Portland Food Pick: Toji Charcoal Grill 🥩🇰🇷

Toji Charcoal Grill is hands down one of my top picks for BBQ in Portland—and it’s all thanks to their amazing setup and delicious meat! What I love most here is their gold-rimmed wire mesh grills 🥳—not only do they make every plate of grilling meat look Instagram-worthy (perfect for snapping food photos! 📸), but they also lock in that incredible charcoal smokiness. Every bite of meat gets a subtle, charred flavor that’s way more delicious than regular grills—total game-changer for BBQ lovers 😋! Like any popular spot, Toji gets busy during peak hours (think 6-8 PM on weekdays and weekends) 🕒. You might have to wait 15-30 minutes, but the wait is never boring: the restaurant has a cozy, lively vibe with soft Korean music playing, and the staff checks in often to keep you updated 🤗. Plus, the smell of sizzling meat from inside makes the wait feel totally worth it—your stomach will be rumbling in the best way 👃! Even though Toji is run by Koreans, their fresh-cut steak and beef have a lovely touch of Japanese yakiniku style 🇯🇵. Here’s my go-to rule for great BBQ: always order unmarinated, fresh meat 🥩! Marinated meats can be tasty, but unseasoned cuts let the meat’s natural flavor shine through—sweet, juicy, and pure. It’s also a big test of quality: if the meat is fresh (and Toji’s definitely is!), it doesn’t need extra sauces to be amazing ✨. My favorite order? Their Prime Beef Sirloin 🥩—thick, well-marbled, and so tender. Pop it on the wire mesh, and you’ll hear that satisfying “sizzle” 🔥—within minutes, the edges get a nice char, and the inside stays juicy. Dip it in a little sea salt 🧂, and it’s heaven: the charcoal smoke pairs with the beef’s natural sweetness perfectly. I also love their fresh Pork Belly 🐷—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, and it tastes even better wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf 🥬! The sides here are simple but great too: they bring out tangy pickled radishes 🥒 to cut through the richness, fluffy white rice 🍚 to soak up juices, and a tiny bowl of spicy gochujang sauce 🌶️ if you want a little kick. Everything complements the meat without stealing the show—just how BBQ should be 🤤! If you’re in Portland and craving top-tier charcoal BBQ, Toji is a must-visit. Arrive a bit early to beat the longest lines, bring an appetite, and get ready to fall in love with every smoky, juicy bite 🥰! #Portland #PortlandFood #PortlandTravel 🌟🍴