Best Bets for BBQ in Little Rhody

For many of us New Englanders, “barbecue” is most often preceded by the word “a” to indicate a cookout in someone’s backyard with burgers and hotdogs on the grill. Each region of the US has a distinct style, and perhaps what makes Rhode Island barbecue unique is its willingness to blend these methods, to get experimental, and to use their culinary expertise – which overflows in the Ocean State – to offer an outstanding barbecue of its own. Whatever your preference is, you can find something to suit your taste buds, and who knows – maybe one day smoked calamari will become a RI staple. But until that day, there’s a bit of Memphis, Kansas, Carolina, and Texas to go around.

Durk’s Bar•B•Q

Durk’s sticks with what people are looking for when they think of barbecue, but adds some unique touches. For example, the house BBQ sauce uses Autocrat coffee syrup as a sweetener, and chef Ed Davis’ dry rub blend includes Bolt coffee, “to give it some kind of Rhode Island identity.” Davis has perfected the art of all things smoked. He begins prepping the brisket days before it even enters the smoker by chilling in the walk-in refrigerator, then rubbing it with a salt-and-pepper blend 12-24 hours before it cooks. The brisket’s “smoke ring” comes out textbook perfect, and the point cut is chock full of flavor. 33 Aborn Street, Providence

Great Northern BBQ Co

The first time Great Northern BBQ Co entered the Ocean State BBQ Festival, they won for the best brisket; they’ve also garnered the #1 Judge’s Choice for RI Food Fights’ “Lord of the Wings” competition. “We must be doing something right,” says owner Daniel Becker. Sean Bender is pit-master and head chef, whose aim is not to compete with the South but create a unique New England-style barbecue (hence “Great Northern”) that’s a hybrid of Memphis, Texas, and West Carolina styles, plus a nod to seafood – like salmon – which is charred to perfection on the wood-fired grill. 9 Parade Street, Providence

Keane’s Wood-Fired Catering

Feel like enjoying your brisket and cornbread in the great outdoors, cowboy style? Keane’s Wood-Fired Catering has you covered with take-out on select Fridays from their new location on Warwick Avenue. Additionally, they offer express catering and special event services and packages if you want to tuck into BBQ after saying “I do” – right down to the branded bottles of BBQ sauce favors. Since 2016, Padraic and Kaylyn Keane have been serving up wood-fired barbecue with fermentation and locally sourced products, building a solid rep for exceptional food and service. Warwick, KeanesWoodFired.com

EVEN MORE BEST BETS

Becky’s BBQ, Middletown

Black Beans PVD

Flatt’s Smokehouse,
South Kingstown

Kin Southern Table + Bar,
Providence

Ladder 133 Kitchen + Social,
Providence

Smoke House, Newport

South County Barbecue,
Various / Food truck

Sura Korean BBQ,
Johnston & Providence

RETURNING SOON!
Wes’ Rib House, Providence

RHODY MADE

The Backyard Food Company:
A range of small-batch BBQ sauces with varieties including peach, raspberry, honey, and more.

Rhed’s: Tangy sauces packed in cool bottles are sure to bring the heat and spice to your grilling.

Available at many local markets or check MakeFoodYourBusiness.org for details and more condiment makers.