RIBSLAYER BBQ IN THE TOP TEN

Portland Area's 10 Best Southern BBQ...(MIX - Restaurant Reviews, 9/2011) by Jennifer Cossey

Having grown up in Kansas City means I come from a strong barbecue culture. So when I moved to Portland more than a year ago, I was eager to find a place in my new city that would make my ’cue-conditioned palate feel at home. One by one I tried them all, ordering the same foods in each restaurant so I could evaluate each equally. Not surprisingly, each joint has its own specialty, as well as a few surprises. I’ve organized my favorites by what they do best, so if you have a craving for ribs rather than chicken, you’ll know where to go. With an army of smokers lined up from Portland to McMinnville, there’s no shortage of great barbecue just waiting for you to dig in.

RIBSLAYER BBQ TO GO/Haagenson’s Catering — Best brisket
575 N.E. Second St., McMinnville, 503-472-1309; ribslayer.com
Ribslayer is the name given to the 8,900-pound, 25-foot wood smoker that sits in the back parking lot. Though named after ribs, the impressive and inspiring beast produces some seriously rockin’ brisket, too. Cooked and flavored perfectly with a dry rub made of 13 herbs and spices, including cloves, allspice, nutmeg and garlic, the brisket has just the right fat-to-meat ratio. The smoky, thick beans also stand out, as does the flawless chicken, smoky ribs and spicy, bacon-spiked braised greens. Next time you find yourself in the fair city of McMinnville, this place is not to be missed. In fact, I’d say it’s worth the drive down.

Sept. 2011 - MIX, Portland's Food & Drink Scene