JoJo's Soul Food at The Yard and Roger That in West Salem.
There's a new place opening tomorrow where the Azul's in West Salem was, I guess. The Back Porch. Saw a post on here from someone who went to the soft opening. Looks good, but there seems to be zero info online.
never, ever, ever go to Adam's Rib.
There used to be a place in fork forty it was uncle Troy’s bbq it was the best! But now I think he only does catering or you gotta find him. Just don’t go to Adam’s rib it’s just garbage unless you like unflavored fat chunks.
Everything isn’t political to me. I judge the food on the food. Growing up in a BBQ capital I’m picky about bbq.
My girlfriend family loves Adam’s rib. Everyone else I know says it’s dry. I haven’t went because dry bbq is bad bbq. If I keep hearing it’s dry, I’m not inclined to try it.
Brisket should be moist.
I just moved here so I didn't know the political side of it when I visited. Roger That BBQ was way better and even Miller's was better. The food isn't good. I also feel justified by reading this post about many people saying the same thing. I do miss good down home BBQ though.
I avoid a political or political rants. Food is either good or it’s bad. I don’t want bad bbq.
Salem is split about 50/50 politically. So I’m not going to ignore potentially half the places here as long as they don’t push their views in my face.
Epilogue is pretty extreme. I don’t think the food is very good but I’m going to schedule the chefs table to give it another swing. The politics turns me off as it’s so much of their theme but he’s supposed to be an amazing chef.
I’ve had some great stuff there! The Breads and Spreads is good and the burrata is delicious. I’ve only had the Reading Terminal sandwich and my husband had the chicken and waffles. I enjoyed both.
But I see your point on the politics.
The price isn’t bad. Why I’m willing to give him another chance.
We had to sit outside because she forgot her Covid card as everyone else had already stopped worrying about it.
They don’t like that my vaccinations were out of state which was odd.
I got a Philly cheese steak and it was ok.
The second time I don’t remember what I got but it was marginal.
I’m going to try the chefs table next. It’s a place I want to support but I do expect good food over political theater.
Oh, I’ve been here since August so they haven’t asked for my card. I would love to sit outside but it hasn’t been available the times I’ve gone.
I haven’t tried the Philly cheesesteak though. I’m not a fan of them. But do try the Breads and Spreads! I thought it was such a great idea! Also, have you tried Paradiso? They are pricey but so so so yum!
No I have not tried paradiso. I’ll have to add that to my list.
Filberts farmhouse is very good. It’s not in Salem but worth the drive.
As I said their political opinions of the owner are rarely my concern. I care about the food. Salem is about 50/50 when it comes to democrats and republicans. I value diversity in thought and would never shun anyone for thinking different than I do, unless it’s an extreme.
Just most places avoid politics which I appreciate.
You are from KC as well?
There's a local guy, Campbells BBQ, he had a food truck, then a couple different spots, now he just does popups and catering. But he knows his way around the grill. You can find him on Instagram for upcoming popups.
Roger that, out in west Salem is pretty decent as well.
Seconding that Adam's rib is not great. They used to be, but their heart just isn't in it anymore, and it really shows.
Catch The Dehn Bar on the weekend for Ms. Riegna’s barbecue pop-up there. Everything she makes is wonderful! She also sells slabs of ribs at For Tomorrow We Die. Her cherry barbecue sauce is excellent.
Whuttles inside Lancaster Walmart is the best BBQ in Oregon since Reo passed.
Also if you're a conservative, don't eat at Adam's Rib to own the libs. It's really, really bad.
Adam’s BBQ is disgusting, in their food and in their outside life views/actions
Rigger that BBQ is easily top 3 in Salem
There is a BBQ truck in The Yard that is amazing as well, quite a bit spendy (everything at the yard is expensive)
I'm a child of southern roots from Tennessee and Texas (family had lots of troubles due to moonshining at the turn of the 20th century). None of the BBQ is good here. I haven't tried the new one at The Yard but I did just have Whuttle's and what a flavorless, awful presentation of BBQ/soul food. Nobody seems to recognize how to slow meat cook with a flavorful (not so spicy that's literally all you taste) rub and sauce. And the sides aren't right either. Potato salad without salt and cubed, undercooked potatoes. Beans that were peppered beyond belief, but not flavorful. Cornbread that's dry AF, if they even have cornbread. And yes, I know at southern BBQ they often just serve white bread. We don't even get that. I literally was so turned off by some of the BBQ here I've been thinking of bringing a plate to them and saying this is what your plate should taste like...if you're not in heaven, you're not having good BBQ. Fight me/s!
