BBQ in CT

So far, I've found Bo's BBQ Barn (huge slow smoker, minimal use of sauce) and the fabulous Joe Grates, south carolina style with lots of molasses and black pepper (try the wings for black pepper madness) done by Peg and Joe in their homes.
Does anyone know of any other serious bbq around new haven? particularly the tentative schedules of the various informal outdoor bbq places up and down Dixwell Ave? (chowhound heaven if you like sweet potato pie, as well)

[Stylo]

Believe it or not, Boudan's BBQ Truck in Milford (currently parked at Sports Authority) has some very awesome BBQ. I also really like Joey C's in Milford, but it's a bit more like California/Southwest BBQ. Still great.

[ChefBoyAreMe]

Staring next summer, southern CT should have some of the best BBQ in the north east, when Syracuse's Dinosaur BBQ opens a branch in Stamford, down near Fairway market.

Dino is well respected and highly rated on a national basis

[Waquoit]

The BBQ truck on RT 1 in Milford in front of the Sports Authority makes a nice pulled pork sandwich.

[KROB]

Chesters in Groton CT is excellent.
dry rubbed nice flavor - ribs, pulled pork, chicken, burnt ends, red hots . Their motto is "Barbeque is what you put the sauce on"
mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, beans and rice- all excellent sides

[dantt]

Also like Chesters. Solid BBQ. Great place to go when your stuck in summer traffic on Rt.95

[PipentaCereal]

Don't know that you are still wondering, TWELVE YEARS DOWN THE ROAD, but things are looking up now, more than a decade down the old time stream.

Seymour: Riverview BBQ. Seasonal, because you eat out of doors. The location is as gorgeous as can be. There is a large gorgeous patio plaza under towering oaks set on the side of the Housatonic. The food is good. I swoon for the ribs. They also do lobster specials.

Derby: Smoke & Bones. They do it ALL. They do it well. My current favorite is the chicken, of all things. It's a way of indulging myself and being sensible at the same time. Then I undo all the good by having mashed potatoes on the side. I have yet to try the ribs. They do sliders, and it is fun to get one each of pulled pork, beef and chicken.

[yumyum10]

On my search for some great bbq, i found this little place over in Pawcatuck, CT. I almost missed it, but am so glad i finally found it. It's small, family friendly, down home feel to the place. Once i entered i felt like i just came home for a holiday, i was greeted like i had been there 10 times before! I did not want to get my hopes to high, but i ordered the brisket and my friend ordered the pulled pork, wow is all i can say! Both meats were moist and tasty, not soaked in sauce, they let you choose what kind and how much you want to put on. Like BBQ should be. I would definatly go for the sweet n tangy, they are all homemade sauces and compliment the meat nicely. We also had some of their "extras" with it, i had the cole slaw and baked beans, that were amazing and definatly could tell homemade. My friend had the homemade fries and potato salad, which he said was great, next time im getting the fries! they come seasoned and with fried onion in it. The whole experience was great, the owners, husband and wife team are friendly and quick to make conversaion and tell their story and make you feel welcome.

Great place, great food, and last but not least, i will definatly be going back!!!

-----
Kit Kat's Smoked BBQ
36 Mechanic St, Stonington, CT 06379

[Sloth]

Good to know since I go to Westerly a few times a year to visit family. Thanks.

[Clams047]

Glad I read this thread this morning. Stopped by Kit Kat today - EXCELLENT. Without question, they had the best pork BBQ, sauces & sides we've had north of the Carolinas. Until today, I haven't found a BBQ place in New England (been to perhaps two dozen places in CT, MA, RI & NH - none worth a return visit) that I thought would last a week competing in the southeast. Kit Kat would do well.

It's definitely a very informal, shack ambiance - a few indoor tables and several picnic tables out back near the river. Pork BBQ , beans, collards & homemade potato fries were all excellent. Slaw was homemade / fresh, but in our opinions, just fair - not up to the standards of the other sides. Unfortunately, they were out of corn bread. Well priced & excellent quality. Worth a trip. Looking forward to trying their beef brisket, ribs, chicken wings & corn bread on a future visit.

