Bites Nearby: Dickey's Barbecue Pit

I was en route to Enumclaw when what to my wondering eyes did appear but a sign called Dickey’s… Could it be? I asked myself. Yes, it is true, a new restaurant has arrived in Bonney Lake -- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

Dickey’s may be new to the area but it definitely is not new to barbecue lovers in the United States. According to their website, Dickey’s is a Texas-based chain that started in 1941.

For those who don't do math, Dickey’s has been in business for 70 years and in Bonney Lake, only 48 hours!

Now, I am not a big fan of chain barbecue restaurants and find that friends’ backyards (and my own) are the perfect spots to find true BBQ, whether it be smoked or slow grilled. But seeing as how I was here and Dickey’s was near, I decided to take an adventure and placed an order to go.

Upon entering, I was immediately greeted with a very happy and outgoing “Welcome to Dickey’s” from the hostess, paired nicely with the heavenly aroma of warm and thick barbecue. Western decor like wagon wheel lights and checkered tablecloths abound, but what really caught my eye was the big-as-can-be 5 gallon tub of glorious dill pickles. I really could not take my eyes off the pickles as they come as a side and it appeared one could take as many as they wanted… within reason.

May I help you?” Oops. Too many enamored glances at the pickles, I guess.

Reading the menu, I wondered what I could get to eat in the car. Messy BBQ sauce was definitely not an option, so I honed in on the Giant Stuffed Baker, a baked potato with all the fixins’ in a big box. 

“Where’s the meat?” said a voice from behind the counter.

I laughed at the thought of meat on my potato, but the more I thought about it, the more I wondered. I asked what kind of meat I could get and was offered pork, beef and pulled pork. I asked, "what about chicken?" I think everyone stood still for a moment, until someone said they would do it—without any extra charge.

I have to admit that even though I can buy a 10-pound bag of potatoes for under $5, I was thrilled with the size of this one potato which measured over 8 inches in length. With added chicken, the bill came to the decent amount of $6.50. The chicken was smoky and tender with a light pink coloring from barbecuing. The potato had a nice, slow baked taste, but for almost 9 inches of beautiful carbohydrates, it only had about a tablespoon of sour cream, a pinch of green onions and definitely not enough cheddar cheese. 

Although disappointed with the fact that a big chain can definitely afford “the goods” for the baked stuffer, I ate about an eighth and decided to take it home and do it Dining Diva style.

Okay, so I didn’t have what Dickey’s is famous for, which is their BBQ ribs and pork, but I will leave that to the rest of you. I am just excited that there’s a new restaurant in town and everyone should give it a try… just ask for more sour cream and stay away from my pickles.