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    Lil' Barbecue

    4.1 (50 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Lil' Barbecue Photos

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    Lena C.

    Such a great barbecue spot! The ribs are a must! I also am obsessed with all of the sides. Definitely try the beats and the tater tots! Great for a summer night, they have a ton of options on the menu.

    Sara N.

    Coming from Dallas, this is the closest Texas bbq in PDX! The brisket and ribs were my notable favorites! The charred brisket and tender ribs were solid. Even for left overs the next day, it was still delicious. The tater tots were different but good twist to it. Service was great, unique in a bar, lots of outdoor seatings. Really put me back in Texas with the patio.

    The Bob w/extra pulled pork instead of chicken
    Cynthia L.

    We were very excited given all the hype and left disappointed though perhaps just not our style of bbq. We got the all meat platter (comes with 2 sides) and opted to sub the chicken for more pulled pork. Pulled pork 2/5 - thick shredded and fatty. Our group did not enjoy this as it was mostly just meat flavor by itself without heavy saucing. Mac and Cheese 1/5 - soupy velveeta style mac and cheese with some bbq spice flavoring. Perhaps just not our preferred style of mac and cheese. Ribs/Brisket 3.5/5 - tender/juicy for both but note that the brisket is a very thick cut style. Smokey flavor with good spice rub but felt like the flavors were missing something to take it to the next level.

    Darren Y.

    Solid bbq in ne. Located in a bar it can be pretty noisy but they have seats outside. Pork ribs were excellent. Tender and peppery. Sides - Cesar and Cole slaw were ok. Tots were interesting - got it w queso wish I got it on the side

    Amanda F.

    I moved to Portland from Austin, Texas over a year ago. I was super excited when this place opened and finally got a chance to go. I used to eat at la barbecue when I lived in Austin, so I had high expectations. My boyfriend and I ordered ribs, brisket, and tater tots. Overall, the meat was good, but definitely not as great as real Texas BBQ. The brisket was moist however it lacked something, but I can't put my finger on it. The pork rib ribs were tasty, but they didn't fall off the bone like I'm used to. The tater tots were definitely not what I expect. They're homemade and they're almost like a potato pancake. To be honest, I'm not sure if I would get them again I would've got the beet ends but my boyfriend's isn't as much of a fan of beets. I will say they made pretty good drinks. I got a house margarita that was tasty.

    Brisket, pork ribs, chicken wings, sausage, Mac and cheese, Caesar salad, tator tots
    Bryan T.

    Heard the hype around this new bbq spot in so I knew I had to give it a try. Sides were ala cart all $5 each, we got Caesar salad, tator tots and Mac and cheese. Really enjoyed the pork ribs, fell off the bone, had a great flavor and was cooked perfectly. Brisket was tender and had really good charred flavor. Closest thing I had to real Texas barbecue here in Portland.

    Steve A.

    When you think of the Portland food scene, BBQ isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind, especially good BBQ. So when I heard about Lil' Barbecue, I had to check it out. I moved here from Texas and spent years living in Austin (where their sister restaurant, La Barbecue, calls home). That alone set the bar high. I went on a weekday, early, because it was my first visit and I wanted a little bit of everything. I ordered it to go. The space is roomy with plenty of seating, plus easy street parking. It's located in the Woodlawn neighborhood in NE Portland, which makes it a convenient stop. Let's get this out of the way: barbecue like this isn't cheap. But you're paying for the time, the craft, and the slow-smoked love that goes into it. Service was just okay, nothing over the top, nothing terrible. You're here for the food anyway. The Must-Trys Brisket. Tender with a beautiful peppery bark and flavorful crust. This is the real deal. Sausage. Great snap when you bite into it, nice spice, total winner. Ribs. Fall-off-the-bone tender with that same deep, smoky crust as the brisket. Cheesy Mac. Creamy with a little kick thanks to green chiles mixed in. I loved that touch. They offer two sauces: - Yellow sauce (mustard-based). A fan favorite for a reason. Tangy and bold. - Original BBQ sauce. The perfect balance of vinegar and sweet. I also tried the Caesar salad, it is what it is, but the thin slices of parmesan are a nice touch. As far as taste goes? This is the best BBQ in Portland. It genuinely took me back to my Austin days, just without the two-hour lines. That's where my 5 stars come from. If you want a glimpse of real Texas flavor in Portland, this is your spot. Bring your friends. Come hungry. Enjoy

    Breanna A.

    Stopped in while visiting Portland with family. Lil barbecue was new but had a good buzz. Quick and easy ordering at the counter and opted for some drinks - margarita and strawberry lemon drop , both great. For food we shared the brisket, ribs and two sides. The rest of the family went all out with the holy matrimony that comes with everything meat, sides, and Texas toast. Everything was good, the Mac and cheese was a little heavy but this is a great spot for meat lovers. Parking lot is a little on the smaller side with some other stores in the same small shopping center. Overall a great meal with great people.

    Queso, Pork Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Sausage Links, and Brisket
    Alex W.

