BT Smokehouse- Sturbridge

[coventryhale]

I think they went out of business

[JPP]

Interesting... Boston Globe Magazine has an article on top rib places today... This one was called out for "best brisket". Considering the article, I felt the writer got the list all wrong. I suppose they are writing more for Boston hipsters than real human beings. I was in Sturbridge last Monday and this place was closed I noted (the wife and I had other plans to be sure). Just beware that in spite of being peak season, lots of places and eateries in Sturbridge are closed on Mondays... And BTs is no exception evidently.

[docblonder]

BT Smokehouse has all the right vibes, but on this one visit, didn't fully deliver. Looks feels and smells like a classic roadhouse. Half a dozen old, rusting homemade smokers dot the back yard. Two pitmasters watching over a larger, cabinet sized smoker that appears heavily modified and borrowed from a moonshiner, with good smoke aroma. Very busy at lunchtime, mostly with local customers and a smaller number of tourists off the nearby interstate.

Inside, there is a counter with pumps holding house bbq sauces (all thin style), condiments (onion, carrot habenero salad, etc), takeout containers and so on. The menu is remarkable for its range and creativity- especially the sides. Very friendly staff, and the owner is there working the line.

As to the food, the portions are large and arrived naked. The brisket is warming under a heat lamp and cut by the owner per order. Some smoke flavor, but in all three meals (brisket, ribs and a pulled-pork) the bark was heavily charred and that flavor overwhelmed the senses. An off day? A culinary choice?

Graded a "B", and worth a second trip.