[sundeck sue]

If you're in western CT, and cross over the line into NY state, Big W's in Wingdale is the best barbecue in the whole world imo. So while it's not technically BBQ in CT, it's a go-to place for CT-ers! I dream about their smoked chicken--and ribs--and brisket-and.....

[DavidA06488]

As I've posted elsewhere, I agree about Big W (on Rte 22 opposite the old state hospital) to an extent, but a bit of a drive (go to Gaylordsville and cross over on Rte 55). Great Q.

[Td61]

Haven't tried it yet, but it looks promising!
Grandaddy's..http://www.norwichbulletin.com/entert...

[bakinggirl]

I've been to Grandaddy's a couple of times. I do not claim to be a Q expert, but theirs is pretty good. Their brisket and pulled pork are good enough to go back for, and we had smoked chicken wings once that were also good. Sides are so-so (but then I'm picky). The blueberry-chipotle sauce was great!
My main problem was the service/owner. Both times that I ate there, he came out from the back to yell at the other staff (family?). He was pleasant and conversant with us, but the way he treated the ladies working for him really left a bad taste in my mouth. It made us feel awkward and I'm not sure I would go back because of that.

[elFOOD]

I know that Auntie G's is good. Tell them Gregory the Viking sent you. No, really.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/684876

[biga290]

The overly sweet sauce that Q slathers on everything is horrible. Smoky Joe's in Stamford is way better. Great pulled pork and brisket.

[Scargod]

I've never heard of "Q", except as an abbreviation for barbecue. Q's a restaurant?

BTW, I am going to report this thread and see if I can get it moved or closed. It is old and was originally about New Haven and Connecticut in general. I mistakenly posted on it. I don't know whether Fairfield should be included in the Tri-State board or not!

[jfood]

1 - Q is a BBQ joint in PortChester and Mt Kisco. Not worth losing sleep over
2 - Fairfield belongs in the TriState, even though the powers that be REFUSE to listen to numerous posts that it should be "Southwestern" CT and NOT "Southeatern CT."

[Scargod]

This is just what I have again asked them to fix for the tenth time!
I have no idea where locals think the CT part of Tri-State should end. Bridgeport?
It seems it should have a specific coastal town as a limit and say including X and west of there.

[jfood]

understood...according to the definition Greenwich is not and New London is.

[louuuuu]

You're absolutely right Jfood. Fairfield County is SW Connecticut.

Reminds me of the the old bar bet -- which bridge is further east -- the Brooklyn Bridge or the George Washington?.

It's actually the GW because Manhattan points NE not straight north and thus the Brooklyn Bridge far to the south (and on the "East River" ) is actually west of the the northly Hudson River. Check a map.

So too does Ct. tip, which makes Greenwich further West than Danbury, Kent and most of "NW" Ct Litchfield County.

Sorry, Geographical contribution, not culinary.

[adamclyde]

ok, i know some folks really don't like Q, but comparing them to smoky joe's? T

No doubt that Q puts too much sauce on their pulled pork. But smokey joes is just downright terrible in my opinion... I don't even consider it a real Q joint at all....

[Scargod]

Wilson's Barbecue is not too far away. Ate lunch there today. We loved it. Post and pics to follow. Run, don't walk. It is very, very good! The best I have had since moving up here almost eight years ago. Sure reminded me of home.

[Scargod]

See my review and many pictures under "Wilson's Barbecue". I recommend it!

[Sloth]

If you find yourself in the Southington area, I recommend Smokin' with Chris.
http://smokinwithchris.com/

I go there a few times a year for during family visits and have never been disappointed with the brisket, pork or sides. And they often have live music, usually jazz. They do take-out, but its better to eat in. And watching Chris at the smoker out back can be pretty entertaining as well.

[eyetri]

I just went to Smokin' with Chris and the food was fantastic. I would highly recommend it. Meat was not too dry and they had two different kinds of sauce. Cornbread was not too dry as well. Mac and cheese was nice and cole slaw was good. Overall, best bbq I have had in CT. Definitely better than Little Mark's. Also got a chance to talk to Chris and he gave us a little history of the building. Wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommended and we will be back.

[njmarshall55]

Flaggstead Smokehouse on Rt. 4 in Farmington does a decent TX bbq...sausage, brisket, ribs, chicken.

