Celebrated Texas-Style Barbecue Cart Botto’s Has Reopened in Northwest Portland

After the owner’s brief stint in prison, Botto’s BBQ is back. The celebrated barbecue truck has returned to its original neighborhood to hawk Texas-style brisket and ribs, the Oregonian reports.

Open for under a year, Botto Barbecue quickly gained recognition as a major player in Portland’s barbecue scene, with rave reviews from local critics and a dedicated following. The cart’s rise to fame was cut short, however: In 2016, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jones sentenced owner Darren Bottinelli to 46 months in a minimum security prison after he admitted to stealing $3 million from former clients at his health care funds management company. Bottinelli only served about two years, his sentence reduced thanks to good behavior and a complete drug addiction program.

The renamed Botto’s BBQ reopened on April 17, serving the classics that made it famous as well as specials like Santa Maria tri-tip sandwiches. The cart is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 2204 NW Roosevelt Street.

• Botto’s BBQ [Instagram]
• Botto’s BBQ reopens in NW Portland after owner’s release from prison [The O]
• Acclaimed BBQ food cart fails to keep $3 million swindler out of jail [The O]
• Botto Barbecue Has Some of the Finest Dry-Rubbed Rib Racks in Portland [Willamette Week]