Porky Butts BBQ (15475 Ruggles St)

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jul 03, 2019 8:12 pm

Going in at former location of Ragazzi's off 156th and Maple (next to newer Retro Rewind Lounge).

Greg

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Wed Jul 03, 2019 10:23 pm

What is it supposed to be like?

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 4:58 am

Tried it last week, and right now, I'd have them as the second best BBQ in Omaha, trailing only Smokin' Barrel in Millard. (Tired Texas falls to third on my list.)

We had brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, ham and sausage; all were good to excellent.

lbmom5 · Post by **lbmom5** » Tue Nov 19, 2019 2:10 am

Tried this a couple weeks ago-the meats we tried (brisket & ribs) were good but the sides were pretty bad, bad enough to not go back.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:45 pm

My sister lives out that way. Maybe I need to pay her a visit someday around lunchtime.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:47 am

I'm a big fan of this place. After three visits, this is my feedback on what I've had so far:

Excellent: Smoked Sausage, Ham, Beef Brisket, Macaroni and Cheese
Good: Turkey, Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad
Meh: Apple Slaw

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Thu Dec 12, 2019 3:18 am

Was there on Tuesday. The ribs were great. The sauces were home made, well balanced, and incrementally spicy, but even the hottest one was still flavorful and not a one note wonder like most hot sauces.

Pickled onion relish was delish.

The recipes come from hardcore competition BBQ. The owner has won the Royal American.

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Thu Dec 12, 2019 3:22 am

I’ve been there twice in the past month. Both times we came away impressed.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Dec 12, 2019 5:14 pm

What BBQ place you like is heavily influenced by what you typically order. If you're a brisket guy, then your favorite BBQ place is probably going to be whichever place serves up the best (in your opinion) brisket in town. Likewise, if you're someone who always orders a pulled pork sandwich then whichever place is slinging the best pulled pork sandwich is going to be at the top of your list. I usually order ribs, burnt ends, bone-in chicken, or hot links. I usually order a 2 or 3 meat platter. I'm not interested in sandwiches. I'll go to a sandwich shop if I want a sandwich not a BBQ restaurant. It's sort of like Mexican cuisine. If you typically order enchiladas then you're probably going to have a different favorite restaurant than somebody who always orders street tacos.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Feb 15, 2020 7:40 pm

Finally made it to Porky Butts today, it was great! Meats and sides were both good!

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sat Feb 15, 2020 8:19 pm

Sounds like some kinda Cinemax movie

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Sun Feb 16, 2020 5:28 pm

Was there last night. Good food and huge crowd.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 4:53 pm

Cute name, serious BBQ: Porky Butts brings high-level skill to Omaha

The restaurant has an impressive display of trophies, ribbons and other prizes from barbecue competitions, including first-place honors from the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City — arguably the world’s largest smoked meat festival.

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Thu Mar 05, 2020 6:08 am

And, of course, they've been selling out regularly since the W-H article dropped. I'd give them another few weeks before trying them, unless you are going for lunch. BBQ does sell out; it's not like they can pull another steak out of the fridge.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed May 25, 2022 1:52 pm

Finally made it out to Porky Butts this past weekend.. Excellent!..

Their Burnt Ends and Smoked Sausage were great.. Their Catfish might have been even better (and that’s saying a lot). Sides were very good (try the Loaded Grits) and the Cornbread was among the best I’ve tried in awhile..

Definitely on my restaurant rotation…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Wed May 25, 2022 2:15 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 1:52 pm Their Burnt Ends and Smoked Sausage were great.. Their Catfish might have been even better (and that’s saying a lot). Sides were very good (try the Loaded Grits) and the Cornbread was among the best I’ve tried in awhile..

Next time get the Texas Poutine with Pulled Pork on it for an Appetizer! So Good!

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed May 25, 2022 2:24 pm

Brad wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 2:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 1:52 pm Their Burnt Ends and Smoked Sausage were great.. Their Catfish might have been even better (and that’s saying a lot). Sides were very good (try the Loaded Grits) and the Cornbread was among the best I’ve tried in awhile..
Next time get the Texas Poutine with Pulled Pork on it for an Appetizer! So Good!

On my list to try the next time I’m there

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Wed Dec 18, 2024 6:10 pm

Walked in to Porky Butts for lunch today and walked out with a Lasagna... Who knew... LOL

It was actually really good. It was a traditional lasagna but the meat inside it today was brisket and sausage. I guess the brisket is always in there, but not always the sausage. It was their special today and I'm not sure how often they have it.

If you like Lasagna, I would order it again, if they have it.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Dec 18, 2024 6:39 pm

Hah, wow! Porky Butts is definitely my go-to BBQ in town. Was there last week and the brisket and ribs were spot on!