[Scargod]

I've been reading the posts and feel that few in CT have experienced real, slow smoked, southern Q ribs, especially when they rave about it "fallin' off the bone". That's mush to me. That's OK if you believe in the phrase, "don't need no teef to eat my beef".

[adamclyde]

perhaps few, but not all. you need to head over to my house. Just smoked up a bunch of racks the other day. :)

I haven't found great ribs in CT. But depending on the day (and it REALLY depends on the day) Q in Port Chester can have good ribs.

[Smoke]

Not impressed with Q in Port Chester either. Best item on menu are the wings. What's up with Wilson's? Must not be doing well since he's never open when I swing by...

[jfood]

jfood had a Q sandwich at Q in Mt Kisco. It was definitely not something jfood would hurry back to eat.

[adamclyde]

which sandwich. there are a number of them...

[jfood]

it was the chopped, not the sliced beef brisket. The sauce was the issue. It was way to sweet for jfood's taste.

[dougsoko]

Here are my thoughts on a few BBQ spots in Fairfield County:

Smokey Joes (Stamford, CT) - Never been for dinner, but I get take-out for lunch. The pulled pork is very good. I get the pulled pork grinder sandwich. It comes dry - you must your own sauces on. They have some good homemade sauces. I recommend the hickory BBQ. They also do excellent corn bread.

Bobby Q's (Westport, CT): You must try the pulled pork Nachos. A twist on BBQ but they are out of this world. Very different, but incredible! Excellent pulled pork and good brisket.

Ash Creek Saloon (Norwalk, CT): Great ribs! They won an award for best ribs in CT in 2006 I believe. They are served wet and fall right off the boat. I don't believe they are smoked, but they are great.

Cookhouse (Norwalk, CT): I think that cookhouse is overrated. Everything is good, but nothing stands out.

[UWStoSONO]

I discovered Q in Port Chester for myself a couple weeks ago. I've been there 3 times already. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone unreal. They have another Q in Mt. Kisco as well. Definitely worth a trip and I don't think I've had better ribs yet.

[Ima Foodie]

Has anyone tried Wilson's in Fairfield? I went during their first week open and was not impressed, but would like to hear how it is now that they've settled in for a while.

[EricR1]

Wilson's in Fairfield is absolutely amazing. I used to live down the street from Smokey Joe's in Stamford, and ate it many times. It's good, but Wilson's is in a totally different league. Ed Wilson, the pit master at Wilson's, spends much of his time traveling the south as a competitor and judge in barbeque contests, so he knows what he's doing. The walls of Wilson's are covered with pictures of Ed Wilson meeting with famous pit masters all over the south. They even purchased an old South Carolina (I think) tobacco house and had it disassembled and all of the wood shipped to CT in order to create the interior of the place. It's really a piece of the South brought North. I have noticed that the meat is better at dinner than at lunch. Maybe it spends more time in the smoker. In any case, the rib meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth, the chicken is free-range and very moist (and I usually don't like chicken), the pulled pork is pulled pork moist, the brisket is perfect. Oh, and the flavor of it all. My mouth is watering right now. They have it down to a science. The sauces are all on the side, and they make their own, which you can also purchase by the bottle. Wilson's is worth traveling for. It's the best food I've eaten anywhere, period.

[wineaux73]

I live right around the corner from Wilson's and have eaten there several times. I agree with the above poster about the meats being tender and flavorful. Also, their beans are a delicious compliment, and their cornbread is authentic and NOT dry. They are consistantly good with the quality of food and the service.

I feel fortunate to have such a great bbq place so close to my house that is not like a chain.

[ryants]

Unfortunately, I have to respectfully disagree with EricR. Wilson's is, without a doubt, the WORST barbecue I have ever tasted. The ribs and brisket are bone dry. The pork shoulder is cooked well, i.e. it is moist, tender, etc. However, it is completely unseasoned and has no flavor. The mac and cheese I had was also terrible. It was basically a bowl of oily macaroni with a piece of hard cheese resting on top.

I went to Wilson's for the first time about 6 months ago, and it was terrible. I decided to give it another chance, and it was terrible again. I will not be back.