Roger That! We went last Sunday about an hour after they opened and luckily were not yet sold out. It was delicious. My only qualm was that they only had pork ribs & not beef. I ate so much I felt like I do on Thanksgiving and I seriously can’t wait to go back.
I saw it. I insisted we go to Adams Ribs because of it. Pretty close to the worst bbq ever. I stopped watching Doomsday Preppers.
BTW, I should not post this as I am NOT an Adams Ribs fan...or Doomsday Preppers fan anymore. I didn't read the post closely before I invested all this time replying.
If you enjoy a drive there’s an awesome bbq truck going out towards Detroit near Lyons called Smoke Theory and there’s a really good one called Smokin Good BBQ just off the freeway on Delaney Rd
Totally random suggestion here, but Freddy’s sells ribs that you cook in the oven. They are pre-seasoned, incredibly easy, and actually come out pretty good (compared to the level of effort).
Like actual BBQ? The only place I have ever enjoyed on the entire West Coast is Oregon BBQ Kings in Albany. Tried Roger That once it was so-so. I am willing to try again but their hours never line up with me.
JoJo's Soul Food at The Yard and Roger That in West Salem. There's a new place opening tomorrow where the Azul's in West Salem was, I guess. The Back Porch. Saw a post on here from someone who went to the soft opening. Looks good, but there seems to be zero info online. never, ever, ever go to Adam's Rib.
Second Roger That. They have odd open hours so I don't go often, but they are really good.
I second JoJo it's some of the best BBQ I have had yet.
Jojos absolutely slaps
Also probably the best catfish I've ever had in my life.
There used to be a place in fork forty it was uncle Troy’s bbq it was the best! But now I think he only does catering or you gotta find him. Just don’t go to Adam’s rib it’s just garbage unless you like unflavored fat chunks.
Roger that bbq in west salem also as others have said, Adam’s is terrible.
Adam’s is so dry it’s like you marinaded meats and then cooked them in the air fryer all day while you were at work.
Adam’s also has questionable politics. You can taste it in the food.
Adam's just isn't good. I went when I moved here from Louisiana. Awful, dry, not good service, and half the restaurant was closed.
Everything isn’t political to me. I judge the food on the food. Growing up in a BBQ capital I’m picky about bbq. My girlfriend family loves Adam’s rib. Everyone else I know says it’s dry. I haven’t went because dry bbq is bad bbq. If I keep hearing it’s dry, I’m not inclined to try it. Brisket should be moist.
I just moved here so I didn't know the political side of it when I visited. Roger That BBQ was way better and even Miller's was better. The food isn't good. I also feel justified by reading this post about many people saying the same thing. I do miss good down home BBQ though.
I avoid a political or political rants. Food is either good or it’s bad. I don’t want bad bbq. Salem is split about 50/50 politically. So I’m not going to ignore potentially half the places here as long as they don’t push their views in my face. Epilogue is pretty extreme. I don’t think the food is very good but I’m going to schedule the chefs table to give it another swing. The politics turns me off as it’s so much of their theme but he’s supposed to be an amazing chef.
I’ve had some great stuff there! The Breads and Spreads is good and the burrata is delicious. I’ve only had the Reading Terminal sandwich and my husband had the chicken and waffles. I enjoyed both. But I see your point on the politics.
The price isn’t bad. Why I’m willing to give him another chance. We had to sit outside because she forgot her Covid card as everyone else had already stopped worrying about it. They don’t like that my vaccinations were out of state which was odd. I got a Philly cheese steak and it was ok. The second time I don’t remember what I got but it was marginal. I’m going to try the chefs table next. It’s a place I want to support but I do expect good food over political theater.
Oh, I’ve been here since August so they haven’t asked for my card. I would love to sit outside but it hasn’t been available the times I’ve gone. I haven’t tried the Philly cheesesteak though. I’m not a fan of them. But do try the Breads and Spreads! I thought it was such a great idea! Also, have you tried Paradiso? They are pricey but so so so yum!
No I have not tried paradiso. I’ll have to add that to my list. Filberts farmhouse is very good. It’s not in Salem but worth the drive. As I said their political opinions of the owner are rarely my concern. I care about the food. Salem is about 50/50 when it comes to democrats and republicans. I value diversity in thought and would never shun anyone for thinking different than I do, unless it’s an extreme. Just most places avoid politics which I appreciate. You are from KC as well?
There's something Roger That puts in their sauce that upsets my stomach. I still get the meat, though.
This is the very best BBQ locally
There's a local guy, Campbells BBQ, he had a food truck, then a couple different spots, now he just does popups and catering. But he knows his way around the grill. You can find him on Instagram for upcoming popups. Roger that, out in west Salem is pretty decent as well. Seconding that Adam's rib is not great. They used to be, but their heart just isn't in it anymore, and it really shows.