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Dec 18, 2024 7:55 pm

Brad wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2024 6:10 pm Walked in to Porky Butts for lunch today and walked out with a Lasagna... Who knew... LOL

It was actually really good. It was a traditional lasagna but the meat inside it today was brisket and sausage. I guess the brisket is always in there, but not always the sausage. It was their special today and I'm not sure how often they have it.

If you like Lasagna, I would order it again, if they have it.

It used to be that my knee jerk reaction would be think a mix of typical red sauce Italian-American cuisine and Hickory Smoke are probably not the best pairing. However, that was BEFORE I went to Memphis and had the Bar-B-Q Spaghetti at The Bar-B-Q Shop and it was delightful. Now, I am very intrigued.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Dec 19, 2024 1:55 am

ChadJK wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2024 7:55 pm
Brad wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2024 6:10 pm Walked in to Porky Butts for lunch today and walked out with a Lasagna... Who knew... LOL

It was actually really good. It was a traditional lasagna but the meat inside it today was brisket and sausage. I guess the brisket is always in there, but not always the sausage. It was their special today and I'm not sure how often they have it.

If you like Lasagna, I would order it again, if they have it.
It used to be that my knee jerk reaction would be think a mix of typical red sauce Italian-American cuisine and Hickory Smoke are probably not the best pairing. However, that was BEFORE I went to Memphis and had the Bar-B-Q Spaghetti at The Bar-B-Q Shop and it was delightful. Now, I am very intrigued.

Man..

That sounds delicious- Porky Butts Lasagna!…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Mon Aug 04, 2025 12:37 am

Porky Butts is temporary closed, after flooding from their fire suppression system.

https://www.facebook.com/PorkyButtsBbq/

HskrFanMike · Post by **HskrFanMike** » Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:35 pm

This is awful for Porky Butts, which is one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. The only glimmer of light is the new Smokin' Barrel is going to have an opportunity for a big launch with their biggest West O competitor out of commission. (They've already had to close early twice due to selling out since the move.)

Post by **Brad** » Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:48 pm

HskrFanMike wrote: Wed Aug 06, 2025 12:35 pm This is awful for Porky Butts, which is one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. The only glimmer of light is the new Smokin' Barrel is going to have an opportunity for a big launch with their biggest West O competitor out of commission. (They've already had to close early twice due to selling out since the move.)

Saw the photos on their facebook page. What a mess!

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Aug 06, 2025 1:47 pm

Padre wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 12:37 am Porky Butts is temporary closed, after flooding from their fire suppression system.

https://www.facebook.com/PorkyButtsBbq/

Something very similar happened at MacDaro's in Gretna back in 2019. It took them months to reopen.
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Gretn ... 27511.html

I hope Porky Butts recovers quickly. I really enjoy their food.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:17 pm

ChadJK wrote: Wed Aug 06, 2025 1:47 pm
Padre wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 12:37 am Porky Butts is temporary closed, after flooding from their fire suppression system.

https://www.facebook.com/PorkyButtsBbq/
Something very similar happened at MacDaro's in Gretna back in 2019. It took them months to reopen.
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Gretn ... 27511.html

I hope Porky Butts recovers quickly. I really enjoy their food.

Me too. One of my favorites anywhere in Omaha. We get full to go and heat meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My family loves it.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:50 pm

This sucks for them:

Porky Butts BBQ wrote:
P-Butts.jpg

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Aug 12, 2025 7:44 pm

Brad wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:50 pm This sucks for them:

Porky Butts BBQ wrote: P-Butts.jpg

Well, not to make light of the situation, but that is what a vacuum is supposed to do.

Flyer14 · Post by **Flyer14** » Wed Aug 13, 2025 2:19 am

well done sir hahaha

nebugeater wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 7:44 pm
Brad wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:50 pm This sucks for them:

Porky Butts BBQ wrote: P-Butts.jpg

Well, not to make light of the situation, but that is what a vacuum is supposed to do.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Aug 13, 2025 1:35 pm

nebugeater wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 7:44 pm
Brad wrote: Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:50 pm This sucks for them:

Porky Butts BBQ wrote: P-Butts.jpg

Well, not to make light of the situation, but that is what a vacuum is supposed to do.

LOL, great dad joke!

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Oct 08, 2025 5:58 pm

Looks like Pork Butts BBQ is back open.

https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-pork ... tdoor_news

Almost exactly two months after a burst pipe shut down an Omaha barbecue staple, excited customers waited outside the doors Tuesday to celebrate its reopening. Owner Blane Hunter says it was the two longest months of his life.

"We have 36 people that work here, and they mean a lot to us. Porky Butts is a family, and we've been together for years together and we didn't want to lose anybody. So, we're here and everyone's here and we're ready to roll," Hunter said................

