5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Stamford, Connecticut to Try

In the heart of Connecticut’s Gold Coast, Stamford’s food scene has always been about fusions—NYC sophistication meets New England comfort food. In recent years, the barbecue landscape has blossomed, fueled by Southern transplants and local innovators.

Here, smokehouses offer everything from sweet and sticky ribs to Texas sausage and inventive, veggie-loaded sides.

For Fairfield County dwellers and city escapees alike, barbecue in Stamford has become a new must-try adventure.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Now a regional legend, Dinosaur’s Stamford outpost brings real-deal, charcoal pit-cooked barbecue to Fairfield County.

Their beef brisket is sliced to order, St. Louis ribs come with espresso rub, and the pulled pork is always juicy.

Sides like Creole potato salad and spicy chili set them apart; don’t miss the cornbread with honey butter.

Hayes’ BBQ

A true local spot, Hayes’ is beloved for Southern-style, no-nonsense plates: chopped pork shoulder, Texas-style brisket, and meaty, smoky ribs.

Their homemade sides—collard greens, vinegar slaw—feel straight out of North Carolina, but with a Stamford family spin.

Everything is scratch-made and the friendly, low-key service wins loyal regulars.

Bobby Q’s Cue & Co.

Transplanted from Westport to Stamford, Bobby Q’s brings award-winning barbecue with a casual, lively style.

Burnt ends, Kansas City-style ribs, and brisket chili all shine here, and the “Pig Candy” (sweet-glazed bacon) is a must-try. Their signature BBQ Bloody Mary is also a hit at brunch.

Barbecue Pit

This mall-adjacent staple might not look fancy, but it’s a lunch crowd favorite for classic pit barbecue: pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket sandwiches loaded up with pickles and their house-made sauces.

Their cornbread and collard greens get rave reviews, and portions are generous.

The Q

Winner of local barbecue battles, The Q smokes all its meats in-house—check out the loaded pulled pork nachos, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and Cajun-rubbed wings.

Sides run the gamut from house slaw to decadent mac and cheese, and there’s a big, bustling bar for after-work hangouts or weekend gatherings with friends.