Which BBQ Caterer? N Shore.

[eriberri]

I'm planning a small, casual graduation party for my husband on Saturday June 28th.

We're away the weekend before and plans the weekend after so this time I'm not doing anything more than apps and homemade ice cream...so, I need a caterer. He likes BBQ so I've got it narrowed down to these three for drop-off catering:

Uncle Pete's - Revere
Redbones - Somerville
East Coast Grill - Cambridge

We have been to Redbones once and liked it. He has been to Uncle Pete's, liked that too.

Oh as a side note...we don't eat or serve beef or pork, so this would be pulled chicken, bbq chicken, grilled chicken, etc. and sides.

Does anyone have a suggestion on which one to go with? It would be great to have some opinions!

[treb]

Looking at the recs, you're going to have a good BBQ. I agree to ask whoever you choose to sub pork, i.e. sausages with turkey or chic, maybe lamb.

[RoyRon]

I woulkd suggest Lester's BBQ in Billerica right on Rte 3A. They cater and will deliver too. I have used them for several company functions and found them to be very good.

[TheTrout]

A vote for Redbones!!!

[StriperGuy]

Blue Ribbon and ECG would be my choices.

I know BR will cater for a minimum of $200-$250 worth of food.

[TomH]

I have had the Redbone's "mobile smoker" at a couple of family events and their slow smoked chicken and pulled chicken are awesome. So smoky, tender and juicy....I think I need some NOW! :)

They also do smoked sausage so I wonder if you could request a smoked chicken sausage as well to switch it up a bit?

[franksnbeans]

I'll second TomH's thoughts (and LStaff, above). I find the pulled chicken at Redbones to be even better than the pork. Nice folks too.

P.S. Blue Ribbon is also excellent and worth a look.

[ScubaSteve]

Tennesse's on 114 in Peabody?
i've been to a couple of events they catered and found it to be Very Decent.

[LStaff]

Uncle Pete's is schwaggy except for the pork ribs imo - unless you like everything sweet and asian influenced. Wasn't impressed with the sides either - except for the o rings.

For chicken things and sides, Redbones may be your best bet.

[Gio]

I have used Tex's BBQ Express for a party of 70. They are now located in Dedham, I see by their web site, but 3 years ago they were in the South End. They were excellent.... agreeable to substitute, very professional. They set up their grill and buffet tables and are part of the fun. Two people came, one chef and one assistant. The food was remarkably good. Tasty barbeque, several salads, cole slaw, cornbread, desserts, lemonade.......you can see all the options here: http://www.texsbbqexpress.com/

They provide all the paper products, serving utensils and condiments.

Some of my guests were from several southern states and know their BBQ....and raved about the food.....they loved it. Overall it was a very happy experience. I would hire them again.

[Carp85]

Can't go wrong with Uncle Pete's.

I had a friend have Firefly's cater his graduation party a year ago and it was extremely well done. The Quincy location would probably be the closest one for you, so if those 3 fail, at least you have another option.

[Chris VR]

Do you mean "well done" as in they did it well? or as in the BBQ was "well done"- dried out?

[treb]

I like Uncle Pete's but, you may want to check out American BBQ in Rowley, they are also good.

American Barbecue
5 Railroad Avenue, Rowley, MA
http://www.theamericanbarbecue.com

[eriberri]

Had never heard of American Barbecue. Looks like they would be the closest. Perhaps we'll try it out this weekend. Thank you for the info!

[Infomaniac]

American BBQ is a great choice for the North Shore. I used them for two parties last year (kids birthday party and an adult event). Both events went well...very nice people, excellent chicken & turkey BBQ, sides and dessert.

[eriberri]

Infomaniac - Thank you for the info! Might I ask, did you do drop-off, pick-up or on-site? I'm definitely going for drop-off, whomever I use. Glad to hear that the turkey tips were good. They're a nice option to have in addition to chicken.

[Infomaniac]

Kids party I had at their location which was perfect. Kids got a kick out of the barrel full of peanuts in the shell for customer to eat while waiting and throwing the shells on the floor.
Adult gathering I picked up from them and brought it home as I live not to far from them.

[davegesmundo]

I've tried just about every Barbecue Restaurant from Portland Maine to Rhode Island. This place doesn't hold a candle to East Coast Grill, Redbones, Uncle Petes, or Muddy River in Portsmouth. The Pulled Pork is very good, however, the portion is smaller than most. The prices should be cheaper for Cafeteria Style, and the ownership seems like they are doing everyone a favor by being there. I wouldn't go back personally.

[Bostonbob3]

I love Uncle Pete's. Love them.

But their best item by far is the pork spare ribs.

For chicken, I'd probably go with East Coast Grill.