The Best Barbecue Restaurants in and Around Boston

Purists and barbecue newbies alike can debate endlessly about which local spots come closest to the real thing and which aren’t worth your time, but here’s a handy sampling of some of the well-loved Southern-style barbecue restaurants you can find in the Boston area, serving everything from Kansas City burnt ends to dry-rubbed Texas brisket and the juicy and tangy barbecue from the Carolinas. What’s changed in this update: We’ve added Pig Beach, from a trio of NYC chefs and restaurateurs.

This time we’ve removed Sim’s BBQ and Sweet Cheeks. — Additional reporting by Valerie Li Stack and Rachel Leah Blumenthal Sure, Boston’s not exactly known for being a barbecue town, but there are still plenty of great places to swing by if you can’t get down South anytime soon.

Purists and barbecue newbies alike can debate endlessly about which local spots come closest to the real thing and which aren’t worth your time, but here’s a handy sampling of some of the well-loved Southern-style barbecue restaurants you can find in the Boston area, serving everything from Kansas City burnt ends to dry-rubbed Texas brisket and the juicy and tangy barbecue from the Carolinas. What’s changed in this update: We’ve added Pig Beach, from a trio of NYC chefs and restaurateurs.

This time we’ve removed Sim’s BBQ and Sweet Cheeks. — Additional reporting by Valerie Li Stack and Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Scott Brothers

In 2024, Scott Brothers expanded beyond the confines of their former home at Winter Hill Brewing in Somerville and moved north to Middleton, where they decided to put their roots down.

At their new spot within the Lot on South Main, they’re dishing up plates of brisket, spare ribs, sausages, and more, plus can’t-miss sides like brown-butter cornbread, collards, and baked beans.

Code 1 BBQ

This husband-and-wife shop sits in a strip mall in Wilmington, just north of Boston, and has quickly won the hearts and minds of the locals.

It’s known for its succulent pork belly finished on the flattop grill with a touch of maple syrup, as well as a tender brisket that melts in the mouth.

Blue Ribbon BBQ

Beloved counter-service barbecue restaurant and catering operation Blue Ribbon, around for over 25 years, has locations in Arlington, West Newton, and the Time Out Market in Fenway, serving up pit-smoked favorites in the style of a variety of regions: Kansas City burnt ends, Texas brisket, North Carolina pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, etc.

No-frills sides (coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and the like) round out meals, but save room for a slice of pecan or key lime pie.

Redbones Barbecue

At 39 years old, Redbones has cemented its popularity in Somerville’s Davis Square. It’s perpetually crowded, and the ambiance is fun, particularly at the downstairs bar, Underbones.

Redbones’s strength lies in its lively vibe and solid beer list. The restaurant doesn’t really specialize in any one style of barbecue; there’s a giant menu that has a little bit of something for everyone, so it’s an easy choice if there’s a big group to feed. Try the banana pudding for dessert.

Blackstrap BBQ

Founded over a decade ago by a couple of East Coast Grill alums, Blackstrap started as a tiny space with a focus on takeout, but the restaurant has expanded into adjacent spaces over the years, adding a full bar and dining room. Blackstrap touches on different barbecue regions with sweet-and-spicy Memphis-style dry-rub ribs, smoky Texas-style brisket, and tangy North Carolina-style pulled pork.

The friendly crew also does catering.

The Smoke Shop

Smoke Shop opened in Cambridge in 2016 thanks to Andy Husbands (who owned the now-defunct Tremont 647), a longtime barbecue devotee and fixture on the competitive circuit. His Kendall Square restaurant has since closed down, but its newer counterparts in Fort Point, Somerville’s Assembly Row, and Cambridge’s Harvard Square are still going strong.

The restaurants feature big platters of meats, from burnt ends to ribs, piled high with sides. Don’t miss the wings, coated in sticky-sweet agave and spices.

On the beverage side, there’s so much whiskey.

The Coast Cafe

Fried chicken and barbecue can go hand in hand, and you can get both at this beloved neighborhood joint for a barbecue picnic.

At this counter-service restaurant, you can order combos of fried chicken, fried catfish, fried haddock, and smoked barbecue pork ribs with delicious sides that are probably the best in the city.

Larry J’s BBQ Cafe

Larry Jimerson closed down his Chelsea restaurant, Larry J’s House of Q, in 2012 and quickly relocated to Boston’s Seaport, opening up Larry J’s BBQ Cafe, a small counter-service shack.

There’s no seating inside, but outdoor seating is available when weather permits. (He eventually opened another location in Revere, too, but that closed in early 2021.) Jimerson smokes his meats over apple and hickory wood, offering up ribs, smoked link sausage, smoked brisket, smoked turkey legs, and lots more.

Reunion BBQ

This addition to the South End is adding barbecue to the neighborhood’s bustling culinary scene. The biscuits are a big hit here: crispy on the outside and tender, fluffy on the inside.

The menu features the usual items you’d expect from a barbecue joint and gives you options to buy a tray of selected meats, a sandwich, or meat by the pound.

Pig Beach BBQ

Founded by NYC restaurateur Rob Shawger and Michelin alums Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride, Pig Beach opened its first Boston location inside the PKL indoor pickleball complex in 2024. Pay particular attention to the smoked meats: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, and cheddar-jalapeño sausage can all be served with sides like collard greens, vinegar coleslaw, barbecue tater tots, and potato salad.

They also offer a couple of brunch items, including an egg and cheese sandwich with salt-and-pepper brisket and gooey over-easy eggs.

M&M BBQ

Formerly known as M&M Ribs, M&M BBQ began as a food truck and catering operation before finding a home inside Dorchester Brewing Company in early 2020.

Get the pork ribs, of course, but also try one of the sandwiches, which feature pulled pork, shredded beef brisket, fried chicken, or bratwurst. M&M offers ample gluten-free and vegetarian options, too.

Tennessee’s Real BBQ Real Fast

With locations in Braintree and Peabody, this fast-casual group smokes meats over hickory, apple, and cherry woods, and the barbecue sauce has a tomato base with a hint of chocolate.

Lots of combos and bulk meats and sides are available.

Sarcastic Swine BBQ & Restaurant

This South Shore spot has been quickly building up a fan base since opening in early 2019. It’s known for its sauce choices — there are about a dozen — and over-the-top dishes like a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with pulled brisket, mac and cheese, and honey-barbecue sauce.

The cornbread, which comes with a choice of butters (whipped, cinnamon, or maple bacon), is a must.

B.T.‘s Smokehouse

Plan a little road trip 60 miles southwest of Boston to Sturbridge: B.T.’s Smokehouse is a worthy destination, featuring meats slow-smoked over apple and hickory, available in sandwiches, platters with sides and cornbread, and more.

Watch for dishes like andouille dog bites and sticky rib tips, too. Oh, and it’s BYOB.