West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle’s new barbecue joint: A chat with OK Corral’s Otis

November 8, 2008 at 8:09 pm | In Triangle, West Seattle news, West Seattle restaurants, West Seattle video | 9 Comments

Click pic to play video

That’s part of our quick chat this afternoon with Otis Austin of OK Corral, which just opened a few days ago (as we reported here) at 4417 Fauntleroy (between Aikido of West Seattle and Tervo’s; here’s a map; don’t let the old Teriyaki/Burger sign on the storefront, which hasn’t been removed yet, fool you). He says those first few days have gone so well, he’s suffered from what we might call the Zippy’s Syndrome here at WSB (after the hot Highland Park burger joint that was so mobbed the first few days after its opening six months ago, it sold out repeatedly) – and as you can hear him say in our video clip, so much for the naysayers who say that’s a lousy location. In fact, he also told us, “I think West Seattle’s going to work out even better than the North End.” (His first OK Corral is in Greenwood.) He hasn’t printed up takeout menus yet but is working on it; by the way, Otis told us he will probably be closed tomorrow (Sunday) to regroup for the week ahead, though otherwise he intends to be open 7 days a week.

9 Comments

1. I can’t begin to tell you how difficult this is for me.

   What if it’s great? What if it’s the best BBQ I’ve ever had? (So far that’s R&L’s Home of Good BBQ in the Central Dist.) If it’s that good, how can I afford it on my limited income and can I get more medicine for my high blood pressure to make up for the added stress?

   What if I get all excited and it’s awful (or worse, just pedestrian)? How do I deal with the crushing disappointment? As it is, taking the bus up to the Central District is a chore, but well worth the trip. Will having BBQ, even bad BBQ so close by make me not want to take the trip anymore?

   Also what if it’s bad but I grow to like this guy? It sounds like he is a large part of the experience. What if I feel obligated to go just to be nice to him?

   Oh my… What have I gotten myself into?

   Comment by Mac — November 9, 08 1:45 am #

2. BBQ is less soul crushing if you smoke a quick bowl before heading out to face it.

   Comment by austin — November 9, 08 6:12 am #

3. Way to go, OK Corral! I’m excited to try it sometime soon. I think having “Zippy’s Syndrome” is a sign that the food is GOOD – we love Zippy’s at our house!

   Comment by carrot — November 9, 08 9:47 am #

4. oh lord, it is the same OK Corral as greenwood.

   i’d try to describe the quality in words but i really think their ‘cue is “transcendent” more than anything else.

   also, otis is pretty awesome, but i think y’all figured that out already.

   Comment by gwen c. — November 9, 08 1:12 pm #

5. cant’ wait to give it a go!

   Comment by grr — November 9, 08 7:58 pm #

6. yummo! someone try this place and give a review!!!!

   Comment by changingtimes — November 10, 08 7:47 am #

7. I love Otis. Congrats to him and his new place!

   Comment by Laurel — November 10, 08 8:49 am #

8. a++ auston

   Comment by Mac — November 10, 08 11:34 pm #

9. Trust me when I say that this is the best BBQ in Seattle. I was more than happy when I saw the sign on the window announcing the grand opening. I have gone to Otis for my wedding catering, and today for my Christmas dinner. And he really takes care of his clientele. Welcome Otis!!!!!

   Comment by karla — December 24, 08 12:19 pm #

Sorry, after 3 weeks of commentlessness, comment time is over.