Morning Star Deli

4.5 star rating
26 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Barbeque, Burgers, Cheesesteaks  [Edit]

8855 9th Ave SW
(between Trenton St & Henderson St)
Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 767-4918
Hours:

Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm

Sat 11 am - 8 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
No
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Dive-y
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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26 reviews in English

  • Review from Scott B.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2012

    Morning Star Deli is half convenience store, half BBQ/panini/sandwich/burger etc.  The convenience store is on the left.  The deli is on the right.

    The owner of the property runs the convenience store, and his son runs the deli.

    Both the owner and his son are the nicest, most sociable people you could ever imagine running a convenience store and deli.

    The deli smokes everything in-house.  It has a modern smoker capable of smoking (if I remember correctly) 30 chickens at a time, or smaller batches.

    I'm no expert on BBQ, but I really like the pulled pork sandwich.  Parts of the meat are blackened, and there is no discernable fat.

    I don't even like BBQ ribs, because I am finicky about not eating fat, but I occasionally buy a small amount anyway (from Morning Star Deli) because they look so tempting that I can't resist, and I know they taste good.  I've noticed other places slather BBQ ribs with BBQ sauce.  Morning Star Deli doesn't do that, which I appreciate because I can see/eat only the bits that I can't resist.

    Morning Star Deli makes burgers that I like the best out of all the burgers that I have tried, partly because I don't feel/chew gristle in the patty, and partly because the burger is perfect when it is served.  The perfect burger depends on one's preferences, so I should mention that onions are included.

    Here's the way I order it if you want to eat the burger that I have settled on:
    Bacon cheeseburger, special grind patty, no pickles, two extra bacons (crispy), one extra cheese.

  • Review from Kirstin H.

    • 18 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2012

    What a delightful surprise this turned out to be!

    Morning Star Deli is a family owned mini mart/deli/bbq that operates out of an old gas station. Clearly a beloved local dive, they make some wonderful pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ, and milk shakes! Black raspberry is my favorite flavor, and it's especially gratifying to watch them swirl big luscious scoops of ice cream and fresh milk in a retro milk shake maker, then to sip the frozen glory with a fat Boba straw for maximum intake. BLISS!!

  • Review from Craig R.

    • 3 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    Rib Sandwich + medium spice=chronic.

    I wanted to try the pulled pork, from all of the gleaming reviews here, but, go figure, they were out. I was not too surprised since it was was toward the end of the night. I was lazy and waited too long. I had the rib meat sandwich, instead, and was still very satisfied.

    I live right down the street from Morning Star and I couldn't be happier about that. I'm gonna get my hands on that pulled pork, sooner or later. I can't wait to try the rst of what they have to offer.

    The staff here is pleasant. The whole non-chain, mini-mart takes me back to my childhood in south King County, without having to BE in SKC. That is a very good thing.

    I can see myself going here WAY too often this summer.

    Great food surrounds me.

    White Center Love!

  • Review from Jovonne B.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2012

    The Lumpia! Its all about the Lumpia! You really gotta try them, soooooo good. One of my top lumpia/eggroll joints in Seattle. I get a whole bunch when I go. Make sure you call to make sure they are not out! They  tend to run out of everything by the end of the week.

    I will try the BBQ next time, it smells really good!

  • Review from Leigh C.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2012 25 Check-ins Here

    Let me just start by saying that the BBQ here is soooo GOOD!

    Initially, I really wasn't sure what to expect given the sketchy neighborhood and the creepies that sometimes wander around from the bus stop, but despite all of that, this place is fabulousssss! Everyone I've encountered here is SO incredibly nice and everyone is very patient as I take my time staring at the menu for a good 10 minutes, even though I get the same exact thing every single time. What can I say? When I find something good, I stick to it, although I really would like to try something new in the future.

    So, I don't even like pork, but their pulled pork sandwich is something that I constantly find myself craving. I don't even know how this is possible, but the first time I had the sandwich I stopped and was like OMG... then I proceeded to devour the rest of it. There is SO much meat piled on that thing, it's insane! And it isn't sopping wet with sauce, so I was wondering if it would still be tasty enough, but the flavor of the meat itself is amazingly delicious.

    Also, I sometimes get the brisket by the pound. And oddly enough, you actually get the amount that you order! I've been to several BBQ joints where I've ordered a pound of something, received my order, and been like WTF?! Where's the rest of it?! Definitely not the case here and they give a container of BBQ sauce to go with it. It's so good. Slightly sweet, but also tangy and a little spicy.