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Oct 08, 2025 6:01 pm

Hurray! Can't wait to get back there and put more of that brisket into my face hole.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Oct 09, 2025 6:24 am

almighty_tuna wrote: Wed Oct 08, 2025 6:01 pm Hurray! Can't wait to get back there and put more of that brisket into my face hole.

Agreed..

Great news!…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Fri Oct 10, 2025 9:59 am

My only complaint.. Their cornbread is more like yellow cake. It definitely needs a recipe change.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 6:40 pm

nebugeater wrote: Wed Oct 08, 2025 5:58 pm Looks like Pork Butts BBQ is back open.

https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-pork ... tdoor_news

Almost exactly two months after a burst pipe shut down an Omaha barbecue staple, excited customers waited outside the doors Tuesday to celebrate its reopening. Owner Blane Hunter says it was the two longest months of his life.

"We have 36 people that work here, and they mean a lot to us. Porky Butts is a family, and we've been together for years together and we didn't want to lose anybody. So, we're here and everyone's here and we're ready to roll," Hunter said................

Thats great news. I can't wait to get back up there!

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Oct 31, 2025 2:33 pm

Ate here last night for the first time. Stopped at Costco and then here on the way home to Gretna from a funeral

Had the Original Porky with fries, and we did an order of Onion Pettels.

The place was relatively busy for a Thur night, about 6:30

With all the hype I had heard, I was hoping for better. Not a bad meal, but not one that was calling me to come back right away, either. Probably need to try other menu items, but a good BBQ pork sandwich is a base item that is easy to compare. The pork was just OK The Slaw was too much, and I took some off the sandwich. I wasn't ordering a slaw sandwich, I was ordering pork. The Fries that I chose to have left a lot to be desired, and I like my fries as a guilty pleasure, but I only ate about 1/2 of them. Will give them another shot, just not sure when. What SHOULD I have ordered?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Oct 31, 2025 4:08 pm

nebugeater wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 2:33 pm What SHOULD I have ordered?

Meat:

I rarely get the pulled pork at a BBQ restaurant. It's such a simple thing to make that it feels like the BBQ equivalent of paying a restaurant to make you a PB&J sandwich. If I want pulled pork I'll just throw an inexpensive pork butt in the smoker, oven, or crock pot (depends on my motivation level) and make it the way I prefer it. Like I said, it's just too easy to bother paying a restaurant for. I suppose, based on that, yes they should get it right, but I'd never know because I'd never bother ordering it.

Similarly, ham I just never consider at a BBQ restaurant. Since it's mostly a heat-n-serve product and anyone buying a quality ham can serve an amazing ham at home with very little effort it just seems silly to get it at a restaurant.

Sausage is another one that's easy to do at home, but I do order it at BBQ joints. They just seem to have access to better sausage than I ever buy.

I also rarely order brisket, but for a different reason. Almost nobody does it well because it's really hard to get right. I've had some great brisket in Omaha, but for the most part it's too hit and miss. Amazing one day, dry the next. The only one that seems to be consistently good is probably Smokin' Barrel. However, when going to a new BBQ restaurant I just won't risk it. Why set myself up for the disappointment?

I've never been a fan of smoked Turkey breast. I prefer bone-in dark meat.

So, I stick to pork ribs, rib tips, sausage, burnt ends, and bone-in chicken, Porky Butts does all of those things very well (except for the rib tips which they don't serve). Their catfish is also very good (it's southern style).

Sides:

I never get fries. Probably because they're just too ubiquitous in the restaurant scene. If they make their own fries from scratch (Bronco's, Stella's, Penn Station, Everett's) then I'll get them. However, 99% are a frozen Sysco/USFoods product out of a bag and they all just taste the same to me.

At Porky Butts I get the Fried Okra, Smoked Beans, or the Cucumber Salad (which I believe is a seasonal thing). Their Mac-n-Cheese is okay, but the best mac-n-cheese at a BBQ restaurant in Omaha was probably at Tired Texan, but they're gone now.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Oct 31, 2025 5:59 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 4:08 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 2:33 pm What SHOULD I have ordered?
Meat:

I rarely get the pulled pork at a BBQ restaurant. It's such a simple thing to make that it feels like the BBQ equivalent of paying a restaurant to make you a PB&J sandwich. If I want pulled pork I'll just throw an inexpensive pork butt in the smoker, oven, or crock pot (depends on my motivation level) and make it the way I prefer it. Like I said, it's just too easy to bother paying a restaurant for. I suppose, based on that, yes they should get it right, but I'd never know because I'd never bother ordering it.

Similarly, ham I just never consider at a BBQ restaurant. Since it's mostly a heat-n-serve product and anyone buying a quality ham can serve an amazing ham at home with very little effort it just seems silly to get it at a restaurant.

Sausage is another one that's easy to do at home, but I do order it at BBQ joints. They just seem to have access to better sausage than I ever buy.

