A Little Bit of Smoke

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A line queues in front of A Little Bit of Smoke. / Photo by Brynn Opsahl.

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A Little Bit of Smoke

$$

***

Cash Only

SW 9th Ave. between Alder and Washington St.

Phone: 503.758.8860

Email: [email protected]

Mon-Fri: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The block of SW Washington and 10th Ave is a food cart frenzy. During the workday lunch hour, this pod of carts is probably the most popular spot in Portland for a quick, cheap and delicious bite to eat. Deciding which cart to choose may just be the hardest decision you make all day. A Little Bit of Smoke is a comfortable pick with hearty meals and large portions. Originally from Arizona, these BBQ chefs made their way to Portland to take a stab at the food cart scene.

The most popular choice is the Pulled Pork Plate ($9.00). With a half a pound of pork and two homemade sides, this plate will make you squeal with satisfaction. The meat is cooked to perfection, and presented in classic pulled pork manner. A sweet and spicy BBQ sauce tops it off—though only covers the top layer of meat, leaving the bottom layer a bit dry (ask for extra BBQ sauce on the side). What is truly special about this meal? The sides. The sweet potato salad is reason enough to visit this cart multiple times a week. With diced sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions and cashews all tossed in a honey and mustard dressing, this salad can turn sweet potato haters into lovers—and lovers into worshippers.

Leave room for dessert, Scott’s famous banana pudding ($3.00) is a must-have dish. Their homemade vanilla pudding is layered with fresh bananas, Nilla wafers and hand-whipped cream. You can’t help but hog it all.

Insider tips: Parking is extremely difficult so ride your bike or take the bus. Enjoy your meal at O’Bryant Square nearby on the corner of Washington St. and 9th Ave.

Bonus: Each plate comes with a complimentary moon pie cookie.

What I had:

Pulled Pork Plate $9.00

Scott’s Banana Pudding $3.00

Total: $12.00

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