Boston Restaurant Talk: barbecue restaurants

Showing posts with label barbecue restaurants. Show all posts

Monday, June 29, 2026

Tennessee's in Framingham Is Closing

A local group of BBQ joints will soon be closing one of its locations.

According to a source, Tennessee's in Framingham is planning to close next week, with the website for the business saying that July 5 in operation. The Cochituate Road dining spot first opened 30 years ago and is one of three that can be found in the local area, with others being in Braintree and Peabody. (Two other locations had once been in Leominster and Milford as well.)

The address for Tennessee's in Framingham is 341 Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA, 01701. The website for all locations is at https://www.tennesseesbbq.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Thursday, April 30, 2026

Smokey Bones Closes All Locations, Including Taunton and Tyngsboro

All locations of a chain of BBQ spots have closed--including the two remaining locations in Eastern Massachusetts--as the chain has gone out of business.

According to its website, locations of Smokey Bones in Taunton and Tyngsboro are no longer in operation, with both outlets saying that they are closed Monday through Sunday, while a note on the home page says the following about the chain itself:

After 27 incredible years, Smokey Bones has officially closed its doors as of Monday, April 27th. This isn't just the end of a restaurant—it's the closing of a chapter filled with shared meals, celebrations, traditions, and countless memories. From first bites to final toasts, you made this place more than just BBQ—you made it home. We are deeply grateful for every visit, every smile, and every moment you chose to spend with us. Serving this community has been an honor we'll never forget. While the smokers have cooled and the doors are closed, the spirit of what we built together will always stay with us.

An article from the Restaurant Business website says that the now-bankrupt franchising company FAT Brands, which includes Smokey Bones under its umbrella of chains, is having all of its brands being sold except for Smokey Bones, saying that it "will not survive the bankruptcy process."

Smokey Bones, which was originally founded in Florida and became part of FAT Brands in 2023, used to have locations in Peabody and Stoughton as well.

The website for Smokey Bones can be found at https://smokeybones.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Monday, December 22, 2025

Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham Is Closing

It looks like a small local group of barbecue joints will be closing one of its locations.

According to an X post from @bostonradio (who was told by one of their managers), Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham is going to be shutting down, with a Facebook post from local music act Joe Pete Wetherbee also saying this and mentioning that it will be closing at the end of the year, putting "the end to our monthly residency there." Wetherbee also says that the Arlington and West Newton locations of Blue Ribbon will remain in operation, and presumably the Time Out Market Boston outlet in the Fenway will continue to be open as well.

The Dedham location of Blue Ribbon first opened in the early part of 2018.

The address for Blue Ribbon BBQ in Dedham is 342 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for the business is at https://www.blueribbonbbq.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Tuesday, October 07, 2025

The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston Has Closed

A location of a local group of barbecue restaurants has shut down after a bit more than two years in business.

According to multiple sources, The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston is no longer in operation, with one source sending a photo of a sign out front at the Lewis Street spot saying the following:

Smoke Shop BBQ East Boston is now closed for business. We thank you for your patronage and hope you will visit us at our other locations. Seaport, Assembly Row, Harvard Sq, Woburn, Methuen, and Chelmsford.

It appears that La Tavernetta by Mida, a new dining spot from Douglass Williams and his team that was first mentioned here in an article late last month, is moving into the Smoke Shop BBQ space.

The address for the now-closed location of The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston was 45 Lewis Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for all locations can be found at https://thesmokeshopbbq.com/

[Earlier Article]
La Tavernetta by Mida Plans to Open in East Boston

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

The Smoke Shop BBQ Is Opening in the Former Andiamo Restaurant + Bar Space in Chelmsford

A growing local group of barbecue restaurants is expanding to yet another space, and this one will be north of Boston.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), The Smoke Shop BBQ is planning to open in Chelmsford, with a Facebook post from the business confirming this and also confirming that it will be moving into the space on Boston Road that had been home to a location of Andiamo Restaurant + Bar (locations of Andiamo can still be found in Andover and North Andover). We had been told awhile back that the restaurant would indeed be coming to Chelmsford, but details were few at the time and the news hadn't been made public.

