August 21st, 2012 
Lovers of whiskey and barbecue, rejoice. Nathan Opper and Zak Melang, the two who brought us The Matador, opened the newest watering hole in Ballard: Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen.
The Kickin’ Boot bar area has whiskey and bourbons stacked to the ceiling. (Photo Credit: Lauren Kartic)
Open daily, the full-service restaurant and bar offers 75-seats, including a 50-seat, all-ages dining room and patio, plus a bar area. The patio features large, retractable windows and a view of Salmon Bay. The restaurant, located in the Historic Henry Whyte Building at 5309 22nd Avenue Northwest, is marked by a neon cowboy boot.
Along with BBQ classics like grilled steaks, smoky baby back ribs and slow-cooked pulled pork, the menu features an abundance of Southern comfort food classics like four-cheese macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and baked beans.
The traditional HOUSE sauce is one of their six housemade sauces. (Photo Credit: Lauren Kartic)
And no BBQ joint would be complete without a sauce selection. Kickin’ Boot delivers six house-made sauces for all tastes. Their HOUSE sauce is a traditional tomato-based sauce, a SWEET sauce made with orange and tamarind, a SPICY habanero sauce, a WHITE sauce, which is their take on an Alabama white sauce, a GOLD sauce, a North Carolina yellow mustard and HOT a habanero sauce that is only for those who like a serious kick.
I thought the fruity, summery Southern Punch was the perfect way to wash down the pepper-infused dishes. But, their bar also offers no shortage of foreign and domestic whiskeys, a number of signature cocktails and beer and wine to complement any dish. And they’re committed to always stocking the finest whiskeys and bourbons. They have over 101 whiskeys, but they say they won’t stop there. Even though they are currently stacked to the ceiling, they quipped that there is always more space for shelving.
WHERE:
Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen
5309 22nd Avenue Northwest
Seattle, WA 98107