    This place is seriously yummy and a bargain considering how much they give you! Best BBQ sandwich I've had in Seattle, hands down! They also accept cards with a small fee - I think it's $0.65 or something like that. My only complaint is that I wish they had more sides that are not fried. I love to eat my BBQ with salads!!! I've seen macaroni salad in the glass case. I've never had theirs, but I'm typically not a fan. Wish they'd add some potato salad to the menu... then it'd be the perfect one stop shop: BBQ sandwich, potato salad, and a 40 oz of OE. Ahahaha. JK about that last one. Kinda.

  • Review from Estella P.

    • 9 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/21/2012 26 Check-ins Here

    I've been coming here for years to buy the Sunday paper, lottery tickets and other things that I do not want to go to the supermarket for.  The place is an old convenience store so it isn't a fancy place.  They have a deli section which I never really paid attention to.  However, since I read all these great reviews about the bbq I finally decided to try their food.

    I had the philly cheesesteak sandwich and it was absolutely delicious!  I had that instead of the bbq since I don't really care for it as much.  That's most likely why I didn't try their sandwiches sooner.  I'm just not into bbq sauce.  They also have burgers, fries, onion rings and much more.  I can't believe it took me this long to try it out.  Well I guess that's what happens when you judge a book by it's cover.

    It's within walking distance for me so hopefully I won't be there everyday to eat otherwise I will be buying new clothes to fit in.

  • Review from Sherry S.

    • 4 friends
    • 79 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    The BF and I finally came in to clear our curiosity with this place. I'm not much of a BBQ sandwich type of person. I prefer my meat with rice. Mmmhmmm! But, I know if I were to crave a BBQ sandwich, this place would do justice.

    I appreciate the fact that they have such a wide variety of sandwiches from paninis to burgers to BBQ.

    I tried  both the beef brisket and pulled pork grilled sandwiches, which both come with grilled onions, peppers, and hot BBQ sauce. OMG. The sandwiches were dripping with so much oooze, I had to wash my face after! The sandwiches are pretty huge. By the time I finished mine, my eyes rolled back and I wanted to pass out.

    Now, everytime I drive by on my way home, I can't help but to glance at MSD and drool a little.

    Oh, and I've got to mention, the staff were extremely friendly, helpful, and patient here (as it took us a million  years to decide what to get).

  • Review from Jennifer L.

    • 43 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/22/2012

    Ignore the humble outside. Amazing food! Try the Carolina heaped with slaw! Tasty!

  • Review from Susie B.

    • 12 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/9/2011 7 Check-ins Here

    I'm not huge on BBQ, but decided to give them a shot anyway.  First, I had the pulled pork, which was awesome!  They pile the bun high with their homemade pulled pork, and then put on just the right amount of their homemade bbq sauce (which comes in hot or mild).  
    I came back to Morning Star another day, and went for their fresh-ground bacon cheeseburger. Mmmmm, it was sooooooo good!  The meat is perfectly seasoned with deliciousness (I have no idea what they put in there, but it's amazing!) and the patty itself is also perfectly cooked.  They don't overload the burgers with their special sauce, but be warned, the burgers are still messy.  
    The Carolina pulled pork sandwich is also delicious.  The sauce is like a mustard/vinegar mix, that is so good with the pulled pork and 'slaw on top.  
    Who would have thought that such awesome bbq and burgers would come out of a convenience store that was, at one time, a gas station, and in White Center of all places?  Not me, but I go here all the time now!

  • Review from Thomas J.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/17/2011

    Believe it.

    It is in an old gas station/operating mini-mart, so if you're going to operate a food business here, it better be good.

    It is more than good.  It's all about the food, and I can't wait to try other things on the menu.  If you are in this part of the neighborhood, or this part of the city, or this part of the state, and are craving a pork sandwich, find your way here.

    My new favorite in the city.

  • Review from Zach B.

    • 4 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/25/2011

    Okay, so let's come to terms with a couple things before I get to the review. First, yes, this eatery is inside a mini-mart which has both nonworking gas pumps and a sign that says "Beware of Dog." Second, because it is inside a mini-mart which has both nonworking gas pumps and a sign that says "Beware of Dog," this is not an eatery that has spent tons of money on interior design or that is that concerned with hiding the fact that it is basically a kitchen with a counter and a cash register.

    These things aside, Morning Star Deli provides really excellent bbq and does so at amazing prices. For our visit today, two of us ordered the beef brisket sandwich ($5.99) and the third in our party ordered a pulled pork sandwich (also $5.99). The very sweet and friendly woman working the kitchen wrapped our sandwiches carefully in crisp meat wrap and bagged them for us. When the three of us arrived home and unwrapped the sandwiches, we were thrilled to find huge sandwiches with plenty of meat. The bbq sauce was smokey and spicy with a well-balanced acidity. The meat was peppery, perfectly cooked and smoked, and cut into nice big thick pieces. It was a very satisfying and warm sandwich on a cold day.

