Portland doesn’t have its own style of BBQ like Kansas City or Central Texas, but as a result we get to enjoy all of the styles of BBQ! Dry-rub? Vinegary? Spicy? Sweet? We’ve got it. You want ribs, but your family prefers brisket and your friend is a vegetarian? The Portland BBQ scene has you covered. Here are a few of our favorites:

Podnah’s Pit

Podnah’s focuses on the holy trinity of Texas BBQ: Sausage, ribs and brisket. Rodney Muirhead and his pit crew get up every morning at 5am to start smoking their BBQ and you can taste the care that’s put into it. Solid side-dishes and Tex-Mex favorites round out their family friendly menu. Bonus points: Podnah’s serves a delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Anytime is a good time for BBQ, right? 1625 NE Killingsworth, podnahspit.com

Reverend’s BBQ

For St. Louis style ribs and Carolina style pulled pork in a kitschy, relaxed atmosphere, Reverend’s is a good pick. The vegetarian options (Tempeh sandwich or Smoked Tempeh Plate) may seem untraditional, but also cater to a wider audience. The deviled eggs appetizer and polenta side-dish are all highly recommended. 7712 SE 13th, reverendsbbq.com

Block & Board

This charming SW Butcher shop offers BBQ and sandwiches made with their own locally sourced meat.  Their menu changes seasonally, but all of it is delicious–you can stop in for lunch or grab dinner on your way home from work. They aim to be part of the neighborhood community and are very friendly and accommodating.  One Yelp reviewer notes that they even made mac and cheese for a young visitor on a day when it wasn’t on the menu! 8421 SW Terwilliger, blockandboardpdx.com

Po’shines

This Kenton gem offers a wide variety of soul food and cajun options, but the BBQ is nothing to sneeze at.  If you want to try it all opt for Uncle John’s Smokey Sampler Platter which comes with ribs, pulled pork and brisket. Special mention to the hush puppies and dessert if you can manage to save room for it. Another nice thing? Po’shines participates in the “Teach Me to Fish Program,” offering culinary arts training for community members. 8139 N Denver, poshines.com

Leroy’s Familiar Vittles

Maybe this is actually Portland style BBQ?  One man in a food truck serving creative, off-beat deliciousness on a bar patio?  Sounds pretty Portland and pretty great. Pork butt never tasted so good – nestled in french bread and surrounded by pickles, cabbage and slightly sweet special sauce – and the crust on the mac and cheese is truly epic. Since Leroy’s shares real estate with Landmark Saloon, minors are only welcome until 8pm (and adults can enjoy a craft beer or cocktail with their meal). 4847 SE Division, yelp.com/biz/leroys-familiar-vittles-portland

Matt’s BBQ

If you want real, honest to goodness Central Texas style BBQ, Matt’s is the place, but get there early or like Austin’s famous Franklin BBQ, they may be out of the good stuff.  Stop in for a weekend lunch or call ahead to avoid this sad fate. Portlanders are often willing to jump through hoops for perfection and if you’re on a quest for prefect dry-rubbed ribs, Matt’s is definitely worth your while. 4709 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, mattsbbqpdx.com