I Hit The Backroads Of Massachusetts To Try 11 Small-Town Smokehouses (And 6 Were Absolutely Worth The Drive)
Barbecue lovers know that the best smokehouses aren’t always found in big cities.
Sometimes you have to venture down winding country roads and through tiny Massachusetts towns to discover the real magic.
After visiting eleven different smokehouses across the state, I can tell you that while some were just okay, six of them absolutely blew my mind with their incredible flavors and unforgettable hospitality.
1. Goodstuff Smokehouse – Blackstone
Tucked away at 97 Main St in Blackstone, this gem lives up to its straightforward name in every possible way.
Goodstuff Smokehouse serves portions so generous that you’ll probably need a takeout container before finishing your plate.
Their pulled pork has this amazing bark on the outside while staying incredibly moist inside, creating the perfect texture combination that barbecue enthusiasts dream about.
The homemade sauces range from sweet and tangy to bold and spicy, giving you plenty of options to customize your meal.
Everything tastes fresh and authentic, like someone’s grandma shared her secret recipes.
2. B.T.’s Smokehouse – Sturbridge
Right off Main Street in historic Sturbridge sits a barbecue paradise that instantly makes your mouth water from the parking lot.
B.T.’s Smokehouse at 392 Main St has perfected the art of slow-smoking meats until they practically fall apart at first touch.
Their brisket comes out so tender and juicy that you’ll wonder how they manage such consistency every single time.
The owners clearly care about quality over speed, letting their meats smoke for hours until reaching absolute perfection.
Walking through the door feels like entering a friend’s backyard cookout, complete with checkered tablecloths and friendly smiles everywhere you look.
3. Rusty Can – Byfield
What a quirky name for what turns out to be one seriously impressive barbecue joint!
Located at 6 Fruit St in Byfield, Rusty Can combines creative menu items with traditional smoking techniques that honor barbecue’s rich heritage.
Their smoked chicken wings arrive at your table with crispy skin that crackles satisfyingly with each bite, while the meat underneath stays juicy and flavorful.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and unpretentious, exactly what you want when digging into messy, delicious barbecue.
Their mac and cheese side dish deserves special recognition for being creamy perfection in a bowl.
4. Northeast Smokehouse – Billerica
Positioned at 306 Boston Rd in Billerica, Northeast Smokehouse brings serious competition-level barbecue to the suburbs.
Their ribs come glazed with sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, never overpowering the natural smokiness of the meat. You can actually taste the hours of careful preparation that go into every dish they serve.
The staff knows their stuff and happily explains their smoking process to curious customers who want to learn the secrets. Their cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, making it the ideal accompaniment to soak up all those delicious sauces.
5. Smokehouse BBQ – Norwood
Sometimes the simplest names hide the biggest surprises, and that’s definitely true here.
Smokehouse BBQ at 917 Washington St in Norwood delivers classic barbecue flavors without unnecessary fancy twists or complications.
Their beef brisket melts on your tongue like butter, with that coveted smoke ring showing they’ve mastered proper low-and-slow cooking techniques.
The coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the rich, smoky meats on your plate.
Everything feels authentic and honest, from the no-frills decor to the straightforward menu that focuses on doing barbecue basics exceptionally well.
6. The Coop – Millbury
Don’t let the chicken-focused name fool you—this place smokes everything beautifully!
The Coop at 110 Elm St in Millbury specializes in poultry but also turns out fantastic pork and beef options that deserve equal attention.
Their smoked turkey breast stays incredibly moist and flavorful, avoiding that dry texture that ruins so many turkey dishes elsewhere.
The casual vibe makes it perfect for family dinners or quick lunches when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Their potato salad tastes homemade in the best possible way, with just enough tang to keep things interesting.
7. BBQ Underground – Leicester
Finding this place at 132 Marshall St in Leicester feels like discovering buried treasure in the Massachusetts countryside.
BBQ Underground operates with passion and dedication that shines through in every smoky, tender bite they serve.
Their pulled pork sandwich comes piled high with meat that’s been smoked to perfection and topped with crispy coleslaw for added texture.
The owners treat regulars like family while making first-timers feel immediately welcome and comfortable.
Their burnt ends are absolute flavor bombs that showcase what happens when brisket gets extra love and attention in the smoker.
8. BARK BBQ – Plymouth
With a name that references that delicious crusty exterior on perfectly smoked meat, expectations run high here.
BARK BBQ at 367 Court St in Plymouth absolutely delivers on those expectations with meats that showcase textbook-perfect bark every single time.
Their pork ribs feature that ideal combination of crusty exterior and fall-off-the-bone tender interior that makes barbecue lovers weak in the knees.
The location in historic Plymouth adds extra charm to your dining experience, making it easy to combine lunch with some sightseeing.
Their baked beans taste like they’ve been simmering all day with smoky meat drippings.
9. Triple S Craft BBQ – Seekonk
The word craft in their name signals that these folks take their barbecue artistry very seriously indeed.
Triple S Craft BBQ at 68 Mink St in Seekonk experiments with flavors while respecting traditional smoking methods that have stood the test of time.
Their smoked sausages burst with spices and juices when you bite into them, delivering intense flavor in every mouthful.
The side dishes get as much attention as the main proteins, with creative options that go beyond typical barbecue joint offerings.
Their collard greens taste like someone’s southern grandmother spent all afternoon perfecting them.
10. Reunion BBQ – Boston
Okay, so Boston isn’t exactly a small town, but Reunion BBQ at 439 Tremont St deserves recognition anyway.
This spot brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to the city with meats that taste like they came straight from a Lone Star State pit master.
Their brisket slices reveal that gorgeous pink smoke ring and practically dissolve on your tongue with rich, beefy flavor.
The urban location makes it convenient, though it lacks that backroads charm the other spots offer.
Their jalapeño cornbread adds a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds between bites of smoky meat.
11. Firefly’s BBQ – Marlborough
Named after those magical little bugs that light up summer evenings, this place certainly brings its own special glow.
Firefly’s BBQ at 350 E Main St in Marlborough serves up comfort food that makes you feel warm and happy from the inside out.
Their smoked chicken comes off the bone effortlessly, with skin that’s been crisped to perfection and meat that stays juicy throughout.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel comfortable, whether you’re dressed up or wearing your grubbiest jeans.
Their sweet potato fries arrive hot and crispy, providing the perfect sweet counterpoint to all that savory barbecue goodness.