    In addition to their bbq sandwiches, Morning Star has cheese steaks (which, from the reviews below, are apparently amazing and only $6.49), hamburgers, various panini, an array of sides (from different types of french fries to lumpia to fried musrooms to chicken nuggets prices from $0.99 to $3.25), chicken wings sauced in various ways, and milkshakes and ice cream. They also sell bulk meats from their smoker (everything from ribs to chickens to cornish game hens) which can be ordered in advance.

    This is one of those places that proves that some of the best food can come from some of the sketchiest place. It is wonderful to have a place like this on your list of places to go for lunch or a quick bite, and I encourage people to stop by.

  • Review from Thy R.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/11/2010

    We just went to this place by random while in West Seattle.

    Oh wow... I think they have the BEST philly cheesesteak (my friend ordered it but I took some) and beef brisket in Seattle that I've tried here so far. Seriously!

    For the price (less than 7 bucks), quantity (1 order is huge) and quality (really good), you can't go wrong.

    Ah... the location is in a residential area and it looks regular from the outside. Just ignore it and go inside and you won't regret it.

    I think I ordered these sandwiches on restaurants etc. and it usually costs 10 bucks or more and the taste are not even good.

    Chances are... I'm going back to try the pulled pork.

  • Review from David B.

    • 12 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    OK, this looks like a nothing from the outside; I mean, it's a friggin' gas-station mini-mart and I only know where it is because it's on the way to the dog park.
    But, after reading the reviews, I had to stop in.
    Guess what?
    From the inside, it doesn't look any better...  But, I ordered the brisket and South Carolina-style pulled pork rib sandwiches with curly fries and sweet potato fries.  The meat was really tender, there was plenty of it, and the sauce had a nice, spicy tang to it and my gf and I were very happy with our order.

    We'll definitely be going back!

  • Review from Kazuo O.

    • 56 friends
    • 232 reviews

    Renton, WA

    1.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    I'm a BBQ fanatic so decided to give this place a shot.  I came in around 2pm and there was nobody around when I came in.  I waited for a few minutes then I saw a bunch of flies around so I left.

  • Review from Lori H.

    • 6 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2011

    IGNORE the house across the street with toilet seats in the yard, IGNORE the dead gas pumps, IGNORE the uneasiness of getting BBQ at a gas station that doesn't have gas - if you can do that, get your ass out of the car and walk into the door and you will be hit with the most wonderful smell of smoked meat. You will be OK. Because the staff is friendly, the prices are down right cheap for smoked meat and the food is fantastic!!! The beef brisket is divine and the chicken, well the chicken is true BBQ heaven. Order it ahead of time because they run out of meat. I love this place and you should too!!!

  • Review from Sam D.

    • 1 friend
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I can't believe I've drove by this place n never knew how good it is. I had the BBQ beef brisket sandwich . . . OMG! can u say yum?! We also order da ribs n chicken wings. The ribs were good but a lil smokier then I like my ribs. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars was because the chicken wings tasted like they were premade n store bought but over all this place was good!

  • Review from S L.

    • 7 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2009

    I live really close to this place so ever since discovering it; I've been trying a new item every other day.  So far their PHILLY CHEESESTEAK sandwich is better than most places that specialize in it.  Their PULLED PORK sandwich is better than most places that specialize in it.  The BBQ CHICKEN is better than most places that specialize in it.  Their CHICKEN WINGS are better than most places that specialize in it.  And for the ultimate finally, their BBQ RIBS are better than most places that specialize in it, fall off the bone!  This place is the best!  And the other best part of it is that their prices are fair and more towards low.

    About me:  I am a big BBQ connoisseur and a fanatical smoker myself.

  • Review from G W.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    8/20/2011

    I've passed by this place a million times when running or biking, but waited until a friend who also loves BBQ was visiting to stop in. (BBQ, like so many things, is best as a shared experience.) I had gotten used to just so-so BBQ in the Northwest; I've found some that's been pretty good, but every time I visit the South it gets blown out of the water.

    I have to say, this was one of the better pulled pork sandwiches I've had in a while. It started off a little milder and less flavorful than I would have liked, but this pulled pork sandwich is a cumulative experience: it gets better the further you go. While I would have liked a bit more heat (the spicy had just a little kick; my companion, who spent much of his childhood in Texas, ordered the medium and declared it mild), there was enough to complement the sweetness and flavor of the pork. Very satisfying overall. The potato salad was pretty good, too; the potatoes weren't mushy or overcooked, and they don't overdo the egg or the mayo. The sweet onions are a nice touch.

