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B T's Smokehouse
- $7 for $10 promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. For another 6 years after that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. 3 can be purchased as gifts. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $10
- Discount 30%
- Savings $3
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
73 reviews for B T's Smokehouse
Review Highlights
"The pulled pork tender and moist too."
(in 33 reviews)
"This is by far the best BBQ I've had, anywhere."
(in 11 reviews)
"The brisket was unbelievably tasty and moist."
(in 33 reviews)
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73 reviews in English
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Review from Kim B.
Worcester, MA
2/6/2012
I have been a fan of B.T's for years....since they first opened in their previous location. I also have family who has used them for catering as well (July 4, 2009). Their catering services are wonderful. They smoked a whole pig and brought the smoker with the whole pig right to the party. They fired up their deep fryer outside and made their buffalo wings (they we yum!)
I have been to their restuarant several times over and find with every visit along with every bite I become more and more of a fan! Their pulled pork is Ah-mazing, their brisket is scrumptious, the ribs are mouth watering, wings (depending how spicy you like em') a tear to your eye! Their sides are out of this world. The mac n cheese is some of the best I've ever had and the Collard greens are infact the best I've EVER eaten!
B.T's is by far the best BBQ in New England/Northeast coast!!!! If you are heading to western MA, MA to upstate NY, or going to or from MA to CT (or other points south via Rt. 84/91) it is a must have! It's only a couple minutes off the pike or 84, right on Rt 20 west and it is SOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo worth the little detour! -
Review from Gary A.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2011
Let me tell you. This place is AMAZING!
Friends and I went here today. From the moment you step out of your car, you smell their already. The place itself doesn't look like much, but don't let that fool you. I ordered the brisket bbq burrito and it was worth every dollar. This thing was huge! The onion rings were delicious as well. Prices were pretty good considering how much food you actually get.
Next time I come here, I'm gonna try the bison burger.
PROS
-Excellent food
-Lots to choose from
-Friendly staff
CONS:
-Place is a bit too small, they might want to consider expanding it or move to a bigger location. -
Review from Jeremy K.
While I'm a bit hesitant to give this place 5 stars on Yelp, I actually think that I should follow though and just do it as my lunch there not only exceeded my expectations, but it left me speechless and at a loss of words.
While driving back to Boston from NY state, we needed a place for a pit stop; essentially, for a late lunch. While I was busy doing all of the driving, I instructed the girlfriend to try and figure something out - and she came through big time by spotting this place. At that point, we were an hour away and after adjusting my GPS, we set our sights on that place.
Fast-forward 75 miles and we were here, parking in the lot right upfront. The place was seemed pretty busy and each of their tables outside was packed with people devouring trays of food. We walked in and stood in line while looking at the menu above the counter.
I was rather hungry and decided to get their 2-meat platter ($13) with some pulled pork and some brisket. It included some corn bread and 2 sides. I picked the carrot salad, which was studded with some raisins and some collard greens. As a drink I saw that they had some lemon iced tea and settled for that. I then paid for our food and redeem an instant Yelp deal which saved me $3 and which was pretty neat and then picked a couple of seats at the counter - there is little seating inside but luckily for us, the Patriots game was about to kickoff on TV so the place emptied out rather quickly as people ordered their food to go despite the fact that this joint had a small TV with the game on.
We then patiently waited - the place was crowded and it took nearly twenty five minutes for us to get our food. But boy was it worth the wait. Rarely have I been very impressed with BBQ, especially in Massachusetts. And because we were deep in the 'burbs, pretty much in the middle of nowhere, my expectations were... pretty low. But I was wrong and my first bite of the pulled pork pretty much shut me up (and converted me). It was absolutely amazing! The pork was loaded with flavor and was very moist and juicy. I can't even begin to describe how good it was. Immediately, I started to picture various scenarios of what I could do with it: I concluded that I'd want to bathe in a bathtub full of it. And then inject it intravenously. It was that good. I wanted to overdose on it.
The brisket on the other hand was okay - it was pretty average and not very lean. It also wasn't very well sliced, almost in a sloppy kind of way. I wasn't a fan. On the upside the two sides were great: the carrot salad was tasty and the collard greens might be the best I've had. They had a good balance of flavor and weren't overcooked or soupy - something that most places do wrong.
