOR! NADA! I looked at my wife and said, I taste nothing! wow, just as bland as it gets. I had to add some horseradish and dip the hell out of it!!! The amount of actual beef was pretty ridiculous too - it was 95% bread. No thanks. Next on the list...the potato salad. My question is this...how do you screw up potato salad? really? it tasted like it had some rat poison in it, just wrong. I will close this out with the highlight of the meal...the BBQ beans. It had good flavor, I will give them that, but it was more like bean soup....way too watery, way too watery. Adios Caveman!!
(1)
David Y.
Okay... here's the deal... I don't like to slam a business, really, I don't. But, man... I should have checked Yelp first on this joint and I feel the need to warn fellow Yelpers... This place is awful. Sorry Cave Man, you are. I am a bit of a BBQ snob, I admit, it has to be GOOD for me to be happy with it but this place doesn't even come close to BBQ goodness. There's a pile of wood outside - not sure what it's used for, it certainly isn't used for slow and low on the ribs. I ordered 2 pounds of ribs and ate 2 bones. Tossed the rest. Really, it was that bad. It was like they either boil or steam the meat then add a little time on the grill to try to give it some smoke but it's not real BBQ and it shows. To top it off, they splash on some incredibly terrible sauce - it was like tomato soup with no flavor - no spices - no substance. The meat was gray. Anybody who knows BBQ knows that's not a good sign. There you have it. I'm sorry for being so scathing but Cave Man, if you're going to make your stand on BBQ, it should at least be genuine BBQ.
(1)
Melissa L.
Great food...the pulled pork was amazing. I would have liked to have seen the pork just smoked without the sauce. It was a bit overbaring. Nice family owned by locals...and 1 spot to park with truck and trailer.
(3)
Ashley M.
OMG EVERYTHING IS DELIOUS!! Their pulled pork sandwich and there whole chicken is the BEST. So is their smoked salmon!!! EVERYTHING IS GOOD!
(5)
Jill H.
I hired Caveman Kitchen for my Aug. 2012 wedding. From the planning to the big day, they were professional, friendly and SUPER talented cooks!! When my husband and I went in to the restaurant for our initial consultation, we were shocked and so happy when Roseanne offered full-sized portions of their creations for us to try before we made our final decision. We were treated like kings. When the big day rolled around, Roseanne and her staff got to work, setting up the food, decorating the tables, and making sure everything ran smoothly. After our wedding, we received compliment after compliment on our choice of wedding dinner. I couldn't have been happier with our choice! Thanks, Roseanne!!
(5)
Michael F.
I first started eating here in 1977 & I still find the food to be good. The barbeque sauce is just OK. It does work very well on their sandwiches. I have tried making barbeque sandwiches with KC Masterpiece, my favorite sauce & the flavor does not work. The potato salad is the best I have ever had. The baked beans are really good. I also like the dragon wheels & bootleg pudding. I only eat here during the spring & summer because there is no indoor seating. This place has been around a long time & still has a loyal following.
(3)
Haley G.
Delicious chicken meal! Juicy, succulent meat and wonderful sides. I lovelovelove their baked beans. I'm not a baked beans kinda girl, but I could drink theirs by the cup full. Give me your recipe!!!
(4)
Jeremy S.
OK, so maybe it's not up to the standards of true Texas BBQ, but it's still delicious. Place looks rundown, but the service was great and the food made me happy.
(4)
Susan W.
Sooooooo Disappointing. Hadn't been here for over 15 years & I was so excited to have some good BBQ. I was also starving so a BBQ'd shoe would have tasted good. That is of course if they put BBQ sauce on it, not the marinara tasting stuff that was on my BBQ beef sandwich today. The meat had no BBQ flavor either so I wonder if I didn't get some weird mixed up order like for a shoe sandwich. At least the bread was tasty, the potato salad among the best I've ever had and the cole slaw just right. Soda fountain tap had only 1/2 the sodas available. Also the dumpster smelled something fierce in the hot sun. They should really move them away from the picnic tables.
(1)
tonya L.
Dragon wheels are your friends. Just do it. Try the new potato bugs too. I ate about half of one and had no room for anything else. My toddler daughter loves the sausage, she's 3rd generation Caveman Lover!
(5)
Jonny G.
Seriously please pay no mind the the haters and douchey BBQ snobs out there. "I grew up in blah blah blah and i know good BBQ." We get it..your from a small shitty town in the south and you know BBQ. Ok moving ahead. Caveman has recently gone through few ownership changes but i am happy to say the old owners are back where they belong. CM is seriously a kent staple and has been there since the prehistoric age. The smoked brisket is tender and juicy, the chicken is succulent, salmon is out of this world, The poorboy is one of the best ive ever had, and the dragon wheels are crack. My only and i mean only complaint about this place is no indoor seating, so if its cold outside bring it home.
(5)
Graham C.
This review is for my visit today - my first since they reopened. First of all, the menu is smaller. There are a few items missing, such as the missouri ham (one of my old favorites). However, they have added a couple of new items. One of these new sandwiches is the Beef & Blue, which is what I tried today. It is it the regular beef on a ciabatta roll, topped with blue cheese sauce (with none of the cave man bbq sauce). It was really tasty, though a bit small compared to the rest of the sandwiches. Fortunately, it looks like their standard sandwiches are all still the same... BBQ Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Poor Boys are all still present and accounted for.
(4)
Katrina C.
We went there a few weeks ago and it was alright, I enjoyed the dragon wheels. We also had the smoked salmon; it was okay and we had the BBQ pork dinner but a half size portion, we paid half the price and didn't get a roll or a side. Would not go back on my own free will. Pretty cool that they do catering. BBQ sauce tasted odd, tangy, not bad, but not good.
(2)
Delilah R.
I've passed this place several times. At one point, I followed the advice of an old BF who said the food really wasn't that great. Alas, I was introduced to the tasty sweet BBQ chicken sandwich this past weekend on a perfectly sunny Saturday. Though I am an omnivore, I tend to prefer lot's of meat over any other element in my meal. That said, I did find that the sandwich seemed to have more bread than I am used to liking. This however did not discourage me from future visitations as I found the sauce to be strikingly tangy with just the right portion of sweetness that made the meat melt in my mouth! Try to the BBQ sausage, beef, pork, chicken, or ANYTHING!! I don't believe you'll be disappointed. Oh, and I know it's a dismal detail but FREE REFILLS. [It's so anal when places charge .50$-ya' know!?]
(4)
Stevan G.
A sad fall from grace. When the Caveman was around he never would have put out a dried up, below average flavored smoked chicken. I ordered the whole chicken and expected it to have the succulent moist texture I remembered. Now it's a premium price for a poorly prepared bird. Too bad! I'm surprised it's still open.
(1)
Nancy B.
We stopped at the end of a long road trip... food... any food... fast !! Our 2 pulled pork sandwiches were HUGE... the bread is a very crusty Italian and it was easier to turn the 3 in high top piece into an open faced sandwich of it's own. I agree with the smoke v. sauce descriptions below... not my favorite sauce... but a GREAT smokey taste that will have us coming back to try other options!
(4)
Hunter O.
Ok first off this place is not a bbq joint it is a smoke house. The meat is good but do your self a favor and get it go and buy some bbq sauce from the store and put it on the meat..there sauce is not good at all it taste like watered down and just funky..I wont be back any time soon. The portions are also very small for the price.
(2)
Golden X.
Will never eat here again. I got the pork cube dinner and it tasted like someone put a porkchop in a frying pan for 10 minutes on high...Potato salad was marginal at best. The beans were good. This is what I get for tying the OTHER BBQ place in Kent, sorry Pete's, won't make that mistake again...
(1)
Todd D.
Stopped in here for the 1st time in years. Counter girl was very helpful. Went home with a whole chicken, pulled pork, slaw, tater salad, a dragon wheel and French bread. All of it was good...Buuuut the chicken was amazing! Tender, flavorful, skin was delicious and it fell off the bone. Great work Cave Man!
(5)
Michelle C.
NOT CLOSED! It closes every year for a few months and everyone thinks its closed permently because they don't give any reopen date. This happens every year. Learn it people. What I love about this place is the whole smoked chicken. It is a reasonable price and it is perfect for dinner. Cut it down the middle and hubby and I both get a great big dinner. Pair it with a dragon wheel, wait they changed the name upon reopening, they call it the hobo potatoes now if FABULOUS! Wish they gave you a bigger portion for the price. The hubby loves, loves, loves the french dip. I find the bread a little butter for my taste but still good. I had the brisket last night and wasnt good. I got as much fat as I did meat and it didn't have any smokey flavor. For great brisket go to BBQ Petes down the road.
(3)
david tetsuo b.
Best BBQ sandwiches around :P
(4)
Andrew K.
Finally decided to give this place a try after driving by it countless times. Tried the pulled pork sandwich w/coleslaw and potato salad. Meat was pretty good, and the toasted bread was a nice touch, but I personally wasn't a big fan of the sauce (it's tomato-y as some other reviewers have said, as opposed to sweet and smokey). The potato salad and coleslaw were ok. Portions are pretty big for the money, but more sauce options would have automatically made this a 3 or 4 star review for me. Staff was nice, so I might revisit this joint sometime to try the French dip and dragon wheels. Overall, it's just the sauce that wasn't doing it for me.
(2)
Nancy C.
This place is sooooooooooo overated - the Missouri sandwich was dry and tasted like pure sugar. It's been several years since I was here and now I remember why.
(1)
Tushara S.
I went here with a good friend who raved about his childhood memories growing up in Kent and eating at Cave Man. I trusted his taste. At the same time I have had many people tell me the food here used to be good and now not so much. My friend's childhood memories and the rumors are both correct. After taking a good look at the menu I settled on the pulled pork sandwich. The meat was nicely cooked, moist and juicy. It was on a nicely made hard roll bread (not sure where they get them) that tasted amazing. Despite the yummy bread and meat the sauce fell remarkably short of what would otherwise make an amazing sandwich. It tasted like sweetened tomato paste (and also tasted like can) with very little soul. The sandwich wasn't terrible but it wasn't great by any sense of the word. To be honest it would have been way better with just the meat and bread. You can't just smoke meat and slap sweetened tomato paste on something and call it BBQ. Put love into both the meat AND the sauce. Despite my disappointment the staff is super friendly; they served me and my friend even though we got there a few minutes before closing. Would go back and try something completely different off the menu, preferably something made without the tomato paste.
(2)
Toby R.
