Rodney's Steak & BBQ

One out of six piggies on July, 2008 and Jan, 2009.

Overall Impression...
Bland. I'll give them a second chance with other menu items. Update, Jan, 2009: Disappointed again! Update, Jan, 2010: This abomination of barbecue is closed! It is now a taco joint.

Meats...
The brisket, extremely tender, comes smothered in sauce and in a huge slab, not slices. It has just the right amount of (melt in your mouth) fat on it. Unfortunately, there is no smoke flavor, no bbq flavor, no spice, and not much of any flavor at all. It reminded me of pot roast without the gravy. After our dinner, even though I was full, I still craved BBQ.

Other meats on the menu include various hamburgers, chicken fried steak, meatloaf, sirloin, New York, ribeye, corned beef, turkey, prime rib, pulled pork, pork ribs, pork chops, sausage, and chicken.

Update: The pork ribs taste exactly like the brisket. They are smothered in the same bland red sauce, and overcooked. I thought I detected a faint hint of smokiness, but it could have been wishful thinking. Forking through the mushy mess trying to find those little bones became unappetizing.

Sides...
The usual sides are available, plus more. The coleslaw was reportedly tasty. The soupy, mayo-based potato salad was not bad, but not great. The BBQ beans had bits of bacon and cooked onion mixed in--it looked delicious! Unfortunately, the flavor reminded me of Pork & Beans right out of the can. Update: The beans are even worse now--mushy and with an odd aftertaste, I couldn't eat them.

Other sides available include salads, french fries, garlic red mashed potatoes with the skins on, baked potato, mac & cheese, tomato and cottage cheese, corn bread, and garlic bread.

There is an assortment of appetizers.

Sauces...
Rodney's has only one sauce, an exceedingly bland, slightly sweet one without even a hint of spice.

Portions...
Generous. The brisket platter is 6 oz of brisket plus sides.

Service...
Service with a smile. Friendly, courteous, professional. We had no problem getting prompt refills on drinks. Don't take out your disappointment over the bad food on the servers; it's not their fault.

Cost...
Reasonable, considering the generous portions. Burgers and sandwiches are $6 to $9 and include one side. Dinners range from under $10 to $16, and gut-busting extra portions are available for $2 to $5 additional.

Atmosphere...
Casual. Open and airy, with plain formica tables and unfinished wood paneling. There is nothing on the walls except a few chalkboards announcing the specials and desserts. The decor was just like the food--bland.

There is a large-screen TV in the corner--great for watching the game. At the time of our dinner, only CNN was playing, and the volume was thankfully off. There is a separate bar area.

Pros...
Tender meat, generous portions, and good service. Great place to go if you're on a diet because, even if you are desperately hungry, you won't be able to finish the awful food.

Cons...
No choices of sauce. Bland and boring. After your dinner, even if you are full, you may find yourself going to another restaurant for real BBQ.

Rodney's Steak and BBQ
13066 SW Pacific Highway (Hwy 99)
Portland, OR 97223
(503)639-3948

Open for breakfast on the weekends, if you dare. I wonder how they could screw up eggs.