Along with our platter of food, we hit up the sauce and condiment bar and tried all kinds of stuff. They had pickled onions, jalapenos and carrots. Each was actually very good and the fact that you can serve yourself is pretty cool. Same goes for the sauces; they had four distinct ones available: house, mustard, spicy and sweet.
The girlfriend seemed to enjoy her food as well and pretty soon we were both full and smiling. I took a quick trip to the bathroom to wash my hands and noticed that the walls are made of slate and they had chalk available so people drew all over them and wrote all kinds of messages. Neat. No wonder it took so long for people to get in there in the first place...
All in all, this could very well be the state's best BBQ joint. Well worth the drive from Boston and since it's very close to the Pioneer Brewery (~ 2 or 3 miles) you could make a day trip out of it. It's clean, affordable and they serve up some great food.Listed in: Ribs and Pulled Pork and…
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Review from Thom H.
Worcester, MA
2/2/2012
Bacon to go? You gotta go!
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Review from simon l.
BT's really should get two stars for the disorderly chaos that was occurring when we walked in: we waited for ten minutes to even place an order on this Father's Day evening and then before we did, another to go order was input before the server had to ask the other employee what she should do, put our order in yet or take another phone order. Basic problem, one chef and a line out the door with to go orders being prepped before taking the orders of those standing in line.
After the wait, the food pleasantly showed up in a reasonable amount of time - props to your short order BBQ chef - the kid had food coming up like nobody's business. And to be honest, it was good, as usual.
Half rack of spares - unusually, they were overcooked and lacking the normal juicy deliciousness. My first visit, I ordered a beef rib and an entire rack of spares - I had no idea what was coming and couldn't finish even half the spares - order this one by the entire rack. Excellent crispy crust, fat content evident through well-trimmed spares. Smoke flavor is excellent.
The beef rib was spot on and meaty amazing. This is the definition of "Dino" bone if you've never experienced one. Prime rib cooked to perfection, dripping beef juices, tender meat, pink smokiness all the way to the bone.
Pulled pork sandwich was perfectly sauced with Cole slaw and nicely vinegared, bun perfectly soft.
The black-eyed peas were some of the best I've sampled. Chopped onions, cilantro and not too soft. The carrot slaw was fresh and crisp. Pepper flecks dot the Cole slaw made without too much mayonnaise.
Add some pickled carrots and onions and a selection of the house made BBQ sauces and we've got a place far enough away from Boston that I can't get there regularly but the three times I have, absolutely superb BBQ.Listed in: RIBS, mostly bbq
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Review from Big Smiling T.
Auburn, MA
10/5/2011
BT's Smokehouse, I love you so much. I feel like I could write a novel on this place so I will try to keep it short and sweet. Every meat there is awesome, slow cooked to perfection, the sides are excellent, I love the Mac and Cheese, and they make their own soft drinks and beef jerky. Small place, you can smell the food right when you pull in. Also: BYOB!
BT's catered my wedding reception, it was the biggest hit of the summer (having had many nasty wedding meals) and people are still talking about it. He pulled right in with the smoker, really impressive. (For all you Dive Bar lovers, we are the ones who turned on Alec to BT's, he never had it before our reception.) Also, compared to other catering places, the pricing was incredibly reasonable, I definitely recommend this place for catering, even the vegetarians fell in love with the non-meat side dishes.
I love you BT's, thank you for existing, you totally rock. -
Review from Tim A.
Natick, MA
9/20/2011
We live in the Metrowest region of Boston - and we have our share of barbecue joints here. But after eating at B.T.'s Smokehouse recently, I think it's worth the hour-long drive the next time I'm jonesing for awesome BBQ.
We had a party of 5 (including two kids), and I had to rub my eyes at the prices. Was this the price per plate? OK ... I guess ... but, wait, that's not $35 per head, but $35 for four hungry people! That included a full rack of ribs, a pint of brisket, two pints of sides and corn bread all around. BT's rivaled the prices at Boston area BBQ joints - in 1970, maybe! We ate like gluttonous pigs and still had leftovers. Wow! Even factoring in the gas money, I'm still ahead!
