Order Authentic, Texas-Style Barbecue From This Oregon Food Truck
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 12, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here in Oregon, we really do have it all — and we’re not just talking about our world-famous outdoor recreation. The Beaver State is a formidable force in the culinary arena, boasting wholly unique Pacific Northwest fare, incredible seafood, and some truly amazing global *and* regional cuisine. Whether it’s an epic Philly cheesesteak or bona fide Southern feast you’re craving, you’ll find it here. And if it’s authentic, Texas-style barbecue you’re after, you’ll find it in Hood River, Oregon.
Barbecue is its own cuisine, full of variations, regional styles, and international flavors. Even within Texas, there's a diversity of barbecues: south Texas focuses on barbacoa, East Texas serves chopped beef, west Texas is essentially grilled, and central Texas is low-and-slow, brisket-style BBQ. Central Texas barbecue what folks most often mean when they refer to Texas style.
Here you'll find barbecue masters Sam Carroll, Drew Marquis, and Brendon Bain working the smoker and putting together meaty masterpieces on Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. until they sell out, which is generally by 4 p.m.
And they always sell out. Because the barbecue really is that good. Check out this pulled pork sandwich! The pork is rubbed with Grasslands's special Cajun Tasso seasoning and smoked low-and-slow for 12 hours. To build this bad boy, they add Old Bay aioli, firebox onions, and dill pickles.
Most people order the full barbecue spread, though, which comes with delicious sides like Fried Smashed Potatoes and Tex-Mex Slaw. In terms of proteins, the Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a fan favorite.
So the next time you're craving an authentic(ish) slice of central Texas barbecue, with a side of PNW flair, head to Grasslands Barbecue in Hood River, Oregon.