I’ve eaten here twice. I wasn’t disappointed either time. Coming from the south, my brisket palette is well developed. After trying brisket at 6 other BBQ joints around town that were more expensive with modern decor to the 9’s, this is the only place I enjoyed smoked sliced brisket. Also, when you see a crew of firefighters all eating together, then you know it’s good. I will continue to support this goodness.
After reading the reviews I was truly convinced this was the spot for some BBQ. Unfortunately I did not have a 5 star experience. The meat seemed seasoned but somehow lacked flavor, the bbq sauce just was off, way too sour. We had to clean our own table when we sat down and the customer service was monotone and not welcoming. I had really high hopes for Botto’s!I will note, the potato salad was decent!
It’s everything they had told me…and more ?? Just might be the best BBQ place I have been to in my life. The brisket sandwich was amazing. But on the second visit I opted for the burnt pork belly. And let me tell you, it was as if I was eating candy. Do yourself a favor and venture into the world of BBQ here in Portland. You won’t be sorry.
I ordered thanksgiving from botto and it was amazing. The gigantic beef ribs were delicious and turkey was one of the best and moist ive had.The sides and desserts were also very good and i thought that it was definitely be in the top 2 bbq in pdx and hold up to any of the powerhouse bbq spots on the westcoast. Definitely a five star food experience.However what i experienced a few weeks ago was the exact opposite. Ive been wanting to come back to try them again after the amazing thanksgiving meal and was finally around the area. It was getting to 6pm and alot of items were sold out, thankfully they still had brisket left which was what i wanted to try. They said they only had a pound of brisket left. I gladly ordered 1/2lbs of brisket and ribs.The ribs were very good 5/5. But the brisket was more than 60% pure solid fat. I love fatty brisket but this was ridiculous. I felt like i was taking every bite into pure chunks of fat. If all the brisket parts you have left are the excessive fatty cuts, it would be best business practice to not try to pass it off to customers or at least ask them if they d be ok with it. Its quite a shame because the small areas of meat around the fats in the brisket were very good and moist.The side dishes of mac n cheese and greens were good. Service is nice and friendly. However the whole experience and mood was ruined by the excessively fatty brisket that they passed on to me.
OMG, been looking for a decent BBQ ever since I moved here. This place, does not disappoint. Cooked to perfection and paired with a great collection of pickled veg that let's ya keep it clean between bites.Slaw nice and creamy but with a vinegar bite!Service matched the food. Will be back.Think I'm full of it, look at that pic.
This paragraph added 3/4/22: Botto's BBQ is the best BBQ in Portland. This was a tough decision to make because I've only been here 4x in 3 weeks but it's very clear. I've also now tried the Mac, Yams and Greens, and Cauliflower Broccoli side. All incredible. I got beef ribs for dinner but ordered the BBQ Parfait as a snack w/ Brisket and Baked Mac and Cheese. I haven't had a flavor explosion like this in months. I don't really have words to describe exactly how the BBQ Parfait tastes but I can tell you that there's nothing like it that I've experienced. If you're considering BBQ, detour and come here instead. Seriously.(Original review from 2/14/22)Just...Trust this review.Google tells me that people read my reviews and the scale tells me that I enjoy food. I came into this place as a partnership suggestion from Wolf's Head BBQ in Beaverton. I didn't expect the brisket and burnt ends to be as good as they were. The brisket is even juicy after being refrigerated and reheated. It's sliced, which makes me realize I prefer it over chopped brisket. The pork belly burnt ends (Saturday special, I think) are amazing. They have a ton of flavor and are fatty, but nobody cuts the fat off of burnt ends lol.On Sunday, I saw that they had Brisket Burnt Ends. Cooked perfectly, and less fatty than the PB Burnt Ends. I also got a Beef Rib. $29 a lb seems expensive until you realize it's enough meat to eat and get full off of and still have enough left over for another meal or serving.I haven't tried the sides or desserts, yet. But I meant you with this: all of the food has been top-tier BBQ so far. They have 3 sauces: spicy white BBQ, Texas BBQ, and Tamarind BBQ sauce. The Tamarind is something unlike any other sauce I've had and I think it's my favorite. But I'm assuming it's made fresh because it tasted different on the days I went. The first day, it was the best by far. The next day when I went, the Texas BBQ sauce was my favorite. If you like smokey flavor, this BBQ joint is absolutely the place to go in SE Portland.Edit because I forgot: pickling of the pickles, onions, and jalapenos are the best I've ever had. Anywhere. I ordered extras on day 2 so I can snack on them.
These guys are good, Botto's is by far the best BBQ I've had in Portland.My favorites are the Brisket and the Ribs, followed by the French Dip and Pulled Pork sandwiches. The meats are always tender, succulent and juicy almost melting in my mouth.I love the potato salad, the Mac & Cheese is good but I've had better, the beans are good but I'm not big on beans.Staff are friendly and helpful.My main complaint would be with the beverages. With all the wonderful BBQ flavors they really need a good Sweet Tea to wash it all down. Their selection of soda and canned water just don't cut it they desperately need a good Southern Sweet Tea.
The potatoe salad is amazing. The brisket and sausage were spot on. The spicy white BBQ sauce was awesome. This is a great little spot. And they were quick and super helpful too. Great employees and great food. Will definitely be back.
Fantastic food and service. Brisket, pulled pork, brisket sandwich n Mac n cheese were amazing. Beans and pork were ok. Good selection of sauces.
The ribs and brisket here is awesome! The mac and cheese is not for me, but it seems like everyone loves it so find out for yourself!