Vegan
American
Fast food
Delivery
Take-out
Catering
Specializes in vegan barbecue and American comfort food like faux deli meat subs and mac n cheese. Began as a food cart then opened its brick & mortar in Nov 2015 at 1628 SW Jefferson St then moved here in Jul 2017; the food cart closed. Under new ownership 2022 by the team behind The Mocking Bird. Reported closed October 2023.
126 Reviews
First Review by CommanderCort
lucuma
Points +1044
The reviews don’t lie - Edit
I was excited to try Homegrown’s vegan BBQ after the rave reviews and was not disappointed. I chose the combo plate with tempeh ribs, bbq chicken, greens, coleslaw and hush puppies (which were sold out and subbed for bread roll). Everything about the plate was amazing and I had plenty of leftovers to take home. I also recommend the Mac Daddy Chick’n sando and Philthy NoCheesesteak.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-03-25
Pros: Amazing vegan BBQ, All vegan , Offers milkshakes/desserts
Cons: Unfriendly service
Guest
Nancelot
Points +18
Not as good as it sounds - Edit
The hot wing’s appetizer was pretty good although a titch overcooked. I ordered the BBQ plate and my husband the one with “ribs” and “chicken”. Both were overcooked or over fried. The “meat” it self was good, but the sauce was NOT! Sadly their food was too salty and their sauce was too tomato-y and not too good. We did bring some leftovers home and put some Sweet Baby Rays on it and it was so much better!!
Read morePros: Hot wings
Cons: Hush puppies, Meats, BBQ sauce
Guest
Hanna_Burch
Points +204
Phenomenal BBQ - Edit
Vegan smoked BBQ is hard to find and Homegrown Smoker did not disappoint. We got the platter with ribs, smoked chicken, Mac n cheese, and coleslaw. The smoked chicken was the star but everything was great.
Read morePros: Good value, Rare find
Guest
raimichick
Points +282
holy moly - Edit
I've been here a few times and holy moly it's good! Last time, I had a bbq soy curl and Mac and cheese burrito that took me three days to finish. You get a lot for your money. Try the mozzarella sticks!
Read moreGuest
Gageveggie119
Points +32
Vegan BBQ- what more can I say? - Edit
Amazing food! Lovely people. The shakes are outstanding! Had the peanut butter shake and my goodness, it was yummy!
Read moreGuest
Lauralei
Points +586
Outstanding! - Edit
We were only in Portland for a short trip and had to arrange our dinner schedule to get to this place because their hours are weird but oh man, I’m glad we did! It lives up to the hype for sure. We each had a combo platter so we could try lots of things. The BBQ is the star of the show for sure. We had the tempeh and the soy curls and they were both excellent & they were even great cold the next day. The slaw was perfect too. The baked beans were meh, nothing special, and the mac n’ cheese was just ok. But dayum, that bbq was memorable.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-07-22
Pros: All vegan, Huge menu, Amazing food
Guest
TessaWhite
Points +867
Great portions and flavors - Edit
I mean you want to like Barbecue but the Mac n Cheese was awesome and fried pickles with ranch are new to me and I am not mad about it !
Read moreThemockingbird
Thank you so much for the review😄
Read moreGuest
JasonHawk
Points +52
Amazing food! - Edit
Had a road trip through Portland. The portions are huge and the food was great!
Read moreThemockingbird
So happy you stopped in on your road trip.😄Hope you have/had a safe trip back and we hope to see you again in the future!!
Read moreGuest
Eloise31
Points +34
Disappointed - Edit
First time here since they changed owners. Skimpy portion of ribs that didn’t taste smoked. It was Impossible ribs with bbq sauce. Had better at Wayside in Olympia!
Read morehowavegandoesit@gmail
Oh no! I'm so sad to hear that they use impossible. Weren't the ribs previously made in-house? Not being local, I never had a chance to try this place, but heard good things. I was looking forward to visiting, but now I guess you have saved me the trouble of a wasted visit. I don't eat impossible, so it's extra disappointing.
Read morehowavegandoesit@gmail
I just looked at their menu, and I don't see impossible listed. I saw tempeh, beyond, seitan, and soy curls.... but no impossible.
Read moreThemockingbird
So sorry your visit wasn’t exceptional this time around. We want to clarify that we have never utilized Impossible products. Instead, we use Beyond products for our ribz, and we ensure that each portion is weighed out to match the standard set by the previous owner. Additionally, we offer a diverse menu with many other enticing options. We sincerely hope that you will give us another opportunity to make your dining experience truly enjoyable. Have a great weekend!!
