The Red Rooster in Selah, Washington held many identities before ending up as what one Facebook follower called a “five-star dive bar.” It was a grocery store and a gas station before it finally became the Red Rooster bar about 40 years ago.
In January 2020, owner Dan Gamache and his wife Randi purchased the place and elevated it from a popular watering hole to a destination BBQ spot, while still retaining its dive bar magic. Dan was successful on the competitive BBQ circuit and had been looking for a brick and mortar location when he stumbled upon the Red Rooster. He added a big smoker out front, and—voila!—it became an instant BBQ/dive bar hit.
The food here has a devoted group of fans who claim it’s the best BBQ they’ve ever had. There is a full menu and daily specials, which include Taco Tuesdays (pulled pork and pit beef) and a huge slab of incredible smoked prime rib with a baked potato and a side on Thursdays ($22). Their BBQ sauce and bean sauce recipes are closely-guarded secrets, and many claim the ribs are the most delicious they’ve ever eaten. The kitchen even offers the occasional seafood boil. Bartender Theresa says one sure item not to miss is their homemade beef jerky (teriyaki or peppered), available in half pound packs for $12.
But enough about the food…let’s shift our focus to the beverages. The drink selection here is pretty standard, though Randi may whip up a drink special on a whim from time to time. Happy hour is from 3pm-6pm, Monday through Thursday, and all day Sunday. Happy hour specials include $3 well drinks, as well as buckets of Busch Light, Keystone, or Ranier (5 for $8). Buckets of Bud Light, Coors Lite, and other domestics are available, 5 for $12.
For entertainment, there is a jukebox, pull tab games for purchase, and they even have the occasional poker night. It goes without saying that there are a group of regulars who contribute to the requisite dive bar shenanigans. You may enter as a stranger, but with friendly bartenders, owners, and clientele, you’re sure to leave as a friend.
In nice weather, there’s a big backyard with tables, horseshoe pits, and cornhole. They are open 7 days a week from 11am to midnight (due to the pandemic). This is the kind of place that attracts all sorts of people, from ex-military to bikers, BBQ lovers, college students celebrating their 21st birthday to regular locals who leave enthusiastic online reviews such as: “Loving my local bar!! Good food, good drinks, good company!!”
So if you’re in the area, stop by for a cold one, and don’t forget to bring a big appetite. You’re sure to enjoy the smell of the apple wood coming from the smoker, the good grub, cold beers, and warm welcome. As owner Dan says: “Here at the Rooster we are a low-key divest dive bar for the working class. We offer our customers a place to relax where you don’t need to pretend to be somebody.”
Located in: Selah, WA
Be sure to try: the BBQ