In my early 20s I remember visiting the original cm kitchens before it burnt down and LOVED the food. I moved out of the area and moved back about a year ago to find it was ck kitchens with a different menu and staff....very disappointing! Today i gave it a try since I found out it was the daughter of the original owner with all his original recipets that are back....I had the dinasaour poorboy (at remmondation from another patron) with a side of beens. Sandwich was ok...kept getting a slight hint of bologna from the sandwich and the lettuce was warm and wilted but it was a togo order so probably got that way from traveling. Beans were the best part in my opinion. I would not order this again. I did have a taste of the pork cubes from my buddy who also ordered there and liked them and the bbq sauce. Im spoiled when it comes bbq I guess.....
(3)
Al G.
Yes! Caveman is back. I didn't have the ribs so I can't speak to others comments. I did have a French Dip and Dragon Wheels. Everything was just as good as it used to be. Yes, there is no indoor seating. It is all back in the original building with the picnic tables outside. As for all that wood? They use it to slow smoke their meats in smokers. They smoke their meat, it's not a BBQ place, never has been.
(5)
Shaina H.
When it comes to bbq in the Northwest ther is only two options BBQ Pete's and Cave Man Kitchen. As soon as you walk in you are blasted with the aroma of BBQ'd meats and savory spices. At this point if you aren't drooling then i feel sorry for you. I usually order a pulled pork sandwich or ribs.
(5)
Tony G.
And the phrase that everyone hates: 3 1/2 stars but I will round up. I had a pretty tasty pulled pork sandwich here. It was served on what I think was French or Italian bread and the sauce was a bit tomatoey. The flavor of the pork was pretty good as well. As another review said, these sandwiches are pretty big so make sure you bring a big appetite. I like my sandwiches to be more on the hotter side, so I was a little disappointed when the girl behind the counter said the sauce is pretty mild. She did say she could add a little cayenne pepper to it. I don't know if she did, but the sandwich did have a nice little kick to it. My mom wasn't too impressed with their ribs. She said they were a little tough and she didn't like their sauce that much. But who cares what she thinks? If she wanted her opinion to mean something she would join Yelp, that lazy bastard. She didn't even offer me a bite of her ribs even though I gave her a bite of my sandwich. I wasn't too impressed with the cole slaw, or as I like to call it, mayonnaise with some cabbage. Couldn't take more than 3 bites. I would recommend this place for their sandwiches. Zipzap Zubidy Bop! **Correction** This is my mom's response upon reading my review: "WHAT!!!!!!! you called me a lazy bastard!!!!! I'm a girl....bitch would be appropriate! LOVE MOM"
(4)
Roger A.
Great place to get BBQ.. and alot of it. Price is good for what you get. My team at my old work used to order alot of food from there and it was some of the best.
(4)
Deftones T.
The food is great I recommend the French dip!
(5)
Mikal W.
Great food. I have been several times and only a couple of times the food was not up to par. Ribs are awesome. The sauce is nice because its not real thick and overwhelming, you get to taste the ribs for what they are. They have a good amount of sides. The beans are great, I get them every time. A downside is, they don't have any indoor seating so if it is crummy outside than you eat in your car. They will also smoke turkeys for about 20 bucks. They have a great smoker. Probably one of the best BBQ around.
(4)
Nathan S.
I love BBQ. For a born and bred Northwesterner, I'd like to think I've experienced more barbecue than most people. I feel like Cave Man Kitchens is a place where the legend has outgrown the reality. I ordered the rib dinner with Dragon Wheels. I got three ribs that had a large amount of a very boring sauce. The potatoes were undercooked, and nearly inedible. My father has hyped this place up for a long time, so I wish I could say it was good but it fell far below my expectations. The service is very good, but I don't order barbecue for the service. If you feel the need for some good BBQ head over to RoRo in SoDo/Wallingford or Shorty's Grub House in Federal Way.
(2)
Dutch F.
SORELY disappointed. Ordered a Philly Cheesesteak, got a non melted cheese, non-sauteed, onions, and for some inexplicable reason..au jus? What the hell happened? I will give this place one more chance but damm, this was painful.
(1)
Brian C.
I have heard a lot about Caveman and so I decided to try it out. It is off the beaten path in Kent, WA. They didn't have exactly what I wanted which was brisket. I settled for the Pulled pork sandwich. I have had pulled pork before and the sandwich was just alright. The reason I am posting three stars is I did have an appetizer there called a Dragonwheel. I highly recommend the Dragonwheel as it was phenomenal. Inside a wrapped up tinfoil shaped wheel was potatoes, carrots, onions and some great BBQ. I wish I could have had a whole sandwich of that meat! Overall if you are in the south end Caveman would cure the BBQ. I actually think the Longhorn has a better pulled pork sandwich though.
(3)
Rowena M.
I came here with a craving and was steered away from Famous Dave's to this place by a southern belle with whom I work. She says it's pretty close to authentic southern style that you could find up here in the NW, and being a former southerner, I figured I'd give it a try. The chicken meal is half a smoked chicken--fantastic because I generally don't like barbecue sauce. It was juicy and smoky and very delicious. The beans were pretty damn tasty as well, but I should also say that I generally don't like beans, so they may be a disappointment to someone who is more into the musical fruit. Potato salad was just all right, and I only had a bite of the french bread that they served along with it, just because I didn't want to put too much filler in my gut. Also got a pork sandwich which was good, not great. The ribs were tender, but not falling off the bone, and the sauce was a little to ketchup-ey. For the most part I'm not a big meat eater, but every once in a while I get a craving for flesh which can only be satisfied by stuffing my pie-hole with something that once had a face. I was definitely satisfied with my meal, but it would have been nice to have some complimentary cornbread to go along with it.
(4)
Jason B.
The meat had a really nice smokey smell and flavor to it. The reason for the two stars it the BBQ sauce tastes like tomato paste. If that is resolved or they use different sauce I'll give it more stars.
(2)
Adine L.
i don't even really like bbq very much but i work with a bunch of dudes so when they offered to bring me back a sandwich from this place, i politely accepted. i don't understand why everyone bad-mouths this place, either. like i said, i don't even like bbq that much and this place made me a believer. as tracy s. said, toasty crusty, warm yummy bread filled with very yummy bbq meat of your choice. i had the chicken and it was BOMB! they even have good coleslaw! yee-haw! UPDATE / FUNNY STORY: i went back to Caveman with my co-worker Josh to pick up lunch for our entire office. while we were waiting in line (it was a long one), we got to discussing the fact that Caveman will smoke anything you bring to them, whatever kind of meat you want. i commented that i thought that was interesting and weird; i'd never heard of any place doing that. so then, Josh says to me, ever so casually: "Have you ever tried the smoked salad? that shit is GOOD." i was confused. what the hell is a smoked salad?! i scanned the menu. no smoked salad in sight. Josh read my mind. "it's a special, so it's probably not on the regular menu board," he says, "why don't you order a small one and we'll share it!" i'm starting to get excited. I MUST TRY THE SMOKED SALAD! i'm still scanning the menu for any sign of the smoked salad. still, i'm convinced. it's my turn in line. ME: "I'm here to pick up for Adine" Cashier: "Okay, just one second." (she goes to the back to get our food. as she's walking back to the counter, i say apologetically, "Also, would it be too much trouble to add a small side of the smoked salad?" and i shit you not, it wasn't until i said those words out loud that i realized how STUPID that sounded! She looks at me, confused. I immediately turned around and kicked Josh in the leg. "Yeah, you got me, fucker." everyone else in line was laughing.
(4)
Mark J.
This is one of my favorite greasy spoon places. Have been going here for close to 20 years now. They have some of the best smoked meats you will ever eat. They even will smoke meats you bring in to them(they call it "you choke it, we smoke it"). They offer everything from french dips(my personal favorite), smoked chicken(really really good) to ribs, which im sad to say are only sub par. Their side dishes are to die for. From potato salad,chili, beans, bread, bread pudding, and many more. They have amazing service as well. One time in 2007, we showed up(25 mile drive mind you) and their CC machine was down, and we had no cash on us. They just gave us the food($40.00 worth) and said "Next time you come in, settle the debt". Didn't even ask for ID, or anything. And while i am a regular, and they knew i would be back, i still find it pretty damn cool they would go to such lengths to please a customer. Word to the wise though, DO NOT go here during the main Boeing lunch rush. They get swamped. This place for a generation has been the mecca of Boeing employee's much like Dixie's BBQ is for Microsoft.
(5)
Bethany H.
Instead of this place, try Pig Iron BBQ in Georgetown. As a Texas transplant, I'm always excited to discover a new BBQ place. ...But I should have seen the warning signs here. When I got out of the car it smelled terrible--the trash was overflowing and looked like it hadn't been picked up in a couple of weeks. Once I'd ordered I went to get my drink and the drink machine had exposed parts and not enough ice. The food itself was atrocious. The beans seemed like they came stright from a can--too many onions, not enough meat and very, very mushy. The coleslaw was swimming in mayonaise--very little cabbage and carrots. The sandwich (BBQ beef) was served with way too much sauce--leading me to think "why are they hiding the meat?"--the meat itself was very dry, not smoked and sliced too thin. I only ate a few bites and had half of a mind to go back and ask for a refund. The only upside of this experience was that the counter help was friendly and the food was served quickly. But I would have been very glad to wait for better quality.
(1)
Nicole P.
i grew up eating at this place, and thank god. to this day when my best friend (who now lives on the east coast) comes to visit me, the one and only place that we HAVE to eat at each and everytime is Caveman. no sauce here, this is just the best, smokey, meat around. beautiful red on the ouside, with a smoke ring that goes an inch deep... oh, damn, i'm drooling again... if you don't live in the south end, it's almost worth a drive, i find myslef on pilgramages to kent every few onths when nothing else will fit the bill.
(4)
Jennifer A.
BBQ.... but different than the norm. The meat is always great. Recently had the ham and it was really juicy and sweet, but I like the beef too. Tasty but a little bit too spendy- a sandwich runs about $7. The dragon wheels (stewed meat and potatoes) are SOOO good but at $3.50 for a teeny portion I feel like I'm being ripped off. One serving is only a few good bites. The sauce is very tomato-y, good but not quite spicy enough. The place is ancient- reminiscent of the way the kent valley used to be. I recommend take-out.
(3)
samantha k. s.
