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The 10 Best BBQ Restaurants in Portland (2026)
Portland’s BBQ scene ranges from late-night comfort counters to smoke-forward restaurants and regional takes on barbecue. This ranking is built from Google review data and uses a Bayesian-style score — the average rating weighted by review count — so high scores are balanced against meaningful volume. Updated for 2026, the list reflects recent public feedback across Portland and nearby Milwaukie and aims to highlight a variety of neighborhoods and approaches. We prioritized consistent Google ratings and review totals over trends, giving you a snapshot of where people are leaving reliable recommendations right now.
This ranking is computed from Google reviews (our method). Listings marked Partner are paid advertising spots: they sit alongside the ranking without changing its order.
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Monster Maz Mac & Wings – PSU
Monster Maz Mac & Wings – PSU earns the top slot by pairing an exceptional 4.9 Google rating with a large review base of 937, giving it strong statistical support in our weighted ranking. Listed in Google as American and located near the PSU area, its combination of near-perfect score and high volume of reviews sets it apart from smaller, equally high-rated spots. That mix of quality and scale is what pushes it to number one on this list.
The full ranking
The Smoking Jay
Rated 4.9 across 458 Google reviews, The Smoking Jay appears in Google’s Barbecue category and is located in Milwaukie, giving it strong regional support outside Portland proper.
458 reviews
Chochu Local ISLAND BBQ
This spot holds a 4.9 rating with 227 reviews on Google; categorized as Barbecue and situated on NE Sandy Blvd in Northeast Portland, it carries a compact but highly positive review sample.
227 reviews
Black Star Grill
With a 4.8 Google rating from 304 reviews, Black Star Grill is listed under West African and sits on NW 10th Avenue in NW Portland, reflecting a distinct culinary category within the broader barbecue-adjacent field.
304 reviews
The Hot Box BBQ – Hollywood Q
Shown on Google with a 4.9 rating and 31 reviews, this Barbecue entry is on NE 40th Avenue in the Hollywood area; its high score comes from a relatively small review base.
31 reviews
Matt’s BBQ
Matt’s BBQ holds a 4.7 rating backed by 1,971 Google reviews, listed as Barbecue and located on N Mississippi Avenue in North Portland, giving it one of the largest review counts on the list.
1971 reviews
Botto’s BBQ
Captured a 4.7 Google rating from 995 reviews; categorized as Barbecue and located on SE Milwaukie Avenue in Southeast Portland, Botto’s has a substantial local review presence.
995 reviews
Matt’s BBQ Tacos
This sibling entry carries a 4.7 rating with 786 Google reviews, listed as Barbecue and found on SE 50th Avenue in Southeast Portland, showing strong interest for its tacos-focused concept.
786 reviews
Eem – Thai BBQ & Cocktails
Eem is rated 4.6 across 2,996 Google reviews and is categorized as Thai; located on N Williams Avenue in North Portland, it represents a high-volume, hybrid approach to Thai-style BBQ and cocktails.
2996 reviews
Screen Door Pearl District
With a 4.6 Google rating from 1,906 reviews, Screen Door Pearl District is listed as Southern and sits in the Pearl District on NW Couch Street, reflecting a popular, high-review neighborhood location.
1906 reviews
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose a BBQ restaurant in Portland?
Look for a balance of high ratings and a substantial number of reviews to avoid one-off scores. Consider the Google category and location to match the style you want, and check recent reviews for consistency in quality and service.
What should I check before I go to a BBQ spot?
Verify hours and whether the place takes reservations or is first-come seating, and look for notes about wait times or peak hours in recent reviews. If you have dietary needs, scan menus online or call ahead to confirm options.
How much does a typical meal at a BBQ restaurant cost?
Prices vary by portion size and style (plates, sandwiches, or family packs). Expect a range from casual counter-service pricing to higher amounts at sit-down restaurants; checking menus online or calling is the best way to budget.
How was this ranking created and updated?
The list uses Google review data and a Bayesian-style scoring method that weights a business’s average rating by its number of reviews to balance score and sample size. The entries were refreshed for 2026 to reflect recent Google reviews and review counts.