Updated July 2024
It's time to get messy!
Discover finger-licking goodness with our handpicked selection of top-notch BBQ joints, where savory smoked meats and tantalizing sauces await your eager appetite.
PHOTO: PODNAHS
1625 NE Killingsworth St.
Every morning at 5 AM, Podnah's starts up the wood-burning smoker and gets down to business. Everything is made from scratch daily, including six different types of meat. Food Network voted Podnah's the best barbecue in Oregon, so it's a safe bet that whatever you order will hit the spot.
photo: matts bbq
4233 N Mississippi Ave.
Texas-style barbecue is owner and chef Matt Vicedomini's life's passion. There's almost always a line waiting to try his brisket, pork belly, and ribs. His sauces, like his cherry-chipotle and peach mustard barbecue sauces, are equally sought-after.
photo: lawless barbecue
3412 SE Division St. / 8627 NE Sandy Blvd.
Find Kansas City-style BBQ at Little Beast Beer Garden on Division or My-O-My on Sandy. Try the slow-cooked brisket or pork belly burnt ends with sweet barbecue sauces and a glass of cold beer. They also serve Frito chili pie, BBQ Nachos, and a vegan sandwich!
photo: reverends bbq
7712 SE 13th St.
Sellwood's neighborhood smokehouse, Reverends BBQ, serves St. Louis-style barbecue with beer on tap. Owned by the owners of Laurelhurst Market, Big's Chicken, and Ate-Oh-Ate, Reverend's is run by trusted Portland foodies.
photo: wonderboys smokestack
1027 NE Alberta St.
At Wonderboy's, you can go traditional with a meat-plus-sides order or a sandwich special like the "pulled porkland" or "beeferton cheese steak," both served on a cheese-crusted bun. Want something to share? Try the nachos, tacos, and wings!
photo: Botto's
3120 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Botto's has mastered cut-to-order barbecue with made-from-scratch sides. With ongoing specials like the cheesy brisket hash and BBQ parfait, they keep it fresh while maintaining classic barbecue favorites.
photo: po'shines
8139 N Denver Ave.
Po'Shines has had several name changes since 1992 but has remained an important Kenton neighborhood institution rooted in community preservation. The contemporary soul food restaurant with Creole and Cajun-inspired dishes offers pulled pork, chicken, brisket, shrimp, and more.
photo: grasslands BBQ
403 Portway Ave. (Hood River)
Travel slightly further to try some Texas-style barbecue at Grasslands. Located on the Hood River Waterfront, it offers a great atmosphere and delicious food. Plan a day trip before summer ends to enjoy high-quality smoked meats, sandwiches, and house-made slushies!
photo: trap kitchen
8 NW 6th Ave.
Trap Kitchen, a popular West Coast culinary venture, was founded by Malachi "Spank" Jenkins and Roberto "News" Smith in Compton, California. Starting from Smith's grandmother's kitchen, they quickly gained fame through social media, even catering events for Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg. They are located inside Roseland Theater!
photo: kee's loaded kitchen
3625 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Award-winning food cart Kee's #Loaded Kitchen is about the experience as much as the food. Owner Kiauna "Kee" Nelson is a self-motivated pillar of the community, and if you meet her, you'll know why. Get a combo plate with fried chicken, steak, ribs, and various sides.
photo: dirty lettuce
4727 NE Fremont St.
When embracing a plant-based lifestyle, you might have assumed BBQ was off the menu. However, Dirty Lettuce, a vegan food cart turned brick-and-mortar, has stepped in to satisfy those cravings. Enjoy plant-based versions of southern classics like BBQ ribs, cornbread, and even fried catfish.
photo: erica's soul food
101 SE 12th Ave.
Chef Erica Montgomery launched her food truck, Erica's Soul Food, in 2020, bringing her Atlanta-inspired Southern cuisine to the city. The menu features a variety of soul food classics like venison roast, fried catfish, wings, and more. Vegan options are available!
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