Say you're going to Kent for some reason (Ikea) and you're not in the mood for Swedish meatballs. Or say you're anywhere at all and you're in the mood for an amazing smoked, roasted chicken sandwich and the best baked beans on the planet. Here's where you go. Ditto the ribs, salmon sandwich, and pork cubes that are impossibly tender and flavorful. The sandwiches come on grilled, buttered buns of the crisp but not crunchy crust variety. Did I already say grilled? That's key, they are soft and the sauce soaks in but not too much. The sides? So, if you're into coleslaw or homey, basic potato salad, those are good and fine and tasty. But do not leave without trying the baked beans. You will regret it if you miss them. Even if, like me, you don't actually like baked beans. If it's nice out or anyway not raining, extra treat, you get to eat at weathered picnic tables with, i kid you not, scruffy chickens pecking around your feet. Sort of creepy but just breathe and go with it. The smoked polish sausage in piquant tomato based sauce will make you change your no-nitrate ways and think about hosting a smart mid-century modern cocktail party featuring a chafing dish filled with them. We have Cave Man Kitchened Thanksgiving, taking home a perfectly smoked whole turkey, by far the best turkey dinner around. Be sure to notice the agate shop across the street. What's that all about? I've never gone inside because the place definitely scares me. But I have a dark desire to know what it looks like in there. I suspect low and shadowy light, ghoulish stuffed animals on high shelves, and dusty trays of sharks teeth, ancient arrowheads, and (of course) agates. ---- update based on impromptu drop in on 3-30 Sigh. All is not well in Caveland. My very own review left me in a smoked meat reverie that would only be satisfied by a trip to Caveman. Fortunately, and weirdly, I had to drive down to Kent (don't ask) Friday and stopped in. First off, I had completely forgotten about the fire that shifted operations from the funky shack to a little stip-mall storefront across the parking lot. The signs on the door indicated I'm not the only one to put that detail out of mind between visits. "Across the Street" says one. And then, hilariously, as I'm peering around, there's another sign scrawled with the same quick hand: "Turn Around!" Anyway, comic relief aside, the formerly succulent pork cubes were peculiarly leathery. The beef in the bbq beef sandwich was sliced too thickly. And, tragically, the beans. While I was waiting for my meal, in wheeled an industrial size cart laden with army surplus size cans of Van Kamps pork and beans. Uh. Uh ... ok, I tell myself, little secret revealed, they must doctor up the basics to that transcendent state. But no. These were clearly doctored, and very tasty, but nothing to drive to Kent for. Damn it. For the sake of history and disbelief, I will go again in the spring and hopefully learn it was just a crap day at the Caveman, all the regular chefs were out with the flu or something. I will try again. Oh - the scene was perfect as ever. Some guy, leathery as the pork cubes, sidled up for an order and loudly, directly pitched woo to a similarly weathered woman working the saucepan. You remember me? You don't remember me. Yeah, I remember you, from the casino Tuesday. Yeah, that's me. Come to say 'hey'. Hey. But it's really busy right now (lunch rush). Ok. Well I just came to say 'hey'. also: Guy tells the really rosy counterlady he and his friends come up once a month from Olympia. Best food around. They always bring along a non believer and convert him. Yes, of course I'll go back.
(3)
Lesley K.
Been coming to Caveman since I was a young kid. Now that I live in Edmond's I'm lucky if I get to go at least once a year. But they have amazing food, over the years the location has moved back and forth from across the street. But the food is always excellent. And always worth the long drive out of my way!!
(5)
Sonia G.
The food is subpar at best in comparison to other barbecue place, or what I can make at home. The reason for any stars at all is the fact that the will smoke your meat for you.
(2)
Ben M.
This has got to be one of the most overrated restaurants I've heard about EVER. The chicken bbq sandwich was dry, didn't taste like bbq, and the bread was pedestrian. The sauce tasted like something from a low-end italian kitchen. Not smoky, not tangy, just...blah. Whoever began the "Cave Man BBQ is the best in Seattle!" nonsense was off their rocker. The restaurant is simply the beneficiary of good word-of-mouth advertising, and unfortunately for the rest of us, all the superlatives couldn't be more false.
(1)
Nathan K.
I don't understand the bad-mouthing of the other reviewers. I sure hope they aren't connected to the other excellent BBQ places in Kent that I also enjoy--very bad form! Caveman is excellent. Don't take a date there until you're in pretty solid. Order take-out. On the other hand, why not? Let the gal know you're a man who goes for substance over form. About 2/3's of the time, i get the salmon--THE BEST. And i really like the pork ribs too. The sides are excellent. I appreciate they provide buttered french bread instead of that goofy ballon bread Southern BBQ's insist is traditional.
(5)
Chau L.
The smoke turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving! All their meats are good also!
(4)
Tracy S.
Toasty bread filled with smoked chicken goodness...mmmm... Even when my tonsils were swollen and ouchie, I still managed to gobble down my crusty, toasty sandwich. If it hadn't hurt so much, I'd have eaten both halves of my generously portioned sandwich in one sitting. The beans were good, as was the potato salad. It's not barbeque as the Tony Roma's crowd might want; this stuff is actually good.
(4)
M T.
I ate here while waiting for my car to be fixed down the road at American Frame. Is it so awesome that I will make sure my friends try it? Nah. Will I go back next time my car needs work? Yep. Going to Kent in general is like being transported to a different part of the country. It shares a lot more in common with the mid-south than it does with Seattle. I kind of like that and this place takes it to a whole other level. It's fairly dirty and the staff are not looking like they are in great shape... but that's part of the charm. The smoked pork cubes were good, the baked beans were great, the barbecue sauce was very mild and could have used some kick. I guess I like tomato sauce more than my fellow yelpers!
(3)
Justin P.
This review is just for their smoking part of caveman. As they say "you choke em, we'll smoke em" I brought in a few pink salmon i caught the other day in the sound and for $2.00 a pound, they smoke it for you and let me tell you, the recipe they use is to die for. I could have swore i was eating Wild King Smoked Salmon. It was that good!! The turn around time is 2-3 days which is also great! Thanks guys, i'll be back in a few days to drop off more salmon!!!
(5)
Pierre G.
I've tried - BBQ Pork Sandwich for $7.89: The Good: The pork meat is flavorful, the bread is crusty [though it softens considerably during the eating] & its certainly filling. The Bad: I'm not a fan of the ketchup-y based sauce [as noted elsewhere], which drips all over the place [a Bib is required if eating in your car]; at best, its a distraction from the meat's flavor. [NOTE: for the Naughty Yelpers amongst you, consider filching some Zesty Pulled Pork Sauce from Pete's BBQ counter on S 212th & having Cave Man hold the sauce for your next sandwich; I mean really - what does Cave Man Mgmt need to fix the Sauce Problem [i.e., a second sauce option? Consultants? Tom Douglas? Morimoto? Rahm Emanuel?] - Half Chicken [$$6.99+ $0.70 tax = $7.69] - Moist, smoke-roasted, nice crispy skin, The Smoke permeates the chicken meat, Large enough to split - which I how I suggest you eat this - Dragon Wheel for $3.79: This is surprisingly flavorful - its potato slices covered in a better sauce & includes meat bits garlic & other veggies - I'm liking it NOTE: A Dragon Wheel + another side [Beans or Salad] could make a satisfying lunch - Polish Sausage [$8.29 per lb]: served with Hot Mustard : a quarter pound gets you 3 dense pieces and the mustard, combined with the ketchup-y BBQ sauce, now works - its just enough meat; spicy & tasty [compare this with Pete's BBQ at $11.99 per lb] - Baked Beans: Small portion for $1.29: comes with BBQ meat chunks, sweet and satisfying [compare this with Pete's BBQ Baked Beans side at $2.59, which has no meat in its Beans] - Cole Slaw: Small portion for $1.29: its totally white cabbage [no carrots] - has a neat, sweet flavor - try this also - Potato Salad: Small portion for $1.49: got that mustardy thing going on - it had no distinguishing flavor & its too heavy / dense for me; Cole Slaw + Baked Beans are superior choices. - Bootlegger Pudding [$3.49] For the price, not half-bad - soft, not too sweet, the whisky sauce tastes maple syrupy - worth a shot. OTHER: The interior is sparse, industrial & funky - One might consider ordering meat by the pound for lunch the bread is superfluous] No interior seating [benches outside, romantically situated right along the Highway]; Not the most professional demeanor when phoning in an order; A line out the door would make me think twice about returning another day [not super slow service, but you might reconsider if in a hurry to get back to the office...]
(3)
Nori V.
I went to the original Cave Man when I used to live in Kent. It was the pretty good and smokey bbq as I remembered the ribs - OH YUMMM! That was lil' over 10 years ago...then I heard the place got burnt down to the ground or at least most parts of the joint. I went there last night and I was VERY disappointed with their pork ribs. *UGH* The pork ribs I ordered tasted like it was just baked with no smokey flavor, no salt 'n pepper - nothing at all, NADA. I'll give it a GOOD TENDER MEAT award - that's about it. Like before, their bbq sauce was just enough spooned over, not overly drenched. The bbq sauce taste? Tasted like watered down catsup! The baked beans was doctored with some bacon and something (?), that was - OK. The coleslaw wasn't very tasty at all! I couldn't put enough pepper to doctor up the taste, there were enough salt. The best was the french buttered bread - nicely toasted and very buttery - I swabbed the sauce with it. Their was a person waiting for a catered order and I was just wondering if they took all the TASTY, SMOKEY meats that I had remembered long ago and had to cook a new batch for the customers that were coming in for an order. The pork ribs tasted like they were just baked, the smokey flavor hadn't penetrated the tender ribs. I will try the Cave Man again, I'm hoping this was just a bad timing.
(1)
Reesa T.
So I have expereinced Cave Man Kitchens cooking a few times, once on my own accord and then a couple other times I have been in Kent for work and have expereinced their catering service. Nice people. Food, bleh! Note*** I am more of an herbivore than a carnivore or even an omnivore (I do eat meat... just not all that often) so some of the following is a little biased in regards to my sentiment on a meat based diet... Everything they make tastes like meat, and not really good meat in my opinion. Most of what they make is meat, or has meat in it but the rest is always dissapointing too. Sure, their reputation is bbq or smoked meat, so my anti meat sentiment isnt really the point but really I do know what good bbq tastes like, I do enjoy on occasion a good peice of meat. Their non-meat menu items are not well made as they are an afterthought really, and their star items, their meat is... well... i've expereinced overcooked and undercooked on the same plate. Tough and chewy are not generally pallet pleasers. Overall, if you're curious give it a shot, but if you're workplace needs catering... I would suggest you to not mention Cave Man.
(1)
Tiny k.
Ok so I love BBQ and this place has the best. Just do not eat the salmon! Got food poisoning from smoked salmon. It was pretty bad had a bladder infection and 2 weeks of pain. Although I will still eat there because they have the best ribs and brisket I have ever had. Just stay away from the fish and life will be good. Also the slaw and beans and just about everything is awesome. The price is a lil high for me but hey its the NW most things are not cheap.
(4)
C I.