-----
Wilson's Barbecue
1851 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824

[Scargod]

This is a tough call, even if you could make one. These kinds of polar opposite posts do't help. You have made two posts and EricR1 has made one post. WINEAUX73 has made quite a few posts. Who is credible or do we chalk it up to "taste"?
What is one to believe? This Wilson making this stuff is a fairly well know person in barbecuing circles. Good, award winning "Q" does not fall off the bone. It is supposed to have some "chew". You may call it dry. Perhaps it was dry. Perhaps it isn't what many New Englanders expect. Most parts of the country where barbecue is king, they do not boil or pre-bake ribs or brisket in liquid. They are cooked indirectly with heat and smoke the whole time.

[Ima Foodie]

I've had quite a few posts so I'll weigh in, though I'm not going to be a tiebreaker...I'd call Wilsons spotty. I've been 3 times now - first time was awful, and (to echo ryants), the worst BBQ I ever tasted. About a year later I gave it another shot after hearing others on here say it was good. At that visit, pulled pork was great, ribs were terrible, sides (collard greens, beans) were good. On the last visit, pulled pork was very good but my dining companion's chicken had lots of gristle and little bones in it (perhaps that's authentic - not sure).

[Ima Foodie]

Ha! I just noticed that I'm the one that started this meta-chain, though it was a year and a half ago. oh well, guess there's nothing wrong with answeting your own question.

[Scargod]

Was on the phone this morning with a knife retailer in Southwest CT who mentioned Wilson's. He liked it a lot and, having visited Texas before, agreed that many here don't know what to expect from southern style Q.
I think I'll go tomorrow. I have to go to Eastern Mountai Sports in Fairfield.

[foleyd7]

I've been to Wilson's a 1/2 dozen times so here is what I like and don't like:

Love: Pulled Pork
Love even more: Pulled Chicken.
Best part is, you can order these by the pound and I often do for catering. When I do use them for catering, the pork and chicken fly off the table.
As for sides, their black eyed pea salad is awesome. Slaw is very good to.

I don't love their brisket straight up; it is a bit dry but that seems to be from the intense smoking (rings are clearly visible). Once in a while they will shred it as a special and toss it with a sauce. Yum. (Now that I think of it, I guess I can do this on my own).

Ribs and Mac & Cheese: I like mine better. But for shredded beef, chicken, and pork (and for black eyed peas) I'm a Wilson's fan.

[iluvcookies]

Weighing in a little late here, but DH and I tried Wilson's for the 1st time this past weekend. I had the Texas brisket sandwich with the sweet and tangy sauce. Brisket was tender and delicious and the sauce was like crack! DH had the pulled pork sandwich and loved it---no fat, just juicy meat and slaw (no mayo in the slaw which was great!)
Other customers sitting near us had slabs of ribs and the meat was falling off the bone.
Now we are NYC born and raised and don't know from BBQ (we know pastrami) but this was delicious.

[ryants]

Scargod,

This was an honest opinion based on my own experience in BBQ. I don't think anyone expects ribs to be boiled (even New Englanders), unless they go to an Applebee's or some such place. The fact remains that brisket should be juicy. The brisket I had was like a well-done sirloin.

Who know's? Maybe Wilson's had a bad day. Maybe they had their stuff sitting in a heat tray all day getting dry (which is frankly what it tasted like). I don't know. The bottom line is that the couple meals I've had from there have been awful.

[Scargod]

I can't question your sincerity, your knowledge or your experience. Everyone's is different and it is our culture, our heritage and our experiences that form our tastes and what we like.
I am from Texas and we would never say "falling off the bone" was the ideal rib. To me BBQ should have a little "chew". It should not be dry, but to compare it to a well-done steak just doesn't help me understand your experience. A well-done steak should not be dry.
You could have easily had a bad meal or some dry Q. It doesn't sit in an open tray all day, pre-sliced. I know they cut it as you order it. It could be the luck of the draw. We had one, very good meal there and you say you have had two very awful ones....

[UWStoSONO]

Jeff's Cuisine in SoNo is very good, when it's fresh and he first puts his food out. So if you get there and the chicken and ribs are still fresh and warm, you're in good shape.. His mac and cheese is excellent. The banana pudding dessert is also amazing. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common for me to walk in to see dried up, burnt looking chicken and ribs that have been sitting out all day with soggy sides. Also, never go if there is a line of 2 or more people. It could take 45 minutes to get your food. Otherwise, Jeff is a great guy.

