7 Bucketlist BBQ Restaurants in Boston You Simply Must Try
BBQ might sound like Southern cuisine, but the reality is that every city has a unique take on it. Boston is no different, and there are some amazing BBQ restaurants throughout the city. We’ve rounded up some of the best so you can enjoy smoked, grilled, and BBQ sauce-slathered meats, along with all sorts of fun and interesting sides.
Sweet Cheeks Q
1381 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
(617) 266-1300
Sweet Cheeks Q is a casual place located in Fenway Triangle. Family-style tables surround the dining room, where you’ll also find TVs tuned to the news or the latest sports game. The menu features beer, wine, cocktails (with a heavy emphasis on bourbon), as well as some of the best BBQ around. They’re known for their trays, which include a meat of your choice and two scoops of sides. Pulled pork, pulled chicken, St. Louis pork ribs, brisket, and even pork belly are available. Some of their tasty sides include the church basement potato salad and macaroni and cheese.
The Smoke Shop BBQ
343 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
(617) 261-7427
The Smoke Shop is a popular BBQ spot because of Chef Andy Husbands, who happens to be one of the biggest competitors on the BBQ scene throughout New England. You’ll find quite a few locations, but we love the Seaport one because of its convenience. Smoked meat can include brisket, ribs, wings, and even catfish. You can get it as a tray, a sandwich, or a bowl. Of course, there are plenty of other items to enjoy in their relaxed dining room, including bacon collard greens, complete with blackstrap molasses. We recommend saving room for their dessert, too, such as the Mississippi Mud Mousse.
Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-2200
Redbones is always busy, and that’s because they not only have amazing BBQ but also an impressive list of brews. The dining room is casual, and you can grab a table or sit at the bar. Regardless of where you sit, you can indulge in sandwiches, combos, and more. Opt for pulled chicken, smoked beef brisket, or indulge in some fried chicken. Don’t forget to check out the dinner specials while you’re there, too. It’s one of the best ways to fill up for less than $20.
Shed’s BBQ
32 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 542-7433
If you’re craving the taste of Texas without having to leave Boston, Shed’s BBQ is a tasty option. They offer sandwiches, plates, as well as build-your-own bowls. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch as they cut into all the succulent meats to order. We love the smoked turkey and the Texas hot links, but you’ll be able to find all of the classic BBQ meats. Grab a table or a high-top, enjoy the fountain drinks, and don’t forget to try a few of the different BBQ sauces that they have available.
Tennessee’s Real BBQ Real Fast
260 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 977-9977
Tennessee’s stands out by making it easy to get delicious food without having to wait long. The meats have been marinated before being wood-smoked, ensuring that every bite is amazing. The strip mall location has a cozy dining room, though you can also take your order to go. Buckets are available to serve a crowd, or you can grab a sandwich. Daily specials can be surprising, and we fell in love with the smoked meatloaf we found one night. They also have one of the longest lists of sides we’ve found, with smashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and even cucumber salad available.
Reunion BBQ
439 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
(857) 317-2979
Reunion BBQ is a bit more upscale than some of the other places around Boston, and we highly recommend making reservations. The vibe is laid back, with both a dining room and a bar. We recommend starting with some of their biscuits with sweet butter before diving into the BBQ. Choose from one, two, and three meat trays of pulled pork, hot links, dry-rubbed pork ribs, and more. You’ll also find a vegan option consisting of portobello mushrooms. On Saturdays and Sundays, there’s a brunch menu where BBQ and breakfast come together in an epic way. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the Reunion Benny with Cajun hollandaise drizzled over poached eggs and smoked pork belly.
Big Pig Barbecue & Catering
108 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960
(781) 780-4191
Big Pig offers the convenience of being able to drive through to pick up your favorite BBQ foods. You won’t find a dine-in option, which we’re okay with considering how good their food is. BBQ by the tray is what they specialize in, which includes brisket, BBQ chicken, and house steak tips. They also have some of the best cornbread outside of the deep south. Big Pig is also known for their catering, so it can be the go-to place when you have to feed a crowd. And if you find yourself near Ipswich, they also have a food truck.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Boston, MA page, here!
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