Caveman does so much right, but the things they do wrong they really do wrong. First, I think they have the best beans I have ever eaten. They are just perfect. They also have excellent chicken. Almost all of their sandwiches are good, but there is too much bread, the bread is generally toasted too hard and there is not enough meat. For the bad, their sauce is just terrible. Its like ketchup only with less sugar. It is incredibly bland, which for a bbq is a big no-no. Also some of their ribs are a disappointment, once again suffering from bland taste. A few of the other meats also lack taste, which seems odd for a wood bbq. That said, they are still worth going to, if nothing else for a chicken dinner with the best beans in Washington. Unfortunately, this is not a place I would ever take customers/clients/someone I was trying to impress. As take out, though, it has enough to be worth going to.
(3)
Lisa F.
I love, love, love, love this place. The atmosphere sucks but they are strictly in the business of making terrific BBQ to go, and that is alright by the locals. Everyone I know born and raised in the area LOVES cave man food, it is sooo good. My husband and I CRAVE the BBQ chicken sandwiches and will drive way out of our way to get one.
(5)
zane b.
I have been working in the south end for a year and realized that everything down south is relative. Is cave man kitchen good? well when compared to Pecos PIt or other Seattle standards it does not compare. It is white mans BBQ pretty good but not amazing, but if you find yourself in Kent on a nice sunny day and want to sit outside and enjoy the sprawl on some picnic tables by all means come here. Its A-OK
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Det H.
We stopped by caveman kitchen after living in the area for less than a week. They are so close to our house, we were really hoping it would be good. It was better than good. It was fantastic. The stacks of wood outside and delightful smells were a dead giveaway walking in. We picked up brisket, chicken, beans, slaw, rolls, and an order of the bread pudding. All were delicious. They also offer smoking services on your meat, which we haven't tried yet. Someday! On top of the great food, they are very nice people, too. My debit card dropped out of my pocket and they held on to it in their safe and called my bank so I could come get it. That's a high level of care and integrity and I was so thankful. I highly recommend a visit.
(5)Tiffany M.
I hold my rating for any bbq by the ribs and brisket. The ribs had a nice smoke flavor however very chewy, lots of work to get the meat off the bone. :( The brisket reminded me of store bought roast beef. Bland, chewy and tough. BYOB (bring your own breans!) The side dish of beans was more like a shot of beans. Way too small! The sauce was not the traditional bbq like you'd think. Tomatoe paste and ketchup are flavors that come to mind. The dragon wheels were just oil saturated potatoes and carrots. Not impressed.
(1)Knick M.
After hearing great things about this place, I thought i would stop by. Got the salmon dip sandwich. Salty butter is all I tasted. Hardly any salmon. It was not good. I decided to come back to try something else. I got a beef bbq sandwich. The beef was fatty and the bbq sauce was some sort of ketchup. Gross. $23 in the hole and will not be returning. I do have to day that the bread is amazing and the menu is huge. I bet there is something good on it somewhere. 2 stars for the bread!
(2)Aundrea P.
My second time here and my husband eats here often. We love it. The smoke salmon is amazing, and so are their dragon wheels! Last time I had the pulled pork sandwich and today the BBQ chicken, both amazing! Along with the service!
(5)Renee G.
The caveman does not disappoint us every time we go there! The dragon wheels are yummy pieces of smoked veggies with potatoes with some pork pieces! Their bread us super fresh for their sandwiches and holds together well for the sandwiches! Enough meat on the sandwich and their bbq sauce is pretty good too! They gave us free samples of the pork cubes and have jones soda at the fountain drink station
(4)LaDonna L.
I live close to this place but for some reason have not graced it with my pressence. Last night was the night. I went to Safeway to get a roasted chicken to make some chicken soup with but those chickens. HA! Did anybody know that they are $7.49/$7.99 for a whole roasted chicken? WHAT? I'm good on that. Also, when I went back to buy and it suck it up since I am sick, the puny little chicken was gone. Drats! Caveman to the rescue. I believe Sean is correct, don't go here expecting some downhome BBQ. This place is more like a roasting meat market or something. I only ordered the half roasted chicken ($7.99) but the prices where pretty decent. A great selection of meats like ham, turkey, chicken, ribs, salmon all roasted and a few different distinct sides. My soup has a smoky roasted flavor to it because of the chicken so for me it's very good. My husband thought the meat tasted like ham! Sigh!
(3)Tabia A.
I got a bbq chicken sandwich and a side of baked beans. The sandwich was really good and feeling.The sauce was not typical bar Bque sauce but still good. The beans were good too, but a little small. I would come here again.
(4)ted g.
I had the chance to try CaveMan last week and I've been thinking about it since. Thank goodness my client recommended it - this is one of those places that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunity. I ordered a French dip, and I was expecting something simple, what I got was a really healthy serving of delicious I wasn't prepared for. At the front counter they had a sampling of sausage with their sauce, and that's what's haunted me for the last week... It was amazing! Fantastic favors. Rarely do I get to enjoy a new flavor, but this was unforgettable... And now I'm typing my admiration for it. I hope to get back there soon and stock up one day.
(4)Kurt E.
This was my first time here, won't be my last. Walked in and the staff was very friendly and very helpful. Smelled really good inside made it hard to make my mind up. I finally went with the beef sandwich, the roll was toasted on the outside but still soft on the inside. Also had a small potato salad and beans, I don't know if they are but both tasted homemade, very delicious. While I waited for my food I was given a sample of the kielbasa, now it's going to be harder to decide what to get next time. Sorry no pictures, once I started eating I didn't want to put it down to get my phone.
(5)Shawna B.
Thank you Caveman Kitchen for once again delivering the best sandwich ever! The Salmon Dip rocks!
(5)Alden C.
I was in the mood for a sandwich the other day and thought I would give Caveman a try. I got a Pulled Pork sandwich which wasn't too bad. The pork was pretty good as was the sandwich bread. The BBQ sauce was a bit bland and not very spicy. The place seems relatively popular though despite my so so experience with my sandwich. There is no seating inside the actual kitchen building but they have a nice yard filled with picnic tables where you can go relax and enjoy your food and on a hot summer day it was fun to do!
(3)Sean M.
Caveman is a Northwest institution. This is *not* Southern or Texas barbecue, so don't go expecting it to be like the stuff from JimBob's Pig Shack in Charlotte. It is Northwest style, which is unique. The BBQ sandwiches come on a toasted French roll, and are smothered in a sauce that is unlike a traditional Southern or Texas sauce. Fairly bland and tomatoey, without the dark undertones of molasses or brown sugar, it rides on top of the alder smoked meats without overpowering the flavor. I like it, but you might ask for it on the side and dip your sandwich or ribs in it. The sides are outstanding as well-- the kitchen puts the meat scraps into the beans and chili, and the potato salad is unparalleled. Try the dragon wheels, a potato and veggie side dish that is also wonderful. Highly recommended--go with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Ivan O.
My favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman, we called him that because he lived in a cave and every once in a while he'd eat one of us. Later on we found out he was a bear.
(5)Greg P.
Very friendly, no bathroom, pretty good food. Of course, I only had the chopped pork sandwich. It was tasty but nothing blew me away. I'll give it another try and get into the unsauced meats and see how they really do it!
(3)Heidi I.
Friendly and delicious food. I just found out that do Thanksgiving turkey and ham smoking. Whenever I'm in the area, I stop by. They only have outdoor seating, though.
(4)Tyy W.
Always have amazing client service. Always very kind. Food tastes amazing. Favorite place to come for BBQ. highly recommend for anyone. Perfect for summer time!
(5)Danielle M.
I've eaten here a few times, always pretty good. But today I picked up an order for lunch of one of their potato bugs and a side of chili. It was ready when I got there, which was great, but first thing I noticed was the to-go bag had bbq sauce handprints all over it which was kinda gross. Secondly I opened the bag and no utensils but luckily I had some at work I could grab. But the chili container had chili spilling over all the sides of it, very very messy, and it was filled so high it was hard to open the top without making a mess. The chili smelled burnt, but it tasted pretty good. The baked potato, however, was terrible. It was all broken up, not a very pretty presentation, and was sooooo oily. There was a puddle of oil on the bottom of the container. Not a good experience at all :(
(2)Kevin C.
The meats are done perfectly and the portions are generous. Great smokey flavors. I'd love to see a dry rub option and different bbq sauce choices but I will definitely stop in again! Very friendly staff tonight too.
(4)Arthur V.
Hands down the best French Dip you'll ever eat. I've been coming here for over 10 years (specifically for the French Dip). I can't necessarily say anything about their BBQ since I haven't really ventured through the menu. But if you're ever in the areas, definitely try it out, you won't regret it.
(4)Stef S.
The smoked sandwich dip sandwich was crazy good!!! The bread was perfectly toasted and buttery, the salmon was flaky and high quality, and the dipping sauce was insanely good. What's in that dip?!
(4)Kristal J.
Love the smoked salmon! Texture is really great, and just enough smoke. I could eat a pound of this stuff it it wasn't so spendy. I have yet to try anything else here, but looking forword to. I just one of those people who always gets the same thing because I dont want to be dissipointed. I get the salmon because i can add to just about anything, noodles, eggs, veggies, salad. LOVE IT
(4)Jeremy D.
This is one of those one of a kind restaurants you have to taste for yourself. My favorite item is their smoked salmon, i really like the texture and flavor. They also have good lemonade. I have also ordered smoked half chicken and turkey sliced which I also like. After trying the place I seem to have a craving for Cave Man every time I am driving through Kent. I should also add that the owner is amazing, she treats each guest like family and she gave me some samples to try while I was waiting for my order.
(4)Traci P.
My husband says this is just plain yummy . Also a good place to take your meat to smoke it if you can't do your own ! Salmon is great
(4)Michael C.
I visit this place about once every other month. Partly because it is a bit pricey. My favorite is beef sandwich, $8.19 full, $4.39 half... I always get a full one. Great flavor, which is savory, and tastes like smoked as it should be. never disappoints.
(4)Mary M.
Chicken sandwich was greasy and the BBQ sauce was more ketchup than anything. The husked corn was way over buttered (tasted like fake butter even). The kids wouldn't go near the tyke meals and I don't blame them. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is for the smoked salmon and the employees were super nice. Won't be returning...there are too many other bbq places nearby that are outstanding.
(2)Mike M.
Pork rib dinner was horrible, fatty, tough and cut across the bone. Great cole slaw and baked beans through.
(1)Charles C.
Caveman dropped the ball and didn't have a special order ready. They apologized profusely and filled the order at no cost. We have used them for over 30 years and have never been disappointed.
(5)Alex W.
