Best BBQ in Portland
Whether you’re a brisket purist, a sauce lover, or someone who just can’t say no to a perfectly smoked rib, Portland has some serious contenders when it comes to BBQ—and with National BBQ Day coming up this Friday, there’s no better time to dig in. We’ve rounded up six of the best spots for mouthwatering meats, scratch-made sides, and unforgettable flavor. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Your North Valley newsletter—our “best of” guides get delivered straight to your inbox so you’ll always be in-the-know.
1. Matt’s BBQ
📍 4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Known for: Texas-style BBQ done right. Matt’s brisket and pork belly burnt ends are legendary—and the smoked jalapeño cheddar sausage is a fan favorite.
Things to know: Outdoor seating only. Expect a line (but it moves fast), and it’s worth every minute.
2. Podnah’s Pit BBQ
📍 1625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR
Known for: Traditional Central Texas-style BBQ and a stellar dry-rub brisket. Their sides—especially the collards and cornbread—are not to be missed.
Things to know: Indoor seating available. Go early if you want ribs—they often sell out!
3. Reverend’s BBQ
📍 7712 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR (Sellwood)
Known for: A Sellwood staple since 2014, Reverend’s serves up St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, Carolina pork, and Southern comfort sides like hushpuppies and fried chicken.
Things to know: Cozy booths, TVs, a heated patio, and house cocktails on draft make this a great spot to gather. Takeout is quick and easy, too.
4. Reo’s Ribs
📍 4211 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Known for: Celebrity-owned (co-owned by actor Reo Varnado, uncle to Snoop Dogg) and serving up ribs with bold flavor and smoky soul.
Things to know: Casual and laid-back. They’re known for their spicy sauce—so bring your appetite and your taste buds.
5. Buster’s Barbecue
📍 11419 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard, OR
Known for: Old-school BBQ with a West Coast twist. Brisket, ribs, and hot links are all solid, but their sauces are what people rave about.
Things to know: Great for takeout, family-style meals, and group dining.
6. Lawless BBQ
📍 6141 SW Macadam Ave, Portland, OR (John’s Landing)
Known for: Elevated BBQ with a modern twist—Lawless brings bold spices and upscale plating to the BBQ world.
Things to know: They cater! And the banana pudding is a sleeper hit on the menu.
🍽 Hungry for more?
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