The people who work at B.T.'s Smokehouse are brimming with good karma - smart, helpful, doing righteous work feeding the hungry hoards. These guys are purists in the best sense. Homemade ketchup? Getoutta here!
The ribs are flavorful, meaty, and juicy. The (grass-fed) beef brisket is better than any I've ever had. It holds together and is lean but so incredibly tender that a toothless old fool could eat it. The smoke hits your memory banks and makes you think of times long ago that you've forgotten but still hold dear to your heart. Primal stuff. The slaw is crisp and freshly made and not too sweet. The beans are flavorful, not too sweet and not mushy at all, with just the right amount of bite.
Would it be uncouth to point out that even after this gluttonous food orgy, our stomachs were, ah, in "good shape?" Oh, what the hell. I said it.
We grabbed a half-pound of the beef jerky (grass fed, no nitrates) on the way out. 24 hours later it's gone. We did a job on it.
The ambiance here is genuine BBQ. The booths are comfortable but there aren't too many of them. There are picnic tables outside, and also a counter with seats inside.
Yes, we will be back. If you love real BBQ, you're going to love this place. I don't care where you grew up. -
Review from Glen R.
Hauppauge, NY
9/6/2011
It's funny when you travel in the south and all BBQ joints THINK that they make it best. Yet...here I am, traveling in Sturbridge, MA and fellow Yelpers help me find B.T.'s Smokehouse. What a great find it was.
There were 8 of us so we really got to try a nice variety. The pulled pork was flavorful, juicy and tender...as was the pulled chicken. Many people have mentioned the mac & cheese side and it did not disappoint. What's great is that you can actual watch them make it fresh, in a pan, behind the counter. The brisket was fabulous and I usually use brisket as my barometer of a BBQ restaurant. Very tender and juicy with tremendous flavor. The St. Louis ribs were just a little disappointing. They were heavily charred on the outside, however they were tender and well cooked on the inside. It was just a bit hard getting through that char. I don't know if they're always like that or they just kind of over did it today.
All the other sides were great too and the prices were very reasonable. -
Review from Kristin X.
San Lorenzo, CA
B.T. prides itself in slow smoking their meats for 14 hours. This is no easy feat, and their effort is reflected in the food.
5 stars for the beef brisket. It was tender, flavorful, and had little bits of crispy fat. The spare ribs were quite meaty and coated with a dry rub. But I wasn't too fond of them because I'm a fan of wet style ribs that are coated in BBQ sauce. It's just a matter of preference. So I had to dunk the ribs in BBQ sauce.
I like how they put a different spin on the traditional sides. For instance, the potato salad wasn't mayonaise based, the cole slaw was tangy rather than sweet, and the mac and cheese was made with gemelli pasta instead of elbow macaroni. The sides were good but not exceptional.
If I'm craving BBQ again, I'll come back to try their pulled pork and St. Louis Style ribs.
Tip: Don't eat outside on the benches at night, you will be attacked by mosquitoes. I paid the price. -
Review from Sara M.
8/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I made Husby drive an hour to get here and he was thanking me at the end.
Although I had my heart set on beef ribs, they unfortunately were out already. I chose the platter of two with beef brisket, spareribs, cornbread, dirty rice, and collard greens. It came out on a tray with enormous portions. The spareribs were meaty, juicy, tender, and full of flavour. I can't say that there was anything I would want differently in that dish. The beef brisket was a bit dry since I got some of the last pieces but a few were juicy and I could taste the potential. Collard greens had a great balance of sweet and tangy with chunks of homemade bacon. Dirty rice was typical and the cornbread was moist. I also got a chance to try the pulled pork, which I never am a fan of since it is stringy, but this was amazing. It was almost like pieces of a roasted suckling pig. The St. Louis ribs were also pronounced to be perfection.
The people working there were younger and having fun with each other, which made for a lively atmosphere. The guy who prepared our food even gave us some mac and cheese to try for free - heavy, cheesy, and yummy. The only thing that didn't get rave reviews were the BBQ beans.
I am glad this place is so far away because I'd be here every weekend gorging on their delectable BBQ. -
Review from Matt K.