Was thoroughly impressed with how clean everything was! Even in the kitchen/grill areas and fridge/employee areas in the back. Everyone was nice but had to wait awhile to grab my catering carry out order. Just call ahead before you come pick it up! Food is great.
(4)Ben W.
The pulled pork sandwich was soggy which is to be expected when you dump 3 gallons of BBQ sauce on it. The BBQ sauce tasted like straight ketchup and the baked beans were extremely bland. The only reason I am giving them a second star is because they allow dogs in their outdoor eating area. Washington state is not known for its BBQ and this local joint seems to be fine with maintaining that reputation. Needless to say, we won't be back.
(2)Mathew M.
Cave man offers to smoke salmon so I brought in a king salmon I caught. They charged me over $50 and when I got it back it was barely smoked and completely raw in the middle. Never tried there food but their service is awful. Will not use this company again in the future.
(1)Melissa D.
I saw CaveMan Kitchens (that's what their menu says) and just knew it would be one of those "can't miss" hole-in-the-wall bbq joints. I was really wrong. I paid $10 for a tiny smoked (and really dry) baked potato, and a 6" sandwich - I will take their word when they called it a smoked chicken bbq sandwich. I am pretty sure it was smothered in ketchup. All I could taste was the ketchup. Given the reviews of others, I suspect this restaurant changed ownership and is trying to ride the coattails of a once great bbq joint. If you're looking for a great hole-in-the-wall - you should try that exact thing -it's in downtown Seattle around the corner from Smith Tower.
(1)Dasia A.
First off I'm only putting 1 stars because I got the Polish Sausage Sandwich Spicy and it was REALLY spicy and I like how it was true to what it was (some places say spicy and it really don't be spicy). But if I could put ZERO star's I would. I just left from here with my grandma for lunch. She got the Pulled Pork Sandwich. She said it was VERY bland, no flavor, too much tomato sauce. She gave it to the crows that linger outside. The Polish Sausage Sandwich was cut up in pieces. I was definitely not expecting that. There was too much tomato sauce. They tried to offer us some Soup or something it was mixed with too many different meats for my liking. The customer service was okay. She recommended Dragon Wheels which was horrible. She stated it was seasoned potatoes with carrots, onions and pork (I think that's what the two small pieces of meat was). It was not seasons and the vegetables were dried out and cooked. This place should be out if business and if you are a regular or enjoy this place you must of never tried real good BBQ or you must enjoy tasteless, bland, no seasoned food.
(1)Terry M.
I work near this place, and I have dropped in about 5-6 times over the years. First off, my favorite order, pork cubes, used to be quite good but the last couple of times, the meat was tough as nails. I'll bring a chain saw next time to cut it with. The cubes come with lots of "barbecue" sauce, but I think it's really Hunts tomato sauce with a smidge of KC Masterpiece tossed in. And lately, the outside tables have lots of bird poop on them, which really isn't the most appetizing décor. The best part of the meal is actually the bread, which was lightly toasted with butter. It's good to dip it in the excessive amount of tomato-'er'-bbq sauce. In short, Cave Man's ok for local dining, not for driving any distance to visit.
(2)Gary F.
UPDATE 1-17-2012: A fellow Yelper was kind enough to let me know the original family is back manning the smokers. Great! Alas, Caveman Kitchen fans, the original restaurant is truly closed. In it's place is CK's Smokehouse. I spoke with the manager and learned a few things; CK's opened just recently, Caveman Kitchens ceased operations in early June. The menu and recipes are new, as is the smoker itself. The staff is also new, with no holdovers from the Caveman Kitchen gang. I was told they took over the location but they're entirely different. That's probably a little disingenuous; CK is an abbreviation for Caveman Kitchens, and as you can see by the photo of the sign, they've co-opted the Caveman's prehistoric theme. From a business standpoint I don't blame them, Caveman Kitchen was iconic and a longstanding destination restaurant. But this is really about the food right? I remember talking with Dick Donley, the founder of the original Caveman. This was in the 70's and he had just closed the Puyallup Caveman Kitchen and I asked him what happened. The Kent location was always packed so I imagined a Puyallup location would thrive as well. He explained that he couldn't get the smoker right. The Kent smoker that he had built from scratch produced a signature flavor that he found he couldn't duplicate. Expansion plans were put away. They told me the smoker there is new, so this was the long way of explaining why the food will taste different. Not bad, just different. As with the original, there's a lot on the menu - and in this review I can speak only to the beef and chicken. Both were very good, the difference might be indistinguishable to all but us Caveman diehards who will notice the slicers are set differently and other little things that shouldn't deter you at all from giving CK a shot. So, will I go back? Longtime Caveman customers remember when there was no indoor seating, then they moved for a time across the street and provided those awful but beloved wooden picnic tables they'd dragged across the street for indoor seating. They're retro again, the storefront across the street is chained shut and the tables returned to the area across the street. And that's a long way of saying that I was willing to sit in my car and fumble with the chicken, ribs and dragon wheels for the old Caveman Kitchen flavor, but anymore I'll probably just patronize one of the many other good BBQ joints with someplace to sit. If you'd forgo indoor seating to eat a Dick's burger and fries in your car, you understand what I'm saying. Still, I wish the new CK operation all the best. Goodbye Caveman. Rest in peace Mr. Donley. PS: Someone added a review that Yelp filtered. It says that Caveman is still run by the Donley family, but has been transferred to a family member because of legal issues from unpaid wages. So there's that.
(3)Roberta O.
Portions were good size. I was very disappointed in the flavor. The BBQ sauce was very bland. Will not be returning. When I saw this location had won awards - I'm not exactly sure for what item they submitted. It was horrible. #pulledporksandwich
(2)Somaria C.
Sorry caveman. I really wanted to like you. I've always driven by this place for many years and thought to myself "I've gotta try it!" Finally the day has come and I am extremely disappointed... I ordered the polish sausage sandwich and my bf ordered the pulled pork sandwich. Both on a crusty French bread smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. It was awful. There was soooo much sauce my buns were soggy. It wasn't edible. Why would they put a tomato sauce on that kind of sandwich anyways? I also got a side of baked beans. I wasn't impressed, I've had cans of Busch baked beans that tasted better than that. What a disappointment. *Updated* After eating here my boyfriend and I have had the worst stomach aches for two days straight not able to consume anything else and keeping it in. Zero stars for you caveman kitchen!
(1)Grant G.
I want to like this place but just can't. My sandwich had so much sauce it made me worried what they were trying to cover up. I have tried this place more than once thinking maybe just an off day. Nope bad everytime. No more
(1)Stacey P.
Like many I was skeptical. It looks more like a shack with a picnic area then a restaurant. But let me tell you their French Dip sandwich is a mouthful of paradise. Layers of tender smoked brisket on a buttered French loaf dipped in au jus sings sweet perfection! I have had their smoked BBQ pork chunks and fell in love all over again! They were bite size morsels of delight packed full of sweet flavor! Then I sampled their apple cobbler dessert - cinnamon, cheese, apples on a French loaf - and was caught off guard with how well cheese and cinnamon blended! The staff is always friendly and delightful. Seating is all outside. I highly recommend this place!
(4)Kristina T.
If you haven't been here, you're missing out. This is a BBQ icon in the PNW that shouldn't be passed up! I have yet to try a menu item that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
(5)Eve S.
I'm accustomed to Texas BBQ so it may be different in the NW. I ordered the BBQ pork sandwich, a side of Baked Beans, and an order of bread pudding. The french bread was perfectly buttered and toasted however the BBQ sauce tasted like watered down ketchup. The meat had no flavor and tasted as if it had been boiled. The baked beans, packed full of sliced bacon, were delicious! The bread pudding was served cold...biting into cold bread pudding was a bit gross. The service was slow and I had to wait 10 minutes (for the person behind the counter to finish their conversation with a coworker) before they took my order. If you have free time and are looking for a "subtle BBQ flavor" then this might be a good spot to grab lunch. They also have plenty of picnic tables outside for those rare sunny days.
(2)Vera P.
Smoked salmon is the best one I have ever had.. I was not a big fan of smoked chicken, but the way they do their chicken is so yummy.. I can't wait to try other meats here, new favorite place to go too. Customer service was great too.. I can't believe that I didn't know about this place before.
(5)Jesse C.
I'll keep it simple and just state the facts. They don't have brisket, they have "smoked lunch meat". At least that's how the lady at the counter described it, I didn't bother trying it. The pork ribs had no flavor. They looked and tasted like they had been boiled. There was no smoke ring or discernible smoke flavor. They were tender. Too tender. The sauce is like watered down ketchup. I've heard this place has great BBQ. I didn't find any thing BBQ about it. If you're looking for bland, boiled ribs with ketchup, Cave Man is for you. If you want BBQ look somewhere else.
(2)Nick W.
A northwest staple being around since the 1971. Great smoked meats with an average BBQ sauce. I almost always get the BBQ beef or pork sandwitch with a side of Dragon Wheels. If you haven't had Dragon Wheels - try them. It is potatoes, carrots, onions and pork seasoned and cooked togher. Try IT! I've yet to find a 5 start BBQ in the Seattle area but this is among my favorites.
(4)Scott H.
Not my cup of tea. Very different - seemed like overboard on the tomato sauce in the BBQ sauce.
(2)Tom C.
This is one of those places I have driven by a hundred times and always say to myself, gotta try this joint! Well, I tried it - and wont be back. We had the French Dip, with BBQ beans and potato salad as sides. I always take a bite before I dip the Dip, to get a taste of the beef - this sandwich had absolutely NO FLAVOR! NADA! I looked at my wife and said, I taste nothing! wow, just as bland as it gets. I had to add some horseradish and dip the hell out of it!!! The amount of actual beef was pretty ridiculous too - it was 95% bread. No thanks. Next on the list...the potato salad. My question is this...how do you screw up potato salad? really? it tasted like it had some rat poison in it, just wrong. I will close this out with the highlight of the meal...the BBQ beans. It had good flavor, I will give them that, but it was more like bean soup....way too watery, way too watery. Adios Caveman!!
(1)David Y.
Okay... here's the deal... I don't like to slam a business, really, I don't. But, man... I should have checked Yelp first on this joint and I feel the need to warn fellow Yelpers... This place is awful. Sorry Cave Man, you are. I am a bit of a BBQ snob, I admit, it has to be GOOD for me to be happy with it but this place doesn't even come close to BBQ goodness. There's a pile of wood outside - not sure what it's used for, it certainly isn't used for slow and low on the ribs. I ordered 2 pounds of ribs and ate 2 bones. Tossed the rest. Really, it was that bad. It was like they either boil or steam the meat then add a little time on the grill to try to give it some smoke but it's not real BBQ and it shows. To top it off, they splash on some incredibly terrible sauce - it was like tomato soup with no flavor - no spices - no substance. The meat was gray. Anybody who knows BBQ knows that's not a good sign. There you have it. I'm sorry for being so scathing but Cave Man, if you're going to make your stand on BBQ, it should at least be genuine BBQ.
