Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Boston is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country, and these top five restaurants showcase the best the city has to offer. From the Southern-inspired dishes at Sweet Cheeks Q to the locally sourced meats at Redbones, each restaurant has its own unique style and menu offerings. The Smoke Shop BBQ, Blue Ribbon BBQ, and Pit Stop BBQ are also excellent choices for those looking for delicious smoked meats and classic sides.
1. Sweet Cheeks Q – Sweet Cheeks Q, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a popular barbecue joint in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. They are known for their mouth-watering smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Their sides are also highly praised, especially the biscuits and mac and cheese. Sweet Cheeks Q’s dedication to authentic barbecue, combined with their friendly service and laid-back atmosphere, has earned them a loyal following in Boston. One of the best Restaurants in Boston.
2. The Smoke Shop BBQ – With locations in Kendall Square and Assembly Row, The Smoke Shop BBQ, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is another top contender in the Boston barbecue scene. Their pitmaster, Andy Husbands, has won numerous awards for his barbecue skills, and the restaurant offers a wide range of smoked meats, from brisket to chicken wings to sausage. Customers rave about the juicy, flavorful meat and the generous portions.
3. Blue Ribbon BBQ – Blue Ribbon BBQ, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, has been serving up slow-smoked, Texas-style barbecue in the Boston area since 1995. Their menu features all the classics, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, as well as some unique items like smoked salmon and beef ribs. Customers appreciate the friendly service and casual atmosphere, and many have called Blue Ribbon BBQ the best barbecue in Boston.
4. Redbones – Located in Somerville, Redbones, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a beloved institution in the Boston barbecue scene. Their menu features a mix of Southern and Texan barbecue styles, and their ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are all highly rated. The restaurant has a fun, quirky atmosphere, with walls adorned with vintage signs and memorabilia. Customers also appreciate the extensive beer list and the live music on weekends which adds to their being one of the best Restaurants in Boston.
5. Pit Stop BBQ – Pit Stop BBQ, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a food truck that has earned a reputation as one of the best barbecue spots in Boston. They specialize in Texas-style brisket, which is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours to achieve the perfect tenderness and flavor. Customers rave about the juicy, flavorful meat and the homemade sides like cornbread and collard greens. Despite being a food truck, Pit Stop BBQ has a loyal following and consistently positive reviews.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Boston
Sweet Cheeks Q
Address: 1381 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: (617) 266-1300
Sweet Cheeks Q, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. The restaurant offers an authentic Southern barbecue experience, with mouthwatering smoked meats and classic sides. The interior is designed with a rustic and cozy atmosphere, featuring exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a large bar area.
Their signature food item on the menu is the Sweet Cheeks’ Bucket O’ Biscuits, which includes a basket of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits served with homemade honey butter and spicy honey. The restaurant also offers a variety of meats, including pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, all cooked low and slow over hickory wood.
One of the unique features of Sweet Cheeks Q is their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. They use locally sourced meat and vegetables whenever possible and make all of their sauces and rubs in-house. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails to pair with their barbecue dishes.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pulled Pork – Sweet Cheeks Q’s pulled pork is slow-smoked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours to achieve the perfect tenderness and flavor. The meat is served on a brioche bun and topped with coleslaw, pickles, and a choice of barbecue sauce.
▣ Brisket – The brisket at Sweet Cheeks Q is cooked low and slow for up to 16 hours, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat. It’s served sliced on a tray with pickles, onions, and a choice of barbecue sauce.
▣ Fried Chicken – Sweet Cheeks Q’s fried chicken is brined for 24 hours before being dredged in seasoned flour and fried to crispy perfection. It’s served with a honey hot sauce and pickles on a brioche bun.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These tender and meaty ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood for several hours, then glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re served with a choice of two sides, such as collard greens or mac and cheese.
▣ BBQ Beef Short Rib – The beef short rib is a house specialty at Sweet Cheeks Q, slow-smoked over hickory wood for up to 16 hours. It’s served on a tray with pickles, onions, and a choice of barbecue sauce, and it’s perfect for sharing with a group.
