9 Of Maine’s Best Barbecue Restaurants That Locals Keep Coming Back To
A barbecue joint in Maine serves smoked seitan ribs right beside its brisket. I love that someone looked at a smoker full of beef and thought, why not give the plant eaters a turn too?
That quirky detail is only one surprise on this list. Elsewhere you’ll find Eastern North Carolina-style pork near the coast, and a Texas-style smokehouse run by a couple who moved here from Texas.
There’s even a takeout counter up near the Canadian border serving collard greens and cornbread muffins.
Lobster usually hogs the spotlight around here, and I understand why. Still, the slow-smoked side of this state deserves a much louder cheer than it gets.
So which smokehouses are worth the gas money? I rounded up nine spots with tender brisket, sticky burnt ends, and sides that could steal the show.
Grab extra napkins, because you’re going to need a whole stack of them.
Mary’s Smokehouse
A fireplace and a smoker under one roof sounds like a pretty smart plan for a Maine winter. Mary’s Smokehouse sits on Brunswick Road in Richmond, a small town along the Kennebec River.
The focus here is simple and satisfying. You get slow-smoked meats paired with homemade comfort sides, the kind of food that makes you loosen your belt a notch.
Brisket and pulled pork are the headliners, and they’ve built a loyal following for good reason. The meat gets the low-and-slow treatment, so plan on tender bites with real smoke flavor.
Save some room, because dessert is on the menu too.
The setup is flexible, which is handy when your crew can’t agree on anything. You can order at the counter, grab table service, or eat outside when the weather cooperates.
A private dining room is also available for bigger gatherings.
Not in the mood to sit down? Curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery are all options.
Catering is on offer as well, so your next family reunion could smell a lot better.
Timing matters here, so check the calendar before you hop in the car. The kitchen is closed Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday hours run short in the afternoon.
Friday and Saturday stretch later into the evening, giving you the most breathing room.
Parking is easy, with a free lot and plenty of space. The mood stays casual and quiet, and kids are welcome.
It’s a relaxed stop that feels made for a lazy weekend drive.
Address: 146 Brunswick Rd, Richmond, ME 04357
ShireWood SmokeHouse BBQ
Southern barbecue way up in Aroostook County? Yes, and it’s worth every mile of Route 95 it takes to get there.
ShireWood SmokeHouse BBQ sits on Military Street in Houlton, a town right by the Canadian border. It runs as a takeout spot serving wood-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with true Southern style.
Burnt ends deserve a spot in your order, no question. Ribs are a menu highlight, and the brisket brings plenty of smoky depth.
Now, about the sides, because they don’t play second fiddle here. Cornbread muffins, collard greens, and BBQ baked beans all show up with Southern roots.
Potato wedges and crispy fries round things out nicely.
Sauce lovers get some good choices to play with. Try a little of each and pick a favorite, or just mix them like a mad scientist.
Since this is a takeout operation, think of it as picnic food. There’s outdoor seating if the weather is friendly, but no restroom on site.
Plan your stops on the drive accordingly.
Families will find a kids’ menu, which makes feeding small, picky people easier. Catering is available too, so your next big get-together in the County could get a serious flavor upgrade.
Hours are limited, so don’t wing it. The smoker runs Wednesday through Saturday, with later hours on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations aren’t a thing here, so just show up hungry and ready to choose.
Address: 135 Military St, Houlton, ME 04730
Smokey’s BBQ
Cornbread with its own name on the menu tells you a kitchen takes the little things seriously. At Smokey’s BBQ in Brewer, that would be Chuck’s Classic Cornbread.
Brewer sits just across the Penobscot River from Bangor. That makes this spot an easy detour if you’re running errands in the area and suddenly crave brisket.
The signature brisket is the main event, and pulled pork backs it up. Pair them with sides that clearly got some extra love in the planning stage.
Three Meat Smoked Beans might be the most ambitious side dish in town. Then there’s Loaded Mac and Cheese, plus a Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese for anyone skipping meat.
Choosing just one feels a little unfair.
Dessert leans local, with pies from nearby bakers. A slice after a plate of smoked meat is a smart move, or at least a delicious one.
