Nat Hayden's Barbecue Windosr, CT

[jonsull]

Stopped there for lunch today for the first time and got the pulled pork sandwich and 1 side which I chose the mac and cheese. Portions were enormous and both the sandwich and the mac and cheese were very tasty. Mac and cheese was definitely homemade and was very creamy and cheesy and the pulled pork was juicy and had some bark mixed in and tasted like real barbecue. This plus a Hosmer Mountain white birch beer for a little over $8! I will definitely be back. There were other interesting choices on the menu like an andouille sausage and pepper sandwich and a brisket burger. I will definitely go back! It's located in the center of Windsor so it easy to get to also.

[food maven]

My husband and I checked out Nat H's bbq this summer and were underwhelmed, to put it mildly. Everyone was friendly and the service was excellent, but the bbq ribs were just eh. Nothing special.

[masha bousha]

One more update on Nat Hayden's. For takeout last week I got a pint of brisket (lean the way I like it, but still tender and delicious), a half rack of St. Louis style ribs (I didn't love the sauce but they were cooked great and super meaty), and red beans and rice (dare I say I prefer Popeye's to theirs). I still really like Nat Hayden's and will definitely hit it up again.
I wish they could pick this place up and plop it in my hometown of West Hartford.

[Eiron]

Hey masha, I was there about the same time you were (late-Sept) & really loved it. I only had a chance at one meal in Windsor (business trip) & made it a point to get their Whole Hog combo plate (w/collard greens!). It was the best BBQ I'd had in over a decade.

I'm heading back to Windsor for several days this coming week on another business trip & will definitely hit Nat's again.

[vchase]

I'm a BBQ fanatic and found Nat Hayden's to be a let down and took issues with the dishes you had. My pulled pork had no sign of smoke whatsoever and came heavily sauced - not that I have a problem with sauce but it just makes me think that maybe they overcooked it and tried to add moisture back by burying it in sauce. The mac and cheese was your run of the mill mac and cheese. I'd recommend a sharper cheese and better seasoning to really pick up the flavor. I thought it was bland and uninspiring. Not trying to be a food snob but I just felt like there wasn't anything that separated this place from any other BBQ joint.

[masha bousha]

I appreciate your honesty and realize we don't all have the same tastebuds. I definitely enjoyed this place and will return.

[vchase]

Masha, if you're ever in Enfield, look for a place called Backyard BBQ. I enjoyed the ribs there. The pulled pork didn't have any smoke flavor though. Curious to hear your thoughts.

[Pipenta]

My travels tomorrow take me through both Windsor and Enfield! How to choose? What's a gal to do???

Looking at the menu, I see that Nat Hayden's offers cheese grits! But no, wait, Backyard has sour cherry tarts. Oh help!

[masha bousha]

I'm a chowhound. I'll make it a point to go to Enfield for food. Thanks for the tip!

[jonsull]

I've gone to both recently and definitely thought Nat Hayden's was more authentic. Judge for yourself though!!

[masha bousha]

I'm so glad you posted this. I hit Nat's today for lunch with a friend and it was fantastic. I too had the pulled pork sammy with the mac and cheese (both were delicious). It wasn't too busy, our food was ready in about a minute and it was good. They have lots of choices to-go as well and I'm sure I'll be bringing home some dinner from this place in the near future.
Check them out!

http://haydensrealbbq.com/

[BiscuitBoy]

don't recognize the address....safe part of windsor?

[Pipenta]

There's a dangerous part of Windsor? @_@

Falling tobacco barns? Wilding laid-off insurance company execs?

Do tell!

I blasted through Windsor today, but didn't think of stopping for BBQ. I'd be kicking myself if I wasn't saving room to gorge on mooncakes tonight. Will have to try this place in two weeks when I am up that way again.

By the way, how was the cole slaw?

[masha bousha]

Yes, definitely safe. It's right downtown a few doors down from Taste of India (on the same side of the street).

[BiscuitBoy]

Yes, I mapped it out a little while later...Pip - there are definitely places in windsor you'd rather not be. "Wilding execs", funny!

[hotwing]

Haven't tried it yet, but want to. They are also listed on Restaurant.com. If you use the coupon code "spork" you can get a $25 gift certificate for $3. Expires the 19th.

[jonsull]

Thanks for the heads up!