Savor slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork at Rattlesnake BBQ in Oregon, where bold flavors, house-made sauces, and hearty sides create a mouthwatering BBQ experience worth the drive.
About 20 minutes from Eugene, right across from scenic Dexter Lake, sits Rattlesnake BBQ, a spot that’s as full of flavor as it is history. The restaurant operates inside the building where a memorable scene from Animal House was filmed, but these days, the real draw is the barbecue.
Get Bold, Mouthwatering Flavors And Slow-Smoked Perfection At Rattlesnake BBQ
Rattlesnake BBQ serves up a Northwest twist on Texas-style cooking. Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and baby back ribs are cooked until tender and served with house-made sauces. The sauce selection is a highlight, with options ranging from the bourbon and chipotle “Snake Bite” to the sweet-and-spicy “Spicy Berry Chipotle.” There’s also a tangy Carolina-style vinegar sauce, a Memphis-inspired butter-and-onion blend, and several others, each with its own recommended meat pairing and heat level. Guests can select the sauce that best suits their taste, adding a personal touch to every plate.
Appetizers set the tone for a hearty meal. Smoked and then fried hot wings, bacon wrapped “Texas Twinkies” stuffed with brisket and cream cheese, and BBQ Mega Nachos piled high with meat and toppings are all popular choices.
Sides lean toward comforting classics like creamy mac and cheese, smoky baked beans, cucumber salad, potato salad, and fresh slaw.
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The mouthwatering menu covers a range of barbecue favorites: platters with your choice of meat and side, bone-in plates, and tender barbecue meat sandwiches on brioche buns.
There’s even a BBQ pizza topped with brisket for those who like to mix it up.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. On one side of the building there’s a laid-back tavern, and on the other side, mouthwatering barbecue. The outdoor seating offers a relaxed spot to enjoy warm weather and not-so-distant lake views, and on select evenings local musicians take the stage, adding even more reason to stop in.
Rattlesnake BBQ Information
- Location: 39128 Dexter Rd in Dexter, Oregon. Located at the Dexter Lake Club.
- Hours:
- Monday - Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday - Sunday: Hours seem to vary by season. Check their Facebook page or call them for up to date hours.
- Get more information at the Rattlesnake BBQ Facebook page.
Rattlesnake BBQ is the kind of place where it’s easy to linger over a meal, whether loading up a plate with brisket and ribs, digging into a burger with onion rings, or just enjoying the variety of scratch-made sauces. For anyone passing through on Highway 58, spending the day at Dexter Reservoir, or exploring the foothills of the Cascades, this roadside BBQ stop makes a satisfying addition to the trip.
