Sandbar BBQ in Sandy offers 29 taps and a menu of craft cocktails as well as non-alcoholic drinks. 

A new kid on the carving block, Sandbar BBQ has only been in business in Sandy since May 2023. But already they are being recognized by the community in The Outlook and Sandy Post’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Barbecue.

“It feels great to be honored by the local community,” said owner Clint Melville. “We’re hoping to even be better next year. The best is still yet to come.”

While Sandbar is a newer venture, it is not Melville’s first foray into the food scene. He opened his still-running food truck, Rip City Grill, in 2008, operating on Portland’s south waterfront for eight years before taking the business to a brick-and-mortar location from 2015-19.

Sandbar has a full menu of barbecue favorites and comfort food, including Melville’s “calling card,” their tri-tip. To help wash down the meat, Sandbar also has a full bar, offering 29 taps of craft beers, nonalcoholic drinks and wines, as well as 10 specialty cocktails.

“It’s a new approach to barbecue and I think the vibe we create in here is a nice, homey vibe,” Melville said of what sets Sandbar apart. “Our meat is always the best quality and our sauces are made from scratch. I think keeping our standards at a higher level helps us stand out a little.”

There are a few new things available at Sandbar now, including new lunch menu items and meat by the pound. They also offer a daily sandwich and daily dinner special.

“We never want to be stagnant,” Melville said. “Overall I can’t complain (about how business has been so far). The community has definitely shown us a lot of support. We’re going to continue to not take the easy road. We try to challenge ourselves and constantly evolve.”

Sandbar BBQ is now open from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Sandbar BBQ

39750 Highway 26, Sandy

503-832-8246

sandbarbbq.com