Best bbq in RI/MA?

Submitted by rye8901 t3_10dwxec in RhodeIsland

Ever since I lived down south I’ve craved good bbq but it’s really hard to find around here. Any suggestions on the best places in RI or nearby MA? Beef brisket preferably!

49

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Ok_Difference_314 t1_j4nt5il wrote

BT’s BBQ in Sturbridge.

72

LoktheNomad t1_j4ntq8l wrote

100% Best BBQ in Southern New England. They catered my wedding, Brian knows what he is doing. They have a second location in Worcester and does a pretty good fried chicken sandwich.

19

Gsquzared t1_j4nu9hj wrote

Thought I read that their Worcester location was closing.

1

LoktheNomad t1_j4nusbg wrote

Smokestack closed back in November, but I haven't heard of BT's Worcester location closing. Would be sad if they did.

5

astrangeday13 t1_j4qopn3 wrote

Bingo, was gonna say the same. Everything else is not even close.

1

dickieb81 t1_j4nnqnd wrote

Good Stuff in Blackstone MA is the best I have had around here

37

rye8901 OP t1_j4noak3 wrote

Tried it last night it was just so-so.

14

dupattaluella t1_j4q7e40 wrote

You can't listen to the reccomendations of people who have never been where you've been. I learned this the hard way after moving out east years ago. We lived near the Twin Cities and had access to so much amazing food. Nothing, not even restaurants in Boston, have lived up to reccomendations.

I will say there's a place in CT called Oz N Bones that has decent BBQ. Is it as good as down south? No. But, it gets me my fix when I'm wanting BBQ and I'm in the area. I wouldn't drive more than about 30-45 minutes for it though, just being honest.

4

MavDrake t1_j4qljb6 wrote

I second this. I've lived all over the US and if you've had good southern and Midwest BBQ then not much it going to come close in the northeast.

When people ask for recommendations in the NE area I'll say if you're from a BBQ mecca then most of it is shit. But if you're not... here are some places to check out.

3

YodaHead t1_j4o4bi0 wrote

The best BBQ you can find in Rhode Island is at the end of gate 18 at TF Green Airport when the Southwest flight to back to wherever you came from, and then come back.

30

Dopey-NipNips t1_j4nnsmb wrote

Ain't none

Used to be a good spot in Pawtucket for ribs catfish and hush puppies but it closed.

Used to be a dickies in Seekonk but it closed

Wes rib house sucks

Durks is OK

I just want a plate of burnt ends and a couple slab of white bread but the BBQ here sucks

27

rye8901 OP t1_j4no96y wrote

Agree with everything you said. I found this place out in Scituate that’s decent but it’s pretty far away from me and not cheap.

12

HotConcrete t1_j4obsla wrote

Look, you’re going to find fairly acceptable BBQ but this is like asking where to find the best chowder and clam cakes in Texas. It’s just not right.

10

Easy_Light_1598 t1_j4od8tm wrote

Scituate mass or RI?

2

infiniti30 t1_j4ok4q0 wrote

Smoke and Squeal is in Scituate RI.

3

radarmy t1_j4q4gqb wrote

I went there recently and the brisket was so overcooked I couldn't eat it. Durks or Goodstuff are my go tos.

1

likes_sawz t1_j4pciss wrote

LJ's used to be pretty good when they were at their original shithole location in Providence but went on a slow steady decline after they moved to the little strip mall off of East Ave in Pawtucket right near the Providence line. Prices kept going up and quality down and they finally folded.

6

Dopey-NipNips t1_j4ph2t7 wrote

Yo I forgot the name and it was killing me.

Definitely ljs

3

likes_sawz t1_j4px9sw wrote

I figured that was who you meant, glad to see that someone else still remembers them.

Married couple owned the place and they both worked there, LJ were the initials of the wife's 1st name.

2

bungle094 t1_j4qyz2q wrote

They are sweethearts. Used to go to LJ’s often. My friend used to live one door down from their original place and sitting in his apartment smelling that food while baked off our asses was bliss and torture.

2

Double-Diamond-4507 t1_j4nsi8f wrote

I was one and done with Durks, back when it was on Thayer street. They had the balls to charge $4 for a single half of a sweet potato, and the 4 of us tried almost everything on the menu, and we weren't impressed

4

_DataVenia t1_j4p83gp wrote

Burnt ends are basically impossible to find here. It's a damn shame.

2

PigpenMcKernan t1_j4npg1b wrote

Becky’s in Middletown

21

SomeGuyFromRI t1_j4nx184 wrote

I came here to pump up Becky’s. I went to college down south. War eagle y’all. And hands down best BBQ I’ve had around here. Probably helps that the Navy base is a mile away and a lot of sailors from VA to keep them honest.