    Excellent BBQ here. Every dish was good. Only thing a little mediocre was the mozzarella, artichoke, and fennel sausage special. Standard sausage was outstanding. Pork Ribs especially had a great flavor.

    Chicken thighs, sausage, double brisket (they ran out of pulled pork), ribs
    Jon P.

    Excited to try this place as the big sister restaurant was a Michelin star spot. We left underwhelmed to say the least. The spot was great with cool vibes inside, tvs playing the football games on Sunday. We decided to get The Bob to try the meats but they didnt have anymore pulled pork which was disappointing. We were impressed with the chicken and the brisket, which were both deliciously seasoned and so tender. However, we felt that we've tasted better ribs and sausage elsewhere. The sides were pedestrian. Didn't expect much with the Caesar salad but the tater tots was disappointing. They tasted more like mochi tots than the crunchy tots we were expecting. Their "Texas toast" wasn't thick at all and seemed like plain white toast. The drinks at Tough Luck looked good and the margarita I had was yums but we'd go again probably for the chicken thighs... highlight of our experience here.

    From outside
    Cindy I.

    Still working out the process it seems. So giving a four star for now. We ordered brisket, pulled pork, coleslaw, tots and the Midori slushy . We were sitting waiting for our food and they came around to say they were out of pulled pork and offered chicken or more brisket as they had also ran out of ribs. We picked brisket. They had told us they were already out of sausages. I really need to try the pulled pork which is my normal go to for testing out BBQ. The tots were unique as they were homemade, bigger and creamier but confirmed no mayo or sour cream. The brisket amount was generous maybe since they ran out of pulled pork. Some pieces were more tender than others. The flavor was very good but I still tip my hat to Podnahs for better flavor. I enjoyed the Midori slushy and it did have decent alcohol in it. Very busy on a Saturday night and inside was full but have more outside seating. Not very relaxing atmosphere not really knowing where to order as they say at the bar but no one spot to go to. They need to make that more clear like Fire On The Mountain is a good model. We sat down when some ladies left and saw a server wiping another table so asked her to clean ours. She quickly questioned if the number on the table was ours and if we ordered, yes.... Said nothing and cleaned the table. Lady next to us said something about that was odd, almost scolding us for sitting at the table too soon. They have some TVs around with the sound off. Hopefully they will work out the kinks quickly. There is no fried chicken so not sure why the first reviewer said there was.

    Menu (Jan 2026)
    Charlie T.

    I am glad that I finally got a chance to try this place out. They do open earlier in weekends, which makes easier to get to for me. I would recommend ordering the "Holy Matrimony" as it is pretty much a little of everything including the sides. It makes ordering easier. We also added some chips and queso to the order. The brisket was super tender and easily falls apart. The sausage was full of flavor. The tater tots were probably my favorite side followed by the Mac and cheese. Those tots were amazing! It's not like your typical tots. I can't wait to go back and try some other combination of food or just get it all again.

    All the sides
    Hannah W.

    I haven't had much barbecue in the Portland area, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say this might be the best. Went all in and got the Holy Matrimony because I wanted to try everything. The brisket, sausage, and pulled pork were my favorite - juicy, tender, delicious! Sides were decent as well, but the tater tots are gold!! I will absolutely go back just for those!

    Ribs, sausage, brisket, pickles and Mac

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    1 month ago

    No better barbecue in Portland or beyond. Such a fun place either way awesome food. Brisket and ribs are so tender. Love the smoked beets

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    The brisket was very good and the atmosphere was buzzing. We would recommend this for decent food and drinks.

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    Botto's BBQ - Delicious Botto's spread!

    Botto's BBQ

    4.6(382 reviews)
    5.0 miBrooklyn, Southeast Portland
    $$

    I feel like most BBQ places do one or two things well, while one or two things are just okay. That…read morewas NOT my takeaway from Bottos. After reading the great reviews, I'd wanted to get over there, and I'm glad I finally did. The ribs were perfect, the pulled pork was as good as I've ever had. When the brisket is solid but the least exciting bite, you've got a great platter. The mac and cheese side is excellent. I loved the slaw, though I'd skip it next time due to more onion than I'm cool with. Sauces are okay, but would love a spicy option. Honestly, none of the meat begged for extra sauce, I just love sauce. Seating was limited and the place is pretty small, so probably hit and miss during peak hours. Loved the food. Will return.

    Botto's is a great place to eat. First, the customer service is friendly and amazing. It's a busy…read moreplace but luckily they have QR code menus where you can drool over their offerings and plan your order ahead. There aren't a ton of tables, but my dining partner and I were easily able to find somewhere to sit once we were done ordering. The food came out after a short wait. I loved the beans, potato salad (could have used a bit more flavor though), chicken wins (my favorite) the brisket, and the prime rib, which was extremely tender. Botto's has a really laid back vibe, great for a lunch or dinner out with friends and/or family. I would definitely visit again! Only downside was the cost. I can't say whether it was worth it or not.

    Photos
    Botto's BBQ - Get in line

    Get in line

    Botto's BBQ - Medium Cole Slaw

    Medium Cole Slaw

    Botto's BBQ - Front door.

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    Front door.