Sweet Cheeks Q is known for its friendly and attentive service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment for diners.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the pulled pork and it was the best I’ve ever had! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the sides were delicious too. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great barbecue in Boston!”
“The brisket at Sweet Cheeks Q is out of this world! It’s so juicy and tender, with a beautiful smoky flavor. The sides were also amazing, especially the mac and cheese. The service was fantastic, and the restaurant has a great vibe.”
“I went to Sweet Cheeks Q with a group of friends and we all loved it! The pulled pork and ribs were both incredible, and the biscuits were a standout. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a fun and lively atmosphere. I would definitely go back!”
Sweet Cheeks Q is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Southern barbecue in Boston. The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly service and a commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. Their signature biscuits and smoked meats are not to be missed, and the restaurant’s extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails make for a perfect pairing. Overall, Sweet Cheeks Q is a top-notch barbecue spot that consistently earns high marks from customers. They rank amid the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Boston for good reasons.
The Smoke Shop BBQ
Address: 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 (with additional locations in Boston and Somerville)
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11:30 am to 9 pm
Phone Number: (617) 577-7427
The Smoke Shop BBQ, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Boston, with several locations in the area. The restaurant offers a range of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, as well as classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The interior is designed with a rustic and industrial feel, featuring exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a large bar area.
Their signature food item on the menu is the Brisket Plate, which includes a generous portion of smoked brisket, served with two sides and a slice of white bread. The brisket is cooked low and slow for up to 18 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.
One of the unique features of The Smoke Shop BBQ is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. They source meat from local farms and smoke it in-house over hickory and oak wood. The restaurant also offers a selection of creative cocktails and a carefully curated beer list to pair with their barbecue dishes.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Plate – The Smoke Shop BBQ’s signature dish, this plate features a generous portion of their slow-smoked brisket, served with two sides and a slice of white bread. The brisket is cooked low and slow for up to 18 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.
▣ Pulled Pork – The pulled pork at The Smoke Shop BBQ is slow-smoked over hickory and oak wood for up to 14 hours, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat. It’s served on a brioche bun with pickles and a choice of sauce.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These tender and meaty ribs are slow-smoked over hickory and oak wood for several hours, then glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re served with a choice of two sides, such as baked beans or potato salad.
▣ Fried Chicken Sandwich – This sandwich features buttermilk-fried chicken breast, topped with pickles, coleslaw, and a honey hot sauce, served on a brioche bun. It’s a popular menu item and a delicious alternative to traditional barbecue.
▣ Pitmaster Platter – Perfect for sharing, this platter features a selection of The Smoke Shop BBQ’s smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs. It’s served with a choice of four sides, such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
The Smoke Shop BBQ is known for its friendly and efficient service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The restaurant has a casual and lively atmosphere, with a focus on creating a fun and welcoming environment for diners.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Brisket Plate at The Smoke Shop BBQ and it was amazing! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the sides were delicious too. The service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was fun and energetic. I’ll definitely be back!”
“The ribs at The Smoke Shop BBQ are some of the best I’ve ever had. They were fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. The sides were also fantastic, especially the mac and cheese. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a great vibe.”
“I went to The Smoke Shop BBQ with a group of friends and we all loved it. The pulled pork and brisket were both outstanding, and the cocktails were creative and well-crafted. The service was fast and efficient, and the restaurant had a cool and trendy atmosphere.”
The Smoke Shop BBQ is a top-notch barbecue spot in Boston, with a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. Their signature brisket plate is a must-try, and the restaurant’s creative cocktails and carefully curated beer list make for a perfect pairing with their barbecue dishes. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Overall, The Smoke Shop BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in Boston. They stand out among the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston.
Blue Ribbon BBQ
Address: 1375 Washington St, West Newton, MA 02465 (with additional locations in Arlington and Dedham)
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm (hours may vary by location)
Phone Number: (617) 332-2583
Blue Ribbon BBQ, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a popular barbecue restaurant with multiple locations in the Boston area. The restaurant offers slow-smoked meats, including pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The interior is designed with a rustic and casual feel, featuring wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area.