(1)Melissa L.
Great food...the pulled pork was amazing. I would have liked to have seen the pork just smoked without the sauce. It was a bit overbaring. Nice family owned by locals...and 1 spot to park with truck and trailer.
(3)Ashley M.
OMG EVERYTHING IS DELIOUS!! Their pulled pork sandwich and there whole chicken is the BEST. So is their smoked salmon!!! EVERYTHING IS GOOD!
(5)Jill H.
I hired Caveman Kitchen for my Aug. 2012 wedding. From the planning to the big day, they were professional, friendly and SUPER talented cooks!! When my husband and I went in to the restaurant for our initial consultation, we were shocked and so happy when Roseanne offered full-sized portions of their creations for us to try before we made our final decision. We were treated like kings. When the big day rolled around, Roseanne and her staff got to work, setting up the food, decorating the tables, and making sure everything ran smoothly. After our wedding, we received compliment after compliment on our choice of wedding dinner. I couldn't have been happier with our choice! Thanks, Roseanne!!
(5)Michael F.
I first started eating here in 1977 & I still find the food to be good. The barbeque sauce is just OK. It does work very well on their sandwiches. I have tried making barbeque sandwiches with KC Masterpiece, my favorite sauce & the flavor does not work. The potato salad is the best I have ever had. The baked beans are really good. I also like the dragon wheels & bootleg pudding. I only eat here during the spring & summer because there is no indoor seating. This place has been around a long time & still has a loyal following.
(3)Haley G.
Delicious chicken meal! Juicy, succulent meat and wonderful sides. I lovelovelove their baked beans. I'm not a baked beans kinda girl, but I could drink theirs by the cup full. Give me your recipe!!!
(4)Jeremy S.
OK, so maybe it's not up to the standards of true Texas BBQ, but it's still delicious. Place looks rundown, but the service was great and the food made me happy.
(4)Susan W.
Sooooooo Disappointing. Hadn't been here for over 15 years & I was so excited to have some good BBQ. I was also starving so a BBQ'd shoe would have tasted good. That is of course if they put BBQ sauce on it, not the marinara tasting stuff that was on my BBQ beef sandwich today. The meat had no BBQ flavor either so I wonder if I didn't get some weird mixed up order like for a shoe sandwich. At least the bread was tasty, the potato salad among the best I've ever had and the cole slaw just right. Soda fountain tap had only 1/2 the sodas available. Also the dumpster smelled something fierce in the hot sun. They should really move them away from the picnic tables.
(1)tonya L.
Dragon wheels are your friends. Just do it. Try the new potato bugs too. I ate about half of one and had no room for anything else. My toddler daughter loves the sausage, she's 3rd generation Caveman Lover!
(5)Jonny G.
Seriously please pay no mind the the haters and douchey BBQ snobs out there. "I grew up in blah blah blah and i know good BBQ." We get it..your from a small shitty town in the south and you know BBQ. Ok moving ahead. Caveman has recently gone through few ownership changes but i am happy to say the old owners are back where they belong. CM is seriously a kent staple and has been there since the prehistoric age. The smoked brisket is tender and juicy, the chicken is succulent, salmon is out of this world, The poorboy is one of the best ive ever had, and the dragon wheels are crack. My only and i mean only complaint about this place is no indoor seating, so if its cold outside bring it home.
(5)Graham C.
This review is for my visit today - my first since they reopened. First of all, the menu is smaller. There are a few items missing, such as the missouri ham (one of my old favorites). However, they have added a couple of new items. One of these new sandwiches is the Beef & Blue, which is what I tried today. It is it the regular beef on a ciabatta roll, topped with blue cheese sauce (with none of the cave man bbq sauce). It was really tasty, though a bit small compared to the rest of the sandwiches. Fortunately, it looks like their standard sandwiches are all still the same... BBQ Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Poor Boys are all still present and accounted for.
(4)Katrina C.
We went there a few weeks ago and it was alright, I enjoyed the dragon wheels. We also had the smoked salmon; it was okay and we had the BBQ pork dinner but a half size portion, we paid half the price and didn't get a roll or a side. Would not go back on my own free will. Pretty cool that they do catering. BBQ sauce tasted odd, tangy, not bad, but not good.
(2)Delilah R.
I've passed this place several times. At one point, I followed the advice of an old BF who said the food really wasn't that great. Alas, I was introduced to the tasty sweet BBQ chicken sandwich this past weekend on a perfectly sunny Saturday. Though I am an omnivore, I tend to prefer lot's of meat over any other element in my meal. That said, I did find that the sandwich seemed to have more bread than I am used to liking. This however did not discourage me from future visitations as I found the sauce to be strikingly tangy with just the right portion of sweetness that made the meat melt in my mouth! Try to the BBQ sausage, beef, pork, chicken, or ANYTHING!! I don't believe you'll be disappointed. Oh, and I know it's a dismal detail but FREE REFILLS. [It's so anal when places charge .50$-ya' know!?]
(4)Stevan G.
A sad fall from grace. When the Caveman was around he never would have put out a dried up, below average flavored smoked chicken. I ordered the whole chicken and expected it to have the succulent moist texture I remembered. Now it's a premium price for a poorly prepared bird. Too bad! I'm surprised it's still open.
(1)Nancy B.
We stopped at the end of a long road trip... food... any food... fast !! Our 2 pulled pork sandwiches were HUGE... the bread is a very crusty Italian and it was easier to turn the 3 in high top piece into an open faced sandwich of it's own. I agree with the smoke v. sauce descriptions below... not my favorite sauce... but a GREAT smokey taste that will have us coming back to try other options!
(4)Hunter O.
Ok first off this place is not a bbq joint it is a smoke house. The meat is good but do your self a favor and get it go and buy some bbq sauce from the store and put it on the meat..there sauce is not good at all it taste like watered down and just funky..I wont be back any time soon. The portions are also very small for the price.
(2)Golden X.
Will never eat here again. I got the pork cube dinner and it tasted like someone put a porkchop in a frying pan for 10 minutes on high...Potato salad was marginal at best. The beans were good. This is what I get for tying the OTHER BBQ place in Kent, sorry Pete's, won't make that mistake again...
(1)Todd D.
Stopped in here for the 1st time in years. Counter girl was very helpful. Went home with a whole chicken, pulled pork, slaw, tater salad, a dragon wheel and French bread. All of it was good...Buuuut the chicken was amazing! Tender, flavorful, skin was delicious and it fell off the bone. Great work Cave Man!
(5)Michelle C.
NOT CLOSED! It closes every year for a few months and everyone thinks its closed permently because they don't give any reopen date. This happens every year. Learn it people. What I love about this place is the whole smoked chicken. It is a reasonable price and it is perfect for dinner. Cut it down the middle and hubby and I both get a great big dinner. Pair it with a dragon wheel, wait they changed the name upon reopening, they call it the hobo potatoes now if FABULOUS! Wish they gave you a bigger portion for the price. The hubby loves, loves, loves the french dip. I find the bread a little butter for my taste but still good. I had the brisket last night and wasnt good. I got as much fat as I did meat and it didn't have any smokey flavor. For great brisket go to BBQ Petes down the road.
(3)david tetsuo b.
Best BBQ sandwiches around :P
(4)Andrew K.
Finally decided to give this place a try after driving by it countless times. Tried the pulled pork sandwich w/coleslaw and potato salad. Meat was pretty good, and the toasted bread was a nice touch, but I personally wasn't a big fan of the sauce (it's tomato-y as some other reviewers have said, as opposed to sweet and smokey). The potato salad and coleslaw were ok. Portions are pretty big for the money, but more sauce options would have automatically made this a 3 or 4 star review for me. Staff was nice, so I might revisit this joint sometime to try the French dip and dragon wheels. Overall, it's just the sauce that wasn't doing it for me.
(2)Nancy C.
This place is sooooooooooo overated - the Missouri sandwich was dry and tasted like pure sugar. It's been several years since I was here and now I remember why.
(1)Tushara S.
I went here with a good friend who raved about his childhood memories growing up in Kent and eating at Cave Man. I trusted his taste. At the same time I have had many people tell me the food here used to be good and now not so much. My friend's childhood memories and the rumors are both correct. After taking a good look at the menu I settled on the pulled pork sandwich. The meat was nicely cooked, moist and juicy. It was on a nicely made hard roll bread (not sure where they get them) that tasted amazing. Despite the yummy bread and meat the sauce fell remarkably short of what would otherwise make an amazing sandwich. It tasted like sweetened tomato paste (and also tasted like can) with very little soul. The sandwich wasn't terrible but it wasn't great by any sense of the word. To be honest it would have been way better with just the meat and bread. You can't just smoke meat and slap sweetened tomato paste on something and call it BBQ. Put love into both the meat AND the sauce. Despite my disappointment the staff is super friendly; they served me and my friend even though we got there a few minutes before closing. Would go back and try something completely different off the menu, preferably something made without the tomato paste.
(2)Toby R.
In my early 20s I remember visiting the original cm kitchens before it burnt down and LOVED the food. I moved out of the area and moved back about a year ago to find it was ck kitchens with a different menu and staff....very disappointing! Today i gave it a try since I found out it was the daughter of the original owner with all his original recipets that are back....I had the dinasaour poorboy (at remmondation from another patron) with a side of beens. Sandwich was ok...kept getting a slight hint of bologna from the sandwich and the lettuce was warm and wilted but it was a togo order so probably got that way from traveling. Beans were the best part in my opinion. I would not order this again. I did have a taste of the pork cubes from my buddy who also ordered there and liked them and the bbq sauce. Im spoiled when it comes bbq I guess.....
(3)Al G.
Yes! Caveman is back. I didn't have the ribs so I can't speak to others comments. I did have a French Dip and Dragon Wheels. Everything was just as good as it used to be. Yes, there is no indoor seating. It is all back in the original building with the picnic tables outside. As for all that wood? They use it to slow smoke their meats in smokers. They smoke their meat, it's not a BBQ place, never has been.
(5)Shaina H.
When it comes to bbq in the Northwest ther is only two options BBQ Pete's and Cave Man Kitchen. As soon as you walk in you are blasted with the aroma of BBQ'd meats and savory spices. At this point if you aren't drooling then i feel sorry for you. I usually order a pulled pork sandwich or ribs.
(5)Tony G.
