Lil' Barbecue, the Portland outpost of Austin's Michelin-starred La Barbecue, has set up inside Tough Luck Bar on Northeast Dekum and is already getting talked about for something other than the brisket. Smoked "beet ends" are stealing a surprising amount of the limelight. The compact, Texas-rooted menu still hits the classics with ribs and smoked chicken, backed by playful sides like mochi-ish tater tots and banana pudding. It all comes out in a casual neighborhood barroom with a big patio that, according to diners and critics, feels more like a tight local BBQ joint than a parachuted-in brand.
Michael Russell has already singled out the smoked "beet ends" as "among the best things to eat at Lil' Barbecue," putting them in the same top tier as the smoked chicken and pork ribs on his visit. In his review for The Oregonian/OregonLive, Russell also points first-timers toward the Holy Matrimony platter if they want to sample the full spread in one go.
A Michelin Pedigree With A Portland Twist
La Barbecue earned recognition from the MICHELIN Guide in Texas, giving the Portland offshoot a high-end pedigree even while it sticks to straightforward smokehouse cooking. Here, the pits are run by pitmaster Ben Vaughan, a La Barbecue alum who partnered with Tough Luck to oversee the smoke program, according to reporting from Eater Portland. Reviewers say that mix of Austin technique and Woodlawn neighborhood vibes is a big part of what gives Lil' Barbecue its character.
Menu Highlights And Prices
The menu keeps things tight and to the point. A double-pattied brisket burger is $12, beet ends run $13 to $18 per half-pound, sausage dawgs are $8 to $10, and the Holy Matrimony platter lands at $75. Other staples include mac and cheese, coleslaw, and meaty beans, plus weekly specials such as 10 wings for $10 on Wednesdays. Those specifics and pricing were laid out in The Oregonian/OregonLive's review.
Neighborhood Buzz And Tips
Early coverage also leans on the room itself, with reviewers highlighting the bar's large patio and relaxed atmosphere that make Lil' Barbecue an easy fit for groups and after-work drinks. Eater Portland praised the tater tots and suggested going early if brisket is the main goal, while The Infatuation called the tots the "sleeper hit" and recommended the Holy Matrimony as a sharable introduction. Word on local message boards has echoed that enthusiasm, with regulars pointing to the balance between the smoked meats and the more thoughtful sides.
Practical Info
Lil' Barbecue operates inside Tough Luck at 1771 NE Dekum. Tough Luck lists hours as Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 11 p.m., along with a phone number of 971-754-4188. TriMet's Line 75 runs along NE Dekum and provides nearby stops for riders, according to TriMet. The venue is minor-friendly until 9 p.m. and welcomes well-behaved dogs on the patio, making it a convenient neighborhood option for families and dog owners.