Their signature food item on the menu is the Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, which features pulled pork topped with coleslaw and a tangy vinegar-based sauce. The pork is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours over hickory wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.
One of the unique features of Blue Ribbon BBQ is their commitment to using all-natural ingredients and traditional smoking techniques. They source meat from local farms and smoke it in-house over hickory and oak wood. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers and cocktails to pair with their barbecue dishes.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich – This sandwich features slow-smoked pulled pork topped with coleslaw and a tangy vinegar-based sauce, served on a toasted bun. It’s a signature dish at Blue Ribbon BBQ and a must-try for barbecue lovers.
▣ Beef Brisket – The beef brisket at Blue Ribbon BBQ is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours over hickory wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. It’s served sliced with a choice of sauce and two sides, such as baked beans or potato salad.
▣ Baby Back Ribs – These tender and juicy ribs are slow-smoked for several hours over hickory wood, then glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re served with a choice of two sides, such as collard greens or mac and cheese.
▣ Chicken Wings – These crispy and juicy wings are seasoned with a dry rub and smoked over hickory wood, then finished on the grill with a choice of sauce. They’re served with celery and blue cheese dressing.
▣ Burnt Ends – These flavorful and crispy pieces of beef brisket are cut from the point end and slow-smoked over hickory wood for several hours. They’re served with a choice of sauce and two sides, such as cornbread or sweet potato fries.
Blue Ribbon BBQ is known for its friendly and efficient service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment for diners.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket at Blue Ribbon BBQ and it was fantastic. The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the sides were great too. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a fun and casual vibe. Highly recommend!”
“The Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich at Blue Ribbon BBQ is a must-try. The pork was perfectly smoked and the coleslaw and sauce were the perfect complement. The mac and cheese was also amazing. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”
“I love Blue Ribbon BBQ’s ribs. They’re always so tender and juicy, with a great smoky flavor. The sides are also delicious, especially the collard greens. The service is fast and friendly, and the restaurant has a laid-back and casual feel.”
Blue Ribbon BBQ is a great spot for authentic barbecue in the Boston area. The restaurant’s commitment to using all-natural ingredients and traditional smoking techniques sets it apart, and their Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich is a standout menu item. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is casual and inviting. Overall, Blue Ribbon BBQ is a top choice for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in the Boston area. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Boston.
Redbones
Address: 55 Chester St, Somerville, MA 02144
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Friday, 11:30 am to 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: (617) 628-2200
Redbones, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Somerville, just outside of Boston. The restaurant offers a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as classic sides like cornbread, collard greens, and baked beans. The interior is designed with a retro and casual feel, featuring vintage signs, wooden tables, and a large bar area.
Their signature food item on the menu is the BBQ Combo Plate, which includes a choice of two meats, two sides, and cornbread. The meats are slow-smoked for several hours over hickory and oak wood, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
One of the unique features of Redbones is their focus on using locally sourced ingredients and supporting local farmers. They also offer a selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails to pair with their barbecue dishes. Additionally, the restaurant hosts live music events and has a dedicated “Bones for Bands” program, which supports local musicians.
Main Menu Items:
▣ BBQ Combo Plate – This plate includes a choice of two smoked meats, such as pulled pork, beef brisket, or ribs, as well as two sides and cornbread. It’s a great way to sample a variety of Redbones’ delicious barbecue dishes.
▣ Beef Brisket – The beef brisket at Redbones is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours over hickory and oak wood, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. It’s served sliced with a choice of sauce and two sides, such as collard greens or sweet potato fries.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – This sandwich features slow-smoked pulled pork topped with coleslaw and a choice of sauce, served on a toasted bun. It’s a classic barbecue dish and a customer favorite at Redbones.
▣ St. Louis Style Ribs – These meaty ribs are slow-smoked for several hours over hickory and oak wood, then glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re served with a choice of two sides, such as baked beans or potato salad.
