Stories > 10 Barbecue Bets Around Connecticut
10 Barbecue Bets Around Connecticut Last Updated: July 2023
These days, the mouthwatering aroma of barbecuing is in the air from one end of Connecticut to the other - and we're not talking the backyard variety. For some reason (It tastes really good? It's usually a bargain?), barbecue joints are popping up all over the state, becoming a staple of the local diet that's right up there with pizza and hot dogs. Enjoy. And don't forget the napkins.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ
Try what some say is the best authentic wood-smoked Kansas City style barbeque in Connecticut at Bear’s Smokehouse. With locations in Hartford, Windsor and South Windsor, Bear’s is also the Official BBQ of the UConn Huskies!
Chester's Barbecue, Groton
Everyone seems to love Chester's in Groton, where the chili is a favorite and the brisket sandwich is a must-try.
When Pigs Fly Southern BBQ, Sharon
Here you'll find pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and smoker specials. Honey butter cornbread as a side. Peach blueberry pie for dessert.
Walrus & Carpenter, Bridgeport
Pick the right night to go here and you'll get live music along with your maple-bourbon baby back ribs and house-made Andouille sausage at this popular Bridgeport spot.
Hoo Doo Brown Barbeque, Ridgefield
Owner and pitmaster Cody Sperry opened this “outlaw barbecue” joint after being inspired on a series of road trips to experience the country’s best barbecue. Enjoy ribs and brisket with Mason jars of house-made moonshine.
The Stand, Branford
Discover authentic, mouth-watering barbecue, fresh local produce and good conversation at this former full-service gas station in Branford.
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar, Hartford
A landmark restaurant in downtown Hartford with a full service restaurant and bar with sidewalk patio seating. Serving up southern cooking in a unique atmosphere.
Judy's Bar + Kitchen, Stamford
Judy’s is pure Americana wrapped in casual surroundings for a neighborhood that’s on the move. Whether it’s shakin’ cocktails, frying chicken, smoking meats, pickling vegetables, stirring grits, shredding slaw, grilling burgers, baking pies, or playing music, at Judy’s, everybody is having a great time.
Craft Kitchen, Southington & Plainville
Bite into barbecue favorites from smoked crispy pork ribs and smokey brisket poutine to the Spicy Nashville Chicken Sandwich and skillet mac & cheese with all the fixings at this cool, casual joint.
Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop, Manchester
At Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop, BBQ is what they do. Devour incredible creations like pulled pork grilled cheeses, brisket baked potatoes, spicy smoked sausage sandwiches, and the Brisket Pit Bomb: brisket on a hard roll topped with baked mac 'n cheese, coleslaw, and bacon.