Oregon’s Humble BBQ Spot Serves the Most Delicious Pulled Pork Around

Tucked away in Milwaukie, Oregon, sits a BBQ joint that’s rewriting the rules of smoked meat perfection. The Smoking Jay has quietly earned a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most delicious destinations for pulled pork, brisket, and everything in between.

This family-run spot doesn’t follow just one regional BBQ tradition – it pulls inspiration from around the globe to create something truly unique.

Forget fancy decor or flashy gimmicks. What you’ll find here is honest-to-goodness flavor, crafted with care and smoked low and slow for up to 20 hours.

Every bite tells a story of dedication, creativity, and a whole lot of smoke.

Ready to meet your new favorite BBQ obsession? Spoiler alert: the pulled pork will ruin you for all other sandwiches.

Seriously, once you taste that crispy bark and tender, juicy meat, there’s no going back. And don’t even get us started on the key lime pie with its brûléed crust – it’s basically dessert royalty.

Pack your appetite and prepare for a flavor bomb!

A Hidden Gem with a Homey Vibe

Nestled at 6305 SE King Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222, The Smoking Jay feels like stumbling upon a secret that locals have been guarding fiercely. The atmosphere radiates warmth and comfort, with a laid-back charm that instantly puts you at ease.

There’s no pretense here, just genuine hospitality from owners who greet you with smiles and treat you like family.

The modest exterior might make you drive right past it if you’re not paying attention, but that’s part of its magic. Inside, the space is cozy and inviting, decorated simply so the food can do all the talking.

You’ll notice the care that goes into every detail, from the friendly service to the thoughtful menu design.

Customers rave about the welcoming environment and the personable staff who clearly love what they do. One visitor from Columbia County drove all the way just to experience this spot, and they weren’t disappointed.

Whether you’re grabbing takeout or settling in to dine, the homey feel makes every visit memorable.

Open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM, this Oregon treasure is worth planning your week around.

Pulled Pork That Defines Perfection

Let’s talk about the star of the show: pulled pork so tender and flavorful it could make a grown person weep with joy. Smoked low and slow for up to 20 hours, each bite delivers an explosion of smoky richness balanced with just the right amount of seasoning.

The meat practically melts on your tongue, with a texture that’s both moist and delicate.

What sets this pulled pork apart is the gorgeous smoke ring that runs deep into every piece, a telltale sign of expert smoking technique. The crispy bark on the outside provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the succulent interior.

Customers consistently highlight this dish as some of the best they’ve ever tasted, with one reviewer admitting it made them forget all about their Memphis hometown BBQ.

Served on a sandwich or as a platter, the pulled pork shines whether you choose the regular or spicy version. Pair it with one of the house-made sauces for an extra layer of flavor, though honestly, the meat is so good it barely needs any enhancement.

Visitors from across Oregon make special trips just for this pulled pork, and after one taste, you’ll understand why it’s earned such devoted fans.

Brisket That’s Worth the Drive

Brisket lovers, prepare to meet your match. The Smoking Jay’s brisket boasts incredible depth of flavor, with perfectly rendered fat that creates a luscious, buttery texture in every slice.

Smoked to absolute perfection, the meat showcases a stunning smoke ring and a bark that adds complexity to each mouthful.

Reviewers consistently rank this brisket among the top five they’ve encountered anywhere, praising its juiciness and the masterful balance between smoky and savory notes. The slow-smoking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in meat that’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork yet firm enough to hold its shape beautifully on a sandwich.

One customer described the brisket sandwich as “mind-blowingly good,” while another noted that every bite was pure bliss. The quality and craftsmanship behind this dish reflect the dedication of owners who refuse to cut corners.

Whether you order it sliced, chopped, or piled high on bread, the brisket delivers consistent excellence.

The burnt ends variation offers an even richer experience, with caramelized edges that provide sweet and savory notes. Paired with Oregon’s craft sodas or your favorite sides, this brisket sets a new standard for BBQ in the Pacific Northwest.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends That Steal the Show

If you’ve never tried pork belly burnt ends, The Smoking Jay is about to change your life. These little cubes of heaven feature perfectly caramelized edges with a sweet and savory glaze that creates an addictive flavor profile.

The meat is incredibly tender, with just enough fat to keep things luxuriously rich without feeling heavy.

Multiple reviewers call these burnt ends “absolutely unreal” and “some of the best I’ve ever had.” The smoking process creates a depth of flavor that’s both complex and approachable, making them a must-try for BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Each piece delivers a satisfying bite with layers of smokiness, sweetness, and umami goodness.

You can order them as a sandwich, in tacos, or simply as a generous portion on a platter. The taco version has earned particular praise, with customers noting the generous stuffing and excellent value.

One visitor described them as “melt in your mouth delectable,” struggling to find enough words to convey just how amazing they taste.

The burnt ends showcase the restaurant’s commitment to taking classic BBQ elements and elevating them with careful technique and creative touches. Don’t leave without trying these – your taste buds will thank you forever.

Smoked Coleslaw with a Unique Twist

Coleslaw might seem like a simple side dish, but The Smoking Jay transforms it into something extraordinary. Their smoked coleslaw features a refreshing crunch with a unique flavor profile that comes from using smoked vinegar.

