Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 9/10 and absolutely it is. Admittedly, when I think of Portland, I don’t think of BBQ, but Matt’s has completely flipped my perception of what the Pacific Northwest is capable off when it comes to smoking meats. I had this place marked to visit for a couple years ever since I read Aaron Franklin’s recommendation in his Masterclass guide. Needless to say, Franklin was as much right on the money with Matt’s as he is with his own barbecue. Walking up to the food truck (and yes it is in a food truck, but they smoke everything off-site), you’re a little unsure of what you’re about to have, but are quickly rewarded as soon as you receive your order. This was easily the best brisket I have had outside of Texas and sits in my Top 5 of all time. The ribs are also a Top 10 contender of all time for me, so suffice to say, I left full and happy when I stopped by with my wife this past October. You can grab beers next door or in typical Portland fashion, there are several coffee and alternative drink options among the multiple other food trucks that lie in this little conclave in north Portland. Great atmosphere and even better bbq, make this a must for any enthusiast looking for change up to the more traditional PNW options. I will 100% be back the next time I visit the city and would recommend anyone making the trip to plan a stop

Date Visited: 10/23/2024

Address: 4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Day of the Week: Wednesday

Time of Day: 12:19 PM. Open at 11:00 AM and same day call ahead ordering

Owner: Matt Vicedomini

Website: https://mattsbbqpdx.com/

Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2015

Number of People in Line: 4 people in front of us and 10-12 already seating with plates

Regional Style of BBQ: Texas Style

Total Cost: $60.95 with tip. 1/2 lb brisket, 1/2 rack of ribs, 1 original sausage, 1 cheddar jalapeno sausage, a side order of queso mac and coleslaw

Type of Wood: White Oak

Type of Smoker: Off-set smokers in a covered open-air off-site location

Type of Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maybe others for select dishes

Best Dish: Brisket

Best Sauce: No review

Best Side: Coleslaw

Interior Description: No interior as they operate out of a food truck and sits in a grouping of about 8-10 food trucks, tucked in under a covered decking area and next to a German Beer tap house and restaurant where you can order beers from. Comfortable and fun atmosphere and very traditional Portland vibes

Pro Tip: Make sure you visit when coming to Portland, and you must order the brisket and ribs, but especially the brisket. They apparently make delicious tacos as well, but we didn’t try any this time around

Brisket

0/10 Ranking: 9.5/10

Seasoning: Salt and pepper

Description: Thickly cut but perfectly tender. Had great bark with heavy seasoning and a nice level of smokiness. It had a 1/4 smoke ring to it and was really well-trimmed overall, with a great meat-to-fat ratio in each bite. This is easily a Top 5 brisket I’ve ever had and certainly lives up to the recommendation that Aaron Franklin gives it in his book. Each bite left me smiling and wanting to come back for another. Will for sure be making a second visit the next time I visit Portland

Pork Spare Ribs 

0/10 Ranking: 9/10

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and sauce

Description: Really great rib overall. Well trimmed and cooked perfectly. Fall off the bone tender but with a slight bite to it as well. Could use a little more smoke, but the seasoning and sauce combine for a deliciously sweet and peppery finish making it a Top 10 rib I’ve ever had. Will also be getting again the next time around

Sausage – Original 

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Good casing but a little too fatty for the meat-to-fat ratio. Tastes similar to a kielbasa sausage, which is fine if that’s your thing, but not typically my favorite. Could skip or get one to share next time

Sausage – Cheddar Jalapeno 

0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10

Description: Taut casing and creamy interior texture with a nice mixture blend to it. Not overly spicy or smoky, but certainly has the jalapeno and cheddar flavors present. Would order again

Sauces – No Review

Sides – Queso Mac

0/10 Ranking: 8.25/10

Description: Al dente noodles and a unique menu item that I haven’t come across before. Has a mild heat from the queso and a nice overall flavor, but could use some more salt or a bread crumble for some texture to it. Would get to share with the table

Sides – Coleslaw

0/10 Ranking: 8.25 to 8.5/10

Description: Really good for cutting the fattiness from the meats, seems to be more of an oil and vinegar base with maybe some slight mayo. Cabbage only with sesame seeds. Could use a little more flavor but would get again

Interior & Menu Photos: