B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge: Quick Review

As I said before, I recently spent several days in the Marlborough area at a conference. On one day, I had extra time to explore the region, so a few friends and I made a jaunt down to Sturbridge, to check out B.T.'s Smokehouse, which has received many raves for its barbecue. It was about a forty-minute ride but worth the time. 

B.T.'s Smokehouse, which was founded in 2007, is a medium-sized restaurant, a very casual spot, where you order at the front counter, and then pick up your food when they call your name. They have reopened indoor dining, although seem to do a large take-out business as well. 

The menu has plenty of options, including a variety of Sandwiches (such as Bison Burger, Catfish Po-Boy, and Brisket Reuben). They have Meat Platters and you choose whether you want one to three meats (including Pulled Pork, Brisket, Pulled Chicken & Ribs), and also get two sides and cornbread. For larger quantities, you can order those meats by the cup, pint or quart, or select one of their Dinners, which serve four people. There are also Sides & Snacks, like Andouille Dog Bites, Hush Puppies, and Whole Smoked Wings). 

Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and quantity of the food. For example, a two-meat platter is only $21, while a Regular sandwich (with 1/2 pound of meat) is $10.

The restaurant only offers nonalcoholic beverages, such as Sweet Tea, but it's also BYOB! There's no corkage fee, and you can bring your own wine or beer to accompany your barbecue. That's always a benefit. I brought a bottle of Portuguese wine, a red Vinho Verde, which went well with our food. I'll just note that they didn't have any glassware, so you have to do with tall, plastic cups. It's all very casual. 

I opted for a two-meat Platter ($21), with Brisket & Pulled Pork, cornbread, and sides of Sexy Grits and Mac &' Cheese. The Grits were creamy and tasty, while the mac & cheese was also quite good. I was pleased with both sides, although the cornbread was just average to me. 

There was certainly an ample amount of Brisket and Pulled Pork, and they were both meaty and tender, with good flavor to them. On each table, there's a selection of different sauces (such as Meat Heat, Mustard, Sweet, and Piedmont) you can place onto the meat, and I experimented with several of them. Their House Sauce was my favorite, a nicely balanced barbecue sauce, a good blend of spicy and sweet. 

I also ordered a piece of boneless Fried Chicken ($4.50) and it was my favorite part of the meal. A great crunchy coating, covering moist, tender chicken. Each bite was delicious and I could have easily enjoyed a meal of just this fried chicken. Highly recommended.

We also selected a Snack of the Bacon Bites ($7.50), small nuggets of deep-fried bacon which have been seasoned and tossed with peppered cider syrup. Another winner of a dish, with a nice balance of meat and fat, sweetness and a touch of spicy heat, and lots of taste. 

The rest of my friends very much enjoyed their food too, and I would dine here again. Bring your appetite, a bottle of wine or some beers, and several friends and have a tasty meal.