[PDX] Big Daddy's BBQ...
The PortlandFood.org group is planning on BBQ next month. So far I think we're agreed on Campbell's and Yam Yam's, but I thought I'd check out a new contender today, Big Daddy's on Hawthorne.
It's in an old diner/hamburger place with cafeteria quality tables and chairs and the original stools at the counter. That's about as close to good bbq you're going to get here. And the only positive thing from my first trip were the attractive wait staff with en vogue short shirts and thick belts on low-waisted pants showing their back tattoos. Don't tell my wife. But if I wanted that, there's about one nudie bar for every man in Portland and the food's probably better.
Got a two-meat combo plate which comes with 2 sides for $11.95. Trying to stay on low-carb, I just got double corn bread to-go. They had several of the typical sides, though, like beans, collard greens, potato salad, etc. They have the basic meats as well -- pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage -- with a couple somewhat atypical selections like smoked turkey. I chose brisket and spare ribs. Both were bad. The brisket was tender, but it was dry and had little flavor. There was no noticeable smoke ring, nor much if any smoke flavor. There was not crust of any kind on the outer layer of the meat. Allegedly they smoke it for 12 hours. Honestly, you'd be better off with some smartly boiled meat in a flavored stock. The pork ribs weren't any better. Little of the fat on them had actually melted. I don't mind fatty spare ribs. I prefer them over baby back (they do have baby back here). But damn it, they should be moist, tender, and flavorful. These weren't any of these things. One part of the ribs were actually so dry it was like chewing left-over thin pork chops that have been sitting in the fridge for a couple days. Maybe not quite that bad, but close. And little flavor.
The sauces are okay. They have 4, a spicy "Texas", a smoky "Memphis", a sweet/mild, and a mustard sauce. All a little sweet for me, but at least they had flavor. And you needed them for these meats.
I guess one bright point might be that it looked like they served a decent burger and fries, but I didn't get that, so I can't comment. But they looked decent. I certainly would order that if I was forced there rather than the BBQ.
I'm usually reluctant to be harsh with a place, especially after one visit, but not this time. If I can do significantly better on a gas grill in my back yard, the BBQ place has problems.
Nick
Jan 22, 2004 03:51PM
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Takin' one for the team! You go, guy!! Thanks for having a crappy meal so the rest of us don't have to - you're a trooper.
OK, now that we've scratched Big Daddy's off the list - what about Mama's? Gonna try her ribs next?
SO our choices for a 3rd stop are currently: the unknown that is Mama's (@ 5264 N. Lombard), freezing @ Cannon's, chancing it at Clay's (though some have had good meals there, I have not), trekking to a Buster's, or just leaving it at what we feel are PDX's 2 best Q joints and not going to a 3rd...
.or we start at Yam-Yam's, go to Campbell's, and end up at Pix...we never do seem to get to dessert, do we?
;o)
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Three words: sweet potato pie.
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Just saw your post...
Did you have an Atkins melt-down, buddy?? ;o)
Love the stuff too, though I stay away from it when I can, as well. Guess we will have to try it at both Campbell's and Yam-Yam's, eh? I think I had it once at Campbell's and I remember it as a positive, though not necessarily among the best I've had. I rarely have room for dessert after BBQ!
I'm still curious about that Mama's place up in N or NE...
BTW, of course I'll be there on Tues. I could use a ride, though, if you have room, either from home or from my downtown (between WTC/Fed. Courthouse) office. Doesn't matter which to me, whatever is easier for you. I'll probably be able to catch a ride with someone else heading south to go home from Yam-Yam's.
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I love Big Daddy's, I've had excellent tender falling off the bones ribs every time, the "buffalo" wings and thighs have a wonderful smokey taste without the sauce, and if you're a Tabaso fan, the sauce is great. The beans, greans, texas tater tots, and fried green tomatoes are wonderful. But above all else, the Saturday and Sunday breakfast is outstanding. They are the ONLY restarant I've ever been to EVER that had eggs (scambled) that tasted good and buttery like Grandma's, the chicken fried steak was to die for, and they serve cheesy grits or home fries (both were good) So, I'm sorry he had a bad experience, but me and my family are repeat customers with not a complaint!
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