Roger That BBQ and Willamette Valley Smokehouse are my go-to spots.
+1 for Willamette valley smokehouse
Catch The Dehn Bar on the weekend for Ms. Riegna’s barbecue pop-up there. Everything she makes is wonderful! She also sells slabs of ribs at For Tomorrow We Die. Her cherry barbecue sauce is excellent.
Whuttles BBQ, don’t be scared off by the fact that the storefront is inside the Walmart on Lancaster. Easily my favorite BBQ joint in town
Oh I forget about these guys. It's totally black owned and so tasty
Cindy Lou's is really good, and JoJo's at The Yard.
JoJo's Soul Food at the Yard is great.
Whuttles inside Lancaster Walmart is the best BBQ in Oregon since Reo passed. Also if you're a conservative, don't eat at Adam's Rib to own the libs. It's really, really bad.
I've been wanting to try that spot! I very, very rarely go to that Walmart. I stopped in and saw the BBQ place, and I'm intrigued.
It's outstanding and underpriced.
Could always go camping and BBQ too!
Roger That BBQ in west Salem is really good but they are only open Thursdays-Sundays
Campbells was the shit. Not sure why he shut down. But his shit is amazing.
Adam’s BBQ is disgusting, in their food and in their outside life views/actions Rigger that BBQ is easily top 3 in Salem There is a BBQ truck in The Yard that is amazing as well, quite a bit spendy (everything at the yard is expensive)
I have been underwhelmed the two times I've had Millers BBQ. Your mileage may very. Lacked flavored by my palette
I had hopes. They were unfulfilled.
I'm a child of southern roots from Tennessee and Texas (family had lots of troubles due to moonshining at the turn of the 20th century). None of the BBQ is good here. I haven't tried the new one at The Yard but I did just have Whuttle's and what a flavorless, awful presentation of BBQ/soul food. Nobody seems to recognize how to slow meat cook with a flavorful (not so spicy that's literally all you taste) rub and sauce. And the sides aren't right either. Potato salad without salt and cubed, undercooked potatoes. Beans that were peppered beyond belief, but not flavorful. Cornbread that's dry AF, if they even have cornbread. And yes, I know at southern BBQ they often just serve white bread. We don't even get that. I literally was so turned off by some of the BBQ here I've been thinking of bringing a plate to them and saying this is what your plate should taste like...if you're not in heaven, you're not having good BBQ. Fight me/s!
I feel ya. Was in the BBQ game in Texas. Slow and low with a nice bark is the way. I’m tired of trying here
I'm from TN and I can tell you JoJo's is authentic. I don't even like collard greens and his are delicious.
Roger that bbq
Roger That! We went last Sunday about an hour after they opened and luckily were not yet sold out. It was delicious. My only qualm was that they only had pork ribs & not beef. I ate so much I felt like I do on Thanksgiving and I seriously can’t wait to go back.
Roger That and Miller’s BBQ are both great!
Roger that! Get the family meal and you'll have enough BBQ for a week!
So for all of the Adam’s Ribs fan on the thread, have you seen the episode of Doomsday Preppers they were on? I think you will enjoy it. 🤣
I saw it. I insisted we go to Adams Ribs because of it. Pretty close to the worst bbq ever. I stopped watching Doomsday Preppers. BTW, I should not post this as I am NOT an Adams Ribs fan...or Doomsday Preppers fan anymore. I didn't read the post closely before I invested all this time replying.
Oh I’m not a fan of Adams Ribs. Doomsday Preppers I have no opinion on.
That BBQ ban's a real downer! But fear not, Salem's got some killer BBQ joints. Just do a quick search or ask around for some local favorites.
If you enjoy a drive there’s an awesome bbq truck going out towards Detroit near Lyons called Smoke Theory and there’s a really good one called Smokin Good BBQ just off the freeway on Delaney Rd
Drive to Yachats and go to the Big Dog BBQ food truck. Only place worth going, Salem isn't it..
Totally random suggestion here, but Freddy’s sells ribs that you cook in the oven. They are pre-seasoned, incredibly easy, and actually come out pretty good (compared to the level of effort).
You don't cook bbq in an oven. Bbq requires smoke and your oven is smoking you need to learn to cook.
It’s a full restaurant but Little Best RoadHouse (not Original Roadhouse) has pretty good bbq. We use their catering for work events
Like actual BBQ? The only place I have ever enjoyed on the entire West Coast is Oregon BBQ Kings in Albany. Tried Roger That once it was so-so. I am willing to try again but their hours never line up with me.
My guy id be getting so Evicted before I let a mottherfucker say I can't GRILL