Maine Meats: 15 of Greater Portland’s Best Spots For BBQ

There are certain food experiences that will stick in your memory forever. Sure, some may be not so pleasant, but the majority are memories of pure bliss. Maybe it was the perfect bite or sip. Perhaps it was an extravagant meal or the perfect bottle of wine. Whatever they are, they tend to leave a lasting impression for the rest of your life.

For me, one of those memories has to be the first bite into an exquisitely smoked pork rib. There's nothing like a perfect chomp through a seasoned, juicy, and tender rib. Quite frankly, it can be is a religious experience.

Let's be honest, the same goes for all barbecue. What carnivore doesn't love the combination of meat and smoke? It's quite possibly the very first cooking method there was. It's quite literally in our DNA (don't quote me on that).

Even though we are well in the northern part of this country, the Greater Portland area is doing just fine when it comes to its smoky cuisine. Over the last decade, the area has truly built up its barbecue restaurant reputation.

Below, you can find a list of barbecue joints and trucks that can be found in Greater Portland. These spots have all built wonderful followings and continue to grow, even through uncertain times.

It is also a very diverse group. You will be able to find many different styles of cuisine like Latin-inspired, Jamaican, Korean, African, and practically every region of the United States. It's truly a well-stacked deck.

Hungry for some 'cue? Find out more info about Greater Portland's 'Cue Culture below.

Quick note: many other restaurants in the Greater Portland area serve barbecue dishes. However, we specifically targeted "barbecue restaurants" for this list.