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Matt's BBQB+Worth Trying
4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
· Barbecue restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1890 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy BBQ from a beloved food cart with standout brisket and ribs, fast counter service, and fair prices; expect crowds, online ordering quirks, and occasional off-days.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Matt's BBQ delivers exceptional brisket and ribs with impressive bark and tenderness that justify its strong local reputation and loyal following. However, inconsistent execution on off-days—with reports of bland or overly salty meats—prevents grade A territory, and isolated food safety concerns warrant caution. The vibrant Mississippi Ave pod location and fair pricing make this a solid neighborhood favorite, but reliability gaps keep it from elite standing.
Restaurant Summary
In a bustling Mississippi Ave pod, Matt's BBQ draws lines for smoky meats and casual picnic-table vibes. Service is counter-only, fast when the system hums, and the sauce bar keeps folks busy. One diner summed it up: "Brisket so tender it barely needs a knife." Expect no-frills outdoor seating and lively crowds. The cooking sticks to tradition rather than theatrics: salt, pepper, smoke, and patience. Brisket and ribs lead, with jalapeno-cheddar sausage and queso mac as loyal sidekicks. It is classic Texas-style barbecue interpreted through a Portland cart—most days spot-on, with occasional off-days where seasoning or texture drifts. Prices are fair for the quality, especially by-the-half-pound orders. Families do well here. Kids often go for mac and cheese, turkey, or sausage, plus chips and pickles. Seating is communal and casual, though it can be chilly; bring layers. There is no formal kids menu, but familiar options make this an easy win for low-fuss family meals.
At a Glance
- Brisket and ribs consistently praised for tenderness and bark
- Fair pricing for premium BBQ in a popular food cart pod
- Online ordering and check-in process can cause long waits
- Occasional off-days with bland or overly salty meats
- Isolated food safety complaints; monitor pork orders and peak-time handling
What Sets It Apart
- weekend_beef_ribs
- high_photo_engagement
- food_cart_pod_vibe
What People Love
- Meltingly tender brisket with proper bark
- Juicy pork ribs and balanced sausage snap
- Sauce variety to mix and match
- Shareable platters at reasonable prices
- Lively outdoor pod energy
Points of Concern
- Parking is street-only and can be several blocks away during peaks
- Kiosk/online system requires in-person check-in; missed queues frustrate some diners
- Seasoning consistency varies; a few report bland or mushy texture on off-days
- Large takeout orders may include automatic gratuity
- Review patterns are consistent with mostly authentic experiences; minimal coordination signals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a plate: 1/2 lb sliced brisket ($14.50) + ribs ($15.50 for 1 lb) to share
- For lighter option: Turkey sandwich ($13.00) plus a $4.00 side
- Add jalapeno cheddar sausage ($5.50) if you want snap and spice without sauce
Perfect For
- Casual meat-centric lunches
- Weekend BBQ cravings with friends
- Out-of-towners exploring Mississippi Ave
- Quick solo meals at the pod
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, walkable Mississippi Ave pod with mixed locals and visitors, lively street scene and adjacent bars.
Safety: Generally safe, busy corridor with good foot traffic; typical urban precautions at night.
Nearby: Food cart pod behind a pub; bars, boutiques, coffee shops nearby; weekend crowds common.
Mississippi AvenueMississippi Avenue is a lively neighborhood known for its trendy shops, bars, and restaurants, attracting a hip and diverse crowd. The dining scene here is casual and eclectic, with a strong emphasis on local and artisanal food offerings, including food carts and barbecue spots.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–21:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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