5

BRAiN_8 t1_j4o9qwb wrote

Was just in Middletown. Read a review that it was good but didn’t try it.

1

Worried-Hedgehog3405 t1_j4on71r wrote

Becky's is not worth it. So bland and flavorless. I was pumped to go, and it was a total letdown.

2

2guard88 t1_j4npixq wrote

Commonwealth BBQ in Wrentham is the best I’ve found

16

spundnix32 t1_j4o1f8y wrote

Came here to say this too. I grew up down south. And no place up here comes close. But this place is pretty decent

3

_DataVenia t1_j4p7kad wrote

The wings at Commonwealth are alright. But I'd pass on their ribs or brisket. Each time I've tried they've been dry and underseasoned.

2

Low-Dragonfly-5352 t1_j4pt34y wrote

I actually think new owners took over 3 years ago because the brisket used to be the shit but you’re right, the last time I had it it was dry and almost tasteless

2

Traditional-Ad3740 t1_j4nq3rq wrote

Kingfolks in Taunton and Easton

16

winter-14 t1_j4r3m46 wrote

Kinfolks? Do they have an outlet in Easton?

2

Traditional-Ad3740 t1_j4r3uih wrote

A second restaurant

2

winter-14 t1_j4wy4hb wrote

Sadly, sign on the door says "For Lease". Nothing inside.

1

Traditional-Ad3740 t1_j56kjdt wrote

That is depressing. Thanks for the info. Taunton is their main location perhaps they downsized due to covid.

1

Nicksucksathiking t1_j5v72ut wrote

They did. The owner said he couldnt find anyone to work the easton store so they closed it

1

[deleted] t1_j4o3hch wrote

I’ve tried a lot of bbq around RI and none of it is very good. I bet even the mediocre bbq in the south is better than the best we’ve got up here, unfortunately.

11

frustratedmachinist t1_j4pvjqo wrote

Yup. My buddy is from KC and his fiancé is from Nebraska, and they say the same thing. They and I have resigned to the fact that it’s just better to make our own and call it good enough.

5

demon-dance t1_j4q3r7k wrote

same thing with sweet tea!! somehow it’s just not the same as even the worst tea id get down south!

and honestly i rarely drink sweet tea but sometimes you just get a craving you don’t understand

3

ihatemakingids t1_j4nqzot wrote

I think the closest rhode island has to good BBQ is GottaQ in Cumberland and Narragansett.

7

compulsory4fun t1_j4ns72k wrote

Sadly, they closed. They were very good.

4

ihatemakingids t1_j4nt9lp wrote

Really, google could very well be wrong but it says Cumberland one is still open.

2

McGruffin t1_j4o15s8 wrote

GottaQ in Cumberland closed at the end of November. I was there about 2 weeks before they closed and they said that they were hopefully going to open up a smaller store eventually.

6

theanti_girl t1_j4ohguo wrote

They’re hoping (planning) to open in the Seasons building on Mineral Spring and do some food truck stuff as well. Their other location in, I think Narragansett? is still in operation but I think might be seasonal.

1

SusieRI t1_j4q7ghy wrote

Even their food truck is gone? They were far and away the best I've had since I moving here from Kansas City, Missouri

1

ihatemakingids t1_j4o1qy4 wrote

Damn, i hope so . They had the best ribs I've ever had in the new england area.

0

FAYCSB t1_j4pqm18 wrote

Wtf. I feel like I was just there.

1

KermitTheKermer t1_j4o4gqm wrote

I think Kinfolks barbecue in Taunton is great

6

Badger_Mandrthal t1_j4ou4ff wrote

BT's in Sturbridge is the standard. Everything else is just something being compared to BT's.

6

Jefrizle t1_j4nq91w wrote

Commonwealth Wrentham

5

Jefrizle t1_j4nvk86 wrote

The triple. 3 meats, 3 sides, and cornbread

1

Doublezerocool t1_j4ntnzg wrote

Black dog Putnam Ct

5

ColdFudgeSundae t1_j4nvlps wrote

Came here to say this, black dog is fire AF

3

Doublezerocool t1_j4q125j wrote

Those brisket burnt ends.. 🤤.

1

ColdFudgeSundae t1_j4sfw70 wrote

Favorite item on the menu 100%, im lucky to only live 20 mins away on the border

1

Doublezerocool t1_j4xffyp wrote

It’s about 35-40 min trip there for us. There aren’t many restaurants we travel that far for so that says something. We used to go a couple times a month but now we got a little one whose not ready for that so we save it for the date nights which are few and far between lately 😁. We will introduce her to it soon though.

1

NerdyDadGuy1981 t1_j4qfmoa wrote

Hate to say it but if you really like good, fresh BBQ, the best way is to make it yourself. It's a great hobby and there are some cost effective smokers that make better BBQ than what you'll buy around here.

