Tennessee Red's BBQ

Five out of six piggies on June, 2008.

Overall impression
Yummy!

Meats...
The pulled pork is tasty, tender, juicy, and slightly smokey. Yum.

The brisket in the sandwich is finely pulled, not thick slices like in most bbq restaurants, so it makes a perfect sandwich. It's succulent and delicious.

The smoked pork loin is nicely smoky tasting, although a little dry. Try it with the mustard sauce.

Update, Sep 2008: The meats on the platters now come on a bed of shredded lettuce. It builds height on the plate, so you think you're getting a doubly enormous portion. Although it doesn't help the flavor, the lettuce does add a nice bit of refreshing crunchiness.

Sides...
The potato salad is finely diced chunks and uses new potatoes with the skins on. The mustardy base and seasonings give it a well balanced flavor. As a bonus, there are small cubes of either ham or pork loin mixed in. It's delicious but unusual, and doesn't help the texture.

I haven't had a better cole slaw anywhere in Portland! It's a finely shredded texture, not too soft and not too crunchy, in a slightly tangy mayo base that doesn't get watery in the bottom of the bowl. Well balanced and delicious.

The macaroni & cheese is a fresh, simple mix, not the rich, creamy style. It's tasty, light, and not too filling. Although a bit on the bland side, the red beans & rice make a nice side to the smoked pork loin. Try it with a little hot sauce.

Sauces...
A complete sauce lineup. Includes the mild and not overly sweet Tennessee style. It's not spicy at all. There is an accent of cumin--unusual but good if you are accustomed to cumin in Mexican and Tex-Mex sauces. The Texas style, not yet on the menu, is quite spicy but doesn't overwhelm the meats.

Portions...
The portions are more than ample. A sandwich and one side will fill you up even if you are a hearty eater.

Service...
Friendly, hip, and in fitting with the Hawthorne neighborhood. The chef came out and asked if everything was good. Professional service with a smile. Please tip generously.

Cost...
Affordable. Normal for great bbq in the Portland area, with sandwiches and a side running around $8 and platters $11-12.

Atmosphere...
Casual, friendly. Lots of windows if you like to people watch, and there is seating outdoors, too. There is a somewhat separate bar area. Update, Sep 2008: Tennessee Red's is apparently now a "sports bar". If that's your thing, you'll feel right at home. Five screens (all tuned to different stations), music, a pinball machine, and a pool table all complete for your attention. Oh, and the food, of course.

Pros...
Delicious, well-balanced BBQ and great service at a reasonable price.

Cons...
Cumin in the sauces.

Tennessee Red's BBQ
2133 SE 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-1710