Podnah's Pit Texas Style Barbecue

Five out of six piggies on Jan, 2009.

Overall impression...
Mmmm.... BBQ.... aaaggghhhhh..... Impressive cooking.

Meats...
The delicious pork ribs are tender, just shy of falling off the bone, and have a nice, crusty bark. The tasty pulled pork is tossed with a little red peppered vinegar sauce, so it's already spicy, and the acid gives the flavor a wonderful kick. Podnah's barbecue chicken is nicely crispy, succulent, and delicious. The trout was reportedly smoky, perfectly cooked, and very good. The taster only wished there was more of it. Also on the menu are brisket, lamb spareribs, and Texas red chili. All the meats are slow cooked starting in the morning to get them ready for dinner. Don't come late to lunch, or they might be out of food in this popular restaurant.

Sides...
The potato salad is made with the skins still on the potatoes. That's great if they're red potatoes or new potatoes, but these were ordinary russets, and that's just a little too much roughage! Otherwise, it's a usual and tasty mix in a creamy, mayo base. The tiny cornbread muffins are moist, with little pieces of whole corn, but otherwise bland. Thankfully, honey is on the table. The delicious blackeyed pea salad is the most interesting. It's a tangy blend with a surprising bit of hot pepper. Also available are greens, cole slaw, pinto beans, and iceburg lettuce wedge.

Sauces...
Podnah's has only two sauces. The vinegar sauce, infused with red pepper flakes, is used with the pulled pork. The other is a generically named "barbecue sauce" and is a wonderful, balanced blend of sweet, spice, and acid, made complete with a little mustard seed. The sauces are hardly needed on the flavorful meats.

Portions...
Ample, except for the tiny trout. You will not walk away hungry.

Service...
Good service. Please tip appropriately.

Cost...
Moderate. Lunch items are under $10, and dinners are $10 to $20.

Atmosphere...
Hole in the wall. Tiny tables completely occupy the space. There is a glass front that keeps the light level comfortable. BBQ related posters line the walls. Podnah's is very, very busy for Sunday brunch, until about 2pm, so be prepared to wait.

Pros...
Great quality BBQ. Tasty, expertly prepared sides.

Cons...
Need more sauces to play with.

Podnah's Pit Texas Style Barbecue
1469 NE Prescott St
Portland, OR
503-281-3700