Wendell Britt

an overhead view of barbecue, side dishes and a cold drink on a wooden table
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Feast on a variety of barbecued meats at tasty Smokehouse Tavern.
Credit: Courtesy of Smokehouse Tavern

Portland’s Best Barbecue

Sample the city’s tastiest slow-cooked meats (and more!) at these local gems.

2 min read

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.

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?

The term is a bit variable, and its definition shifts slightly depending on where you are in the country. But generally speaking, barbecue means meat that’s been cooked for a long time at a low temperature, making it very tender (and awfully delicious).

Don’t you have to be in places like Tennessee or Texas to get good barbecue?

It’s true that when many people think of Barbecue, Southern states come to mind — but don’t sleep on Oregon, or on Portland in particular. The City of Roses is enjoying a barbecue renaissance, and these days there’s no shortage of exceptional Portland pitmasters.

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.

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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.

5 TO TRY

More Portland Barbecue

Keep up the hunt for your new favorite barbecue in Portland — try one of these spots today.

  • Matt’s BBQ

    Since 2015, Matt's BBQ has been serving up excellent Texas-style barbecue from a fixed-location food cart on North Mississippi Avenue. The favorites go fast, so make sure you get to this popular spot early (or pre-order your food online).

  • Pine Shed Ribs & Barbecue

    Pine Shed cooks up Santa Maria-style BBQ in Lake Oswego, Ore. Enjoy smoky ribs, pork belly sandwiches or tri-tip, all smoked on-site and smothered in their homemade BBQ sauce, along with classic sides like corn bread and potato salad.

  • Dinner Bell Barbecue

    Owner/chef Sam Mouzan grew up in Alabama and now he brings Alabama BBQ to Portland with a fusion of Southern cooking styles designed to fill your plate.

  • Southern Kitchen PDX

    Maurice Fain and Jermaine Atherton, co-owners of the soul food cart Southern Kitchen PDX, create classic dishes that feature a healthy take on ribs, red beans and rice, and other Southern-style comfort foods.

  • G&W Caribbean Smoked BBQ

    This food cart brings the flavors of the Caribbean to Southeast Portland. Order up brisket and a rack of ribs, or enjoy your barbecue in sandwich form. Don’t forget a side order of their signature smoked mac and cheese.

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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