Cannon's Rib Express

Four out of six piggies on Jan, 2009.

Overall Impression...
Ribtastic!

Meats...
My favorite so far is the brisket. It's smoky, juicy, tender, delicious, and not heavily trimmed, so there is still quite a bit of fat left on it. I think that's a good thing. After all, the fat carries the flavor, and it's much better than the dry, leathery brisket at many BBQ restaurants. The beef ribs are very smoky, a bit tough, and not the meatiest I've had. However, the taste is phenomenal.

Sides...
The BBQ baked beans are slightly smoky and slightly sweet, but not spicy. The (mixed) greens were perfectly cooked, savory, spicy, and deliciously earthy. Cornbread muffins come with the plates. They are some of the best I've had in the Portland area, nicely sweet, moist, and light in texture.

Sauces...
Cannon's has a Hot, Medium, and Mild sauce. So far I've only tried the hot sauce. It's well balanced, has enough acid to balance the sweetness, and because there are red pepper flakes mixed in, it's quite hot.

Portions...
The two meat combo is enough for two, so I'd say the portions are ample.

Service...
Friendly, prompt, and courteous. You order at the window, and your number is called out on a loudspeaker.

Cost...
About average for good quality BBQ in the Portland area. Sandwiches are $3.50 to $11, sides are are $2 for a small portion to $6 for a large portion, dinners range from $12 to $20.

Atmosphere...
Cannon's Rib Express is a BBQ shack located in the busy New Seasons parking lot on busy 33rd Ave. There is a semi-enclosed patio area with wooden picnic benches and heaters. On a summer evening, it's probably very nice. In the winter, take-out is preferred.

Pros...
Great tasting BBQ.

Cons...
Not a sit-down restaurant.

Cannon's Rib Express
5410 NE 33rd Ave
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-3836

Click on menu below: