5 /5 Jeremy Johnson: Smelled the smoke when we parked about a block away. Only negative was the parking. Hard to find. The smoke smell on the walk up built up the anticipation though, I was trying to not get too excited.
Great BBQ feel in the atmosphere. Inside aligned perfectly with a BBQ joint. Service was quick and polite. I wouldn’t say SUPER FRIENDLY, BUT the team seemed to have a GREAT culture. The way they interacted with each other was great!!
I spoke to gentleman that had a “Salt Lick BBQ” t shirt one. I laughed and told him that I had that same exact shirt. We spoke for a few about how his family has been doing BBQ for years and makes the smokers that they use. Maybe he was the owner? Very friendly.
On to the food. Since I was most recently at The Salt Lick in Texas, I will compare to there. The fatty brisket and the pork spareribs were BETTER than the Salt Lick was. So much flavor, juicy, great bark, absolutely phenomenal. The sausage could have had the cheese melted a little more and I feel would have been better, but still very good!! The pulled pork was a little under flavored, not quite enough smoke flavor, however still much better than average in the Portland/Vancouver area.
I also had a Texas Twinkie I think it was called, very good. The Mac and Cheese was good, my wife didn’t really like it though, the potato salad was great and the cornbread was great!!
Table next to us got the half smoked chicken and it looked AMAZING!! I will be getting that next time.
Overall I would call it a Tie with Matt’s BBQ and Kinsmoke for best BBQ I’ve had outside of Texas and actually better than quite a few places in Texas. Would VERY much recommend.
