If you think all great barbecue sits south of the Mason-Dixon, think again… the city is quietly home to some of the best smoked brisket, savory ribs, and creative sides in the Northwest. From family-run gems to seasoned pitmasters and buzzing food trucks, this guide rounds up the top spots for serious barbecue cravings.
Let’s get to it.
Creekside BBQ
For true barbecue enthusiasts, Creekside BBQ in Vancouver, WA makes a strong impression. Their brisket spends a patient 18 hours in the smoker, bathed in Pacific Northwest oak. That commitment shows through in the tender meat and flavorful bark.
They draw inspiration from Kansas City–style ribs with a sweet glaze, yet they stamp everything with their own house rubs and in-house sauce lineup. The sides aren’t an afterthought either. Campfire pit beans pack a punch, horseradish coleslaw offers a cool bite, and apple cider sweet potatoes add a seasonal twist. Collard greens and mac n cheese round out the classics, and the rotating cobbler lets you wrap up on a homemade note.
It’s a casual spot with wallet-friendly prices and cold local beer on tap. There’s no fuss, just solid barbecue done right. If you’ve had enough of supermarket brisket, Creekside BBQ delivers an authentic smoky feast that’s hard to beat. Creekside BBQ right here.
Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ
Going back three generations, Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ brings genuine Southern charm to the Northwest. This family-run joint slow-smokes its meats for fourteen hours, which pays off in tender brisket, pulled pork, and ribs that practically fall off the bone. The hot links have a lively kick, and everything arrives slathered in homemade sauce and signature spices.
Here, tradition reigns supreme. Collard greens, cornbread, and potato salad show they respect the classics. The baked beans taste like someone’s grandma really got involved. You order at the counter, find a seat, and brace yourself for generous portions that won’t break the bank.
They also cater and do takeout, making it easy to bring that barbecue spirit to any gathering—or just to treat yourself on a Tuesday. Casual vibe, hearty helpings, and genuine family hospitality make Daddy D’s a spot you’ll return to when you crave old-school Southern comfort. Sink your teeth into the full menu here.
Mortons Barbecue & Catering
When you need a menu that can flex for a backyard reunion or a corporate event, Mortons Barbecue & Catering is up to the task. Based in Vancouver, WA, they dish out barbecue classics with ease and flair. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage all smoke into tender perfection before landing on your plate.
Each customizable menu fits the gathering you have in mind. Boxed lunches keep things simple for quick breaks. Full buffets let you curate a more elaborate spread with mac and cheese, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and that vital cornbread. Pricing tiers move from affordable basics to full on feasts, so every budget finds its match.
While their spice blends and smoking secrets remain under wraps, the results speak for themselves. Every bite nods to Southern tradition without overcomplicating the process. On top of delivery and setup, they pack up and go smoothly, leaving you to host your event without extra work.
No matter the size or style of your gathering, Mortons Barbecue & Catering brings flavorful barbecue and fuss free service every time. Plan your event with Mortons here.
The Smokin’ Oak Barbeque Restaurant, Bar & Catering
At The Smokin’ Oak Barbeque Restaurant, Bar & Catering in Vancouver, WA, the focus is on genuine Central Texas style barbecue. Owners Bryan Rodgers and Erick Gill designed their own offset smokers to run on 100 percent white oak. That commitment delivers tender brisket, full spare ribs, and no nonsense sausage.
The menu covers all the staples. Overnight smoked brisket arrives with a simple salt and pepper crust that highlights the meat. Spare ribs fall off the bone with just a hint of smoke. Pinto beans, creamy mac and cheese, and tangy cole slaw round out the plate. Every sauce is made in house, so you can mix and match sweet, spicy, or tangy builds.
This spot feels rustic and welcoming. It works equally well for a casual dinner at the bar or a family meal in the dining room. Portions are hearty, with weekly specials adding more variety. Catering is available for gatherings of any size, with the same attention to smoky detail applied to every order.
