Smoky Goodness And Mouthwatering BBQ Are Front And Center At This Newport Gem

by | Jul 18, 2025 | Food & Drink, Interesting, Newport, Oregon Coast, Restaurants, Taphouse, Travel

The outside of The Wild's Tap House & BBQ in Newport Oregon. It's a tall wood cabin style building, though modern. It had two black and white light up signs that say, 'The Wilds Taphouse & BBQ'. In the photo, it's night time, but a warm cozy glow emits from the windows and doors from inside the building.
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BBQ magic await at The Wilds Tap House & BBQ in Newport, Oregon. Dive into smoky brisket, ribs, wings, and scratch-made sides.

Found just a half mile from the beach and surrounded by towering pines, The Wilds Tap House & BBQ is where Southern-style barbecue meets the rugged charm of the Oregon Coast. It’s off the beaten path (up the hill and across the bridge in Newport’s South Beach neighborhood), but it’s well worth the detour.

Get Juicy Meat And Smoky Goodness In Every Bite At The Wilds Tap House & BBQ In Newport, Oregon

An absolutely delicious looking smoked meat and melted cheese sandwich at The Wilds Tap House.
Photo by Catelin Ward via Google Local.

The space, once home to Wolf Tree Brewery’s taproom, has been transformed by owners Dave and Jill Redlich into a laid-back hangout spot with cold beer, live music, and mouthwatering smoked meats. In the kitchen, Chef and Pitmaster Shane brings a craft-forward approach, with nearly everything made from scratch, such as house-ground meat, hand-cut fries, and sauces with a bold, layered flavor.

Beans, a side, and a huge slab of smoked meat on the bone.
Photo by Kristy Augustine via Google Local.

To start your meal, consider ordering some tasty wings. The wings here aren’t just an afterthought, they’re a full-on flavor experience. Options like garlic honey and smoked cherry cola glaze bring a creative, smoky twist to this classic starter. Each bite packs bold flavor that pairs perfectly with one of the local beers on tap.

A smoked meat sandwich on a bun and hand cut fries. The fries look crispy on the outside.
Photo by Logan Miller via Google Local.

After some wings, it's time for the main event: mouthwatering smoky barbecue. That means brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and even brisket burgers all smoked on-site in the massive outdoor smoker. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the full “heavy hitter” menu rolls out, inspired by traditional Southern joints that keep it simple and sensational just a few days a week. The rest of the week, diners can still find a solid lineup of burgers, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.

A meat sandwich with pickles and other toppings.
Photo by The Wilds Tap House & BBQ via Google Local.

One menu standout is the Old School Burger, a brisket burger dressed with grilled onions and mustard and served with a generous pile of fries. For something with a bit more kick, the brisket mac and cheese delivers a double dose of smoky goodness with creamy cavatappi noodles, slow-cooked meat, and tangy BBQ sauce. Toss in pickled jalapeños for a fiery twist, and you've got something special that will make you want to come back again and again.

Mouthwatering brisket mac and cheese drizzled with a red sauce.
Photo by Catelin Ward via Google Local.

The vibe here is casual and welcoming, with music in the air and friendly staff who clearly care about the food and the experience. The outdoor seating area is a hit, especially for those bringing their dogs along. It’s a favorite among locals, many of whom make weekly visits, and students from the nearby Oregon Coast Community College get discounts with their student ID.

The Wilds Tap House & BBQ Newport, Oregon Information

  • Location: 755 SE College Way in Newport, Oregon
  • Hours:
    • Monday: 4 PM - 9 PM
    • Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
    • Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9 PM
    • Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
    • Sunday: 11:30 AM - 9 PM
  • Get more information at The Wild's Tap House website.
Mouthwatering brisket mac and cheese drizzled with a red sauce.
Photo by Colleen Schupp via Google Local.

The Wilds may be a little out of the way, but it’s quickly becoming a can’t-miss destination for anyone craving juicy, smoky barbecue magic on the Oregon Coast. Just follow the aroma of smoked meats (and maybe the sound of live music) up the hill.


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Written By Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. She has been blogging since 2006. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds.

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