Portland, OR
9/4/2011
I should know better than to try to eat BBQ in this part of the country (as opposed to Texas, North Carolina, KC, etc). But I thought maybe it would be a winner based on Yelp reviews; but this was the blandest, saltiest, most boring food I've had since I arrived in Massachusetts.
The portion size of the onion rings I ordered was quite large (it would probably feed 2-3 people), but they were pretty gross (greasy, salty and the onions tasted weird), and maybe their brisket sandwich is awesome (somehow I doubt it), but the pulled chicken sandwich I ordered was nothing special at all--rather fatty and tasted like they boiled it.
2 stars because they were very nice and I almost feel guilty being honest about the food quality. -
Review from L L.
New York, NY
7/15/2011
Found this place on our way to Boston from Yelp... Wow, it did not disappoint us with great meats BBQ style and really great friendly services from every employees (including the cook)! The best of all, the price was unbeatable! I had the 2 meat combo and I was totally stuffed.
I would recommend anyone to get off I84 before hitting I90 for a good and down-to-earth meal. -
Review from Fred P.
Charlton, MA
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Go there often for pulled pork and fries. Always great! Got a smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner for 12. Absolutely Awesome! It was a huge hit with guests and plenty for everyone. Meat was moist and tender. I got the stuffing too but it was a bit too spicey, so I diluted it down a bit with cooked onion, celery, and carrots and it was also a big hit with everyone. Thanks B T. Your turkey will be a part of Thanksgiving from now on. Kevin K.
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Review from Foom T.
Framingham, MA
7/11/2011
That's some damn fine BBQ
The wife and I ate there after an archery shoot last Saturday. We got a good assortment of food, and everything was great! The ribs had great flavor, even without adding sauce. The brisket was unbelievably tasty and moist. I don't think I've ever had better cooked smoked brisket. For sides we got the beans, the slaw, some carrot slaw, and potato salad. The potato salad was nothing special, but all the others were fantastic. When I saw the beans I was skeptical. They looked a bit boring. But they had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Not only would I recommend this place, but I would consider planning another trip out to the Sturbridge area (live an hour away in Framingham) just as an excuse to stop by there again. -
Review from Jonathan M.
Holland, MA
6/27/2011
I have been to BT Smokehouse a few times.
I regularly get the pulled pork sandwich. The meat bulges out of the bun and is always cooked to perfection. At my most recent visit I ordered a bison burger. It isn't ground beef like you would get at a chain restaurant but is a real deal chunk of bison meat. It was amazing!
It can be a little intimidating when you walk in and see there huge menu. The first couple times I didn't really know what I was ordering or how things worked (what went with what).
The portions are large and the prices are very reasonable. A serving of french fries (seasoned to perfection) was enough for 4 people at my most recent visit.
I highly recommend this place... -
Review from Charles L.
Lexington, MA
7/3/2011
I have eaten twice and enjoyed it both times. I first learned about it in Edible Boston because of their use of local ingredients.
The first time I had a pork rib and a pulled pork sandwich. The pulled pork was quite flavorful, moist, but the exterior parts were very salty. The ribs were also very good: moist and flavorful with a good smokey flavor. The black eyed peas were excellent. While we were waiting for the food, I kept eyeing the brisket that they were cutting. It looked really moist, but alas I hadn't ordered any.
The second time, having regretted not having any of the brisket the first time, I ordered a brisket sandwich. I was not disappointed. Moist and flavorful. A nice rub on it. Not too salty. The pulled pork was still very moist and salty. The ribs were good.
The first time I went I bought some of the smoked sea salt and have been using it for a lot of my cooking. It is quite nice. I am looking forward to using the "Pork Your Chicken" rub.
Overall, a good place to visit, especially on the Boston/NYC drive. -
Review from Jim M.
Wakefield, MA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the best BBQ place I've been to in New England since the now defunct Uncle Pete's in Revere.
(And may fat Uncle Pete rest in slaw and sauce. *sniff*)
My lady and I were coming back to Massachusetts after a weekend in useless Connecticut, and were looking to get our nom on.
Thanks to Yelp (and stellar reviews) we decided to pull off of I-90, and check this place out.