Once it opens, the new location of The Smoke Shop BBQ in Chelmsford will join others in Boston's Fort Point, East Boston, Somerville's Assembly Row, Harvard Square in Cambridge, Woburn, and Methuen.

The address for the new Smoke Shop BBQ in Chelmsford is 18 Boston Road #100 (Chelmsford Town Center), Chelmsford, MA, 01824. The website for all locations is at https://thesmokeshopbbq.com/

[June 17 update: According to its social media, The Smoke Shop BBQ in Chelmsford is now open, currently being open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Herby Q in North Billerica Has Closed

A barbecue spot north of Boston has shut down.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Herby Q in North Billerica has closed its doors, with a Facebook post from the Nashua Road spot saying the following:

Dear Billerica, we took a big leap and moved here and brought our southern BBQ to you. We are so grateful for your support over the last 1.5 years. Unfortunately we have to close due to extenuating family needs that require us in another state for the foreseeable future. Truly we appreciate all of the love, kind words, repeat customers, and just being a part of the community.

A comment within the thread mentions that they will "still be back in Billerica for the long term and hope to support the community in other ways," though it isn't known if they might try to reopen the restaurant at some point.

Herby Q first opened in the fall of 2021 in the former QQ Asian Grill space, offering such items as pulled chicken, pulled pork, brisket, macaroni and cheese, and nachos.

The address for Herby Q was 240 Nashua Road, North Billerica, MA, 01862.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Pitstop BBQ in Wakefield Is Closing

A barbecue spot in the northern suburbs is shutting down after being in business for 10 years.

According to a source, Pitstop BBQ in Wakefield is getting ready to close its doors, with a Facebook post from the Vernon Street place indicating that the people behind it are moving and that its last day in business will be Sunday, October 30. Pit Stop first opened in 2012, taking over the space that had been home to CnDs Barbeque Grille; its menu includes such items as ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork, brisket, wings, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.

The address for Pitstop BBQ is 10 Vernon Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ in South Easton Has Closed; Taunton Location Remains in Operation

A pair of BBQ spots with an award-winning pitmaster behind them is now back down to just one.

According to a source, Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ in South Easton is no longer in operation, with a MassLive article showing a Facebook post from the business indicating that the closure is "Due to labor shortages." The article does say that the Taunton location of Kinfolks remains open.

MassLive mentions that the owner of Kinfolks had won approximately 200 barbecue awards over the years (we have been told that the awards were from competitions in Florida).

The address for this now-closed Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ in South Easton was 25 Robert Drive, South Easton, MA, 02375. The website for the business is at https://kinfolksbbqma.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, September 30, 2022

Reunion BBQ Opens in Boston's South End

Earlier this year, it was reported that a new barbecue restaurant was planning to take over the space where one of Boston's best-known dining spots had been. Now we have learned that the place has opened.

A message sent by @HeyRatty indicates that Reunion BBQ is now open in the city's South End neighborhood, moving into the former Masa space on Tremont Street. The website for the dining spot shows such options as wings, biscuits, brisket, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, ribs, Texas-style hot links, BBQ beans, and more.

Masa shuttered in March of 2020 after being in business for a little over 20 years; the restaurant was known for its tapas as well as its weekend brunch, cocktails, and tequila options.

The address for Reunion BBQ is 439 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at https://www.reunionbbqboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Reunion BBQ Plans to Open in the Former Masa Space in Boston's South End

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, February 11, 2022

Reunion BBQ Plans to Open in the Former Masa Space in Boston's South End

A new barbecue restaurant may be on its way to Boston, taking over the space where one of the city's best-known dining spots had been until closing down around the start of the pandemic.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Reunion BBQ is planning to open in the South End, moving into the former Masa space on Tremont Street. The notice mentions that the proposed restaurant is seeking a full liquor license and that the manager listed is Jessica Jimenez-Rivera, though very little additional information has been given on the dining spot (and nothing can be found on it online).

Masa closed down in March of 2020 after being in business for a bit more than 20 years; the restaurant was known for its tapas along with its weekend brunch, cocktails, and tequila options.

