Nestled in Milwaukie, Oregon, The Smoking Jay is quickly becoming a beloved destination for BBQ lovers. Diners rave about the **pulled pork tacos** and **nacho plates**, praised for their amazing flavors and reasonable prices. The atmosphere is cozy, complemented by the friendly and personable staff who enhance the dining experience. Patrons like **Kali Harp** emphasize that The Smoking Jay serves the best BBQ in Oregon, highlighting the melt-in-your-mouth **pork belly bits** and the saucy, smoky dishes. The **pork belly tacos** are a standout, while the **smoked coleslaw** is noted as the best in Portland, thanks to its spicy kick. Frequent visitors, like **S Lynn**, express satisfaction with the consistent quality of the menu. Unique offerings often appear on weekends, thrilling regulars who seek something special, like the **slow-roasted ribs**. From the **brussel sprouts** to the **jojo potato wedges**, the sides receive well-deserved attention, often surprising patrons with their exceptional taste. With enthusiastic reviews and a low-key vibe, The Smoking Jay is more than just a restaurant; it's a hidden gem worth returning to time and time again. Don't miss out on this delightful BBQ experience!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For The Smoking Jay
Michelle Houghton
May 9,2025
Amazing, tender, and reasonably priced food! We got the pulled pork tacos and the nacho plate. Fast service too! 5/5 check it out!
Kali Harp
Apr 28,2025
Wow wow wow! This place has the best BBQ I’ve ever had here in Oregon! Very cute spot with lovely, friendly, and personable staff. The food is absolutely amazing! You have to try the pork belly bits. I can’t say enough good things to portray to you how delectable melt in your mouth these are. Wet saucy BBQ too. So glad I found this gem on my lunch break! Definitely will be back another time for more!
S Lynn
Apr 26,2025
Been here several times and EVERYTHING is delicious. The pork belly tacos are my go to and the jojos are the best around! The smoked coleslaw is the best in Portland hands down! Basically everything on the menu is a YES!!
Rochelle Goodman
Apr 3,2025
Best BBQ we have had since moving to Portland. Note that they often have additional items not listed on online menu on the weekends (like slow roasted ribs). Their potato salad is the best we’ve ever tasted (with blue potato, scallions and bacon. Cole slaw was delicious as well with a nice spicy kick. Super nice staff.
Megan Mansfield
Mar 18,2025
An absolute gem of a spot! The smoked chicken sammy was delish but don’t sleep on those brussel sprouts & the jojo potato wedges! WOW. Usually bbq spots don’t have the best sides but these were exceptional. I’ll be back for the brussel sprouts alone. Beans and Mac and cheese were also very yummy! Excellent service. Low key vibe. We’ll be back!
Marcy Holmes
Mar 1,2025
We just had an amazing meal for our date night. We got pulled pork tacos, brisket tacos, chicken tacos, and potato salad. My husband's favorite was the brisket, I loved the pulled pork the most. They were all delicious and the potato salad was also. We're both gluten intolerant and the owner was super helpful about what had flour in it and what didn't. Lovely little place in Milwaukie, great owners, great food.
Amanda Falsetto
Feb 25,2025
5 stars! We drove from Columbia County to try The Smoking Jay. We were not disappointed. Meat: Brisket, Burnt Ends, and Pork. No, we couldn't pick just one. The fat was perfectly rendered. The smoke ring is gorgeous, and flavorful is unreal. Sides: Baked beans - savory, sweet, and a little spicy at the end. I have never tasted beans quite like that. Corn muffin - oh my goodness I want one right now thinking about it. I believe he uses blue massa in the recipe and sweet corn mixed in. It is served cut in half buttered and grilled. Let's chat about the Keylime pie Smoked gram cracker crust. Tangy keyline filling, sweet and creamy whipped cream with the smoothest tasting caramel drizzle. Mind blown! We will happily make the drive again soon.
Rick Jackson
Feb 5,2025
What a great find! Excellent BBQ joint with a creative menu built from your staple favorite smoked meats along with an outstanding sides selection. Engaging staff who clearly care about delivering a quality meal in a welcoming environment. I had the smoked pork belly burnt ends as a sandwich and couldn't have been happier! The brisket chili was delicious and they make a mean potato salad. We'll be back, in part, to make up for not having enough room for the key lime pie!!
Reviews For The Smoking Jay