This turned out to be the best decision ever.
I had a pulled pork burrito with slaw (it was jacked, and the pork was meaty, flavorful, and not fatty at all)
She had a Brisket Reuben (which I ended up having half of, because she's thankfully tiny and svelte, and I, fat. It was A-FUCKING-MAZING. The brisket is the reason to go here, no if's and's or but's about it.)
Mac N' Cheese (Freshly made, in a pan, right in front of you. And it's creamy, cheesy, gooey perfection.)
And some Hush Puppies (which were good, but let's be honest. They're good everywhere, because they're deep fried. They also come with some nice Maple dipping sauce.)
Everything really was BBQ smokehouse perfection.
The staff couldn't be friendlier, the house manager (who was also doing all of the cooking) was attentive and singing along to the sweet soul tunes he had cranking on his iPod, and everyone who was eating there seemed genuinely excited to be doing so.
If I didn't live so far away, I'd have been back there today to try more of their foodstuffs. I saw they had their own house jerky(!) chili, and more.
It looked like a pretty big, fantastic menu.
Listen, you've GOT to do yourself a favor and stop here on your way home from NYC or useless CT. Don't make the mistake of stopping at a stupid McDonald's or D'Angelo's at a rest stop.
THIS is where you want to go. -
Review from Brian D.
Somerville, MA
9/3/2011
This place is great for a BBQ place anywhere in the country. It hard to convince people when you say it good, that its not a relative thing to Sturbridge, but really top end anywhere!
Pus
Meat - they use great meats, and have a wide selection. Usually their brisket is top notch (but see below). Great fat, they don;t discard the best part.
Beef ribs - they are great. Don;t get beef ribs as much as we should in the northeast. Love them, and they are top end.
Mag and Cheese - Excellent, for a side.
Sample plates - I love that they have a sample plate for 35 dollars, which is good for two and you can have some of everything.
Minus
Corn bread - nothing special, don't think they make it, as the Host Hotel service the same stuff some times. It ok, toasted the next day.
Consistency - some times they over salt their beef ribs, some time the brisket is average vs fantastic.. Some times the guy I think is the owner is in the kitchen and its always great.
Side - I felt the cucumber salad was past its prime last time I got it.
If you are in the area (or buying booze at yankee spirt), stop her for a snack. My top recommendations are the beef ribs or the pig platter sample! -
Review from Jackie J.
Boston, MA
11/13/2011
Best barbeque I have ever had. Anywhere. Ever. I have always loved barbeque and try new places quite often. As a bbq enthusiast I have to say that this is the best around. The pulled pork is tender and juicy, and the sides are superbly delicious. The owner is there often and always willing to answer questions. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is casual. Best ever, will be back time and time again.
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Review from Nick H.
Auburn, MA
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I will keep this short and sweet as I got my food to go. The brisket was dry but flavorful, the beans were disappointing, the pulled pork was absolutely delicious, mac and cheese was pretty good , and the corn bread was standard. /portions are what you would expect from a bbq joint, hearty.
Will have to go back and try the other options to get a good view of this place but not bad so far. -
Review from Kimberly M.
New Haven, CT
6/13/2011
Coming back from American Craft Beer Festival in Boston this past weekend I wanted to make a easy dinner stop off the highway rather than going to some outrageously packed Boston dinner place filled with the many other attendees of the Festival, and this place just so happened to fall perfectly on the route back home & THANK GOD IT DID.
Read the reviews and I was sold, sounded like the perfect food to fill the belly with after a long day. Looked at the board and my eyes were definetly larger than my stomach and i ordered the ribs along wtih the chicken with a side of mac n cheese and the potatos. I finished maybe a quarter of it and brought it home and super enjoyed it for lunch the next day. AWESOME BBQ. Great place. Very glad i went here.
Portions are huge, and i definetly could of shared my two meats and two sides with my boyfriend, but i was feeling greedy. -
Review from Emily T.
Millis, MA
8/24/2011
BT's has become my go-to place for BBQ.
The brisket is probably the best I have ever tasted, its smokey rich flavor, makes it just melt in your mouth. Sauced with the homemade sauces, or sauce less, its perfection in every mouthful.
