Gartner’s Summer Favorites & Pairings for Your Next BBQ

Summer in Portland means longer evenings, backyard BBQs, outdoor meals, and finding any excuse to fire up the grill. At Gartner’s, we’ve got everything you need to make your summer cookouts easy, flavorful, and truly memorable.

From house-marinated favorites to smoked sausages and juicy burgers, here are some of our top summer picks, plus the perfect side dishes and drink pairings to go with them.

Marinated Short Ribs

These are our top seller for a reason. Tender, flavorful, and packed with savory BBQ flavor, our marinated short ribs are a summer favorite. These cook up beautifully on the grill within minutes and have that caramelized finish that’s hard to beat.

Marinated Short Ribs Pairings:

  • Broccoli Salad
  • Baked Beans

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • Dark lager or porter
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

This combo is perfect for relaxed summer evenings when you want something that’s quick and easy, but still full of flavor.

Marinated Pepper Steaks

Our marinated pepper steaks bring a little extra kick to the grill. They’re bold, juicy, and easy to cook, making them a great option for busy summer weeknights.

Marinated Pepper Steak Pairings

  • Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
  • Macaroni Salad

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • IPA
  • Malbec

The peppery marinade paired with a cold IPA just feels like Portland summer patio season done right.

Prime Rib

Hosting a summer dinner party or special occasion? Prime rib is always a great choice. Rich, tender, and super flavorful, it’s a customer favorite year-round.

Prime Rib Pairings

  • Hearty garlic bread
  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • Amber Ale
  • Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot

Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day, a graduation, or simply grilling for family, a prime rib is the perfect center piece.

Marinated Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Easy, versatile, and crowd-friendly, our marinated chicken breasts and thighs are perfect for everything from family dinners to backyard gatherings. They grill up juicy and flavorful every time.

Marinated Chicken Pairings:

  • Macaroni Salad
  • Fresh coleslaw

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • Pilsner or Blonde Ale
  • Sauvignon Blanc

Our marinated chicken is especially great when you need an easy summer meal without spending hours prepping.

Pre-Made Burger Patties

Nothing says summer BBQ season in Portland like juicy burgers on the grill. Our pre-made burger patties make grilling simple while still delivering that classic Gartner’s quality and flavor.

Burger Pairings:

  • French Fries (obviously)
  • Macaroni Salad

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • Pilsner
  • Dry Rosé or Cabernet Sauvignon

Add your favorite toppings, grab a cold drink, and you’ve got the ultimate summer meal.

Smoked Sausages

Our smoked sausages are packed with bold flavor and perfect for grilling, slicing into pasta, or serving on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings. Plus they’re already fully cooked, so dinner time is made easy.

Smoked Sausage Pairings:

  • Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
  • Hearty potato salad

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • IPA or Hefeweizen
  • Pinot Noir

These are always a hit at backyard parties and easy to throw on the grill alongside burgers and chicken.

Marinated Tri-Tip

Marinated tri-tip is one of the most flavorful options for summer grilling. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect sliced thin and served family-style.

Marinated Tri-Tip Pairings:

  • Potato Salad
  • Broccoli Salad

Beer & Wine Pairings:

  • Pale ale
  • Syrah

This is one of our favorite options for feeding a crowd without sacrificing on flavor.

Your Portland Summer BBQ Starts at Gartner’s

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, an out-of-town camping trip, graduation party, or simple weeknight dinner, Gartner’s Country Meat Market has your summer grilling essentials covered. From house-made marinades and premium cuts of meat, to fresh deli sides and smoked favorites, we’re proud to serve the Portland area.

Stop by the shop to grab your summer favorites, and don’t forget the sides.

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