Business catalogPortlandRanking 2026
BBQ restaurant Portland
Finding the Best BBQ in the Pacific Northwest
Portland has developed a reputation for its diverse culinary scene, and the local smoked meat culture is no exception. When searching for a BBQ restaurant in Portland, it is important to consider what style of barbecue you prefer, whether it is Texas-style brisket, Carolina-style pulled pork, or creative Pacific Northwest fusion. A high-quality establishment typically prioritizes the quality of the wood used for smoking, the freshness of the meat, and the authenticity of their house-made sauces and sides.
How to Evaluate Our 2026 BBQ Restaurant Portland Ranking
To help you navigate the local options, we have compiled a comprehensive BBQ restaurant Portland ranking featuring 13 standout businesses. When reading through our list, keep in mind that the best BBQ restaurant in Portland for your specific taste may depend on more than just a star rating. We recommend looking at the content of recent reviews to see if diners consistently praise the texture of the meat and the efficiency of the service. Pay attention to comments regarding the atmosphere, as some spots are better suited for quick takeout, while others offer a full sit-down dining experience.
Understanding Our Methodology
This list is based entirely on public Google reviews. We have analyzed the overall ratings, the total number of reviews, and the qualitative feedback provided by customers to determine which establishments currently stand out in the city. By focusing on these public metrics, we aim to provide a transparent look at which businesses are currently resonating most with the local community. While ratings are a helpful starting point, we encourage you to read the most recent customer experiences to get a better sense of the current consistency and quality of each location. Whether you are a local resident or visiting in 2026, these 13 selections represent some of the most highly regarded spots to enjoy authentic barbecue in the city.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,6 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated June 20, 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,9(423 reviews)Portal score 8,5
The Smoking Jay is highly regarded for its exceptional smoked meats and diverse, high-quality sides. Customers consistently praise the friendly, family-owned atmosphere and the welcoming service provided by the staff.
- tender smoked brisket
- pork belly burnt ends
- delicious smoked coleslaw
- 024,7(942 reviews)Portal score 8,4
This popular Portland BBQ spot is highly regarded for its high-quality brisket, diverse selection of sauces, and flavorful sides. While customers frequently praise the friendly service and authentic wood-smoked meats, the restaurant often experiences long lines and sells out of popular items early in the day.
- High-quality brisket
- Friendly and attentive service
- Flavorful side dishes
- 034,7(1,916 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Matt's BBQ is a popular food truck destination in Portland known for its tender, moist meats and flavorful sauces. While many diners praise the quality and speed of service, some customers report inconsistent seasoning and occasional issues with meat dryness.
- Tender and moist brisket
- High quality pork ribs
- Flavorful barbecue sauces
- 044,7(764 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Matt's BBQ Tacos is a highly regarded food cart located at the Hinterland pod in Portland, known for its meat-forward, Texas-style BBQ tacos. Customers frequently praise the quality of the meats and the unique, fluffy flour tortillas, though some note that the food can be quite greasy.
- High-quality brisket and pork belly
- Exceptional flour tortillas
- Filling and generous portions
- 054,6(427 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Lawless BBQ is a Kansas City-style restaurant that receives polarized feedback regarding food consistency and quality. While many patrons praise the flavorful smoked wings, brisket, and friendly service, others report issues with dry meats, cold food temperatures, and inconsistent side dishes.
- Flavorful smoked wings
- Friendly and attentive service
- Clean restaurant interior
- 064,6(1,742 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Screen Door is a highly regarded Southern comfort food restaurant in Portland known for its exceptional fried chicken, waffles, and cinnamon rolls. While the food and atmosphere are consistently praised, guests frequently encounter long wait times and are strongly encouraged to make reservations.
- Exceptional fried chicken
- Large portion sizes
- Delicious cinnamon rolls
- 074,4(2,078 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Reverend's BBQ is generally regarded as a solid destination for smoked meats, particularly their ribs and brisket, though experiences with food consistency and service quality vary. While many diners praise the atmosphere and sides like mac and cheese and beans, others find the meat quality and seasoning to be inconsistent.