[adamclyde]

that's good info. The only times I've been have been when they've been sitting there and dried up. And the ribs have been nearly swimming in sauce. Not my kind of way to have ribs. Any idea when the stuff comes fresh off the smoker?

Otherwise, I'm going to have to continue to rely on the smoker that sits on my back porch to supply me with all my BBQ (when I can't get to Q in Port Chester, that is).

[UWStoSONO]

It's tough. for lunch, you really have to get there between 1-2pm. Dinner, you definitely have to get there between 5-6pm. They only make one set of food for lunch and one set for dinner...so first come, best served.

[bbq fanatic]

SMOKEY JOE'S on stamford and darien town line, right on the river, great views, and up their with the best bbq out here, real authentic and a chainless type bbq...good luck with your bbq searches and don't forget to bring you appetite their.

[Sam_Spade]

Agreed. Big fan of Smokey Joe's. Pulled pork, three different kinds of sauces, and I love the sweet potato pie.

[redfox697]

I remember having Joe Grate's way back in the day when I still lived with my folks in Hamden. There is Sandra's in New Haven. Their BBQ is good. Not amazing, but quite serviceable, along with a raft of other soul food delights. And yes, they do have sweet potato pie. And peach cobbler, and a whole bunch of others. It's on Whitney across from Audubon St, near the Trumbull St. exit of I-91.

[Foodie Fairfield]

Smokey Joe's is fantastic. Ashcreek Saloon in Norwalk and Fairfield is also good.

[timparry]

Ash Creek Saloon does a good job promoting itself with its rib-eating contest, but once I discovered places like Smokey Joe's, Cookhouse, Wilson's, etc., and learned all about smoking meats, I realized Ash Creek was subpar at best.

[FoodieForAll]

It's not CT, but Q's in Port Chester (not too far from the new movie complex) is out of this world! All they have are ribs with your choice of usual sides (cole slaw, baked beans, pot salad, etc.)

[schmonsequences]

I can't speak for the entire state, but the fare in Fairfield County is pretty weak. Bobby Q's in Westport tastes and feels like a chain restaurant. Smokey Joe's in Stamford doesn't have a smoker as far as I know (and they boil their ribs), say no more. The Cookhouse in Darien is decent, a little hit or miss. The best of the bunch is probably Wilson's in Fairfield. Good ribs and pulled pork. The brisket can be good, but is often dry. The sides are non-descript at best. In a pinch I'll grab some meats at Wilson's, and make my own sides.

[ChefBoyAreMe]

I can't speak for the quality of Smoky Joe's ribs (though their pulled pork and brisket are not bad--acceptable at least). But they most definitely have a smoker. Pull into the parking lot, and the back half of the building is dominated by a woodpile, and a caged in smoker, puffing away. Definitely a pit there.

[bbq fanatic]

I've got to say I have no idea what you guys are talking about, Smokey Joe's definetly has a huge authentic smoker in the back bu the mountain of a wood pile and I have found that it is right up there with their ribs brisket and pulled pork. I travel often and on the road much of my time and these guys have it down. CHEERS TO SMOKEY'S IN STAMFORD, GREAT JOB ;)

[momm]

Had Wilsons the other night (be careful only open Thursday-Sat). Felt the same way you did, schmon, meat was tasty but the sides were disappointing.

[Ima Foodie]

Went to both Bobby Qs and Wilson's this week (not my vist visit to either). This was my 4th and last trip to Wilsons - it's just too spotty. The pulled pork was good, but the pulled chicken was inedible. Collards were a watery mess. Mac & cheese was just meh. Bobby Qs was very good though. They have great pulled pork (Ribs are not as good as Ash Creek Saloon), but the surprise winner was the baked beans which were awesome.

-----
Ash Creek Saloon
2895 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605

[meatman]

try Bobby Ques in Westport....best ive found so far and if you ever get into NYC the absolut best in the north east is Brother Jimmys..... in my opinon brother jimmies is the best there is......they have a stand in grand central but it is not the same as their locations.. upper west side location is great + its very inexpensive look for the web site + you gota luv white trash wednesday & southern apprecaition nite

[FAB]

Down in Litchfield County the king of CT BBQ still stands.....The Cookhouse in New Milford.Way better at dinner than lunch though.

