Discover the Unique Flavors of Pacific Northwest BBQ

The Pacific Northwest’s Signature BBQ Style

A Brief History of Pacific Northwest BBQ

Pacific Northwest BBQ has long flown under the radar compared to its Southern and Midwestern cousins, but it carries a rich and distinctive heritage rooted in the region’s unique geography, diverse communities, and natural bounty. Indigenous peoples of the region traditionally cooked salmon on cedar planks over open flames, a technique that still defines much of the area’s outdoor cooking today.

As settlers arrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their own BBQ traditions from across the country, which slowly merged with local customs and ingredients. The result? A hybrid BBQ style that values balance over intensity, fruitwood over hickory, and fresh, seasonal ingredients over heavy spice rubs.

In recent decades, Pacific Northwest BBQ has gained new recognition thanks to local artisans and butchers who emphasize craftsmanship, sustainability, and flavor integrity. BBQ here isn’t about excess, it’s about intention. And today, sauces like those from Gartner’s Meats continue to define and elevate the region’s barbecue legacy.

When most people think of BBQ, their minds go straight to smoky Texas brisket or tangy Carolina pulled pork. But the Pacific Northwest has its own quiet, flavorful approach to barbecue that reflects the region’s emphasis on freshness, balance, and craftsmanship.

Here, BBQ isn’t just a summer pastime, it’s a year-round culinary tradition that celebrates quality over quantity, nuance over intensity. Pacific Northwest BBQ draws inspiration from local ingredients: wild-caught salmon, pasture-raised beef, and fruitwood-smoked meats. And just like the food, the sauces are thoughtfully made to enhance flavor without overpowering it.

At the heart of this regional BBQ culture is a commitment to slow cooking, subtle smoke, and sauces that complement, not dominate. And nowhere is this more evident than in the handcrafted small-batch BBQ sauces from local butchers like Gartner’s Meats.

Balanced Flavor, Regional Pride

Founded in 1959, Gartner’s Meats is a Portland-based institution with a deep heritage in meat and flavor. A third-generation butcher shop, Gartner’s has long served as a pillar in the community and a destination for those who care about quality. Their line of BBQ sauces — Classic, Honey Habanero, and Whiskey Grilling — is a reflection of their philosophy: bold, balanced, and made with intention.

Each sauce is developed in-house using time-tested recipes and real ingredients. Gartner’s Classic BBQ Sauce is smoky and savory, perfect for everything from brisket to burgers. The Honey Habanero balances natural sweetness with just the right kick of heat. And the Whiskey Grilling Sauce offers a rich, deep flavor that works beautifully as a marinade or finishing glaze.

These sauces bring a versatile, elevated touch to any grilling session. Whether you’re working with pork chops, steak, ribs, chicken, or even salmon, Gartner’s sauces add depth without overpowering the natural taste of your meat.

Elevate Your BBQ Game

Want to bring the taste of the Pacific Northwest to your customers or dinner table? Gartner’s Meats BBQ sauces are now available for wholesale, making it easy for butcher shops and specialty retailers to offer an authentic regional favorite.

Stocking these sauces is a simple way to drive additional revenue, create bundles, and give your customers a reason to return for more than just meat.