Lawless Barbecue

4.5 ( 216 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM See Hours
$20–30
1520 SE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
+1 971-420-8103

Lawless Barbecue, located in Portland's vibrant industrial east side, has been garnering attention for its mouthwatering offerings. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff, prompt service, and the quality of the meat. Highlights include the tender brisket and delectable burnt ends, which have been likened to "meat candy" due to their sweet, juicy nature. Many reviewers commend the option to purchase ribs by the piece, allowing diners to savor a variety of flavors.

The menu offers an impressive selection, including pulled pork, though opinions on this dish vary—some find it a bit fatty and overpowered by mustard sauce. The mac and cheese and waffle fries serve as satisfying sides, making the dining experience even better. Notably, the flavor profile is less sweet than other BBQ spots, appealing to those who prefer a more balanced taste.

As the restaurant settles into its new space, customers note the clean environment and attentive service, often expressing eagerness to return. Those looking for authentic barbecue in Portland will find Lawless Barbecue a must-visit destination, promising both flavor and value.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • No wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Paid street parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Lawless Barbecue

Rachel Cumley
Jun 26,2025
We were greeted by friendly staff who answered our questions and walked us through the menu. We opted to try a variety of meats - pulled pork, brisket, sausage, ribs, and burnt ends. I liked that we could buy ribs by the piece so hubby and I could each try one. We also got a side of barbecue beans. Food was served promptly with only a short wait. Our favorite was the burnt ends. They were like little nuggets of meat candy. Tender, juicy, sweet, and absolutely delicious. We both liked the sausage with hubby saying it's the best sausage he's tasted. The brisket had a wonderful smoke to it. I really enjoyed the ribs while hubby didn't care for them. He tries to cut the meat off and doesn't believe me when I say it's a whole different experience when you pick it up with your hands and gnaw the meat off the bone. Our least favorite was the pulled pork. It comes with a drizzle of their mustard based BBQ sauce on top and the hubby does not like mustard. It was also very fatty, more fat than meat. While there I did overhear that they got new ovens and cornbread may be on their menu in the future.
Amy Avalos
Jun 25,2025
Highly recommend you guys check this place out if you’re in the area. The meat is very tender and flavorful. The food came out fairly quick. Pricing is very fair for the quality and portion. The staff is amazing, despite coming close to closing the employees were still super nice and we did not feel like we were being rushed out of there! Definitely will be coming back!
MJ
May 20,2025
Two of us shared the lawless platter with waffle fries and mac & cheese as sides. It was less sweet and salty than other BBQ places, which was really great to me! The server was very friendly and explained well to us. They recently moved in, so the tables are very clean. It would be nice if they had a draft beer option.
Charlie Flathers
Apr 13,2025
I found this place and I'm so glad I did. We had the brisket nachos, with mac and cheese....they were both awesome. This is a place I will go back often.
Kelly Francois
Apr 11,2025
Stellar BBQ right in the heart of the industrial east side. We tried the brisket, burnt ends, collard greens, potato salad and chili, plus the banana pudding for desert. Every item was done just right, from tenderness of the brisket to the caramelization on the burnt ends and the banana on top of the banana pudding. The bbq sauce is so good, saucy and sweet!! They just moved into the neighborhood where I work, so I’ll definitely be back!
W M
Mar 25,2025
Enjoyed the brisket and the burnt ends. As good as any i had in texas. Mac was good slaw was fine. Banana pudding was great. Frito pie was probably a mistake order on my part not what I thought it would be. The beef brisket is halal creekstone farms which is a great brisket and great because I eat halal. They were kind enough to make sure the entire order was bacon and pork free too. It's not a fancy place but nice clean good food. It's a typical brisket place where you get in line to order so it's not a full service place but they do bring the food out to the table. Everyone enjoyed and will come again!
Malachi Hindle
Mar 12,2025
Had a good, straightforward brisket sandwich with plenty of meat that got to shine/wasn’t drowning in sauce. Collard greens side was especially great. Space was totally empty during lunch on a Thursday, unfortunately. Hope more people start to come. Good deal on good bbq and great service. They mentioned they had new menu items coming soon.
Ian Lawry
Mar 6,2025
Excellent lunch value here, 9-12 sandwich depending on what you select. Very clean place, large amount of seating. Smells great all the time even from outside. Sides are great, I prefer the vinegar slaw. You could probably just pig out and get ribs too, which are 28 for a rack.

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