With three Best of Clark County awards under their belt, they back up the buzz with solid flavors and friendly service. Taste award-winning Texas barbecue in Vancouver.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
Since 1994, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que has built a reputation on slow-cooked satisfaction. With over 700 awards, it feels like they could open a trophy shop. The menu covers St. Louis–style spareribs, Texas beef brisket, chopped pork, and more, all smoked over hickory wood for up to 12 hours.
Their sauce lineup rivals any backyard griller’s collection—Devil’s Spit®, Cherry Mustard, and a few other house favorites. Sides stay true to barbecue tradition: cornbread muffins, Wilbur Beans, creamy coleslaw, and other staples that don’t let vegetables steal the show.
You’ll find moderate prices and generous portions that make this chain feel like a hometown favorite no matter where you dine. The décor channels a bit of the Old West, or you can grab takeout and enjoy your ribs wherever you please. If you’re curious what hundreds of awards look—and taste—like, Famous Dave’s is ready to show you. Click here for a taste of BBQ history.
Matt’s BBQ
On N Mississippi Avenue since 2015, Matt’s BBQ has earned its reputation for Texas-style smoked meats. They use an offset smoker with oak wood, patiently coaxing out brisket cooked to a perfect texture. Original and jalapeño cheddar sausage links hold their own, while pork belly burnt ends bring a sweet-smoky thrill. Ribs arrive in parade-ready piles.
Sides get equal billing here. Queso mac and cheese is rich and silky, and the coleslaw tastes thoughtfully made. The sauces—Cherry Chipotle, Peach Mustard, Spicy Mustard, and Hog Vinegar—are all crafted on site.
Prices reflect the care and labor invested, but portion sizes are generous enough to justify every dollar. Outdoor seating invites you to savor pinto beans with fresh Northwest air. With nods from Food Network and Texas Monthly, Matt’s BBQ makes a strong case for putting Portland on the barbecue map. See why the hype is legit.
Mississippi Delta BBQ Catering
For barbecue that packs a taste of the Delta into every bite, Mississippi Delta BBQ Catering delivers. Brian Rodgers, who grew up amid Greenville, Mississippi smokehouses, didn’t travel across the country just to reminisce. He brought a 16 foot smoker, time honored family recipes, and a passion for slow smoking to every event they serve. Whether it’s an intimate gathering for ten or a massive celebration that deserves its own zip code, they handle it all with confidence.
Every meat here shines. Brisket and pulled pork carry a deep smoky flavor that owes itself to traditional techniques passed down through Rodgers’ family. Chicken gets a sweet apple wood kiss, and prime rib and whole pig options invite lively feasts. The sides stand on their own merit. Expect a green bean salad, barbecued baked beans, and cornbread with just enough sweetness to balance the savory offerings.
If you need catering as the main act, they’ve got you covered. And for a quicker fix, catch their food cart in action. Either way, you’re in for a reunion style barbecue experience. Feast your eyes on the real Southern deal.
Wonderboy’s Smokestack
If you’re craving generous portions of soulful barbecue on the go, Wonderboy’s Smokestack in Portland checks every box. This food truck keeps brisket, ribs, and pulled pork front and center, plus regular appearances from sausage, chicken, and pork belly. No favorite gets sidelined.
Sides hold their own star power. Creamy mac and cheese, crisp coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and tangy potato salad add balance. Chips with queso bring an extra layer of fun. Everything comes together for around $21.75, and you might find yourself double checking the price after that heaping serving lands in your hands.
Outdoor seating is available for those who want a breath of fresh air with their barbecue, but takeout makes it easy to bring the feast wherever you like. Housemade sauces earn their keep with real fruit and honey, so you’ll taste genuine flavors rather than artificial ingredients. Seasonal guests join the menu too, like smoked squash that puts a fresh spin on vegan barbecue.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a late afternoon pit stop, Wonderboy’s Smokestack serves up hearty barbecue that refuses to play small. see what’s smokin’ at their menu.