▣ Fried Chicken – Redbones’ fried chicken is brined overnight before being dredged in seasoned flour and fried to crispy perfection. It’s served with a honey hot sauce and a choice of two sides, such as cornbread or collard greens.
Redbones is known for its friendly and welcoming service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on creating a fun and relaxed environment for diners.
Customer Reviews:
“The BBQ Combo Plate at Redbones is a great way to try a variety of their delicious smoked meats. The brisket and pulled pork were both amazing, and the sides were fantastic too. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was fun and lively.”
“I went to Redbones with a group of friends and we had a blast. The ribs and chicken were both excellent, and the mac and cheese was out of this world. The service was attentive and the live music added to the overall experience.”
“Redbones has the best barbecue in the Boston area. The pulled pork was so tender and flavorful, and the collard greens were delicious. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant had a cool and retro vibe.”
Redbones is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in the Boston area. The restaurant’s focus on using locally sourced ingredients and supporting local musicians adds to the overall experience. Their BBQ Combo Plate is a standout menu item, and the restaurant’s selection of craft beers and cocktails make for a perfect pairing with their barbecue dishes. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Overall, Redbones is a top choice for anyone looking for great barbecue and a good time. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Boston.
Pit Stop BBQ
Address: 888 Morton St, Mattapan, MA 02126
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Phone Number: (617) 296-1111
Pit Stop BBQ, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston, is a popular barbecue restaurant located in Mattapan, a neighborhood in Boston. The restaurant offers a variety of slow-smoked meats, including pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The interior is designed with a casual and cozy feel, featuring wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area.
Their signature food item on the menu is the Pit Master Platter, which includes a choice of three meats, two sides, and cornbread. The meats are slow-smoked over oak wood, resulting in a rich and smoky flavor.
One of the unique features of Pit Stop BBQ is their commitment to using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. They also offer a variety of homemade sauces, including a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and a spicy chipotle sauce. Additionally, the restaurant hosts live music events and has a dedicated space for community events.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pit Master Platter – This platter includes a choice of three smoked meats, such as pulled pork, beef brisket, or ribs, as well as two sides and cornbread. It’s a great way to sample a variety of Pit Stop BBQ’s delicious barbecue dishes.
▣ Pulled Pork – The pulled pork at Pit Stop BBQ is slow-smoked over oak wood for several hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. It’s served with a choice of sauce and two sides, such as collard greens or mac and cheese.
▣ Beef Brisket – The beef brisket at Pit Stop BBQ is smoked for up to 16 hours over oak wood, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. It’s served sliced with a choice of sauce and two sides, such as baked beans or sweet potato fries.
▣ St. Louis Style Ribs – These meaty ribs are smoked over oak wood for several hours, then glazed with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re served with a choice of two sides, such as potato salad or cornbread.
▣ Fried Chicken – Pit Stop BBQ’s fried chicken is brined in buttermilk and spices, then dredged in seasoned flour and fried to crispy perfection. It’s served with a honey hot sauce and a choice of two sides, such as collard greens or mac and cheese.
Pit Stop BBQ is known for its friendly and welcoming service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on creating a comfortable environment for diners.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Pit Master Platter at Pit Stop BBQ and it was amazing. The brisket was so tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese was the perfect side. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a cozy and welcoming feel.”
“The pulled pork at Pit Stop BBQ is some of the best I’ve had. The meat was so juicy and flavorful, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect complement. The collard greens were also amazing. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.”
“Pit Stop BBQ is a hidden gem in Boston. The ribs were so tender and delicious, and the cornbread was the perfect accompaniment. The service was friendly and efficient, and the restaurant had a great neighborhood vibe.”
Pit Stop BBQ is a top choice for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in Boston. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients sets it apart, and their Pit Master Platter is a standout menu item. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Overall, Pit Stop BBQ is a must-try for barbecue lovers in the Boston area. They can definitely be counted among the top Barbecue restaurants in Boston.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Boston, these top five barbecue restaurants in Boston are a must-try for anyone looking for a mouthwatering dining experience.
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