Read moreGuest
Sjjk12
Points +1105
Fabulously smoky - Edit
We shared a combo plate- these are my favorites in order from most to least: tempeh ribs, collard greens, Mac n cheese, smoked chik’n, hush puppies. This is something you can’t really get across the US, maybe the last place I saw that does this type of food is Austin. Their place is high quality, and well deserved for a visit! Next time I would like to try a fried chik’n sandwich.
Read morePros: One of a kind restaurant
Themockingbird
We appreciate the kind words and taking the time to leave us a review😄
Read moreHope to see you again soon!!
Guest
EABessel
Points +1349
Amended review - Edit
Great to see that Homegrown Smoker is open again! Food is a little different, and in a good way. Also really nice to have indoor seating again. However, prices have increased and food was served lukewarm on two occasions November 2022 and June 2023. Flavors are good, but food is under seasoned.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-11-20
Themockingbird
Thank you so much for bringing this issue to our attention. We’ll talk to the kitchen staff and make sure to strategize a solution for ensuring the food is served hot.
Read moreGuest
theplantbasedsoul
Points +658
Comforting brunch food delivered - Edit
All of it was so good and flavorful!! Cute space/vibe. Can’t wait to go back. Service was also nice and quick.
Read moreThemockingbird
Thanks so much for supporting our newer brunch menu. We’re so happy to hear your loved it and can’t wait to have you back!!💗
Read moreGuest
emthenomad
Points +131
Expectations surpassed - Edit
I’ve been following this place for years on social media and have been dreaming of coming to try it. Dang it was totally worth the journey! We got the bbq soy curl salad which was HUGE, light and creamy, mixed well with the soy curls. I got the plate with ribs and smoked chicken. The chicken and hush puppies wereto die for. I’ve never had real meat but my friend has and said it was shocking how much it tasted like chicken. She got one of the fried chicken burgers and was amazed. She was super impressed, saying that that was the best vegan chicken burger she’s had since she’s gone vegetarian. Honestly everything was beyond my expectations. I wish I could go back and try more. The only thing I was underwhelmed by was the Mac and cheese, definitely just tasted like basic cashew sauce, could have been creamier and more flavorful but otherwise I’ll dream of this place until I return 🧡
Read morePros: Super creative/ authentic, Big portions , Flavourful and impressive
Cons: A little on the expensive side
Themockingbird
Thank you for your fantastic review and for following along our journey over many years! We're thrilled that your visit exceeded your expectations overall. We apologize for the underwhelming experience with the Mac and cheese and appreciate your feedback. We can't wait to welcome you back for another delicious meal soon! 🧡
Read moreGuest
TaylorGoVegan
Points +848
Great food, awesome animal rights vibes - Edit
I love the food here and the animal rights walls 💚 The patty of my chicken sandwich was kind of bland but the Mac and cheese and mozzarella sticks were great!
Read moreGuest
DianeH
Points +1149
Five stars for sure! - Edit
I’m happy to join the many 5-star reviews. The food was great. I had a chicken sandwich and fries…both were so good!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-03-24
Guest
Tofuttib00ty89
Points +1256
Great comfort food - Edit
I only got to try this place once. It was amazing. I wish it was a national chain. It was so good! I hope I get to visit Portland again soon and eat here again. I hear it’s new ownership so hopefully it’s still as good or better!!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-03-22
Pros: All vegan , Big portions
Guest
Plantasaur
Points +214
Still very good! - Edit
My second time coming here and still impressed! Got the Chick’n Sandwich and it was delicious!
Read moreGuest
PaulAtreides
Points +1097
New owners, old standard - Edit
I have been to many iterations of Homegrown Smoker, especially the cart by PSU. The owners might have changed, but it's still some of the best BBQ style vegan food in town. I got a burrito as big as my bicep and mozzarella sticks to die for. Soycurls were marinated well and super tasty. I heard they also have boozy, vegan milkshakes now. If they keep making food this good, I'll keep always coming back for more.
Read morePros: Super tasty BBQ and comfort food, Burrito was big enough for two meals, Basically a Portland standard at this point
Guest
villain
Points +8577
Believe the hype! - Edit
I've wanted to try Homegrown Smoker ever since 2015 when I was living in Seattle and heard how people would take trips to Portland just to eat here. I never ended up making it until now. Since I've been wanting to go here so long, I had *very* high hopes. And the experience lived up to the hype! The overall flavor and consistency is so much better than any other BBQ food I've had in Seattle, SF Bay, and LA. So, to me, it's the best on the west coast. I recommend the tempeh ribs, they're seasoned to perfection. My second favorite "protein" is the smoked chick'n. I could eat that every day. The mac and cheese is very satisfying too. The burritos here are massive in size and just too dang good! The price of the food is also very reasonable considering how large & filling the portions are.
