Hole in the Wall BBQ — Restaurant in Eugene

I visited right at their opening time of 11 a.m., and the atmosphere inside felt like that of a restaurant that’s been around for a long time. I ordered the brisket and chicken—while the chicken tasted great, the brisket seemed off from the moment it hit the table. It was sliced far too thin, which meant it lacked the juicy, luscious quality one expects. It was served at a low temperature and had dried out, rather than being moist and tender. In terms of flavor, it didn’t quite deliver, and judging by the dark bark, I suspect the issue lay in how it was stored or held after smoking. On the bright side, the potato dish was excellent. However, the muffin served alongside was in such poor condition that I didn’t even touch it. I have no intention of returning—not just because of the food, but also because of the old, worn-out tableware. The black plastic plates were covered in deep knife marks that made them look unhygienic. While I can appreciate tradition, I’d prefer to do without aging plastic plates and utensils. I cannot...

Obviously you cannot have 5 stars for your barbecue this far north and this far west, but if you need a bbq fix while you are dodging raindrops, I can highly recommend Hole in the Wall. They cater as well so you can probably get your boss or a vendor to pay for it. One of the primary issues with this joint is the weird northwestern peculiarity of small portions. You know how in Texas or Louisiana when you order barbecue you know you will leave full? Well these kind folks care a lot more about my waistline than I do. Consequently I try to always eat there with really petite people or someone with severe dietary restrictions so I can have some of theirs. I bet they still have doggy bags left from the first time they ordered them from the restaurant supply warehouse before they officially opened, because there is no way anyone has ever said, "Can I have a doggy bag? I so full Iam going to take this home." The food is too good and the portions too small. But as they say in the entertainment business, "leave them...

I first discovered this place when working in Eugene in the 90's. It was the ONLY place in Oregon to get real smoked ribs that tasted like the chef cared about what he was serving. I have driven from Portland to get ribs there and drive right back to enjoy them at home. Since then I have moved closer and can truthfully say, I have never had a bad meal. The service is always terrific, First Class and the Food is still better than anything in Portland or the rest of Oregon. I always try to get clients and friends to join me there whenever possible and I have never been disappointed in their reaction to the food and service. "Hole in the Wall BBQ" is as close to REAL Southern BBQ as you can get without going to Texas or Tennessee. There is good BBQ in Oregon and even a Great place (Carolina Kitchen- North Carolina style) in Sparks, Nevada, but "Hole in the Wall" is like eating my dad's bbq or better yet, eating my own, but without all the fuss. I'm so hungry for good ribs, I'm...