For example, I pay $30 for a 9lb pork butt and about $10 in materials (wood, charcoal). Out of that, I can get 35+ sandwiches if I'm having people over or vacuum seal and freeze portions for pizza, tacos, etc.

I have a hard time paying ehat BBQ costs when I can do it myself for much less and get better results.

5

Jerkeyjoe t1_j4np2nu wrote

Aint no such a thing as good bbq north of the mason Dixon line I tell you what

No no but for real, firefly is a favorite in mass. In RI I find durk's to be very good. But I don't know any better.

4

r0se_buds t1_j4ntk55 wrote

Durk's is delicious!

4

jimb575 t1_j4nxwnd wrote

Ed’s BBQ in Fall River is pretty good!

4

wrap_urXhaustpipes t1_j4o0m0o wrote

I like Gotta Q in Cumberland, but I had came to the same conclusion as you - that god BBQ is lacking around here. So I just got a smoker and ended up making it myself

4

Familiar_Ad1485 t1_j4o2cp5 wrote

Durks in Providence is where you need to go!

4

Yelling_Jellyfish t1_j4o3aqh wrote

Redbones in Somerville. Not terribly close, unfortunately.

4

Orangefan71 t1_j4u38wr wrote

>Redbones in Somerville. Not terribly close, unfortunately.

Was very disappointed even after giving them a few chances.

I agree with other's that BT's is the standard for anything I've found in New England.

​

By the way, anybody remember Memphis Roadhouse in South Attleboro?

−1

KennyWuKanYuen t1_j4o3u0u wrote

I really liked Gotta Q out in Cumberland and Durk’s was OK, however, I found Durk’s to be a little dryer than Gotta Q’s but both their prices seemed pretty high.

On a separate note, is smoked BBQ cheaper in the south than here in north, sorta like how Maine lobsters are apparently cheaper in Maine than outside of main?

4

JackpotJooser t1_j4nqqtn wrote

Great Northern - Providence, RI

3

jimb575 t1_j4nxjfr wrote

Sorry to disagree but that place is trash. It tastes like BBQ done by hipsters for hipsters…

7

CaroKannyeWest t1_j4ouf9l wrote

I agree with you here. I lived just about next door and stopped going there around mid-lockdown.

1

Gsquzared t1_j4nug6u wrote

I was surprised this wasn't higher up. It's pricy, but pretty good quality.

2

mantisMD97 t1_j4nx8v6 wrote

Their food used to be good when it was sold at the point tavern. Really not so good anymore, and over priced.

1

BigLoveFromAbove t1_j4nv9da wrote

Used to be a place in Vernon CT called Little Marks Big BBQ. Only decent place I have had up here.

2

everyoneisnuts t1_j4o1ky5 wrote

Boundary Brewhouse in Pawtucket has really, really good food. Never had a bad experience with them. Best ribs around in my opinion

2

wormholeweapons t1_j4o9fcv wrote

Durks is good in Prov. The rest I’ve had around is decent but nothing jumps out.

I like Durks best because their meats are quite good and close to TX bbq. The sides are acceptable not great. No one around here has good sides. Durks whiskey selection elevated the place for me.

Honestly. Having had every one of the best in and around central Texas nothing here compares. Especially smoked turkey at Franklin and the beef ribs at a Louie Miller. So damn good. The only thing I’ve not gotten to have is the chicken at Snows.

2

Jfrenchy t1_j4o9nok wrote

Best I’ve had around here is Smokeshop which has some locations around Boston

2

buzz_buzzing_buzzed t1_j4ofilc wrote

Just tried Ohanas in Coventry. Wife had ribs, I had brisket. We both thought it was pretty good.

Wasn't as keen on their maple bourbon it Hawaiian BBQ sauce (too pineapple for me), but the meat was good.

2

jam__1 t1_j4omdcm wrote

Becky’s in Middletown, or you could come to my backyard and drink beer while we watch the smoker

2

Old-Independent-2446 t1_j4pe5d8 wrote

Try south county bbq they only have a food truck but are at breweries every weekend

2

Realistic_Addendum_6 t1_j4pu309 wrote

Smoke and squeal in North Scituate RI Super solid bbq

2

radarmy t1_j4q4rge wrote

I was super disappointed with their jerky-dry brisket. Might have hit them on a bad day but I'm not risking another $25 disappointment

1

SusieRI t1_j4q691p wrote

Being a native of Kansas City, Missouri, the best I have found is GottaQ. The boneyard in seekonk runs a close second. However, most of the places around here are not consistent, and will be good one time and not so good the next.

