BBQ again? Smokehouse 21 in NW Portland

Yes yes...we went for BBQ...again. We can't seem to get enough of it this summer and when I saw this article on Portland's best ribs, it naturally prompted us to take a stroll to the Alphabet District and try Smokehouse 21. We have probably walked by this place a dozen times and have never noticed it. It is a small restaurant with a sign up high, so be sure to look for it. I believe they have a sandwich board and outdoor seating now so you can keep an eye out for that too. 

Although the restaurant is small, the menu definitely isn't. There are a variety of sandwiches, entrees, sides and menu items that can be ordered a la carte. We both ordered entrees with two sides each and of course, I made sure we did not duplicate on side dishes. :)

                     

                    

I have learned that ordering a starter or appetizer at a BBQ joint is never necessary because of the amount of food you get, but when am I EVER practical when it comes to food? So, I started with the bacon molasses cornbread with honey butter syrup. I blame Dylan because he ordered a deviled egg with a big ol' piece of sausage on top and I definitely couldn't let him eat alone. 

Our combined order was pulled pork, brisket, cole slaw, mac n' cheese, potato salad and baked beans. I have the hardest time ordering anything but pulled pork and wasn't disappointed. Dylan said the brisket was some of the best he has had - even better than Podnah's Pit in NE Portland! It was tender and smoky with a lot of flavor. All their meat is served dry so you can add sauce to your liking. I went for the classic Texan-style sauce but they have many others to choose from. 

cornbread

pulled pork, baked beans, slaw

mouth full, in his happy place for sure

Next time we visit, we will definitely try the spare ribs and their house Bloody Mary. 

Smokehouse 21

413 NW 21st. 

Portland, Oregon 

971.373.8990

open 7 days a week | 11:30am - close | happy hour daily 3pm - 6pm

Some Supper Club Action at Podnah's

Dining out isn't nearly as wonderful unless you have some great company with good conversation. The Supper Club adventures continue! My coworkers and I  really appreciate night out since we are in the industry of food, wine and hospitality. Remember our trip to Biwa? Well the fun continues on the East Side, but now we head way up North to Podah's Pit.

hey podnah

 Driving to NE Portland during rush hour traffic is not an ideal situation and I have little patience for it when I have an empty stomach. Skipping lunch was a poor choice. Anyway...Podnah's is located on NE Killingsworth which is a part of the city that has transformed in the last few years. This area hasn't always been the most desirable place for diners like myself to venture to, but now, there are awesome dining spots getting lots of attention. Check out this month's Portland Monthly edition and you will see what I mean.

Alright...off my tangent. Podnah's Pit specializes in Texas-style barbecue. They serve lunch and dinner daily with a Southern brunch available on Saturday and Sunday. We chose a perfect day to visit Podnah's because it was fried chicken day. Take note people...Wednesday is fried chicken day after 5pm. Get it while you can because once it's gone, it's gone. This goes for all of their smoked meats too.

sorry Daniel. 

Dylan thought a Mickey's grenade was a good idea. 

Since it is impossible to decide what smoked selection to choose from, we obviously opted to share the Pit Boss. It has a little bit of everything on it - brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, corn bread and two sides. Our side dishes were potato salad and the featured side, green chile mac n' cheese. The best part about our meal was...we ordered another half rack of ribs. Totally not necessary. I guess that means we liked it? As for me, the pulled pork was my favorite because it was a little spicy and not too saucy.

We had a great time and I know we will be back for their true Southern breakfast.

Podnah's Pit

1625 NE Killingsworth 

Portland, Oregon

503.281.3700

open mon - fri 11am | breakfast - sat & sun 9am - 1pm