Boston may be best known for baked beans, fresh seafood, and its fierce loyalty to Irish pubs, but in recent years, the city’s barbecue landscape has quietly become a real contender.
The city’s mash-up of Southern transplants, inventive chefs, and die-hard food lovers has sparked a new appreciation for slow-smoked meats, house-made sauces, and all the trimmings.
Whether you want Texas brisket, Memphis ribs, or a creative New England twist, Boston’s pitmasters prove that you don’t need to be below the Mason-Dixon line to savor world-class barbecue.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Founded by Top Chef alum Tiffani Faison, Sweet Cheeks Q is undeniably Boston’s best-known smokehouse.
The vibe is lively and rustic—think long communal tables and mason jars—and the star is the juicy, peppery Texas-style brisket.
Don’t miss the giant, buttery “Big Buttermilk Biscuits,” arguably as famous as the meat, and the house BBQ sauces that range from tangy to fiery.
Go for the Super Tray if you’re hungry: brisket, pork belly, ribs, and fried chicken all together, plus sides like collard greens and “church basement” potato salad.
Redbones Barbecue
A legend in Somerville’s Davis Square since 1987, Redbones is a quirky neighborhood favorite with a down-home feel.
Its menu is as wide-ranging as it is delicious: Memphis ribs, Texas brisket, St. Louis pulled pork, and even Carolina chopped BBQ.
Beer geeks will love the impressive local craft tap list, and families appreciate the chill, graffiti-covered basement vibes.
Redbones is also loved for its plentiful vegetarian sides and house-made pickles.
The Smoke Shop BBQ
Chef Andy Husbands is a local BBQ celebrity, and his mini-chain, The Smoke Shop, serves up classic competition-level barbecue in several locations across the city.
Go for the burnt ends—sticky, smoked cubes of brisket that melt in your mouth—or the cornbread, which some locals claim is the city’s best.
The bourbon selection is outstanding, and you’ll find a rotation of house-made sauces (like sweet molasses or zesty vinegar) to try with every bite.
Blue Ribbon BBQ
A Boston-area staple with locations in Arlington and West Newton, Blue Ribbon BBQ draws heavy inspiration from Southern cooking.
Swing by for their hickory-smoked meats, especially the chopped pork shoulder and Texas-style beef brisket.
The hushpuppies and burnt end beans are comfort food at its finest, with generous portions and house-pickled jalapeños for a little kick.
Blackstrap BBQ
A cozy spot in Winthrop, Blackstrap BBQ is a local favorite for no-frills, deeply smoked meats.
Try their spicy ribs, sausage links, or fall-apart brisket, then pile on classic sides like mac-n-cheese and cornbread.
Portions are big, prices are fair, and the staff is always ready with a recommendation.
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