And the phrase that everyone hates: 3 1/2 stars but I will round up. I had a pretty tasty pulled pork sandwich here. It was served on what I think was French or Italian bread and the sauce was a bit tomatoey. The flavor of the pork was pretty good as well. As another review said, these sandwiches are pretty big so make sure you bring a big appetite. I like my sandwiches to be more on the hotter side, so I was a little disappointed when the girl behind the counter said the sauce is pretty mild. She did say she could add a little cayenne pepper to it. I don't know if she did, but the sandwich did have a nice little kick to it. My mom wasn't too impressed with their ribs. She said they were a little tough and she didn't like their sauce that much. But who cares what she thinks? If she wanted her opinion to mean something she would join Yelp, that lazy bastard. She didn't even offer me a bite of her ribs even though I gave her a bite of my sandwich. I wasn't too impressed with the cole slaw, or as I like to call it, mayonnaise with some cabbage. Couldn't take more than 3 bites. I would recommend this place for their sandwiches. Zipzap Zubidy Bop! **Correction** This is my mom's response upon reading my review: "WHAT!!!!!!! you called me a lazy bastard!!!!! I'm a girl....bitch would be appropriate! LOVE MOM"
(4)Roger A.
Great place to get BBQ.. and alot of it. Price is good for what you get. My team at my old work used to order alot of food from there and it was some of the best.
(4)Deftones T.
The food is great I recommend the French dip!
(5)Mikal W.
Great food. I have been several times and only a couple of times the food was not up to par. Ribs are awesome. The sauce is nice because its not real thick and overwhelming, you get to taste the ribs for what they are. They have a good amount of sides. The beans are great, I get them every time. A downside is, they don't have any indoor seating so if it is crummy outside than you eat in your car. They will also smoke turkeys for about 20 bucks. They have a great smoker. Probably one of the best BBQ around.
(4)Nathan S.
I love BBQ. For a born and bred Northwesterner, I'd like to think I've experienced more barbecue than most people. I feel like Cave Man Kitchens is a place where the legend has outgrown the reality. I ordered the rib dinner with Dragon Wheels. I got three ribs that had a large amount of a very boring sauce. The potatoes were undercooked, and nearly inedible. My father has hyped this place up for a long time, so I wish I could say it was good but it fell far below my expectations. The service is very good, but I don't order barbecue for the service. If you feel the need for some good BBQ head over to RoRo in SoDo/Wallingford or Shorty's Grub House in Federal Way.
(2)Dutch F.
SORELY disappointed. Ordered a Philly Cheesesteak, got a non melted cheese, non-sauteed, onions, and for some inexplicable reason..au jus? What the hell happened? I will give this place one more chance but damm, this was painful.
(1)Brian C.
I have heard a lot about Caveman and so I decided to try it out. It is off the beaten path in Kent, WA. They didn't have exactly what I wanted which was brisket. I settled for the Pulled pork sandwich. I have had pulled pork before and the sandwich was just alright. The reason I am posting three stars is I did have an appetizer there called a Dragonwheel. I highly recommend the Dragonwheel as it was phenomenal. Inside a wrapped up tinfoil shaped wheel was potatoes, carrots, onions and some great BBQ. I wish I could have had a whole sandwich of that meat! Overall if you are in the south end Caveman would cure the BBQ. I actually think the Longhorn has a better pulled pork sandwich though.
(3)Rowena M.
I came here with a craving and was steered away from Famous Dave's to this place by a southern belle with whom I work. She says it's pretty close to authentic southern style that you could find up here in the NW, and being a former southerner, I figured I'd give it a try. The chicken meal is half a smoked chicken--fantastic because I generally don't like barbecue sauce. It was juicy and smoky and very delicious. The beans were pretty damn tasty as well, but I should also say that I generally don't like beans, so they may be a disappointment to someone who is more into the musical fruit. Potato salad was just all right, and I only had a bite of the french bread that they served along with it, just because I didn't want to put too much filler in my gut. Also got a pork sandwich which was good, not great. The ribs were tender, but not falling off the bone, and the sauce was a little to ketchup-ey. For the most part I'm not a big meat eater, but every once in a while I get a craving for flesh which can only be satisfied by stuffing my pie-hole with something that once had a face. I was definitely satisfied with my meal, but it would have been nice to have some complimentary cornbread to go along with it.
(4)Jason B.
The meat had a really nice smokey smell and flavor to it. The reason for the two stars it the BBQ sauce tastes like tomato paste. If that is resolved or they use different sauce I'll give it more stars.
(2)Adine L.
i don't even really like bbq very much but i work with a bunch of dudes so when they offered to bring me back a sandwich from this place, i politely accepted. i don't understand why everyone bad-mouths this place, either. like i said, i don't even like bbq that much and this place made me a believer. as tracy s. said, toasty crusty, warm yummy bread filled with very yummy bbq meat of your choice. i had the chicken and it was BOMB! they even have good coleslaw! yee-haw! UPDATE / FUNNY STORY: i went back to Caveman with my co-worker Josh to pick up lunch for our entire office. while we were waiting in line (it was a long one), we got to discussing the fact that Caveman will smoke anything you bring to them, whatever kind of meat you want. i commented that i thought that was interesting and weird; i'd never heard of any place doing that. so then, Josh says to me, ever so casually: "Have you ever tried the smoked salad? that shit is GOOD." i was confused. what the hell is a smoked salad?! i scanned the menu. no smoked salad in sight. Josh read my mind. "it's a special, so it's probably not on the regular menu board," he says, "why don't you order a small one and we'll share it!" i'm starting to get excited. I MUST TRY THE SMOKED SALAD! i'm still scanning the menu for any sign of the smoked salad. still, i'm convinced. it's my turn in line. ME: "I'm here to pick up for Adine" Cashier: "Okay, just one second." (she goes to the back to get our food. as she's walking back to the counter, i say apologetically, "Also, would it be too much trouble to add a small side of the smoked salad?" and i shit you not, it wasn't until i said those words out loud that i realized how STUPID that sounded! She looks at me, confused. I immediately turned around and kicked Josh in the leg. "Yeah, you got me, fucker." everyone else in line was laughing.
(4)Mark J.
This is one of my favorite greasy spoon places. Have been going here for close to 20 years now. They have some of the best smoked meats you will ever eat. They even will smoke meats you bring in to them(they call it "you choke it, we smoke it"). They offer everything from french dips(my personal favorite), smoked chicken(really really good) to ribs, which im sad to say are only sub par. Their side dishes are to die for. From potato salad,chili, beans, bread, bread pudding, and many more. They have amazing service as well. One time in 2007, we showed up(25 mile drive mind you) and their CC machine was down, and we had no cash on us. They just gave us the food($40.00 worth) and said "Next time you come in, settle the debt". Didn't even ask for ID, or anything. And while i am a regular, and they knew i would be back, i still find it pretty damn cool they would go to such lengths to please a customer. Word to the wise though, DO NOT go here during the main Boeing lunch rush. They get swamped. This place for a generation has been the mecca of Boeing employee's much like Dixie's BBQ is for Microsoft.
(5)Bethany H.
Instead of this place, try Pig Iron BBQ in Georgetown. As a Texas transplant, I'm always excited to discover a new BBQ place. ...But I should have seen the warning signs here. When I got out of the car it smelled terrible--the trash was overflowing and looked like it hadn't been picked up in a couple of weeks. Once I'd ordered I went to get my drink and the drink machine had exposed parts and not enough ice. The food itself was atrocious. The beans seemed like they came stright from a can--too many onions, not enough meat and very, very mushy. The coleslaw was swimming in mayonaise--very little cabbage and carrots. The sandwich (BBQ beef) was served with way too much sauce--leading me to think "why are they hiding the meat?"--the meat itself was very dry, not smoked and sliced too thin. I only ate a few bites and had half of a mind to go back and ask for a refund. The only upside of this experience was that the counter help was friendly and the food was served quickly. But I would have been very glad to wait for better quality.
(1)Nicole P.
i grew up eating at this place, and thank god. to this day when my best friend (who now lives on the east coast) comes to visit me, the one and only place that we HAVE to eat at each and everytime is Caveman. no sauce here, this is just the best, smokey, meat around. beautiful red on the ouside, with a smoke ring that goes an inch deep... oh, damn, i'm drooling again... if you don't live in the south end, it's almost worth a drive, i find myslef on pilgramages to kent every few onths when nothing else will fit the bill.
(4)Jennifer A.
BBQ.... but different than the norm. The meat is always great. Recently had the ham and it was really juicy and sweet, but I like the beef too. Tasty but a little bit too spendy- a sandwich runs about $7. The dragon wheels (stewed meat and potatoes) are SOOO good but at $3.50 for a teeny portion I feel like I'm being ripped off. One serving is only a few good bites. The sauce is very tomato-y, good but not quite spicy enough. The place is ancient- reminiscent of the way the kent valley used to be. I recommend take-out.
(3)samantha k. s.
Say you're going to Kent for some reason (Ikea) and you're not in the mood for Swedish meatballs. Or say you're anywhere at all and you're in the mood for an amazing smoked, roasted chicken sandwich and the best baked beans on the planet. Here's where you go. Ditto the ribs, salmon sandwich, and pork cubes that are impossibly tender and flavorful. The sandwiches come on grilled, buttered buns of the crisp but not crunchy crust variety. Did I already say grilled? That's key, they are soft and the sauce soaks in but not too much. The sides? So, if you're into coleslaw or homey, basic potato salad, those are good and fine and tasty. But do not leave without trying the baked beans. You will regret it if you miss them. Even if, like me, you don't actually like baked beans. If it's nice out or anyway not raining, extra treat, you get to eat at weathered picnic tables with, i kid you not, scruffy chickens pecking around your feet. Sort of creepy but just breathe and go with it. The smoked polish sausage in piquant tomato based sauce will make you change your no-nitrate ways and think about hosting a smart mid-century modern cocktail party featuring a chafing dish filled with them. We have Cave Man Kitchened Thanksgiving, taking home a perfectly smoked whole turkey, by far the best turkey dinner around. Be sure to notice the agate shop across the street. What's that all about? I've never gone inside because the place definitely scares me. But I have a dark desire to know what it looks like in there. I suspect low and shadowy light, ghoulish stuffed animals on high shelves, and dusty trays of sharks teeth, ancient arrowheads, and (of course) agates. ---- update based on impromptu drop in on 3-30 Sigh. All is not well in Caveland. My very own review left me in a smoked meat reverie that would only be satisfied by a trip to Caveman. Fortunately, and weirdly, I had to drive down to Kent (don't ask) Friday and stopped in. First off, I had completely forgotten about the fire that shifted operations from the funky shack to a little stip-mall storefront across the parking lot. The signs on the door indicated I'm not the only one to put that detail out of mind between visits. "Across the Street" says one. And then, hilariously, as I'm peering around, there's another sign scrawled with the same quick hand: "Turn Around!" Anyway, comic relief aside, the formerly succulent pork cubes were peculiarly leathery. The beef in the bbq beef sandwich was sliced too thickly. And, tragically, the beans. While I was waiting for my meal, in wheeled an industrial size cart laden with army surplus size cans of Van Kamps pork and beans. Uh. Uh ... ok, I tell myself, little secret revealed, they must doctor up the basics to that transcendent state. But no. These were clearly doctored, and very tasty, but nothing to drive to Kent for. Damn it. For the sake of history and disbelief, I will go again in the spring and hopefully learn it was just a crap day at the Caveman, all the regular chefs were out with the flu or something. I will try again. Oh - the scene was perfect as ever. Some guy, leathery as the pork cubes, sidled up for an order and loudly, directly pitched woo to a similarly weathered woman working the saucepan. You remember me? You don't remember me. Yeah, I remember you, from the casino Tuesday. Yeah, that's me. Come to say 'hey'. Hey. But it's really busy right now (lunch rush). Ok. Well I just came to say 'hey'. also: Guy tells the really rosy counterlady he and his friends come up once a month from Olympia. Best food around. They always bring along a non believer and convert him. Yes, of course I'll go back.
