The acclaimed La Barbecue restaurant in Austin, Texas will soon be expanded as the team is opening a new Portland location.
The Oregonian recently reported that owner Ali Clem is helping open a new barbecue joint called Lil Barbecue in the city. There is not a set location as of yet, but it may soon be announced. The current Michelin starred La Barbecue is in the Holly neighborhood of Austin.
The project will be led by Ben Vaughn, general manager of La Barbecue. After helping maintain the barbecue joint which has been open since 2021, he is taking his skills to the new location.
Vaughn went out to Portland last year, and he had been thinking about leaving Texas as he has been in Austin for about 12 years. He discovered there was a market for barbecue in Portland.
“That kind of got the wheels turning,” Vaughn told What Now Portland.
Meats on the menu at La Barbecue include the brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, turkey, pulled pork, chopped brisket and brisket chili. They also serve sandwiches with brisket, turkey, pulled pork and sausage. Another item they’re known for is their pickles, with a variety of flavors to choose from.
Vaughn said this new location will be focused around the bar, and it will have an all-day menu. There will also be a burger special from the Austin restaurant that will be brought to the new one.
“I can’t wait to make this new venture with him an amazing one bringing central Texas barbecue to the west,” Clems recently posted on the La Barbecue Instagram.
There is no opening date yet, but it’s been reported it will be opening sometime this year.
