Meet Michael Keskin, the Pit Master and Owner of Bark City BBQ. Originally hailing from Virginia, Michael’s love for food and adventure led him on a journey across the country, where he sampled the finest BBQ the South had to offer, all while soaking in the soulful sounds of the blues and creating unforgettable memories with friends.

His journey eventually brought him to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, where he immediately felt at home and saw an opportunity to turn his passion for BBQ into a career. With over 18 years of experience working in various culinary settings, including award-winning establishments and chef-driven kitchens, Michael decided it was time to bring his own unique twist on BBQ to the table. For five successful years, Michael ran his beloved BBQ food cart in Portland, earning accolades such as Food Cart of the Year from multiple publications right from the start. His outstanding work even caught the attention of renowned publications like Food & Wine and Texas Monthly. Although Michael and his wife, Jenny, briefly relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona in 2023, they found themselves drawn back to the vibrant food scene of Portland, Oregon. Now, they’re thrilled to be back, ready to share Michael’s lifelong passion for BBQ with the community once again.

Feature in The United States of Barbecue by Daniel Vaughn HERE

Nice write-up by Texas Monthly Magazine HERE

Check out my interview with Michael Keskin HERE