Any good BBQ spots in Portland?


 
Okay, your in luck! I've been to every q joint in Portland except a place called Yam Yams. Campbells is about the only place I would recommend in Portland. We have a Buster's BBQ as well. buster's is a chain and it feels like a chain, the q at buster's is good, it just doesn't feel like a q joint. There is a little place near my house in North Portland called Big Kahunas. I like it, but some don't. Everyone loves Campbells.


http://www.campbellsbbq.com/
 
Campbells is an institution, but since ownership changed hands a few years ago reports are the quality and consistency have gone down hill.

My favorite in town right now is Podnah's Pit (1469 NE Prescott St.) If you are in town for the weekend I would say do not miss a breakfast here. Breakfast is weekends only. He has been doing a smoked prime rib dinner Friday's every once in a while, best call before to confirm. Otherwise brisket (Texas stlye,) PP (N. Car.) and ribs are great. Also smoked trout on the menu with daily specials as well.

I have not been yet, but heard great things about Slabtown BBQ (2606 NW Vaughn Street.) He competes and does well in the PNWBA.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Portland! For other meal advice I suggest checking out the PortlandFood.org board. They cover everything food in PDX.
 
Thank you guys for your input, I did get a chance to try a couple places out there. When Andru M said the quality had gone down at Campbells, he was absolutely right....the food was disgusting, you could tell everything was old and just heated up, and based on the taste, it probably wasn't very good fresh either. I did hit Slabtown the next day, everything was fresh a had tons of flavor, very well prepared. I would definitely go back there again if had the chance. But thanks again for the input, it gave me somewhere to start.
 
Guys,
Thanks for the recommendations as well. I moved to Portland really Gresham a few months ago and wondered about BBQ here. I drive by Campbells most days and wanted to try their Buffalo ribs but I think I will pass now. Ever since I picked up my WSM Q places just haven't measured up.
Lance
 
Hey Lance, welcome to the area!

A little off topic but just wanted to pass along some suggestions -
Gartner's Meats is a great butcher in NE PDX, probably the closest to Gresham.

Ottos Sausage is the king of sausage in PDX (imo.) They can also order in beef/pork that they may not have on hand. Great quality and fair pricing.

Also a unique PDX outfit, Tails and Trotters finishes NW hogs on a 100% hazelnuts. You can find their stuff at a few shops in town listed on their website.

Other than that, you should check out the Pacific Northwest Barbeque Assoc.
 

 

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