This creative touch adds subtle smokiness without overwhelming the fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance that’s both light and satisfying.

Even people who typically avoid mayo-based slaws find themselves converted by this version. One customer’s husband, a self-proclaimed slaw skeptic, couldn’t stop raving about the distinctive taste.

The addition of smoked vinegar gives it a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meats beautifully, making it an ideal accompaniment to pulled pork or brisket.

Multiple reviews highlight this as the best coleslaw in Portland, with some calling it the best they’ve tasted anywhere. The slaw has a nice spicy kick that adds interest without being overpowering, and the texture remains crisp and fresh rather than soggy or limp.

This isn’t just a throwaway side dish – it’s a carefully crafted component that demonstrates the restaurant’s attention to detail. Every element on the menu receives the same level of thought and execution, from the hollandaise to this standout slaw that keeps customers coming back.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts That Convert Skeptics

Brussels sprouts have a reputation for dividing people, but The Smoking Jay’s version turns doubters into believers. These caramelized beauties achieve a perfect balance between crispy charred edges and tender centers, with a sweetness that develops during the cooking process.

Even dedicated carnivores admit these vegetables might steal the spotlight from the meat.

One reviewer confessed that as a devoted meat-eater, he begrudgingly admitted the caramelized Brussels sprouts may have stolen the show. That’s high praise coming from someone focused primarily on the smoked proteins.

The preparation brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while adding depth through caramelization, creating complexity that keeps you reaching for more.

Multiple customers list these as a must-have side, emphasizing that they’re absolutely essential to the full Smoking Jay experience. The sprouts pair wonderfully with any of the meats, providing a lighter counterpoint that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

They’re seasoned perfectly, with each bite delivering satisfaction.

Whether you’re already a Brussels sprouts fan or think you dislike them, these will change your perspective. The care and technique applied to every menu item extends to the vegetables, proving that sides deserve just as much attention as the main attractions.

Loaded Potato Salad with Blue Potatoes

Potato salad gets a gourmet upgrade at The Smoking Jay, where blue potatoes, scallions, and bacon come together in a creamy, flavorful combination that’s been called the best ever tasted. This isn’t your typical picnic potato salad – it’s a thoughtfully crafted side dish that stands proudly alongside the restaurant’s famous smoked meats.

The use of blue potatoes adds visual interest and a slightly different texture compared to standard varieties, while the scallions provide a fresh, sharp note that cuts through the richness. Bacon adds smoky, salty depth that ties the dish back to the restaurant’s BBQ roots.

The result is a potato salad with layers of flavor and a satisfying, substantial feel.

Reviewers consistently praise this side, with one customer specifically naming it their favorite item. Another described it as being “on point,” highlighting its perfect seasoning and balance.

The creamy dressing binds everything together without making the salad heavy or overly mayo-forward.

This potato salad represents the restaurant’s philosophy of taking familiar comfort foods and elevating them through quality ingredients and careful preparation. It’s the kind of side dish that makes you rethink what’s possible with simple, classic recipes when they’re executed with skill and creativity.

Smoky Buttered Corn Muffin

Cornbread takes on new life at The Smoking Jay, where a specialized smoky, buttered corn muffin has customers dreaming about it long after they leave. Made with what’s believed to be blue masa and studded with sweet corn kernels, this muffin offers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smokiness that complements the savory meats beautifully.

The preparation method adds an extra layer of deliciousness: the muffin is cut in half, buttered generously, and grilled until the edges achieve a slight crispness. This technique creates textural contrast between the crispy buttered surface and the moist, tender interior.

One reviewer confessed to wanting one immediately just thinking about it, which speaks volumes about its addictive quality.

The incorporation of actual corn kernels provides bursts of sweetness and textural interest throughout each bite. The blue masa contributes a slightly earthy, complex flavor that differentiates this cornbread from standard versions.

It’s substantial enough to feel satisfying but not so heavy that it weighs you down.

This isn’t just a bread basket filler – it’s a carefully crafted component that demonstrates the same attention to detail applied to every menu item. Pair it with the brisket chili or enjoy it alongside any smoked meat for a complete Oregon BBQ experience.

Key Lime Pie with Brûléed Crust

Save room for dessert, because The Smoking Jay’s key lime pie is the stuff of legends. Featuring a smoked graham cracker crust with a brûléed top, tangy key lime filling, and homemade whipped cream drizzled with smooth caramel, this dessert is a masterpiece that ties together sweet, tart, and smoky elements in perfect harmony.

The smoked graham cracker crust adds an unexpected twist that connects the dessert back to the restaurant’s BBQ roots without overwhelming the bright citrus flavors. The brûléed top provides a satisfying crackle when you break through with your fork, revealing the creamy, tangy filling beneath.

The homemade whipped cream is light and silky, offering a sweet counterpoint to the tart lime.

Multiple reviewers mention driving from far away specifically to try this pie again, with one admitting they regretted not having room for it on their first visit. Another described it as mind-blowing, exclaiming their amazement with an emoji.

The caramel drizzle adds the final touch, bringing everything together with rich, buttery sweetness.

This key lime pie exemplifies the restaurant’s approach: taking familiar favorites and elevating them through technique, quality ingredients, and creative touches. It’s the perfect ending to a BBQ feast and reason enough to visit The Smoking Jay all on its own.