    Will definitely be coming back to try their other offerings. I live just down the street but it's worth going out of your way for!

  • Review from Jennifer G.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/24/2010

    I cannot believe that Morning Star Deli has never been reviewed.

    Don't be fooled by its exterior: Morning Star may look like a broken down gas station mini mart, but inside this sorta scary monstrosity is a collection of the best burgers, artisan sandwiches and barbequed meats I've had in ages.

    You want an entire roasted chicken, or a slab of barbeque ribs?  They've got those too.  And cupcakes.  And that minimart I mentioned, full of minimart food.

    PS: the turkey sandwiches (with ranch and bacon and tomato and yummies, or pesto and herbs and other yummies) are huge, and the barbeque sandwiches are at least the size of a "Large" Arby's sandwich.  (Reminder: Arbys serves regular, medium, and large sandwiches.  Huge = huge.)

    They now serve milkshakes, too.  My diet is doomed.

    (Customer service?  Way awesome.  These guys are friendly, not too chatty, and adept at making good food.  Hell yes.)

  • Review from Alison D.

    • 23 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/24/2011 17 Check-ins Here

    The BBQ is excellent. Having grown up in the deep South and eaten my fair share of BBQ and soul food- this place is legit. I highly recommend looking beyond the ghetto exterior and pop in for some tasty BBQ.

  • Review from Barry M.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2011

    Morningstar looked rough when we moved nearby 5 years ago. But now they got the deli smoking and a new paint job! The pulled pork is awesome with big portions. Everyone is real friendly. Great neighborhood stop! Real milkshakes! Keep it up Deli. Maybe a veggie option wouldn't hurt.

  • Review from Lc C.

    • 70 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    11/25/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    Came in this joint at least once a week this summer and all I got to say is this place is a kept secret. They make bbq and other savory bomb stoner munchies, and at the while connected to a mini mart. Swisher sweet after yo meal sa? Mos def a plus! The food served is made to order except the bbq. It sits in the reheater thing. I haven't tried all the cut but I did get on the pork ribs. Yea man, finger lickin good! The ribs were tender with a nice smokey accent. Super Fire! Also also they got deli stuff too so I'm sure you can't miss unless your stupid. Go. Try. It.

  • Review from Russell L.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    3/23/2011 1 photo

    Yeah, this joint is a bit ghetto but I was up for the challenge.  The menu has a lot of tantalizing options and the BBQ aroma smelled good.  I tried the Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich and some onion rings.  I'm sorry to report that the onion rings were better.....  While the sandwich had a good portion of meat, the pulled pork just didn't have enough flavor.  There was a good amount of smoke but it lacked enough rub and saltiness.  I was pretty sad and ate the tasty onion rings to console myself......

  • Review from Jaime S.

    • 3 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/7/2010

    This place is awesome ! The Philly cheese steak is delicious ! I went 2 days in a row ! They also have a great menu for BBQ too ! and all at a great price !

  • Review from James R.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/25/2011

    I found this place through an online "deal" site and it is hands down the BEST Philly Cheese Steak in Seattle!  Since Philly's, like Meatball Subs, need a little time wrapped tight in their butchers paper before they truly "mature" like a fine wine, get them to go and just ignore the bricks & mortar from whence they were created.  My partner had the Pulled Pork BBQ "Sub", the only difference is the roll, and it was frickin HUGE!  It wasn't soaking in sauce and relied on the pork and not the sauce for it's perfectly smoked flavor.  I'm not a big fan of French Fries unless they come from Steak n' Shake, but these beautifully fried Crinkle Cut fries were perfect.  Just a tiny pinch of salt, if any, and cooked to crispy goodness.  This is also the only place I've found that doesn't think BBQ should cost more than solid gold.  The prices are better than great!  Two of us spent less than $20 and were so stuffed after wards we both passed out.  I can't wait to go back and try everything they serve.

  • Review from Pamela S.

    • 0 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/13/2010

    I have to say, this place lives up the hype! We recently moved into the neighborhood and I looked to Yelp for local food favorites. It's true, this place doesn't look like much from the outside, but the BBQ sandwiches and milkshakes are no joke!! I couldn't believe how much meat was crammed into this sandwich for $5.99. The owners are extremely nice and they invited us to come check out their "Pacific Islander Days" where they have themed food and drinks on Fridays. The mini-mart (half the place is a deli, the other half a convenience store) is also pretty big and has random offerings like tiny gummy hot dogs on the counter. Kind of a kitschy mini-mart heaven! We will definitely be back regularly and are looking forward to trying the Philly cheese steaks next time!

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