(3)Lesley K.
Been coming to Caveman since I was a young kid. Now that I live in Edmond's I'm lucky if I get to go at least once a year. But they have amazing food, over the years the location has moved back and forth from across the street. But the food is always excellent. And always worth the long drive out of my way!!
(5)Sonia G.
The food is subpar at best in comparison to other barbecue place, or what I can make at home. The reason for any stars at all is the fact that the will smoke your meat for you.
(2)Ben M.
This has got to be one of the most overrated restaurants I've heard about EVER. The chicken bbq sandwich was dry, didn't taste like bbq, and the bread was pedestrian. The sauce tasted like something from a low-end italian kitchen. Not smoky, not tangy, just...blah. Whoever began the "Cave Man BBQ is the best in Seattle!" nonsense was off their rocker. The restaurant is simply the beneficiary of good word-of-mouth advertising, and unfortunately for the rest of us, all the superlatives couldn't be more false.
(1)Nathan K.
I don't understand the bad-mouthing of the other reviewers. I sure hope they aren't connected to the other excellent BBQ places in Kent that I also enjoy--very bad form! Caveman is excellent. Don't take a date there until you're in pretty solid. Order take-out. On the other hand, why not? Let the gal know you're a man who goes for substance over form. About 2/3's of the time, i get the salmon--THE BEST. And i really like the pork ribs too. The sides are excellent. I appreciate they provide buttered french bread instead of that goofy ballon bread Southern BBQ's insist is traditional.
(5)Chau L.
The smoke turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving! All their meats are good also!
(4)Tracy S.
Toasty bread filled with smoked chicken goodness...mmmm... Even when my tonsils were swollen and ouchie, I still managed to gobble down my crusty, toasty sandwich. If it hadn't hurt so much, I'd have eaten both halves of my generously portioned sandwich in one sitting. The beans were good, as was the potato salad. It's not barbeque as the Tony Roma's crowd might want; this stuff is actually good.
(4)M T.
I ate here while waiting for my car to be fixed down the road at American Frame. Is it so awesome that I will make sure my friends try it? Nah. Will I go back next time my car needs work? Yep. Going to Kent in general is like being transported to a different part of the country. It shares a lot more in common with the mid-south than it does with Seattle. I kind of like that and this place takes it to a whole other level. It's fairly dirty and the staff are not looking like they are in great shape... but that's part of the charm. The smoked pork cubes were good, the baked beans were great, the barbecue sauce was very mild and could have used some kick. I guess I like tomato sauce more than my fellow yelpers!
(3)Justin P.
This review is just for their smoking part of caveman. As they say "you choke em, we'll smoke em" I brought in a few pink salmon i caught the other day in the sound and for $2.00 a pound, they smoke it for you and let me tell you, the recipe they use is to die for. I could have swore i was eating Wild King Smoked Salmon. It was that good!! The turn around time is 2-3 days which is also great! Thanks guys, i'll be back in a few days to drop off more salmon!!!
(5)Pierre G.
I've tried - BBQ Pork Sandwich for $7.89: The Good: The pork meat is flavorful, the bread is crusty [though it softens considerably during the eating] & its certainly filling. The Bad: I'm not a fan of the ketchup-y based sauce [as noted elsewhere], which drips all over the place [a Bib is required if eating in your car]; at best, its a distraction from the meat's flavor. [NOTE: for the Naughty Yelpers amongst you, consider filching some Zesty Pulled Pork Sauce from Pete's BBQ counter on S 212th & having Cave Man hold the sauce for your next sandwich; I mean really - what does Cave Man Mgmt need to fix the Sauce Problem [i.e., a second sauce option? Consultants? Tom Douglas? Morimoto? Rahm Emanuel?] - Half Chicken [$$6.99+ $0.70 tax = $7.69] - Moist, smoke-roasted, nice crispy skin, The Smoke permeates the chicken meat, Large enough to split - which I how I suggest you eat this - Dragon Wheel for $3.79: This is surprisingly flavorful - its potato slices covered in a better sauce & includes meat bits garlic & other veggies - I'm liking it NOTE: A Dragon Wheel + another side [Beans or Salad] could make a satisfying lunch - Polish Sausage [$8.29 per lb]: served with Hot Mustard : a quarter pound gets you 3 dense pieces and the mustard, combined with the ketchup-y BBQ sauce, now works - its just enough meat; spicy & tasty [compare this with Pete's BBQ at $11.99 per lb] - Baked Beans: Small portion for $1.29: comes with BBQ meat chunks, sweet and satisfying [compare this with Pete's BBQ Baked Beans side at $2.59, which has no meat in its Beans] - Cole Slaw: Small portion for $1.29: its totally white cabbage [no carrots] - has a neat, sweet flavor - try this also - Potato Salad: Small portion for $1.49: got that mustardy thing going on - it had no distinguishing flavor & its too heavy / dense for me; Cole Slaw + Baked Beans are superior choices. - Bootlegger Pudding [$3.49] For the price, not half-bad - soft, not too sweet, the whisky sauce tastes maple syrupy - worth a shot. OTHER: The interior is sparse, industrial & funky - One might consider ordering meat by the pound for lunch the bread is superfluous] No interior seating [benches outside, romantically situated right along the Highway]; Not the most professional demeanor when phoning in an order; A line out the door would make me think twice about returning another day [not super slow service, but you might reconsider if in a hurry to get back to the office...]
(3)Nori V.
I went to the original Cave Man when I used to live in Kent. It was the pretty good and smokey bbq as I remembered the ribs - OH YUMMM! That was lil' over 10 years ago...then I heard the place got burnt down to the ground or at least most parts of the joint. I went there last night and I was VERY disappointed with their pork ribs. *UGH* The pork ribs I ordered tasted like it was just baked with no smokey flavor, no salt 'n pepper - nothing at all, NADA. I'll give it a GOOD TENDER MEAT award - that's about it. Like before, their bbq sauce was just enough spooned over, not overly drenched. The bbq sauce taste? Tasted like watered down catsup! The baked beans was doctored with some bacon and something (?), that was - OK. The coleslaw wasn't very tasty at all! I couldn't put enough pepper to doctor up the taste, there were enough salt. The best was the french buttered bread - nicely toasted and very buttery - I swabbed the sauce with it. Their was a person waiting for a catered order and I was just wondering if they took all the TASTY, SMOKEY meats that I had remembered long ago and had to cook a new batch for the customers that were coming in for an order. The pork ribs tasted like they were just baked, the smokey flavor hadn't penetrated the tender ribs. I will try the Cave Man again, I'm hoping this was just a bad timing.
(1)Reesa T.
So I have expereinced Cave Man Kitchens cooking a few times, once on my own accord and then a couple other times I have been in Kent for work and have expereinced their catering service. Nice people. Food, bleh! Note*** I am more of an herbivore than a carnivore or even an omnivore (I do eat meat... just not all that often) so some of the following is a little biased in regards to my sentiment on a meat based diet... Everything they make tastes like meat, and not really good meat in my opinion. Most of what they make is meat, or has meat in it but the rest is always dissapointing too. Sure, their reputation is bbq or smoked meat, so my anti meat sentiment isnt really the point but really I do know what good bbq tastes like, I do enjoy on occasion a good peice of meat. Their non-meat menu items are not well made as they are an afterthought really, and their star items, their meat is... well... i've expereinced overcooked and undercooked on the same plate. Tough and chewy are not generally pallet pleasers. Overall, if you're curious give it a shot, but if you're workplace needs catering... I would suggest you to not mention Cave Man.
(1)Tiny k.
Ok so I love BBQ and this place has the best. Just do not eat the salmon! Got food poisoning from smoked salmon. It was pretty bad had a bladder infection and 2 weeks of pain. Although I will still eat there because they have the best ribs and brisket I have ever had. Just stay away from the fish and life will be good. Also the slaw and beans and just about everything is awesome. The price is a lil high for me but hey its the NW most things are not cheap.
(4)C I.
Caveman does so much right, but the things they do wrong they really do wrong. First, I think they have the best beans I have ever eaten. They are just perfect. They also have excellent chicken. Almost all of their sandwiches are good, but there is too much bread, the bread is generally toasted too hard and there is not enough meat. For the bad, their sauce is just terrible. Its like ketchup only with less sugar. It is incredibly bland, which for a bbq is a big no-no. Also some of their ribs are a disappointment, once again suffering from bland taste. A few of the other meats also lack taste, which seems odd for a wood bbq. That said, they are still worth going to, if nothing else for a chicken dinner with the best beans in Washington. Unfortunately, this is not a place I would ever take customers/clients/someone I was trying to impress. As take out, though, it has enough to be worth going to.
(3)Lisa F.
I love, love, love, love this place. The atmosphere sucks but they are strictly in the business of making terrific BBQ to go, and that is alright by the locals. Everyone I know born and raised in the area LOVES cave man food, it is sooo good. My husband and I CRAVE the BBQ chicken sandwiches and will drive way out of our way to get one.
(5)zane b.
I have been working in the south end for a year and realized that everything down south is relative. Is cave man kitchen good? well when compared to Pecos PIt or other Seattle standards it does not compare. It is white mans BBQ pretty good but not amazing, but if you find yourself in Kent on a nice sunny day and want to sit outside and enjoy the sprawl on some picnic tables by all means come here. Its A-OK
(3)