Hattie's BBQ — Restaurant in Bend

Really good BBQ takes quality meat, good smoke technique and skill. But most of all it takes love. There is SO much work that goes into crafting exceptional BBQ that you have to love what you're doing, otherwise you'd never put in all the time it takes.

Central Oregon has had decent BBQ spots but the fellas at Hattie's have raised the bar. This is the best BBQ in Bend full stop. Not sure how many others would put in the time and effort these guys do to make sure everything is done right.

Hattie's is going to put Bend on the map as a BBQ destination. Won't be long before lines start forming hours before they open.

IMO, a barometer of good BBQ is how good the brisket flat is (the lean end). That's the easiest part of the brisket to dry out. If you don't know what you're doing it'll be tough and leathery. During today's visit a buddy and I crushed a full BBQ smorgasbord and brisket flat was on the menu. They nailed it. It was as moist as I had hoped for because apparently I came in longing for moistness.

The presentation was legit. The different proteins were all legit. Wasn't expecting the cheddar filled sausages to steal the show but they were mighty tasty made with trimmings from the brisket and pork.

If I had to challenge Hattie's on anything it would be the sides. There's an opportunity to vastly improve the potato salad and the beans. But that's it.

The beer selection was good. Overall it was as good as I hoped for. Can't wait until they start doing brisket b'fast tacos and add in...

I call Central Texas home, where BBQ reigns, and this Bend joint is every bit as good as the best!

As an Austin, Tx resident and backyard brisket enthusiast for the past decade, I was excited to visit this rebranded country bar with its Central Texas-inspired menu.

Having tried all the Michelin-star BBQ joints in Central Texas, I can confidently say this place is on par with the best!

The brisket was perfection—both flat and point cuts were bursting with flavor, with beautifully rendered fat and an incredible salt-pepper seasoning bark. The sides, sausage, and pork belly were equally outstanding, passing the true test of a Texas BBQ joint.

Our waiter was amazing, providing some of the best service in town, which elevated the experience even further.

Bend may not be familiar with this style of BBQ yet, but if this were in Texas, there’d be a line out the door and around the corner with many awards posted at the entryway. This is authentic Texas BBQ and one of the best BBQ restaurants I’ve ever visited. Highly recommend! Well done to the owner, you did your homework!

A tip for the locals when ordering brisket, ask for “moist” to get the fatty, most flavorful point cut, packed with rich taste. For leaner meat, go for “lean” from the flat, which has less fat. If you love extra bark, request “barkside” or “outside” cuts with your choice of moist or lean for the crustiest, most...

I was born and raised with my first 30+ years of life in central Texas. I grew up around real BBQ, and this is it. We’ve lived in Bend for 9 years, and this is the first time I can say that. I got the 2 meat + a side combo with pork ribs and brisket, with the smoked mac & cheese side. Brisket was exactly what I shoot for when I make it, and not ashamed to say this was better. Good, simple seasoning, let the beef and smoke bring the flavor. It pulled apart with just a tiny tug beyond gravity itself, again, exactly how you want it.

Ribs were dry rubbed, not sweet, not spicy, just good middle of the road. I was just in Kansas City and had ribs from 4 different places. Only one of them tied with Hattie's, and KC is known for ribs.

Mac & Cheese was legit. I’m not a sauce guy, but they have two of them. One seemed more traditional, or tomato based, and the other a little more vinegar based for those who like sauce. It honestly...