Boston's Best Barbecue Joints
By Eric Grossman, Boston Editor
When it comes to serious barbecue, Bostonians have plenty of options around town. Here are the city's top restaurants for ribs and brisket, listed by specialty.
Slow-Smoked BBQ
With locations in Newton and Arlington, Blue Ribbon has won national acclaim thanks to its slow cooking methods. Kansas City burnt ends, North Carolina pulled pork and Memphis dry-rubbed ribs are just a few of the meat treats on offer. Authentic sides like collard greens and black-eyed peas leave native Southerners homesick.
Blue Ribbon BBQ
1375 Washington St,
Newton,
MA
Dirty Southern BBQ
Somerville's most popular eatery serves up five different styles of ribs, including messy, meaty Arkansas (pork) and giant Texas (beef) varieties. BBQ hash (pork, beef, peppers, onion and spices) is typical of the down-home, authentic Southern BBQ Redbones is famous for.
Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester St,
Somerville,
MA
Low-and-Slow BBQ
An award-winning BBQ joint with an Asian influence? Uncle Pete's wife is from Thailand, which explains the menu's Thai fish cakes and coconut shrimp. But its Uncle Pete's barbecued chicken (after sitting overnight in a citrus-fruit marinade, it's then smoked over apple and hickory woods), lean spare ribs and giant Texas beef ribs that keeps diners coming back for more.
Uncle Pete's Hickory Ribs
72 Squire Rd,
Revere,
MA
Live Tunes BBQ
This Moody Street hangout is popular with local singles for its live Blues tunes every Saturday night. Its Memphis-style spare ribs and tangy North Carolina-style pulled pork keep the crowds hungry for more.
Jake & Earl's Dixie Roadhouse
| Website
220 Moody St,
Waltham,
MA
Bison BBQ
Just down the street from Jake's, Bison County stands apart with its bevy of buffalo options. From burgers and strips to steak tips, lean bison meat is served in style. Texas-style ribs and brisket please fans of traditional barbecue.
Bison County
| Website
275 Moody St,
Waltham,
MA
Oak-Smoked Pit BBQ
Inman Square's beloved dining destination may be best known for its nationally-renowned approach to seafood, but it also serves some serious 'cue. Eastern North Carolina-style shredded pork proves popular, as do savory burnt brisket ends.
East Coast Grill
1271 Cambridge St,
Cambridge,
MA
Brazilian BBQ
The city's most popular Brazilian restaurant provides carnivores with an ideal introduction to an authentic rodizio. Freshly grilled meats, from nicely charred pork loin to savory chicken hearts, are sliced and served tableside. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes a bevy of non-meat options, but why eat salad when you can eat steak?
Midwest Grill
| Website
1124 Cambridge St,
Cambridge,
MA