Families get plenty of support here. There’s a kids’ menu and high chairs, and dogs can join you at the outdoor tables.
Free Wi-Fi is available if someone needs to check scores.
The schedule is generous compared to many smokehouses. It’s open most days, closing only on Tuesday, with later hours on Friday and Saturday.
Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. If you want a calmer meal, Monday evening is usually quieter.
Takeout, delivery, and catering are also available when cooking at home sounds like too much work.
Address: 500 S Main St, Brewer, ME 04412
Ore Nell’s Barbecue
Texas brisket on a tiny island in southern Maine sounds like a riddle. Ore Nell’s Barbecue solves it on Badgers Island, right on the edge of Kittery.
The style here is unapologetically Texas. Ribs, brisket, and pulled pork headline the menu, and the chopped beef brisket is a popular pick.
Two barbecue sauces wait on the table so you can play taste tester. The rustic room has picnic tables, which suits food meant to be eaten with your hands.
Bringing someone along? Barbecue for Two takes the guesswork out of ordering and lets you sample more meat.
Sharing is optional, of course.
Plant eaters aren’t stuck with a side salad. Xolo Kitchen Smoked Seitan Ribs show up on the menu, along with a full vegetarian lineup.
That’s rare in a Texas-style smokehouse, and pretty cool.
Then come the fun extras. A Loaded Deep Fried Baked Potato answers a question nobody asked but everyone should.
State Fair Funnel Cake and Ore Nell’s Banana Pudding handle dessert duty.
Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs ready. Dogs can hang out with you at outdoor seating, which is great on a nice Seacoast evening.
Plan around the hours. Monday through Thursday it opens at 4 PM, while weekends start at 11 AM.
Reservations are accepted, which is helpful since Friday and Saturday evenings tend to get busy.
Address: 2 Badgers Island W, Kittery, ME 03904
Wilson County Barbecue
Eastern North Carolina has strong opinions about barbecue, and Wilson County Barbecue brings those opinions to Portland. The restaurant sits on Hanover Street, a short walk from the city’s busy downtown.
Pulled pork and ribs carry the Carolina flag proudly. Pork Belly Burnt Ends add a rich, sticky bonus round you shouldn’t skip.
Here’s a twist, though. The fried chicken biscuit might steal the spotlight from the smoked meat.
It comes crispy outside, juicy inside, and tucked into a flaky biscuit.
Sauces get creative, too. Look for a creamy dill sauce, a tangy and spicy smoky sauce, and honey butter.
Dunking is strongly encouraged.
Southern comfort runs deep on this menu. Brunswick Stew, Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken and Waffles, and cheese grits all make appearances.
It reads like a Sunday supper in North Carolina.
Speaking of Sundays, weekend mornings start early at 9 AM. That makes brunch here a solid plan.
Weeknights run until 10 PM, and Friday and Saturday go until midnight.
The setting adds to the fun. Expect a fireplace, blues playing in the background, and occasional live music.
Sports fans can catch a game here, too.
One heads-up for drivers in Maine’s biggest city: parking can be tricky. Reservations aren’t accepted, and evenings get busy midweek and on weekends.
Arrive a little early, or grab takeout and eat at home.
Address: 82 Hanover St Ste 8, Portland, ME 04101
Paper City BBQ
Westbrook made its name on paper, and now one smokehouse makes its name on brisket. Paper City BBQ honors the town’s paper-producing history right in its title.
This family-owned spot on Main Street brings low-and-slow cooking to southern Maine. Prime brisket, St. Louis ribs, pork belly, chicken, and house-made smoked sausage fill the lineup.
Dry rub ribs are a strong move here. They’re meaty, and you might forget the sauce bottle exists.
Can’t decide? Go with a Pick 2 or Pick 3 combo, which comes with sides and pickles.
Indecision never tasted so good.
The sandwiches, called Sandos, come on an everything bagel seasoned pretzel bun. Options include the Pork Belly Sando, Chopped Brisket Sando, and a PBLT.
A Paper City Chili Dog sneaks onto the list, too.
Starters are where things get playful. Hot Honey Pork Wings, Scrapyard Fries, Rib Shorties, and a Crock of Burnt Ends all compete for your attention.