[corky]

if you are in new milford you are only about 10 miles from bigw bbq in wingdale ny...the best

[mmalmad]

Joe Grates closed quite a while ago. There is an Uncler Willie's on Whalley Ave in New Haven which is pretty good

[Scargod]

Yea, Joe Grates had a fire several years ago and didn't re-open.

Uncle Willy's or "The Pig", as I call it, is passable (I've only eaten on Whalley but I understand the Waterbury location is very good. I found the Q to be dry but with good flavor. I am speaking as a Texan who is used to Hill Country Q. On Whalley, I usually had a long wait to get my Q, so don't go starvin'! I would pass on most sides and desserts. Just get some Q to go....

The Cookhouse in New Milford, CT on 7 is pretty good. The bikers love it. They flock there on the weekend cruises. I've eaten there a number of times but that was five years ago. The owners are supposed to be from Louiisiana, and it shows. Pretty good grub, in general, but can be spotty, especially with service. Again-five years ago!

[shellyesq]

I went to Uncle Willy's in Waterbury once and really enjoyed the brisket and sweet tea. The banana pudding was reasonably good too.

[DavidA06488]

Love both Big W and the Cookhouse, but for different things. Think Cookhouse's pulled pork is better, while Big W's brisket is better. Don't know anyone who makes a decent North Carolina - Piedmont style spicy vinegar based sauce. Anyone knows where to find some?

Thanks for the info on CT barbecue. I found an address for Bo's Bar-B-Q Barn (181 College Street, New Haven, 203/789-0805) on Yellow.com, but couldn't find one for Joe Gates. Do you have an address and city?

I thought typical South Carolina BBQ was cooked with mustard-based sauce. Or is that only Maurice's Piggy Park?

Susan

Oops. After correcting my own misspelling (alas), I found Joe Grate's: 1559 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, 203/230-1408. I'll have to check out these places. Thanks.

As a Southern ex-pat I do try to find BBQ in my current home of CT!

The BBQ formerly known as Busters, noted elsewhere on Chowhound, in Stamford, is perfectly good. Just exit at the WWF building (which seems quite bbq-appropriate!) off I-95 - it's just down the hill.

Little Mark's, which is off I-84 around 20 miles east of Hartford, in Vernon, is unquestionably the best BBQ in the Nutmeg State. Great sauces, including both SC and eastern NC style. While the description "the best bbq in CT" may seem backhanded, Little Mark's is more than worthy, and wouldn't seem out of place in suburban Hotlanta.

Unfortunately, A Taste of Texas (nee Stick to Your Ribs) on Honeyspot Road just east of Bridgeport seems to have closed. While it had a slightly scary location, they always treated you nice and served pretty good 'que. Cleanliness wasn't always a priority, and (last week) it had that look that straddled the line between "we're on vacation" and "Mad Max dined here." A hole in the window and a dead pidgeon on the floor gave away the sad truth of total abandonment.

More suggestions of top-flight CT BBQ would be much appreciated. The bible of BBQ restaurants, Real Barbecue, is just getting too far out of date!

The death of an authentic BBQ always throws me into a state of displacement-driven existential angst! Forsaking Thanksgiving leftovers while visiting family in SC, I've Q'd at the wonderful Brushy Creek Barbecue in Powdersville, S.C. and, tonight, I'm hitting Charlie's, in Greer.

[ctflowers]

I'm originally from Atlanta, GA, so I know great barbecue! I moved to CT about twelve years ago, and never thought I'd find great barbecue here. However, much to my surprise, there's a b'bcue place a few miles from my house that's simply the best! If you like great barbecue, you have to try Little Mark's Barbecue in Vernon, CT. The ribs are very tender & flavorful, the pulled pork is awesome.

[martyl9]

thanks for the tip. can't believe have been driving by the place for years driving between boston & nyc.

[Scargod]

I have to try them, too!
Googling them, it shows that they had a location in Avon, but it has closed recently.
Little Mark's Big BBQ
226 Talcottville Road
Vernon, CT 06066
[phone]
Looks like an easy-off and easy-on to I-84! Perfect for that trip to Bean Town.

[Budino]

I was just logging on to search for a good stop on the way to boston from NYC...this looks perfect!