2

rye8901 OP t1_j4q8t09 wrote

GottaQ appears to have closed unfortunately

1

SusieRI t1_j4qd4z9 wrote

I still haven't figured out about the food truck, though. It was still around last year at events. Sure hope they're still around somewhere!!

1

Tsp88 t1_j4wpov9 wrote

CJ backyard bbq in seekonk! They’ve only been open a few months but the food is fantastic. The owner makes all his own sauces and rubs for meat. The best pulled chicken and brisket I’ve ever had

2

StaleyNewp t1_j4o28r1 wrote

2 jerks BBQ & MARKET in Raynham MA. BEST BBQ AROUND and large Portions.

1

drnick5 t1_j4omaoo wrote

No Joke Smoke BBQ in Swansea MA is great! It's right off 195.

1

kylejay915 t1_j4or11v wrote

CJ’s backyard bbq seekonk MA

1

Its_ScaryTerry_Bitch t1_j4ornct wrote

Horsman BBQ is a pop-up that has a small changing menu but it is very good. He's usually at What Cheer Tavern every other Sunday and occasionally has pop-ups at other places like the Gansett Brewery in PVD or in Pawtuxet Village during the Gaspee Days. I'd say to follow his IG.

Durks is pretty good. I personally enjoy them, but it doesn't compare the a true southern BBQ joint. It's the best brick and morter spot in the greater Providence area that I can think of.

BBQ seems like a strange thing where what one person says is great another will say is trash, so you just gotta try it for yourself.

I heard people talk up Wes' Ribhouse in Olneyville, I went once and it was truly horrible.

B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge MA was a place that my friend made sound like it was gonna be the best bbq I ever had. I went once and it was good. Did not live up to the hype, but there was nothing bad. It wasn't worth the 45 minute wait, tho.

Enjoy the experience of checking out places!

1

bedbedbedbedbed t1_j4pjnrz wrote

As a someone from KC who lived in RI, there is no BBQ of any quality in the state. Durks has good corndogs though

1

RIFCSUPERFAN t1_j4q0w11 wrote

Bbq is shit up here there is a spot near the airport in CT that is actually really good though I just forget the name . I think it is bears smokehouse.

1

blueplasticgirl t1_j4q4slo wrote

While this is not a BBQ place, The Food Shack (formerly Flat Waves) in Middletown has delicious brisket and pulled pork bowls/burritos. It's more like Hawaiian BBQ.

1

InfiniteChicken t1_j4q58mt wrote

Commonwealth BBQ in Wrentham is pretty good. Served out of an old gas station. They have East Carolina-style sauce as well as South Carolina-style in their lineup, which is nice.

1

msgajh t1_j4q5dne wrote

BT’s smokehouse in Sturbridge Ma. Just voted best in MA. By food network. It’s amazing! Recommend the brisket Rueben.

1

beebo_guts t1_j4qhifq wrote

I lived in the upper south for 25 years and the deep south for 5 and now live in RI. I'd say, generally, there isn't any good bbq in New England. I'm always wondering why that is and I really can't think of a good reason. RI has many other good types of cuisine, so it seems like someone would have cracked the bbq nut already.

1

Clamgravy t1_j4qk2yy wrote

BT's can be very good when they're on. Unfortunately I've found them to be inconsistent. Otherwise nothing mind blowing that I know of.

1

allgreeneveryday t1_j4qps2w wrote

Becky's barbecue i think its in middletown. Pulled pork beef or chicken its all delicious

1

Allison_Skywalker t1_j4ri2tq wrote

RI = Durks in Providence or Becky’s in Middletown

MA = BTs (not always consistent!, Sturbridge location), Cask N Pig (Dartmouth), Blackstrap BBQ (Winthrop)

1

Nomadhero_ t1_j4w97vv wrote

I like O'Hana in Coventry

1

SadAerie6351 t1_j54tdmy wrote

The best BBQ in RI/MA is in Texas.

1

Beebeeleen t1_j4o54p5 wrote

I really liked the brisket, brisket chilli, and chicken wings at GottaQ Smokehouse BBQ in Cumberland.

0

agreensandcastle t1_j4oay40 wrote

I’m new here. So I won’t say best. But really love the menu at BJ’s restaurant and brewhouse tonight.

Anyone want to explain the downvotes?

0

DonnyBomeneddy t1_j4y5ta8 wrote

Probably too big of a chain for people. I've liked everything I've had there, Piezookies are delicious.

1

momo9387 t1_j4onbqo wrote

Keanes wood fired in Cranston is pretty good imo

0

BigE1263 t1_j4ojzqc wrote

Boneyard near the seekonk Pawtucket borders pretty decent but it’s potluck.

−1

Previous_Floor t1_j4sbv9r wrote

I recently got a Brisket Sandwich from Missing Link BBQ in Somerset. It was awesome.

−1