I find that the best BBQ is usually served in the humblest buildings. Lil Red chef and owner, Erasto "Red" Jackson, feels the same way. He described the location as perfect for his fan-favorite restaurant, saying, "I just wanted to be that little hole-in-the-wall all the locals knew about."
Though the interior decor is sparse, the atmosphere at Lil Red is one of jubilant anticipation. The regulars at Lil Red are devout fans of the restaurant's menu and gladly champion their favorite offerings to newcomers. In fact, most encourage first-timers to simply close their eyes and pick three things at random from Lil Red's offerings. It's all that good. No, really.
The cuisine at Lil Red is a delicious fusion of Jamaican eats and traditional soul food fare. Though the recipes are all Chef Jackson's, he takes inspiration from his wife's Jamaican background. In fact, she's the "Lil" to his "Red."
As far back as he can remember, Jackson loved cooking. He has fond memories of experimenting with his grandmother in her kitchen. In everything he makes, diners will recognize his profound passion for food and the connections it creates between people.
Still, it took Jackson a long time to finally open his restaurant. He's the first to admit that his culinary career began in the back of a 1991 Volvo station wagon. He'd drive his dishes to various local shops and sell plates to increasingly devoted customers. Over time, word spread, and he could finally open the brick-and-mortar store of his dreams. And thank goodness he did because Lil Red is an iconic neighborhood staple!
His talent attracted more than the attention of Seattleites, however. In 2022, Jackson was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest. The prestigious James Beard Foundation awards only a handful of chefs each year. Though Jackson maintains that he's driven by his love of cooking, not accolades, he deserves every bit of the recognition he's receiving.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from out-of-town, if you’re craving award-winning BBQ in Seattle, get yourself to Lil Red Takeout & Catering as soon as possible. This beloved neighborhood joint will become your favorite, too, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s located conveniently near some of our favorite Seattle attractions.
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