Tough Luck – American
Wisps of hickory smoke drift through this spirited smokehouse, where the rich aroma of slow-cooked brisket and tender, spice-rubbed ribs sets the stage for a soulful feast. Creative offerings like the charred "beet ends" and the towering Brisket Sandwich bring a modern edge to traditional pitmaster techniques, creating a destination where every bite is a celebration of fire, wood, and time.
1771 Northeast Dekum Street, 97217 https://toughluckbar.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Tough Luck
Dairy-Free at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 12 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including The Carolina, Pickles and Brisket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 10 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pickles, Brisket and Cole Slaw. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 23 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including The Carolina, Pickles and Mac N' Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pork Ribs, Chicken Thighs and The Bob. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 7 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brisket, Cole Slaw and Pork Ribs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 10 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brisket, Cole Slaw and Pork Ribs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 4 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cole Slaw, Pork Ribs and Chicken Thighs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Tough Luck
Tough Luck in Portland has 19 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pickles, Tater Tots and Seasonal Specials. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Tough Luck
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| The Bob | 0.3 g | 67.3 g |
| Lil' Caesar | 3.1 g | 60.7 g |
| Frito Pie | 96.7 g | 54 g |
| Neptune | 65.9 g | 37.8 g |
| Chili Cheese Dawg | 15.1 g | 36 g |
| The Intimidator | 9.3 g | 27.2 g |
| Pork Ribs | 0.4 g | 18 g |
| Mac N' Cheese | 50.5 g | 18 g |
| Texas Toast | 1.2 g | 17 g |
| Chicken Thighs | 0 g | 16.1 g |
| Brisket | 0.4 g | 13.6 g |
| The Food Court | 11.9 g | 11.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Friday
- 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its exceptional pasta dishes, guests consistently praise the kitchen's clear pride in their craft and the high quality of every plate served. Reviewers highlight the inviting and pleasant atmosphere, noting that the welcoming, timely service ensures a satisfying experience from start to finish.
Menu
Meats & Beets
- Brisket - $18: Half pound portion Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Ribs - $13: Half pound portion Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sausage - $6: Price per link Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Pulled Pork - $13: Half pound portion Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Thighs - $15: Half pound portion Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beet Ends - $10: Vegan and gluten-free Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Platters
- Holy Matrimony - $75: All the meats, all the sides, all the pickles, Texas toast Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Bob - $60: Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken Thighs, Pork Ribs, Sausage, Texas toast, pickles, and two sides Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Cindy - $20: No meat, pick four sides, served with Texas toast and pickles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Brisket Sandwich - $22: Texas toast, slaw, pickles, and one side Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulled Pork Sandwich - $18: Texas toast, slaw, pickles, and one side Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Sandwich - $16: Texas toast, slaw, pickles, and one side Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beet Ends Sandwich - $12: Vegan, Texas toast, slaw, pickles, and one side Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ali's Burger - $12: Two brisket trim patties, two slices of American cheese, house pickles, yellow mustard, toasted potato bun, and one side Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cheese - $10: Tillamook sharp cheddar and American cheese on Texas toast, pickles, and one side Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Sausage Dawgs
- The Food Court - $8: Yellow mustard, sauerkraut, white onions, potato bun Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chili Cheese Dawg - $10: Chili, Tillamook sharp cheddar, white onions, yellow mustard, potato bun Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Carolina - $10: Chili, cole slaw, white onions, potato bun Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Intimidator - $12: Chopped brisket, queso, pickled jalapeños, potato bun Available at: dinner, lunch
Bar Snacks
- Frito Pie - $9: Frito corn chips, house chili, Tillamook shredded cheddar, white onions, pickled red onions, pickled jalapeños Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chips & Queso - $9: Habañero salsa and chives Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Basket of Tots - $8: Share size potato salad tots with herby ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bowl of Chili - $12: Texas style: no beans, no tomatoes. White onion, pickled jalapeños, Tillamook sharp cheddar, saltines Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Big Caesar - $10: Large Caesar salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Tater Tots - $5: Vegan and gluten-free Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cole Slaw - $5: Gluten-free Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork n' Beans - $5: Gluten-free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mac N' Cheese - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lil' Caesar - $5 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pickles - $2: Garlic dill, red onion, or jalapeño Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Texas Toast - $1: One slice Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Corn Tortillas - $2: Two tortillas Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Banana Pudding - $8: Classic style Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Seasonal Specials - $8: Ask server for details Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Beverages
- The Margarita - $12: Tequila or Mezcal, lime, triple sec, salt or tajin rim Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC, Renal
- Seasonal Fall/Winter Margarita - $14: Tequila or Mezcal, pear, ginger, lime, salt or tajin rim Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal
- Clean Daiquiri #1 - $12: Tough Luck rum blend, lime, oleo-saccharum Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- BFO Daiquiri - $14: Tough Luck funky rum blend, lime, demerara Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Hibiscus Paloma - $13: Tequila, hibiscus grapefruit soda, lime, salt or tajin rim Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC, Renal
- Strawberry Lemon Drop - $13: Sous vide strawberry vodka, lemon, combier d'orange Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Solid Gold Oldie - $13: Bourbon or rye, demerara, bitters Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- 2:1 Gibson - $13: Old Tom gin, dry vermouth, Lil' Barbecue smoked onion, saline Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Tough Luck Sazerac - $14: Tough Luck single barrel Sazerac rye, white wine syrup, absinthe Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Cholesterol
- Tough Luck Manhattan - $13: Old Overholt, sweet vermouth, bitters Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Pistola - $15: Tough Luck private label Mezcal Union, reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, orange bitters, oleo-saccharum Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Draft Espresso Martini - $5: Draft cocktail Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Neptune - $15: Dry gin, blue curaçao, passionfruit, orgeat, lemon. Contains nuts. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol
- Melon Margarita Slushie - $14: Tequila, midori, lime, oleo-saccharum Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Non-Alcoholic Spiced Apple Cider - $9: Apple cider, spiced cordial, lemon, includes color-changing cup Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- RC Soda - $2 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Happy Mountain Lavender Kombucha - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Miller High Life Pony - $2.5 Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Rainier Tallboy - $4 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Tough Luck
- Is Tough Luck dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Tough Luck has 12 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including The Carolina, Pickles and Brisket.
- What can I eat at Tough Luck on a dairy-free diet?
- The Carolina, Pickles and Brisket carry the dairy-free tag, out of 12 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Tough Luck have vegan options?
- Yes. 19 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Pickles and Tater Tots.
- Is Tough Luck gluten-free?
- 10 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Tough Luck?
- The Bob, at roughly 67.3g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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