The address for the proposed Reunion BBQ is 439 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Article]
Masa in Boston's South End Has Closed for Good

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

K-Town BBQ Plans to Open in Saugus

A new barbecue restaurant may be on its way to a busy stretch of highway north of Boston.

According to an article in the Saugus Advertiser and Wicked Local, K-Town BBQ is planning to open in Saugus, moving into a space on Route 1 a short distance north of the Main Street exit. The article mentions that the proposed dining spot would be a full-service restaurant with seating for 105 and that it is seeking a beer, wine, and cordial license, while the name indicates that it may focus at least in part on Korean-style barbecue.

The address for the proposed K-Town BBQ is 910 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, January 05, 2022

Lone Wolf BBQ Is Opening in Hopkinton

It looks like a brand new barbecue restaurant is opening west of Boston.

A source tells us (via a post that they saw within the Chew On This Facebook group page) that Lone Wolf BBQ is planning to open in Hopkinton, with an article from the Hopkinton Independent saying that the dining spot would be opening in the space on Main Street that had been home to Bittersweet. The article indicates that the proposed restaurant plans to offer lunch and dinner while breakfast is a possibility as well, and it appears that it could be opening very soon.

The address for Lone Wolf BBQ is 24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA, 01748.

[January 14, 2022 update: According to their Facebook page, Lone Wolf BBQ is now open in Hopkinton.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Herby Q Opens in North Billerica

A new barbecue spot has come to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source (Aron Levy), Herby Q is now open in North Billerica, taking over the space on Nashua Road that had been home to QQ Asian Grill. The website for the place indicates that it offers such items as a smoked chicken salad, Brussels sprouts and bacon, pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, and nachos with smoked sausage and cheese.

The address for Herby Q is 240 Nashua Road, North Billerica, MA, 01862. Its website can be found at https://herbymeats.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Don's Barbecue Is Opening in Watertown

A catering business that focuses on Texas-style barbecue is getting ready to open its very own restaurant.

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, The Don's Barbecue is planning to open in Watertown, with the School Street address indicating that it will be opening in the space that had been home to Strip-T's, and after that, Avenue Deli. Based on the website for the business, it appears that some of the offerings at the upcoming dining spot could include pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, smoked sausage, ribs, brisket, BBQ chicken, burnt ends, cornbread, collard greens, and more.

Strip-T's was a nationally-recognized restaurant that closed down in 2018, with Avenue Deli subsequently taking over the space.

The address for The Don's Barbecue is 93 School Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. The website for the business can be found at https://www.thedonscatering.com/

[October 29 update: According to its Instagram page, The Don's Barbecue opened today, though they had to close early because they "sold out of everything."]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Skinny Hank's BBQ in Lynn Has Closed

It looks like a BBQ spot on the North Shore has closed down permanently, though a restaurant that is affiliated with the place remains in operation.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Skinny Hank's BBQ in Lynn is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Lewis Street restaurant saying the following:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce our closing. We want to thank the Lynn community that have supported us through this pandemic. We wish we could have had the first year that we had hoped for but things like this happen in life. We want to thank our great staff for fighting through this mess to provide the best food and service possible. All of our staff have been offered employment at our other location in Beverly. Anyone that has a gift card can use it at Bonefish Harry's. To our mayor and city council, thank you for all of your support for the past three years. Cheers.

Skinny Hank's opened early last year, replacing another location of Bonefish Harry's; the Beverly location of Bonefish Harry's can be found on Cabot Street in the city's downtown area.

The address for Skinny Hank's BBQ in Lynn was 45 Lewis Street, Lynn, MA, 01902.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Friday, October 30, 2020

Bison County in Waltham Has Closed; Taste House Restaurant Plans to Take Over Space

A barbecue spot that has been around for a long time appears to have shut down permanently, and a new restaurant is looking to move into its space.

According to a source, Bison County in Waltham is closed for good, with a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel saying that "After closing due to COVID and not reopening, Bison County...is gone." The post says that a Sichuan spot called Taste House Restaurant is planning to open in the Moody Street space, with this being confirmed in a license commission agenda page that shows the proposed liquor license transfer.

