When we think of iconic foods the Bay State is known for, usually, seafood comes to mind. While Massachusetts has some of the best seafood in the region, believe us when we tell you that there are also lots of phenomenal barbecue joints here as well. But it’s so hard to choose which ones are the best. Luckily, OIYS has curated a special road trip to some of the best hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurants in Massachusetts that we think you should visit.

This road trip has seven stops over 231 miles and just over five hours of drive time. It’s best to take two or three days to visit all seven locations. Use our interactive map to guide you and feel free to add stops along the way. Now, gas up the car, bring your appetite, and let’s hit the road!

Google Maps
1. Rusty Can, Byfield
Google Maps
Rusty Can, 6 Fruit St, Byfield, MA 01922, USA
Derek Cianci/Google
The first bbq place on this road trip is the chef-owned Rusty Can in Essex County. Each mouthwatering selection from the pit comes with white bread, cornbread with honey butter, pickles and onions, and a choice of two sides. Sides include collard greens, bbq black beans, and mac and cheese among other options.

Visit the Rusty Can website and Facebook page for more information.
2. Blackstrap BBQ, Winthrop
Jason Alström/Google
47 Woodside Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152, USA
Mike Wendt/Google
Since 2010, Blackstrap BBQ has been the go-to place for high-quality bbq in Winthrop. They also offer some different selections on the menu like brined and smoked wings, smoked crispy jerk chicken, and ginger scallion lo mein with brisket. Yum!

Visit the Blackstrap BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.
3. West Side Steak & BBQ, Worcester
West Side Steak & BBQ/Facebook
2 Richmond Ave, Worcester, MA 01602, USA
West Side Steak & BBQ/Facebook
This neighborhood bbq joint on Worcester's west side is a popular place with locals and offers friendly, welcoming service and excellent food. Order a plate, tacos, potato skins, chili, and more. You can't go wrong with anything you get here!

Visit the West Side Steak & BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.

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4. Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ, Taunton
D Ives/Google
289 Winthrop St, Taunton, MA 02780, USA
Kinfolks Smokin Bbq/Facebook
Kinfolks has won multiple awards for its bbq over the years, and you will see why after your first time eating here. It's almost hard to believe it had its start as a food truck! It's known best for its pulled pork but anything you order here is sure to be delicious.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Kinfolks, an award-winning BBQ restaurant in Massachusetts.
5. Bark BBQ, Plymouth
Google Maps
367 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
Bark-BBQ/Facebook
Whether it's just a bowl of mac and cheese you want, a pulled chicken or pulled pork sandwich, or a filling bbq tray, make sure you have plenty of room in your stomach! And if you're here with kids, there are several kid's plates on the menu.

Visit the Bark BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.
6. The Alley Bowling & BBQ, Orleans
Alley bowling bbq/Facebook
191 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, USA
Alley bowling bbq/Facebook
A bowling alley may be the last place you'd expect to find some incredible bbq, but places like this do exist! Head to Orleans to bowl a round and grab some delectable bbq while you're here. They even offer poutine topped with your choice of bbq pulled pork, black bean chili, or country sausage gravy.

Here’s a previous article telling you more about this one-of-a-kind BBQ restaurant and bowling alley in Massachusetts.
7. The Block & Tackle, Wellfleet
The Block & Tackle Cape Cod/Facebook
545 State Hwy Rte 6, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
The Block & Tackle Cape Cod/Facebook
Located in Wellfleet, this smokehouse can be found right along Route 6. You may not think to stop, but you should! You can get plenty of smoked meats like pulled pork, pulled chicken, Polish sausage, and St. Louis-style ribs a la carte. Their buttermilk fried chicken is also a must when you stop by for a meal.

Visit The Block & Tackle website and Facebook page for more information.

So, what do you think about these BBQ joints? Are you ready to hit the road on this road trip to some of the best hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurants in Massachusetts?

If your favorite bbq joint didn’t make the list, please add it in the comments. Or submit it on the OIYS nomination page for a chance to be featured in the next road trip article in Massachusetts.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL BBQ RESTAURANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | February 08, 2023

What are some more BBQ restaurants in Massachusetts?

There are so many delicious hole-in-the-wall BBQ in Massachusetts, but there are lots of other BBQ restaurants in Massachusetts that serve some delicious BBQ. Here are a few of the restaurants that serve some of the best BBQ in Massachusetts:

  • B.T.'s Smokehouse, Sturbridge
  • Blue Ribbon BBQ, Arlington
  • Rusty Can, Byfield
  • Goodstuff Smokehouse, Blackstone
  • American BBQ Smokehouse and Grill, Rowley
  • North Village Smokehouse, Millers Falls
  • Theodore's Blues, Booze, and BBQ, Springfield

Here’s a previous article about another BBQ restaurant in Massachusetts that serves delicious food. 

Besides BBQ, what are some iconic foods that Massachusetts is known for?

The Bay State is known for offering the best seafood in the area, but there are also iconic foods that are unique to the state. Here are some of the iconic foods that Massachusetts is known for that you should try:

  • Lobster Rolls
  • Fried Clams
  • Clam Chowder
  • Fluffernutters
  • Baked Stuffed Scrod
  • Boston Baked Beans
  • Apple Cider Doughnuts

Here’s a previous article with more information about these iconic foods that Massachusetts is known for.

What are some unique desserts in Massachusetts?

While Massachusetts is known for its seafood, desserts are really popular in the state. Here are some unique desserts in Massachusetts that the locals love: 

  • Boston Cream Pie
  • NECCO (New England Confectionery Company) Wafers
  • Taza Artisan Chocolate
  • Frozen Hoagies
  • Cannoli
  • Whoopie Pies
  • Indian Pudding
  • Rhubarb Pie

Here’s a previous article discussing some of these unique desserts in Massachusetts.

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