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Terlingua

Popular barbecue spot with a 4.6 rating. A good option if you want a different cuisine style from the city’s seafood-heavy scene.

Terlingua is a Texas-inspired barbecue restaurant in Portland’s West End, known for smoked meats, hearty sides, and a casual, lively atmosphere. It’s a good stop if you want a distinctly American barbecue meal in a neighborhood setting rather than a formal dining experience. The menu and style lean toward comfort food with a smoky, Southwestern edge, making it appealing for both a sit-down dinner and a more relaxed meal with friends.

History

Terlingua is a Portland restaurant that takes its name from Terlingua, Texas, a small West Texas community associated with desert landscapes and barbecue culture. In Portland, the restaurant has built its identity around Texas-style smoked meats and Southwestern influences rather than trying to imitate a generic New England dining room.

Quick tip: Go earlier in the evening if you want the best chance at a relaxed meal, since barbecue spots can be busiest once dinner service gets going.

Expert notes

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