Boomers — Restaurant in Portland

The only sandwich available was a $16 sandwich that was pulled pork, brisket and a sausage. I didn't see any other options on the menu and the server wasn't helpful as far as explaining the menu. I would have preferred the option to have a sandwich that was just brisket or the pulled pork. I didn't see that option on the menu. For $16, it was not worth the price. I didn't care for the sausage, there was hardly any brisket or pork to justify that price. It came with coleslaw, which was tasty and also a small portion of mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was delicious. If the food server was more informative, I would have known that I could of had the option of an order of the mac and cheese and/or a smaller, less expensive sandwich. The menu was not easy to read as far as understanding what other options were available. All I could see was the huge $16 sandwich. I knew there were options for ribs but I would have ordered a smaller sandwich with just pork or brisket if I was told those were available. The service was extremely slow and there was only 2 other customers in the dining area. The bill came to $30 and that was without our beverages as the server never brought them to us until we were almost done with our meal so she deducted them off the bill. A glass of pepsi was $3.00, which seemed far to pricy for a pint glass of pop. Also, it was uncomfortable in there because it was very cold so we decided that we'd eat the rest at home. I would try them one more time as I believe that everyone can have an off day and deserve another chance as some of the food was very good. But it was far too expensive for what we got as far a the portions we received. I was very...

This afternoon, I was a broken man. Life had lost it's meaning, and it was all i could muster to simply put one foot in front of the other. As I walked across the bridge from Vancouver to Hayden Island, I felt like I had nowhere to go, no one waiting for me anywhere, and the future was bleak and full of despair and disbelief at my misfortune. As I climbed over the railing and prepared to jump, I was called back by what I now believe to be an angel. This angel told me that there was a place nearby where I was always welcome, and where I was loved and had a bright future. I rolled my eyes in disbelief, but as I did the angel handed me a container of food and said, "You'll see, my friend." He started to drive away and as I turned to scold him for the false hope he'd given me, I realized he had disappeared. I sat ,tears running down my cheeks. I could go no further. I looked at the container through clouded vision and prepared to throw it into the water. With the container over my head, preparing to throw it , a bit of sauce ran down my arm. I licked it off. I immediately felt warm and basked in love and contention. I fell to my knees in relief this time . My life was now worth living. I walked across the bridge with tunnel vision towards Boomers. Ever since that day I've never left. There was a home for me after all. And they have enough love and warmth for you as well, if you'll only allow them...

Boomer's location is in the middle of a bunch of big box stores so it's definitely not in a neighborhood but when you step inside, you quickly realize it is a neighborhood restaurant and bar. It's small on the inside with a couple of booths, a few tables and a bar and there's a patio out back but I didn't check it out because it was raining. There were several people hanging out at the bar and another couple in a booth behind us. We went mid afternoon and I have a feeling it fills up after 5:00.

What struck me immediately was the casual friendliness of our waiter, super fast service (with recommendations) and really good barbecue at a very reasonable price. I'm from the south so I love sweet sauce. To my surprise, they had it as well as mustard and hot. Their collard greens and beans were delicious as well. The music was classic rock with Van Morrison, Fleetwood Mac, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and others played at the perfect volume-you didn't have to yell to hear your companion but could still hear the music.

Why four stars? It's definitely not fine dining and the decor is plain and simple but I came for good, reasonably priced barbecue and that's exactly what I found. And I'll be back again. I'm not spending twice as much just for some hipster place that's cool on the inside. This place was authentic...