Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Boston, according to Yelp
Barbecue, also known as BBQ for short, has captivated the taste buds of millions of people across the world; its smell, a quintessential part of backyard parties and long, lazy holiday weekends. This cooking method involves slow cooking and smoking meat over an open flame or heat source. Beyond the slab of baby back ribs and brisket that we're probably familiar with, barbecue has a long history dating back centuries and is rooted in various cultures.
The earliest origins of barbecue can be traced back to the Taino people, who were Indigenous to the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the technique became widespread in the American South, primarily using pork. Taino people didn't use the word barbecue. Instead, this method of cooking food over a raised wooden grate was referred to as barbacoa.
As time passed, techniques and flavors evolved as a result of colonization, globalization, and advancements in technology. Today, barbecue has become a beloved food all over the world. In the United States, there are four distinct styles: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas BBQ. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork; North Carolina for smoked pork infused in vinegar sauce; Kansas City for dry-rubbed meats, and Texas for grilled brisket.
No matter the style, however, barbecue can be enjoyed anywhere, but if you're specifically looking for the best places to enjoy the savory and mouthwatering delights, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Boston using data from Yelp. Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
#20. Aris BBQ
- Rating: 2.0/5 (37 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Market Pl Boston, MA 02109
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. House of Blues Boston Restaurant & Bar
- Rating: 2.0/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 15 Lansdowne St Boston, MA 02215
- Categories: American (New), Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Kao BBQ
- Rating: 3.0/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 85 Harvard Ave Boston, MA 02134
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Tasty BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (36 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 417 Washington St Boston, MA 02110
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Hong Kong Eatery
- Rating: 3.5/5 (677 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 79 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02111
- Categories: Seafood, Noodles, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. The Smoke Shop BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (4 reviews)
- Address: 80 Causeway St Hub Hall Boston, MA 02114
- Categories: Barbecue, Whiskey Bars, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Friendship BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (61 reviews)
- Address: 42 Beach St Boston, MA 02111
- Categories: Barbecue, Szechuan
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Great Barbecue
- Rating: 3.5/5 (9 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 15 Hudson St Boston, MA 02111
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Best Bar B Q Restaurant
- Rating: 3.5/5 (16 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 90 Beach St Boston, MA 02111
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Larry J's BBQ Cafe
- Rating: 3.5/5 (172 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 D St Boston, MA 02210
- Categories: Barbecue, American (Traditional), Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Sweet Cheeks Q
- Rating: 3.5/5 (1702 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1381 Boylston St Boston, MA 02215
- Categories: Southern, Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. BBQsmith
- Rating: 4.0/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: Surface Rd & Beach St Boston, MA 02111
- Categories: Street Vendors, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. L Street Diner & Pizzeria
- Rating: 4.0/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 108 L St Boston, MA 02127
- Categories: Diners, Pizza, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. M & M BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (70 reviews)
- Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave Boston, MA 02125
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Reunion BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (33 reviews)
- Address: 439 Tremont St Boston, MA 02116
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Mala Restaurant
- Rating: 4.0/5 (328 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 129 Brighton Ave Boston, MA 02134
- Categories: Barbecue, Szechuan
- Read more on Yelp
#4. The Smoke Shop BBQ - Seaport
- Rating: 4.0/5 (385 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 343 Congress St Boston, MA 02210
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Whiskey Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Friendship BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (15 reviews)
- Address: 103 Brighton Ave Boston, MA 02134
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Mexicali Sushi Bar
- Rating: 4.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Address: 199 Sumner St Boston, MA 02128
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Asian Fusion, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Naksan BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (136 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 1414 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02135
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