Bring friends so you can try more.
Sides hold their own with spicy collard greens, smoky beans, mac and cheese, and slaw. The greens alone have quite a fan club.
Fun nights help keep the room lively, including trivia. Takeout, carhop delivery, and catering are available as well.
Hours lean toward dinner, Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday opens at noon, and Monday and Tuesday stay closed.
Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs.
Address: 855 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092
Black Bloc BBQ
A couple moved from Texas to a small Maine town and brought the smoker with them. Lucky Winthrop.
Black Bloc BBQ opened in late 2024 inside a former downtown storefront on Main Street. The menu celebrates Southern comfort food, with Texas barbecue leading the charge.
Meats are smoked over hard cherry wood. Brisket, thick pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and smoked chicken all get that treatment.
First-timers should eye the Sampler plate. It brings ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and smoked chicken together, so you can find a favorite fast.
Burnt Ends Brisket is also available, but only until it sells out. Translation: don’t stroll in late and expect a miracle.
Sandwiches cover the classics, from brisket to pulled pork to BBQ chicken. A Chilled Chicken Salad sandwich offers a cooler option on a hot summer day.
It’s a nice change of pace.
Sides read like a Texas family cookout. Mean Greens, Dirty Rice, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Cornbread, and Mac and Cheese are all on the list.
Pick two and plan your next visit for the rest.
The owners care about their community, too. They occasionally host a Pay What You Can day, which is a kind gesture in any town.
Hours run Wednesday through Saturday, from late morning to early evening. You can call ahead for pickup, and dogs are welcome at the outdoor area.
Address: 123 Main St, Winthrop, ME 04364
Belly of Beast BBQ
With a name like Belly of Beast, you’d hope the pork belly delivers. Good news: it’s the star of the show in Dover-Foxcroft.
This Texas-style smokehouse sits on West Main Street in a small Piscataquis County town. It’s a handy stop if you’re heading north toward Maine’s big lake country.
Pork belly burnt ends are the signature bite here. They pair nicely with flavorful brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Don’t treat the sides like an afterthought. The smoked mac and cheese brings a twist on a classic, and the beans have earned their own fans.
A couple of side salads help balance all that meat.
Dessert might include a whoopie pie, which is about as Maine as it gets. Texas barbecue followed by a Maine treat?
That’s a pretty great handshake between two regions.
The atmosphere is casual, with dine-in and takeout both available. Catering is also an option if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
Families and groups fit in easily. Kids are welcome, and there’s a free parking lot with plenty of space.
Plan your trip carefully, since the smoker takes Mondays and Tuesdays off. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from late morning into the evening, with slightly shorter Sunday hours.
Friday afternoons and Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest times. If you’d rather skip the rush, a Wednesday or Thursday visit is usually calmer.
Reservations aren’t accepted.
Address: 920 W Main St, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Nostrano Frankie’s Barbecue
Most people visit Mount Desert Island for hiking and harbor views. Smart people also leave room for brisket.
Nostrano Frankie’s Barbecue sits on Main Street in Southwest Harbor, the quieter side of the island. It’s a lunch-focused spot, so think midday fuel instead of a late dinner.
House-smoked brisket, ribs, and burnt ends anchor the menu. The cooking comes from a highly experienced chef who prepares the food with obvious care.
Special house barbecue sauces add their own personality. Try them on the ribs first, then experiment wherever your taste buds lead.
Classic sides keep things grounded. Baked beans and coleslaw are on hand, the kind of pairing that never goes out of style.
This is a no-fuss setup. You can grab takeout or settle at the outdoor seating on a nice day.
A free parking lot makes the stop easy.
Here’s a smart travel tip for the island. Pick up barbecue to go, then find a scenic spot for a picnic.
Acadia country is right there, and few views pair better with burnt ends.
The schedule is unusual, so pay attention. It opens at 11 AM and wraps up at 6 PM.
Thursday and Sunday are closed, while the other days are fair game.
Prices stay friendly for a busy vacation area. That makes it a solid choice when you’re feeding a hungry hiking crew.
Address: 55 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679