I have also recently discovered andouille bites, and as a person who formerly would NOT eat sausage, these delectable bite sized treats are sinful. The spicy sausage, compliments the outer sweet coating, and these are usually devoured before I finish my hour drive home. to the boyfriends disappointment.
Overall the atmosphere is friendly, with the counter people giving recommendations as to which sauces go with which meats, and also their personal tastes, makes for a fun dining experience and a great place for take out. -
Review from Laura B.
Worcester, MA
4/13/2011
Oh man, HOLLA IF YOU LOVE KICKASS BBQ!!!
Love: the FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD, the service, the bathroom.
Wait, the bathroom? Yeah! You can write on the walls and they supply you with the chalk. ;)
But seriously, the food is outta sight. I don't think I've had such amazing BBQ before, and their sauces are so INTERESTING (in a good way!).
Not a fan: I wish they had more seating! We went there the other night and had to wait to sit at one of the three tables they had. Plenty of parking though!!
I can't bear to give them less than 5 stars because the food really makes up for the lack of enough tables. Besides - spring is coming and you can sit outside, right?
=) LOVE BTs! -
Review from David S.
Brookfield, MA
6/26/2011
Can't get enough of this place -- it's a little piece of paradise tucked into Sturbridge.
Everything about it is great -- the food, the smell, the sauces, the people, the customers, the music, even the bathroom.
Not sure what to order? Just ask. Or take my advice and grab the brisket, or the burger. Try a bit of everything -- you'll soon find you're like me -- daydreaming about one or another of their dishes at random times, unable toe at anything vaguely supposedly BBQ because you know it won't be as good.... -
Review from Monica C.
Stoughton, MA
6/8/2011 1 photo
I want to add a review just to give this place 5 stars, and to tell people in and around and traveling near to try it. Once you've tried it, tell more people about it.
Dericious. -
Review from Rich K.
Stratford, CT
10/18/2011
We stopped at BT's based upon the Yelp reviews and they were right on the money. I couldn't believe the sandwich portion of the pulled pork for $6. Like someone else said, no frills, no ambiance, but unbelievable BBQ, especially the pulled pork. Don't miss this one!
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Review from Francisca W.
Boston, MA
10/1/2011
agreed with Matt K. from CA about the saltiness of food and friendliness of staff.
visiting Sturbridge for a weekend wedding, so here we are, the 5 of us came to this place at 8:30pm on a Sat night, looking for food. i personally didn't expect the place to be such a small establishment, but whatever, if food is good, who cares if they only have 4 diner seats, 3-4 booths, and couple outdoor benches? we thought about ordering it to go anyway, so went in and looked at the menu hanging up by the counter.
the two girls working the counter were extra nice, recommending dishes accordingly to number of party and relaying past experiences. even though they were toward closing time, they never seemed to rush us to put in order so they could get the hell out. instead, they were very laid-back and helpful. cook staff seemed relaxed too; not at all rushing to finish our order so they can clean up and get out.
so we decided on a dinner meal w/beef ribs, pulled pork, couple sides, and an extra order of onion rings and a chopped salad on tortilla, then went back to hotel and started to feast.
and we found.....
- beef rib rub wayyyyy too salty, though meat was ok in terms of taste and tenderness;
- pulled pork wayyy too dry and gravy-less;
- black beans (side) ok, though some felt it was not tender enough;
- potato salad (side) also very salty;
- corn bread said to be quite decent;
- chopped salad w/chicken ok, and it came w/this gi-ass-tic tortilla bowl that's the size of my face, deep-fried and all;
- onion ring probably the highlight of the night, being relatively "flawless" compared to other items.
conclusion: despite high hopes due to reviews also word of mouth from someone who just ate there the same night, was indeed quite disappointed with what we experienced. appreciated the humorous decor and friendly staff, but food itself probably isn't gonna be enough to bring me back. unless their brisket and back ribs can work miracles and change my mind. but what are the chances i'll find myself in Sturbridge again? -
Review from Caroline D.
