Here in Eugene, I find myself missing the barbecue I grew up eating during the summers I spent touring through the South. When I got the chance to review Paper Plate BBQ, I couldn’t help but hop at the opportunity. Nestled on 6th Street sits the Texas-style barbecue food truck serving a variety of meats by the pound such as ribs, tea-brined chicken thighs, pulled pork, and smoked brisket. These pair fabulously with their sides of cornbread with whipped honey butter, southwest beans with brisket, fiesta coleslaw with chile-roasted pepitas, and pickled vegetables. Along with their meats and sides, they offer brisket, pulled pork, and chicken sandwiches and a combo plate that comes with 1/3 pound of brisket, 1/3 pound of chicken, two ribs, and two sides.
The day I visited Paper Plate BBQ was a gorgeous day for barbecue. The picnic table next to the truck was perfect for enjoying the mildly warm air and cool breeze before it got too cold. If it does happen to rain, the truck is next to PLAY Eugene, a pub with indoor seating, pinball machines, batting cages, and a golf simulator to rent.
I ordered the cornbread, 1/2 lb of ribs, and the sausage of the day, which was cheddar jalapeño. Unfortunately, they sold the last of the brisket to the customer before me, but as someone who doesn’t differ from my normal orders, it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. Slightly disappointed about not getting brisket, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the sausage. Packed with bits of jalapeño and cheddar, there was an enjoyable punch of heat and a spark of sharp cheddar. I personally don’t choose sausage when I am ordering BBQ, but this was absolutely the right choice. The ribs had a touch of sweetness and were tender, falling off the bone with every bite. The cornbread was fantastic. I find myself having a difficult time searching for cornbread that fits my liking. Not too gritty and with a soft, fluffy texture. This one checked off all the boxes. The large cube of cake-like texture paired with the whipped honey butter was the cherry on top of my meal. Funny enough, as I was cleaning up to leave, a gaggle of turkeys walked by and I thought, “Good thing turkey isn’t served here anymore or else they’d be smoked.”
If you’re in the mood for barbecue, I’d highly recommend Paper Plate BBQ. It’s the perfect place to grab some smoked meats and chill out with a friend. There is plenty of parking on the street or in their adjacent gravel lot along Lincoln Street and 5th Street. When you go, make sure to go earlier in the day; that way you get to try their signature brisket!
