Whoa, Nelly! There is a new(ish) BBQ joint in town. In today’s installment of “What Did Spencer Eat For Lunch?” I visited Botto’s BBQ in SE PDX (3120 SE Milwaukie Ave). I was across the street buying a new piano (very excited!) and I saw a packed little BBQ joint. Apparently Botto’s had been a successful food cart for a bit, which I missed the boat on. Not missing the boat anymore! Located in a forlorn building which has seen many restaurants come and go over the years, I hope they escape the curse that has been put on this building. That or find a better space at some point…

Let’s get to the BBQ! Anytime I check out a new BBQ joint i usually start with the Brisket. That’s how I gauge their seriousness and quality. If your brisket ain’t bangin’, I won’t be back. Botto’s definitely passes the first test here. The brisket was well smoked, super tasty and had a nice crust on the outside. Great texture as well. Easy to chew, buttery, without being overly soft. I like my brisket with a bit of texture to it, some places make it too mushy. See pic below for a better view of the brisket.

So for lunch I ordered a brisket sandwich and added a side of spicy mac and cheese. Everything is a la carte (unless you get a tray). The sandwich was 1/3 lb of brisket, they also offer 1/2 lb sandos. I’m a big eater, and could’ve eaten the bigger sando, but 1/3 lb was plenty (with a side) so for most people that is plenty of meat. You have your choice of 3 sauces: Tamarind, Texas, and Spicy White. None of which are the most traditional. I got the Texas on mine. They put coleslaw on the sando. Classic presentation. It was tasty. To be just a bit picky: I could’ve used more BBQ sauce on my sando, there wasn’t enough to really get the flavor, so I don’t feel I can accurately review the BBQ sauce. The bread was thick and held up well to the sando, but was a bit much in relation to the sando, and was a bit too dry. I think if they had buttered it and heated it maybe it would improve the overall sandwich. Those are small complaints though, overall I was super happy with this. They advertise scratch made sides, I got the spicy mac and cheese and was told that it is legitimately spicy. I’m a spice fiend so I don’t usually believe people when they say something is spicy. This had a nice kick to it though. I also appreciate that they include some pickled veggies as a little side/condiment (cucumber, jalapeno, onion). It’s nice to have some acidity cut through all that rich BBQ. Sando and side came to $19. A bit more than I usually pay for lunch, but definitely worth it. Happy eating!