Dudley, MA
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best BBQ/Smokehouse I've been to in New England. I got the 1/2 rack of St. Louis ribs and my hubby got the bison burger. The ribs were by far the better deal since I got a platter with two sides and cornbread. The Bison burger came with no toppings. So if you go get the ribs they are awesome and fall right off the bone. The dry rub they use is amazing and makes a tasty crust that is yummy and keeps the meat inside moist!
It's very small inside but they do takeout so that's probably your best option . It looks like they also cater which is very cool! -
Review from William P.
Springfield, MA
7/18/2011
Close to a five but not quite there yet when you look past the meats
What's a 5:
- the meats, all of them are pretty darn amazing and will not disappoint. My favorite is the burger with chunks of brisket but they're all so much better than anything I've had in New England and I especially appreciate the ribs having a dry rub.
- the staff, been here 4 or 5 time and they're just the best - friendly as well as both knowledgeable and helpful.
What not a 5:
- the sides, specifically the baked beans (they taste ok but they're not what you're expecting), the coleslaw (too thick cut, not creamy - not what I want with my 'Q)
- the sauces which are vinegar based and pretty much lacking, unlike the ketchup which is homemade and as good as it gets
What disappoints:
- the chili, it has the taste of rub which was just weird (thinking they use the ends of the smoked brisket but they could add rub because they think it adds to the flavor)
Other thoughts:
- it's small if you're planning on eating inside consider there's 3 booths and 6 or so stools.
- there's some condiments beyond the usual and the green tomatoes (if they're back) and hellish relish are definitely worth tasting -
Review from Laura D.
Brighton, MA
10/23/2010
This is some of the best BBQ in the world. Seriously, that good. It is worth the hour drive from Boston to eat some of the delicious smoked meat. We stopped in for lunch on our way to Old Sturbridge Village. it is really easy to find right on Rt. 20 with easy access from the pike.
First we pulled in and it shares a parking lot with a gas station and has a few picnic tables out front. I looked at my fiance was like "really?". What it lacks in style it makes up for in taste.
So we ordered a two meat dinner which comes with two meats your choice and two sides and more than enough food for two people. We had pulled pork and beef ribs. They where both AMAZING! You can pick your sauces so we tried a little bit of everything to dip our delicious pieces of meat in. The house sauce was fantastic. For our sides we got Mac and cheese....almost as amazing as the meat and a potato salad which was very good but not nearly as good as the mac and cheese. We got a piece of pecan pie to go. I do not like pecan pie but my fiancee said it was the best he ever had.
I don't understand how anyone could not like this place. I really don't. It is also BYOB which is pretty awesome. We did not know that until we came but if we ever come again, which we plan to we will pack a cooler with a couple of beers. It is a little strange they do not sell coke or pepsi but their own brand of soda which was ok but different.
Lastly, you have to use the bathroom. I know this sounds strange but it is painted in chalkboard paint and they have chalk so you can draw pictures which is pretty fantastic. -
Review from Bethany B.
Worcester, MA
10/5/2010
Update - 3/18/2010
Next year I am forgoing the boiled dinner on St Patrick's Day. What will I replace it with? How about a delectably smoky corned beef brisket sandwich with tangy cabbage & red onion slaw. Sound good? IT WAS!!!!! I sense a new tradition abrewin'!
Since I had a youngin' with me we also ordered a side of fries (huge!) and 2 corn dogs. I almost didn't order the corn dog -- it's $4.50, expenive, right? Well, it's worth it -- the last time I saw something that big, the background music went something like "bom chicka wow wow" ;)
Long live BT's!!!!! -
Review from Anne A.
Chappaqua, NY
8/16/2011
Best BBQ around! Took our son on the way home from Maine. He is now in Tennessee. And yes, he admitted it is GREAT BBQ. We bought a lot but took a to go container and enjoyed leftovers the next day.
St louis ribs were massive. I would suggest the spare ribs instead. We got the pork it spice rub. Can'wait to try it. -
Review from Cari S.
Barre, MA
9/14/2011
The one and only reason to go to this place is the Pulled Pork. Pass on ALL the sides. BBQ Beans were blah, coleslaw was straight up vinegar, mac & cheese was dry and cold, cornbread was the only barely acceptable side. And the other sides displayed in the 'deli-style' cooler looked gross and old.
