Matt’s BBQ: Smoky, Juicy Brisket That Melts in Your Mouth🥩

While wandering North Mississippi Ave in Portland, I was drawn to a rich, smoky scent before I even saw the shop. Following the aroma around the corner, I found a small line outside Matt’s BBQ under its red sign. Locals in line chatted happily: “Today’s brisket must be perfect—just smell it!” I’d only stopped to grab a quick bite, but that first taste made me immediately plan my next Portland trip 📅. 🥩 The Mind-Blowing Brisket: Crispy Crust, Juicy Meat, Fat That Melts on the Tongue I didn’t hesitate to order the signature brisket. Watching the chef pull the whole piece of meat from the smoker, its crust glistened with a crispy brown sheen. With a gentle slice of the knife, a “crunch” sounded, revealing pink, juicy meat inside. Juices dripped down the knife—just the sight made my mouth water 🤤. Taking the first hot bite: the crust was slightly charred but not tough; the meat inside was so tender it melted on my tongue without chewing. Fat slowly spread across my palate, no greasiness at all—only rich beef flavor and a subtle smoky note, like biting into the “soul of American BBQ.” Dipping it in the house-made BBQ sauce (sweet, tangy, with a hint of spice) cut through the richness perfectly. I couldn’t stop eating, and before I knew it, half the brisket was gone—I even licked the oil off my fingers! 🌭 Surprises in the Details: Sides Cut Grease, Vibe Feels Like a Neighborhood Hang Don’t skip the sides! The dill pickles were crunchy and slightly tangy, instantly refreshing and cutting through the fat. Onion rings were crispy outside, soft inside, sprinkled with coarse salt—perfect with the meat. Waiting in line was fun too: you could see the meat smoking in the smoker, and the chef lifted the lid now and then to brush the meat with secret sauce. The aroma wafted down the street, making passersby stop and ask, “Is this place good?” An aunt in line even recommended, “Try the ribs next time—they fall off the bone, even tenderer than the brisket!” This “neighborhood vibe” made the BBQ even more enjoyable 😊. 🚗 Worth a Special Trip: Who Said Portland Is a Food Desert? I’d heard people say “Portland has no good food,” but this BBQ proved that wrong—it’s a hidden gem on the street! Sitting on a bench outside, full and content, even the wind smelled like smoked meat. My friend already checked the road trip route from Vancouver to Portland: “Next time we’ll come early, order ribs and sausages, and pack some for the road!” I made sure to note the address so I wouldn’t get lost next time—4233 N Mississippi Ave. This spot, where the smoky aroma touches your soul, is definitely worth a detour. #PortlandEats #AmericanBBQ #VancouverRoadTrip #PortlandHiddenGem