
Popular Portland BBQ Joint Would Be a Perfect Fit for Any Maine Neighborhood
Finding great barbecue and pizza can be a challenge. While both cuisines offer a wide range of styles, perfecting them—or even getting them just right—can be tough. Luckily, in Portland, there's a spot that has truly mastered both, carving out a fantastic niche for themselves.
Located in Deering Center, the highly popular Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue has quickly made a name for itself. While the location may be new, Noble's story dates back to 2017 when they first opened their doors on Forest Ave. The BBQ experts gained instant popularity with their mouthwatering brisket, pork, pastrami, hearty sandwiches, and irresistible scrappy fries (more on those later!).
What many may not know is that Noble's roots go even deeper. Before their first Portland location, the team was already serving up delicious pizza from their catering trailer. According to Noble's website, their pizza was such a hit that they were traveling across New England and New York, gaining a loyal following. It only made sense to bring both their legendary barbecue and pizza together in this exciting new venture.
Earlier this year, Noble announced its move to a larger, more spacious location in Deering Center. The new spot offers a full bar, ample seating, and plenty of on and off-street parking—major perks that allow the Noble team to take their concept to new heights.
The space itself is fantastic. I've had the chance to sit both at the bar and in the dining area, and each experience was great. The ambiance is cozy, the service is top-notch, and the seating is comfortable. But let's be honest—the real highlight here is the food.
As a long-time fan of Noble's barbecue, it’s no surprise that I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried at their new location. The barbecue is as delicious as ever—moist, smoky, and cooked to perfection. However, I have to admit, the pizza has now emerged as the true standout.
The thin-crust pies are cooked to a perfect crisp and feature fresh, creative ingredients like fresh herbs, creamy burrata, spicy hot honey, and their irresistible barbecue meats.
It’s also clear that the pizza is a hit with the local community, as I’ve noticed a steady stream of takeout orders leaving the door. It’s evident that Noble's pizza has quickly become a favorite in this bustling Portland neighborhood.
Other standout items on the menu include the wings, which are first smoked and then fried to crispy perfection. It’s the ideal combo for BBQ lovers like me, as the smoky flavor remains prominent even after the wings are finished in the hot oil.
Then there are the scrappy fries—an iconic dish I’ve been enjoying at Noble for years. These fries are topped with a rich poblano cream sauce, baked beans, cotija cheese, pickled onions, and generous chunks of meat straight from the butcher block. This is what poutine would be if poutine was invented in Kansas City. It's a calorie bomb of epic proportions.
With exceptional food, a stellar cocktail menu, and top-notch service, Noble has all the makings of a beloved neighborhood staple. The only downside? Unfortunately, I don’t live in that neighborhood.
Every Maine community would be lucky to have a place like this. It’s the perfect spot for people of all ages and backgrounds—whether you’re looking to fill up, enjoy great company, or make a lasting memory.
READ MORE: Jamaican Joint in Saco Named Maine’s Best Soul Food
Congratulations on the (semi) rebrand, Noble. I wish you many more years of success. And if you ever consider opening a second location, I’d highly recommend Buxton—perhaps somewhere really close to my house.
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