- Tender, smoky ribs
- Flavorful brisket
- Popular mac and cheese
- 084,9(203 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Chochu Local Island BBQ is highly regarded for its authentic Chamorro cuisine, featuring charcoal-grilled meats and flavorful sides. Customers frequently praise the friendly service provided by the owners and the high quality of the food.
- High quality charcoal-grilled meats
- Friendly and welcoming service
- Generous portion sizes
- 094,3(2,219 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Podnah's Pit is widely regarded as a top-tier Texas-style BBQ destination in Portland, frequently praised for its smoky meats and flavorful sides. While many diners enjoy the cozy atmosphere and consistent quality, some experiences are marred by inconsistent meat preparation, cold side dishes, and a mandatory automatic gratuity.
- Flavorful brisket
- High-quality sides
- Friendly service
- 104,3(2,544 reviews)Portal score 8,1
This restaurant is widely praised for its inviting atmosphere and friendly, attentive service. While many diners enjoy the smoked meats and flavorful sides, opinions on the quality and consistency of the brisket and barbecue sauce are polarized.
- Inviting and pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Flavorful mac and cheese
- 114,3(4,175 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Famous Dave's receives polarized feedback, with many customers praising the friendly, attentive service and flavorful BBQ meats. However, experiences are inconsistent, with several reports of dry or overcooked meat and concerns regarding facility cleanliness.
- Friendly and attentive service
- Flavorful BBQ meats
- Delicious cornbread
- 124,2(1,536 reviews)Portal score 8,0
Boomers is a small, casual bar-style establishment that receives polarized feedback regarding its barbecue quality and service. While many patrons praise the affordable pricing and friendly staff, others report inconsistent food preparation and a lack of seasoning.
- Affordable food and drink prices
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Fast service
- 134,5(252 reviews)Portal score 8,0
Bark City Barbecue is widely praised for its tender, flavorful smoked meats and high-quality sides, particularly the mac and cheese. While most customers consider it some of the best barbecue in Portland, a few diners have expressed concerns regarding serving temperatures and portion sizes.
- Tender, flavorful smoked meats
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Friendly and welcoming staff
Company comparison
| Position | Company | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Smoking Jay | 4,9 |
| 2 | Botto’s BBQ | 4,7 |
| 3 | Matt's BBQ | 4,7 |
| 4 | Matt's BBQ Tacos | 4,7 |
| 5 | Lawless Barbecue | 4,6 |
| 6 | Screen Door Pearl District | 4,6 |
| 7 | Reverend's BBQ | 4,4 |
| 8 | Chochu Local ISLAND BBQ | 4,9 |
| 9 | Podnah's BBQ | 4,3 |
| 10 | The Smokin' Oak Barbeque Restaurant, Bar & Catering | 4,3 |
| 11 | Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que | 4,3 |
| 12 | Boomers | 4,2 |
| 13 | Bark City BBQ | 4,5 |
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best BBQ restaurants in Portland for 2026?
- Our 2026 ranking features 13 of the top BBQ restaurants in Portland. The Smokin’ Oak PDX currently leads our list with an impressive rating of 4.7/5.
- How do I choose the best BBQ restaurant in Portland?
- When selecting a spot, consider the specific style of barbecue you prefer, such as Texas-style brisket or Carolina-style pulled pork. You can use our curated list of 13 businesses to compare options and find a location that matches your taste preferences.
- What should I look for when reading reviews for Portland BBQ restaurants?
- Look for consistent feedback regarding meat quality, smoke flavor, and side dish variety. While our list highlights top performers like The Smokin’ Oak PDX, reading recent reviews helps you understand the current dining experience at each of the 13 featured locations.
- What can I expect when visiting a top-rated BBQ restaurant in Portland?
- You can expect high-quality smoked meats and a unique atmosphere that reflects the local Portland culinary scene. At top-rated spots like The Smokin’ Oak PDX, you will find a commitment to traditional smoking techniques and flavor profiles.
- Do you have a tip for finding the best BBQ in Portland?
- A great tip is to check the menu for house-made sauces and daily specials, as these often indicate a restaurant's dedication to craft. Since prices vary depending on the cuts of meat and portion sizes, we recommend checking the menus of the 13 businesses in our ranking to find the best value for your meal.