Cottage Grove sits about 20 miles south of Eugene and although the home of the Ducks gets a lot more attention as far as restaurants go, there are some seriously great places to check out just a short drive away! One such place is the family owned and operated Big Stuff BBQ that’s been supplying Lane County with mouth-watering, slow-smoked barbecue since 2004.
You can find Big Stuff BBQ in a historic brick building right on Main Street in the heart of town, but even if you didn’t know where it was you could follow your nose to the fall-off-the-bone meats smoked on site for a minimum of 15 hours! They keep the menu pretty simple, which is how a barbeque joint should be—a focus on getting the meat exactly right and offering a handful of quality, homemade sides that complement the main meal and round out a perfect plate of food.
You can order most meats at Big Stuff either as a plate, a sandwich, or a la carte. Their meats also won’t come drenched in barbeque sauce since it comes on the side so you can customize it to your liking. Plates come with two sides of your choice and either a corn muffin or roll. The sandwich plates will come with a bit less meat and your choice of two sides, while ordering a la carte is a great way to mix and match so you can try it all. They even have kids meals that come with one side and a drink! Everything is made from scratch and with their generous portions, you’re sure to have some extra to take home with you.
Try their tender pulled pork, sausage, flavorful brisket and ribs, or the moist chicken. Pair these with some of their unbelievably good sides like vinegary coleslaw, creamy potato salad made with dill and mustard, fries (that you can order spicy), baked beans, or their famous mac n’ cheese.
Big Stuff BBQ has a great, small town feel and on any given day you’ll see locals popping in for their regular orders and shooting the breeze. It’s also a good spot for groups as they have a large and accommodating dining room. They also feature local art on sale to support the community. Stop by and try one of their tried and true menu options or opt for a daily special— they’ll even give you sample tastes so you know you’re getting exactly what you want.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Address: 733 E Main St, Cottage Grove, OR
Phone: (541) 942-3999
Big Stuff BBQ stands as a shining example among the numerous local businesses fostering positive change in Oregon. If you’ve got a favorite spot or business in mind, don’t hesitate to nominate them—they might just be highlighted in an upcoming feature for That Oregon Life. Be sure to stay connected with That Oregon Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the most remarkable destinations, attractions, and happenings in the Beaver State.
