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Portland’s Best Barbecue
Sample the city’s tastiest slow-cooked meats (and more!) at these local gems.
Wendell Britt
In Portland, where there’s smoke, there’s… great barbecue? It’s not as surprising at it might sound. Authentic joints can be found all across the city, offering up Texas-caliber cuts of brisket, ribs and more. Here’s where to sample some of Portland’s best barbecue fare.
Know Before You Go
The statewide mask mandate has been lifted. However, some restaurants may request or recommend mask-wearing.
Additionally, some restaurants may require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test for entry (see a running list from Eater Portland).
Please check with individual businesses on their policies and hours of operation before visiting, and continue to be patient, flexible and kind, especially if asked to mask up or share your vaccination status. These measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Best Barbecue in Portland
Reverend’s BBQ
An offshoot of popular, meat-centric Laurelhurst Market, Reverend’s BBQ in Sellwood-Moreland boasts some of the best meat in the Portland barbecue scene. Their specialties include buttermilk-soaked fried chicken and slow-cooked brisket. While barbecue restaurants rarely court vegetarians and vegans, Reverend’s smoked tempeh holds its own against traditional meat dishes.
Podnah’s Pit in Northeast Portland has been serving up slow-smoked barbecue since 2006.
In addition to meaty entrees, Reverend’s offers a rotating draft beer list and a roster of distinctive sides. Dig into plates of grilled polenta or mac and cheese topped with crushed barbecue-flavored potato chips. The restaurant’s multiple televisions make it a great place to watch the game as you satisfy your appetite.
More Questions About Barbecue in Portland?
What does “barbecue” actually mean, exactly?
Don’t you have to be in places like Tennessee or Texas to get good barbecue?
Podnah’s BBQ
Know Before You Go
Pro tip: Just like at many old-school Texas barbecue shacks, when the slow-cooked meat’s gone for the day, it’s gone. Plan an early arrival if you’re hankering for a specific cut.
A longtime favorite of local barbecue connoisseurs, Podnah’s BBQ in Northeast Portland has been serving up slow-smoked barbecue since 2006. Chef Rodney Muirhead’s fervent devotion to Texas-style barbecue produces meats dry-rubbed with spices and smoked for hours before being served. A number of excellent Tex-Mex sides round out the menu — appetizers and desserts are also on offer.
Seven Rivers BBQ
A treat awaits you on a sleepy residential street in Northeast Portland: some truly delicious barbecue. Since 1999, Seven Rivers BBQ has been serving up delectable dishes from a no-frills food truck. Choose between meats by the pound, plates in a variety of sizes, sandwiches, sides and more (or go for the J.J. Super Sampler, if you’ve got a big appetite and a party of two). They also offer fresh-smoked beef jerky and a variety of other snacks.
The People’s Pig
Once a popular downtown food cart, this smoky North Portland eatery is known for lip-smacking sandwiches. For porky perfection, try the Cubano, which arrives piled high with pork shoulder, ham, Dijon, pickles and provolone. And while you can’t go wrong with the pork, the sleeper hit on the menu is the fried chicken sandwich. Carefully perfected through months of experimentation, the sammy features chicken slathered in spicy mayo and jalapeño jelly
More Portland Barbecue
Keep up the hunt for your new favorite barbecue in Portland — try one of these spots today.
Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ
If you’re seeking an “only in Portland” experience, head to Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ in St. Johns. Starting as a food cart in 2008 — and now in a brick-and-mortar spot on North Lombard Street — Homegrown Smoker has attracted vegetarian visitors from across the country. The plant-based menu includes offerings like smoked soy curls, tempeh ribs and seitan-based sliced “meats.” For the classic Homegrown experience, order up a pulled pork-style “SloSmoMoFo” sandwich, topped with chipotle slaw. You can also create your own custom combo plate with sides like hush puppies and dairy-free mac and cheese.
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