Clay's Smokehouse Grill

05/21/09

Not barbeque

by haleaklord

From the moment I walked in I didn't feel welcomed. FINALLY got a seat, ate , and wish I didn't and left the smell of the place in my mind. Wish the smell did justice...

Expensive too, salads for 10 + dollars. Once again, wait staff was very rude and wanted us out of there as soon as possible. I would not recommend it. Only thing I would tell people to go there for is to sit on the curb and smell the air and the slaw. Although, slaw would be VERY easy to make at home.

cheers!

• Pros: slaw
• Cons: wait staff was uninviting, everything but the slaw,barbeque

05/21/09

Twice disappointed

by fafafood

Clay's got me twice, and I'm starting to think it's overrated. Our meat was burnt & disappointing several times, and the pork sandwich was all bun, no meat. If that's your idea of a BBQ, try it out. Worse, the staff gave the general vibe that they didn't want us there- ever. Is there anything more annoying than a hovering waitress, trying to corral you out of there when there's no one else waiting for a table? If you want to be rushed to eat average food at a high price, try it out!

• Pros: slaw
• Cons: food, service, atmosphere

04/05/09

ok but its only bbq

by kanino

no lunch menu on sunday, apparently.

bbq where i'm from is cheap. real cheap. clay's is not real cheap. the food's ok, but charging high for bbq in pdx is like saying, 'pdx is so devoid of real culture, that we can charge high for hick po'folks food'. its not that we don't like the food, but come on, $9 for a pulled pork sandwich?

• Pros: good location
• Cons: over-priced

03/01/09

Fantastic Ribs

by captainvscrew

I admit that I miss the traditional barbeque sides, but the heart of good barbeque is the meat, right? My wife and I just got a combo platter, with ribs, chicken, and sausage, and they were all good. The chicken had a nice smokiness, was tender, and it was so well cooked that the cartilage was even edible. I liked the spice of the sausage, though it seemed a bit much for my wife. But the ribs...oh man those were delicious. Best ribs I've had in Portland so far. I recommend Clay's but not if you need to have the traditional selection of sides and choice of sauce.

• Pros: good ribs, but I'd leave the jerky alone.
• Cons: parking's a pain, so take your bike

02/22/09

Great Salads

by katsville

Heard the salads were good. They Are! No iceberg lettuce here. BBQ very tender & tasty. Not crowded on a Sunday afternoon. Good selection of Micro-brews and check out the dessert.

• Pros: Great food reasonably priced.
• Cons: Parking could be a problem

02/20/09

Not what I expected...

by boeingnorthwest

It was okay, not splendid. It was below average. I mean for the price it wasn't too bad, but I was hoping something more tender and flavorful. The meat tasted little dry and chewy.. The decor and ambience can do more I think,.. if this joint was in North Portland, perhaps it would be okay.. If you don't have a car and live in that area, it would suffice.

• Pros: close to where I live
• Cons: meat and sides were below average

01/22/09

Yummy food for low cost

by jacose

Clay's smokehouse has some awesome food. They also have a happy hour from 2-5 Wed-Fri with $1 ribs and $1 beers. This is also a good time to go b/c there is more parking available. The ribs are really good, beer ok. Also the brisket sandwich and coleslaw is good. Overall a really good deal for your money.

01/20/09

Good, and different.

by BBQPDX

Clay's Smokehouse has a different take on the sides, but the usual barbecue meats are all there--good pork ribs, brisket, chicken, etc. They have one mild sauce that, if you're used to fiery hot spice, you may not love, but at least it's a balanced sauce.

It's a comfortable atmosphere, and I've always experienced good service there.

Definitely try Clay's Smokehouse.

You can see my complete review at BBQPDX on Blogspot.

• Pros: Tasty barbecue, especially the chicken.
• Cons: One sauce only, very different sides that you will either love or hate.

11/22/08

Bad Service, horrible food. no parking.

by portlandjean

It was raining, no parking, when I finally got there food took too long to come out, and the service was not polite, food tasted burnt, and when I complained they said that it's normal to come out like that....I want my money back, but the gas cost of going back is not worth it. Sides? forget it, I can get better stuff from Safeway Deli.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Bad parking, Bad Service, Below average food.

05/31/08

Best Ever!!!

by needs2Bgood

I was looking for a great BBQ place 4 years ago and this is it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tender meats, homemade sauce and genuinely smoked!! Smells awesome when you walk in!! Sides are all great!! This is what I picture and dreamed of while watching the BBQ cook-offs on Food Network. My kids love it and I always feel Great when I leave!!