Read moreDefinitely go with the combo plate for your first time here, and make it an XL for leftovers.
Updated from previous review on 2023-01-07
Parker14
Glad you enjoyed it! I miss Homegrown Smoker being just a quick 4 bus away when it was on Mississippi Avenue.
Read moreGuest
veganveronica
Points +1298
Great food! - Edit
I’ve wanted to try them for years, but whenever we were in Portland (from Seattle), they were closed. It wasn’t outstanding like I’ve heard, but it was probably the best vegan bbq I’ve had since I haven’t tried much. We were there on black friday and we were the only people there. Really good sauces and the mac & cheese was great. Good portions on the platters! Great for leftovers. Cute place and kind staff.
Read morePros: Big portions, Great sauces
Cons: Parking
Guest
BA9243
Points +16
Not as good since ownership change - Edit
Used to be my favorite vegan spot before ownership change, now I'm a bit disappointed each time. Wouldn't bother taking visitors here but its not a bad option on occasion. Not a fan of the faux chicken
Read moreGuest
AnnetteRoulette
Points +191
Consistently awesome - Edit
Eat here once a week even though I live across the river. I am allergic to nuts and their nut-free "cheese" sauce is the best I've tasted. Mac & cheese is superb. BBQ tempeh & sweet potato fries are excellent. Cheesy grits & greens bowl is amazing. Multiple burgers are available with tempeh or seitan or soy patties. ***EDIT: Business was sold. (New owners run Mockingbird which I'm not familiar with?). It has changed in some ways, focusing more on sandwiches/ fried foods, less on bbq. STILL DELICIOUS STILL VEGAN😋 I've been 3 times since the new ownership. Recommend the Buffalo soy curl salad, huge and full of flavor. I enjoyed their vegan version of a sausage mcmuffin breakfast sandwich too. Same big burritos on the menu that HSmoker has had for years.***
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-03-08
Pros: Large menu is 100% plant-based, Nut-free except for some bakery items, Portion sizes are generous
Cons: Prefer the former Tofufish to new Flowerfish
Guest
SarahMays
Points +1267
Fun options, huge portions - Edit
Edit Sept. 2022: Homegrown Smoker is open for dine in now! My husband can’t eat seitan so he felt like the menu was a little limited. Again, everything we tried was tasty but we were overwhelmed by the portion sizes- next time we will split an entree. The Mac and cheese was my favorite thing we tried!
Read moreHomegrown Smoker has a lot of tasty barbecue themed options for take out only (as of Sept. 2021). I was especially impressed with all the different “protein” options, like tempeh, soy curls, and seitan. Although everything we tried was delicious, the portion sizes were too big. My macnocheeto burrito was enough for 2-3 people! Bottom line: It was fun to eat at this restaurant and it’s definitely a go-to when we are in Portland!
Updated from previous review on 2021-09-03
Pros: Delicious , Unique options
Cons: Portions way too big
Guest
le_bobster
Points +343
Smoky - Edit
Was a slightly disappointed by all the hype, I had a combo with Beyond ribs, extra chicken and mac and cheese. Great portions and tasty but not out of this world, bbq sauce was a bit too spicy for my taste. Nice staff
Read moreGuest
sarahtops93
Points +414
Great ribs - Edit
These are the ribs that real ribs wish they could be, moisture and texture-wise. Great flavor and sauce. Coleslaw was fresh and complimented nicely. Hush puppies and sauce were amazing. Beers on draft. Only unexpected thing we found was small macaroni side portion was huge, like a dinner plate not a cup, and the macaroni was not that great.
Read morePros: Best vegan BBQ, Price, Service
Cons: Macaroni wasn’t the best
Guest
RebeccaSullivan
Points +4081
Highly Recommend - Edit
This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life. We tried some combo plates with the beyond ribs, tempeh ribs, Mac n cheese, BBQ beans, hush puppies, and a cheesesteak. The portions were gigantic and the food was incredible. What a fun option with truly delicious food. Highly recommend and can not wait to return next time I’m in Portland!
Read moreGuest
VeganBirdNerd
Points +836
VEGAN BBQ FOR THE WIN! - Edit
I haven't been in Portland for quite a while but this is my favorite vegan bbq. Tempeh ribz, smoked chick'n, hush puppies, macnocheeze, slaw, bbq beans... fantastic! I love their combo plate! Ordering the combo plate allows you to pick several of their items to try out. Soooo good.
Read morePros: All vegan BBQ!!
Cons: It's not in Seattle!!
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 27271 times.