The only reason I heard about this place was because I was given a gift of a groupon to come- and low and behold, dine in only allowed. If you've seen this place, you'll realize it's not a 'dining' experience. Which is fine, hello, its BBQ... Im all for that. However, when I called to ask if I could just get takeout because I happened to be driving by, I recieved a polite but firm, 'sorry, dine in only, no exceptions'. Needless to say, I was forced to use my groupon for dine in, and due to the 4 small booths inside that were already full I sat at the picnic tables outside and was eaten alive by misquitoes. Really? Dine in only? I totally could've taken it to go. I won't be going back unless all the stars align and am craving really good pulled pork. Thats about it. -
Review from Blair S.
West Brookfield, MA
1/9/2011
We got takeout - super fast, convenient and a great value!
Great pulled pork and sides. The ribs were a little chewy the night I went, but I know others have found them to be terrific.
The sauce selection was also excellent. -
Review from Jason T.
Ware, MA
Like BBQ? Get in your car and drive here immediately!
This is by far the best BBQ I've had, anywhere.
I stopped in today for lunch after seeing a client and reading some of the other reviews on Yelp and got the two meat platter.
First... delicious!
Second... a LOT of food!
I got the St. Louis style ribs and the brisket. Both were amazing, flavorful and plentiful! The meal also came with two sides and I got the mac n' cheese and BBQ beans.
I was pleasantly surprised with both side dishes as the mac n' cheese was not your average stuff, much better. The BBQ beans were also very good and I was pleased that they weren't your common beans that are mushy and covered in sauce. The beans actually have some texture!
The owner, Brian, took plenty of time to talk to me and has a fascinating story of how he transitioned from high-end restaurant work to owning his own BBQ joint.
I can't wait to go back and am eagerly looking for the opportunity to use them for catering. -
Review from Scotty B.
9/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I can't tell you how many times I've passed by the place and never noticed it. I'm sorry it took me so long.
I had a regular sized pulled chicken sandwich which was plenty big.
The only thing I didn't like was the fact that there wasn't a lot of seating. There are only three tables inside and four stools at the counter. When the weather is nice, there are a couple of benches in front of the entrance.
All in all, I will be returning to try the brisket and pork. -
Review from Brett R.
Rutland, MA
8/7/2011
This is it, the real deal, how BBQ is supposed to be done! I've been to places in Kansas City and Atlanta and this beats them all. This was probably the only BBQ place I've been to where I had no motivation to put sauce on the meat! The rub, bark, and juicy meat stood on its own. Amongst the 4 of us in my family, we had brisket, St. Louis ribs, buffalo wings, mac & cheese, collard greens, potato salad, and coleslaw. Everything was excellent although my wife said the slaw was too vinegary for her taste. Music selection and service/attitude was great too.
We'll be back and back often! -
Review from Barbara S.
Worcester, MA
12/15/2010
I am all about sides: We had the BBQ Beans, Chili, Carrot Slaw and Cabbage Slaw. I thought they were ALL great. The Cabbage Slaw was spicy and the Chili was very thick with a kick.The BBQ Beans looked very different than what you are used to but if you close your eyes - you get it.
The rest of our meal was very disappointing. We could not find a BBQ Sauce that we liked, we prefer it thick and sweet. Without a great sauce, we felt the meat was too dry. We were also disappointed that they did not serve chicken on the bone. And lastly, after our long drive home, I would have loved waiter service. -
Review from stubby w.
Loveland, CO
10/12/2011
Hole in the wall, zero ambience---great pulled pork! Tiny spot with 3 booths, 4 bar stools and a serving counter where they hand over your food. The meat was succulent, choice of sauces great and the sides were really tasty. Looked to be a good spot for ordering take-out or food for a large group. Not a good spot if you are looking for somewhere to sit down and be waited on, but great if you like BBQ.
-
Review from Jenn D.
Brooklyn, NY
8/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
I just moved back to the East Coast after living in Kansas CIty for 3 years for grad school. I feel confident in saying that I know BBQ. I also know that BT's Smokehouse knows BBQ as well.
This is the real deal.
The staff is friendly, the plates are paper and the brisket is to die for.
