Food industry news site Tasting Table set out on a country-wide culinary conquest to find the best barbecue in each state, and Podnah’s Pit Barbecue in Portland was declared the most delectable in Oregon.
Chef Rodney Muirhead named the place after his grandfather, whose love of cooking inspired him to go to culinary school.
Podnah’s Pit Barbecue, located at 1625 NE Killingsworth St., has been serving up Texas-style barbecue since 2006 in Portland. Muirhead’s philosophy for food has the Podnah’s team starting early every morning for the labor of love that is long-smoked meats.
Their menu is dripping with slow-roasted meats that you can get by the 1/4-pound, as a taco or sandwich, or on a platter accompanied by good ol’ southern sides.
Tasting Table suggests getting a platter, which offers the choice of two meats and two sides and costs $22-$29 based on your selections. Sides range from a classic wedge side salad to the southern favorite Texas Caviar (black-eyed pea salad).
Nightly special are also available after 5 p.m. and feature other southern favorites like Friday’s fried catfish and Sunday’s smoked fried chicken wings.
Podnah’s is no stranger to awards for its food. In 2023, it won an award from Food Network for the best barbecue in the state and has been featured on an episode of the network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Podnah’s Pit Barbecue is open every day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with brunch on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dining and Cooking