“You’re not in Kansas anymore Dorothy! You’re in Roseau and the BBQ at Kate’s Kitchen is equally delicious.”
The owner, Kate, is a food junkie and she takes cooking and especially smoking to a new level. Kate runs her family-operated business on the same lot as her husband’s barbershop. Her business is drive-thru style which makes it perfect to grab and go. It’s ideal to eat in one of Roseau’s many parks.
Her custom kitchen may be small, but her flavor is not. Kate smokes her meats fresh every day. Locals know to watch the Facebook page to see when the deliciousness will be off the smoker. Kate is open until the food is sold out. It’s rare that she is not sold out because those who eat there always come back. They keep coming back because they have to see what the next culinary surprise is the chef Kate has on her ever-changing menu.
Kate is a one-woman show. If you tell her lip gloss looks great, she would tell you it’s bacon grease. She works hard at her business, and her food reflects her love for cooking. Her alarm is set to wake her in the middle of the night, signaling the time to check the smoker. Her smoke is created with a mix of hickory, oak, and applewood.
Whether your preference is sauce-slathered ribs or dry rub meats, there is something there for everyone. Each morsel of meat is tender and juicy. The seasoning is perfect, and the smoke is that of a pitmaster champion. Kate buys quality meats and infuses hardwood flavors the result is smoky goodness that reminds you of a Kansas City or Memphis BBQ joint. But you’re not in Kansas anymore Dorothy! You’re in Roseau and the BBQ is equally delicious.
A local favorite is the outlaw sandwich. The beef brisket is brined and smoked over smoldering oak before it is forked onto a think piece of garlic butter drenched grilled Texas Toast. Then it is piled with a crispy slaw and house-made sauce. Add some fried onions and this is a sure crowd-pleaser. If you want a taste of Kate’s clever matchups, try the Hawaiian. Smoked pulled pork, bacon, provolone, pineapple, and BBQ sauce. No matter your menu choice, Kate serves it up hot and fresh with a side and a drink.
Baby back ribs are a little meaty morsel of goodness. Slowly smoked in house for six hours to mouthwatering perfection, she offers them up in six ribs or full racks. Occasionally you can order a rack snack, 1/3 of a rack for only $8. Whatever size you order, you get a guarantee to fall off the bone meat with just a bit of chew. Add beans and coleslaw for that full-on BBQ experience.
If you love smoky charred meat with an innovative twist, try the smoked tacos. Kate serves smoked chicken, pork and beef brisket tacos and occasionally we have seen grilled shrimp. Each taco is unique and made with the perfect flavor profile; try the brisket taco with Pico de Gallo, cotija cheese and lime crema. The pork taco with mango salsa, queso fresco and her own secret sauce. When you eat at Kates Kitchen you are taken on a flavor journey of delightful eats featuring spices and flavors from around the world.
After picking your main course add a side to make your meal complete. Choices include gouda mac and cheese, slaw, smoked beans, or Wisconsin cheese curds to name a few. Do you like sweet and sour together? If so, try the deep-fried pickles. I mean sour pickles, a salty and golden crust dipped in sweet ranch dressing, what’s not to love? Kate is also famous for her Brisket Chili. This house-made chili is packed with smoky flavor and served with jalapeno cheddar cornbread, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
However you like your BBQ, just ask the chef. She will customize your order any way you like for no charge. Kate says, “I love what my customers create and sometimes their creations might end up on our menu.” She takes pride in making each order fresh, and they know you appreciate it once it hits your taste buds.
Kate’s Kitchen is located in the red building at 202 4 th Ave NW in Roseau, MN. If you can’t find it, just roll down the window and smell the goodness.
Take out and Catering Available