I also rarely order brisket, but for a different reason. Almost nobody does it well because it's really hard to get right. I've had some great brisket in Omaha, but for the most part it's too hit and miss. Amazing one day, dry the next. The only one that seems to be consistently good is probably Smokin' Barrel. However, when going to a new BBQ restaurant I just won't risk it. Why set myself up for the disappointment?

I've never been a fan of smoked Turkey breast. I prefer bone-in dark meat.

So, I stick to pork ribs, rib tips, sausage, burnt ends, and bone-in chicken, Porky Butts does all of those things very well (except for the rib tips which they don't serve). Their catfish is also very good (it's southern style).

Sides:

I never get fries. Probably because they're just too ubiquitous in the restaurant scene. If they make their own fries from scratch (Bronco's, Stella's, Penn Station, Everett's) then I'll get them. However, 99% are a frozen Sysco/USFoods product out of a bag and they all just taste the same to me.

At Porky Butts I get the Fried Okra, Smoked Beans, or the Cucumber Salad (which I believe is a seasonal thing). Their Mac-n-Cheese is okay, but the best mac-n-cheese at a BBQ restaurant in Omaha was probably at Tired Texan, but they're gone now.

I do a lot of smoked pulled pork at home. Alos, last I checked Pork is meat

I go way beyond with other meats, but the pork should be an easy home run if you are a BBQ place, good at anything. I often try it at places I go. Not always on stop 1/ To me, it is a good baseline comparison, and my thought process is that if you can't do it well, then the likelihood of other items being great is reduced.

From your list, you have eliminated 60% of their menu.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Oct 31, 2025 6:05 pm

nebugeater wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 2:33 pm What SHOULD I have ordered?

We always get the Texas Poutine as an Appetizer.

The usually split the Family Platter with Ribs, Brisket, and Burnt Ends, then Mac n Cheese and Potato Salad for the sides.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Fri Oct 31, 2025 8:18 pm

nebugeater wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 5:59 pm
ChadJK wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 4:08 pm
nebugeater wrote: Fri Oct 31, 2025 2:33 pm What SHOULD I have ordered?
Meat:

I rarely get the pulled pork at a BBQ restaurant. It's such a simple thing to make that it feels like the BBQ equivalent of paying a restaurant to make you a PB&J sandwich. If I want pulled pork I'll just throw an inexpensive pork butt in the smoker, oven, or crock pot (depends on my motivation level) and make it the way I prefer it. Like I said, it's just too easy to bother paying a restaurant for. I suppose, based on that, yes they should get it right, but I'd never know because I'd never bother ordering it.

Similarly, ham I just never consider at a BBQ restaurant. Since it's mostly a heat-n-serve product and anyone buying a quality ham can serve an amazing ham at home with very little effort it just seems silly to get it at a restaurant.

Sausage is another one that's easy to do at home, but I do order it at BBQ joints. They just seem to have access to better sausage than I ever buy.

I also rarely order brisket, but for a different reason. Almost nobody does it well because it's really hard to get right. I've had some great brisket in Omaha, but for the most part it's too hit and miss. Amazing one day, dry the next. The only one that seems to be consistently good is probably Smokin' Barrel. However, when going to a new BBQ restaurant I just won't risk it. Why set myself up for the disappointment?

I've never been a fan of smoked Turkey breast. I prefer bone-in dark meat.

So, I stick to pork ribs, rib tips, sausage, burnt ends, and bone-in chicken, Porky Butts does all of those things very well (except for the rib tips which they don't serve). Their catfish is also very good (it's southern style).

Sides:

I never get fries. Probably because they're just too ubiquitous in the restaurant scene. If they make their own fries from scratch (Bronco's, Stella's, Penn Station, Everett's) then I'll get them. However, 99% are a frozen Sysco/USFoods product out of a bag and they all just taste the same to me.

At Porky Butts I get the Fried Okra, Smoked Beans, or the Cucumber Salad (which I believe is a seasonal thing). Their Mac-n-Cheese is okay, but the best mac-n-cheese at a BBQ restaurant in Omaha was probably at Tired Texan, but they're gone now.
I do a lot of smoked pulled pork at home. Alos, last I checked Pork is meat

I go way beyond with other meats, but the pork should be an easy home run if you are a BBQ place, good at anything. I often try it at places I go. Not always on stop 1/ To me, it is a good baseline comparison, and my thought process is that if you can't do it well, then the likelihood of other items being great is reduced.

From your list, you have eliminated 60% of their menu.

I do agree with both sides - yes, pulled pork is fairly easy to make at home. At the same time, if a BBQ joint can't make theirs superior to what the average guy at home can do, then that's kinda sad. I mean steak houses grill steaks, and there are a lot of places to source steak from that allow you to make it at home.

But I would probably want to try something that's a bit out of my comfort zone if I'm going to pay a fair amount of money for it.