    Reverend's BBQ - Ribs, Fried Chicken, Polenta & Collard Greens

    Reverend's BBQ

    3.8(777 reviews)
    7.1 miSellwood, Southeast Portland
    $$

    You had me at BBQ…read more Everything was awesome Service attentive Love the booths We will be back

    Ordered through Grubhub and this is the second time they have done this!!! I think they try and get…read moreaway with sending meals out on delivery that they know would be sent back and refused if ordered at the restaurant itself. Absolute RIP-OFF! Pictured is a "half pound of brisket" for $23.00 and 60%-70% of it is just inedible fat! What was edible (3.4 ounces), was honestly disgusting and looks nothing like the photos they show online, as you can see for yourself. $11.00 for a cup of sour smelling banana pudding that was immediately tossed in the trash. $4.00 for a "chicken breast" that was literally 2 bites... This is the second and last time we will ever order from them again. I have never been more disappointed in an order of food in my entire life. We spent over $70 for the brisket as shown, a small salad with 2 bites of chicken, soggy coleslaw and sour banana pudding. Beyond unacceptable! Never again and truly hope this saves someone else from the disappointment that Reverend's BBQ truly is. Complete waste of money! Edit: It has been about 45 minutes since I ate what little of the brisket that was actually meat and not just fat, and I am extremely nauseous. Not worth the money, disappointment or naseau. Just looking at the photo alone, I wonder why I even tried eating it. Absolutely disgusting.

    Photos
    Reverend's BBQ - Happy Hour menu items

    Happy Hour menu items

    Reverend's BBQ - Ribs, Fried Chicken, Polenta & Collard Greens

    Ribs, Fried Chicken, Polenta & Collard Greens

    Reverend's BBQ - Inside bar

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    Inside bar

    Eem

    Eem

    4.4(1.7k reviews)
    1.8 miMississippi, Boise, North Portland, Northeast Portland
    $$

    I came for a weekday lunch and for myself, I was able to grab a seat at the counter and there were…read morequite a few seats available. I got the white curry with burnt ends, and it was delicious. The curry is not thin but not as thick as I expected. This is a very salty dish though and I found myself eating most of the rice which I don't normally do. I found myself wishing there were more cauliflower to offset the salt. Will come back to try the other curry / bbq dishes. My friend did say that the fried rice was too rich for him which I can imagine.

    After years of knowing about this "Thai infused with Texas BBQ" cuisine, my family and I finally…read morecame here on my birthday. We came right before the dinner rush, so seating was available right away for our party of 3. Dishes we ordered was the Very Spicy Papaya Salad, White Curry w/Brisket Burnt ends, Massaman Curry w/ Smoked Lamb Shoulder, and the Roasted Mushroom Fried Rice. The salad was too spicy for me that my mouth was on fire, but those in my party who can tolerate spice enjoyed it. The curries were on the saltier side, but it definitely had the smokiness from the bbq, giving it more depth which I can see why it works so well with all the Thai flavors. If I were to choose one over the other, I would go with the Massaman Curry because the lamb was super tender and the sauce had so much more flavor than the white curry in my opinion. I can't remember the name of my cocktail, but it was a wonderful tropical and refreshing drink. Portions are a bit on the smaller side for the price point, but definitely worth trying. Will be back again!

    Photos
    Eem - VIBES

    VIBES

    Eem - Wok fried yu choy

    Wok fried yu choy

    Eem - Chopped BBQ Fried Rice

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    Chopped BBQ Fried Rice

    Uncle Earl's BBQ Bistro

    Uncle Earl's BBQ Bistro

    4.2(46 reviews)
    6.2 miLents, Southeast Portland

    My family chose to visit Uncle Earl's recently, and even though barbecue isn't my go-to, all it…read moretook was one glimpse of Uncle Earl's great big smile and I knew whatever he prepared for me would be delicious because it was made with love and enthusiasm. Truly, as impressive as the menu is here, the real secret ingredient is Uncle Earl, himself. His larger-than-life personality, infectious laugh, and genuine hospitality create an experience that feels like visiting an old friend rather than a neighborhood food cart. I settled on The Arnold: a half pound of brisket with a side of mac n cheese and a corn muffin. There are a number of sides to choose from, but the mac sounded appealing to me. Indeed, it was very rich and satisfying, but the meat is why people flock to this food cart! Tender, sweet and salty, and oh, so delicious; this is the barbecue I've been missing in my life! I love supporting businesses that embrace community, and Uncle Earl's manages to do that very well. Just take a look at these reviews and you'll find it very clear folks here go out of their way to make sure customers have a positive experience and enjoy their food. What more can you ask for?

    The ribs were salty still had the casing on them. The beans had no meat whatsoever in them potato…read moresalad had no flavor. The hot link was good. I wouldn't buy anything again. Everybody got their own taste, but no. I have been wanting to try this and I guess I finally did

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    Uncle Earl's BBQ Bistro - Inside the CORE eating area

    Inside the CORE eating area

    Uncle Earl's BBQ Bistro
    Uncle Earl's BBQ Bistro

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    Lil' Barbecue - bbq - Updated September 2026

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