Big Daddy's BBQ

Five out of six piggies on May, July, and Aug, 2008.
Closed Sep, 2008.

Overall impression...
Pork-alicious!

Update--Sep, 2008: Big Daddy's is closed! Apparently, the owners of the property are planning to tear down the building. At this time, there are no plans to reopen Big Daddy's in another location. More information will be posted here if and when it becomes available.

Meats...
My favorite is the pulled pork. The tender, succulent meat is seasoned with a hint of vinegar that makes the flavor explode. Melts in your mouth. The Baby Back ribs are also good. They are fatty enough to be delicious, but still quite meaty. The brisket is much more tender than most, with a little extra fat on the side to carry the flavor. It comes in thick slabs and is different from my experience, being more braised than smoked. Beef ribs are not on the menu. The chicken is cooked with a rub, and served very crispy, tender, and juicy. It's delectable and doesn't need sauce.

Sides...
The barbecue beans are rich and tasty, although a little sweet for me, but you can add a little hot sauce or vinegar. The corn bread comes with a meal and is usually, but not consistently, moist and sweet. July, 2008 update: The BBQ beans are much less sweet and more spicy. They are now more like BBQ beans and less like baked beans. The cole slaw is also fixed--it's delicious! Sweet Potato fries are crispy, creamy, and sweet. Try them with various sauces, including the vinegar sauce. The peanut slaw contains no obviously identifiable peanut. Perhaps a little peanut butter is mixed in. It does have plenty of sesame oil. I find the flavors incompatible and unappealing. The peanut slaw is also served on the pulled pork sandwich. In that context, it is reportedly good.

Sauces...
A complete lineup, possibly the best in the area, although they are hardly necessary on the delicious, juicy meats. The sauces, nicely balanced between sweet, acid, and spice, include a quite flavorful mild, a smoky, a spicy hot, and habanero, which is really quite spicy and might overwhelm the meaty flavors. Vinegar, Ketchup, mustard, and Tabasco are also available. It's fun to experiment with different combinations of meats and sauces.

Portions...
The portions are ample. The menu includes a 2-meat combo and 3-meat combo, which is enough for two.

Service...
Warm, friendly, sweethearts that you just love like family. Hi, Linda! Please tip generously.

Cost...
Normal for great quality BBQ in the area.

Atmosphere...
Casual and crowded. The restaurant has a full window front, which is fun if you like to people watch. Curtains block the hot summer sun.

Pros...
Delicious BBQ in a friendly atmosphere.

Cons...
Can be inconsistent. July, 2008 update: So far, changes have been for the better, with big improvements made to the brisket, BBQ beans, and cole slaw.

Big Daddy's BBQ Closed as of Sep, 2008.
3001 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97124
(503) 234-0007