Bison County, which first opened in 1995, was known for such dishes as chili, pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, wings, fried catfish, and more. The restaurant was in the news this summer for having a "seized" sign posted out front that turned out to apparently be not real.

The address for the now-closed Bison County (and the proposed Taste House Restaurant) is 275 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, October 07, 2020

Shed's BBQ in Downtown Crossing Opens Shed's Shack within the Viga Space in Pi Alley

A barbecue spot in downtown Boston has just opened a smaller version of the place within another nearby eatery that is under the same ownership.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer, Shed's BBQ on Bromfield Street has opened Shed's Shack inside Viga in Pi Alley off Washington Street, with a Twitter post saying that it will offer a limited menu of items found at Shed's BBQ, which is temporarily closed as the pandemic continues. (Viga also has locations on Devonshire Street in the Financial District and Clarendon Street in the Back Bay.)

The address for Shed's Shack (and Viga) in Pi Alley is 275 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108. The website for the original Shed's BBQ can be found at https://www.shedsbbq.com/ while the website for Viga is at https://www.vigaeatery.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Update: Bison County in Waltham Has Not Been Seized by the State After All

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect new information confirming that the restaurant has not been seized by the state.]

Early today, we reported that the future of a longtime suburban barbecue spot had been taken over by the state. Now we have discovered that this is not true.

According to a source within the restaurant industry, Bison County in Waltham had apparently been seized, with another source sending us a picture showing a sign out front that indicates the Moody Street eatery is now in possession of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for nonpayment of taxes. Based on information that we have received this afternoon, it turns out that this sign was not real and authorities are reportedly getting to the bottom of what appears to be some sort of scam by somebody. If and when we get any further information on this, we will post an update here, but to repeat, Bison County has not been seized by the state.

Bison County first opened in 1995, with the dining spot offering such dishes as corn fritters, chili, fried pickles, pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, wings, fried catfish, bison tips, and more.

The address for Bison County is 275 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Thursday, January 09, 2020

Skinny Hank's BBQ Is Replacing Bonefish Harry's in Lynn

A new barbecue spot is on its way to the North Shore, and it will be moving into the space that has been home to three other restaurants over the past four years.

According to an article in the Lynn Item, Skinny Hank's BBQ is planning to open in Lynn, taking over the space where Bonefish Harry's had been, and before that, District 45 and Mildred's Corner Cafe. The post indicates that the upcoming eatery will be under the same ownership as that of Bonefish Harry's, which continues to operate its Beverly outlet, and the plan is to have a VIP opening on January 15 with a grand opening to the public slated for two or three days later.

The Lynn location of Bonefish Harry's first opened in September of 2018.

The address for Skinny Hank's BBQ is 45 Lewis Street, Lynn, MA, 01902.

[January 24 update: According to posts within its Facebook page, Skinny Hank's BBQ is now open.]

[Earlier Articles]
District 45 in Lynn Has Closed; Bonefish Harry's Replacing It
District 45 Is Opening in Former Mildred's Corner Cafe in Lynn
Mildred's Corner Cafe in Lynn Closes; May be Replaced by High-End Spot from Neighborhood Restaurant Group

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Friday, November 22, 2019

Big Pig BBQ Opens in Peabody

A catering company has opened a brand new restaurant on the North Shore.

According to a tweet from @CappyinBoston, Big Pig BBQ is now open in Peabody, with a Facebook post from the place showing that the Route 1 eatery is indeed up and running, offering such items as pulled pork, brisket, ribs, BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and more. The business, which started out in 2008, has been a caterer for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more, and based on its website and social media, it looks like the catering will continue.

As reported earlier here, Big Pig BBQ had been looking to open a restaurant, market, deli, and catering space in Chelsea, but those plans apparently fell through.

The address for Big Pig BBQ is 108 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.bigpigbarbecue.com/

[Earlier Article]
Big Pig BBQ Plans to Open Restaurant and Market in Chelsea

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]