Redbones BBQ

So good! Tried this place out a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. Great drinks, awesome service, and the food is to die for! Highly recommend if you’re looking for good quality bbq.

Went recently. They brought back Memphis ribs and had corn bread. Christmas is saved!

I’m new to Boston and the word on the street was that this is the best bbq in town!
Make sure you call in early to get your name in. I called around 8:20 pm and got in at around 9.
Food: (⁵⁄₅)
I got to try the
Bbq pulled pork sandwich: (⁵⁄₅)
Easily one of the best pulled pork sandwiches I’ve ever had! Very tender with that good bbq flavour.
Comes with two sides also — I tried 3
Mac & cheese: (⁵⁄₅)
Pretty good! Tastes homemade and was just cheesy enough. I ate the entire thing (which I don’t do a lot).
Mashed potatoes (⁴⁄₅)
Tastes like any other mashed potatoes you’ve had. Nothing special, but it’ll satisfy you.
Onion rings (⁵⁄₅)
I’m not a fan of onion rings, but these were really well made. The batter is quite flavorful and compliments the onion well!
Service: (⁵⁄₅)
Kind althroughout. Very helpful when I asked about what they are «known for». The waitress gave a thorough explanation of each! She’s great.
Environment: (⁵⁄₅)
I’m a big fan of the décor. Feels like a classic bbq diner with many retro art pieces around. Very cool!
If I ever visit Boston again, I’ll pay a visit again!

The food is 5 stars, the wait policies is what knocks it down. I went there with who has health issues with both standing and needing to eat in a certain timeframe. We were told it was a 15 minute wait, and we decided that would work. We ended waiting for over an hour on the sidewalk before we finally got a table. We eventually found out that people who requested a table online got to cut the line. When we finally sat down, the first thing we are told is a warning that there was going to be a long wait for food. On the upside, without us complaining, they gave us a free appetizer (which were amazing corn fritters) which came out fast. The beer was good, my ribs, coleslaw were great, my bean were passable. It was the kind of meal I would love to eat while in a better mood.
I’ve been here for weekend lunch and the service was amazing, and that is probably the only time I’ll ever attempt to return. Unless they can establish a fair waiting policy, or at least be upfront and honest with customers, I could see this business collapsing in on itself in a couple years.

I just left this place and I’m already writing a review because of HOW GOOD the chicken and waffles were. their fried chicken seriously blows it out of the park. the skin is crispy, the meat is juicy, and it has a really good kick (and also +1 for it being boneless). the waffle was also soo delicious and it came with a side of gravy that perfectly complimented the dish and the maple syrup.
I’ve come here several times and always liked the food, and my boyfriend who loves BBQ swears by redbones, but the chicken and waffles is what finally brought me here to write a 5 star review.
the service is also really good and I love the laid back atmosphere.

Decided to try redbones for the first time and the service is so poor Im not sure I can go back. I ordered off the menu but the price was significantly more than advertised on the menu. I brought up my concern multiple times and it was clear the staff just hoped I wouldn’t think much about it. Finally the manager got involved and even though they wrote down and read back the right order to me they were preparing and charging me for something else all together.
Now I had to sit and wait for them to recook my order. I called take out thinking it would be quick and easy, could not of been more wrong. I arrived on time for my pick up but had to stand around waiting for around 30 minutes. I value my time and believe if a business screws up, hey it happens we are all human, but if your are inconveniencing your customers at least try to make it up to them, not off 5 bucks or even toss in a piece of cornbread, something. I wont tell them how to run their business but its up me if I go back or not and after this experience Im definitely thinking not.
If you do decide to go, the food isn’t bad, but keep a menu with you and pay attention to what you order and what they charge you.

I still have that «BBQ Glow» from last night (Okay, I just made that up — whatever).
I went out with a couple friends for a birthday last night, and we walked away happy and full.
Starting with the apps:
Fried Pickles and Jalapenos — Excellent. Not over-​fried; just the right amount of crunch on both the pickles and jalapenos. The order was the perfect size to share with four people.
Catfish Fingers — might be off on the name a little bit, but it’s easy to spot on the menu and I’m going off memory. They were good, and the tartar sauce was on point. My only criticism is that they should have come with a few lemon wedges to give them a little zing. Easy remedy, though — just ask for a few wedges!
Now, for the entrees:
I got the Catfish Sandwich Platter with BBQ Baked Beans and Vegetables. The Catfish was fried and sizzling hot, topped with lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce on a soft sizable roll. This time, the catfish was accompanied by a hefty lemon wedge, which i doused my fish with. The sandwich was delicious! Side note (get it?) — the vegetables are a must have for a side, and if you like BBQ sauce A LOT, get the beans. Thank god you get to choose two.
The other three in my party all got a ½ rack for St. Louis style ribs — and they left no survivors. So quickly too — I didn’t even get to try one! I think that says enough about it.
I did get to try a bit of the mac & cheese side, though — the noodles had good structure, and sat in a thick, cheesy sauce — AKA the bomb.
All in all, was a great meal — 4 drinks, 2 apps, 4 entrees and the tip came out to around $ 150 total, so definitely not cheap, but for a birthday dinner, not bad. You could easily go in alone, drink a glass of water with you meal and leave full for about $ 15 after the tip. I would say that’s a fair price for some absolutely delicious BBQ!

This place has the best BBQ in Boston by far. The menu is extensive, reasonably priced, and they are very kid friendly as well. They even carefully label which items are vegetarian and vegan. The cornbread is the best I’ve ever had.
On the negative, one time we got takeout for the super bowl and we were missing a dish, and had to run out at the last minute so we weren’t short on food. They were very apologetic, refunded us, and mailed an additional gift card.

Ate here one time and food was decent but super long wait for seat and food. Second time they took my name and said they’d have a seat for me in an hour…2 hours later I called and they had lost my reservation
Go to Sweet Cheeks in Fenway for good bbq and service

I used to bring people from all over the world (including the South) to Redbones to prove to them that the best ribs could be found minutes from Boston. No more.
The rub is salty and has an aftertaste like gasoline. It kills the taste of the pork and makes you grab your beer to wash the dreadful taste down.
Speaking of beers, they boast a cask beer but it’s usually empty. And you can’t find a simple Stella unless you smuggle it in.
The Buffalo wings are good. The sausage is OK, but again, not nearly as good nor varied as it used to be.
Drive to Sturbridge to BT’s if you want good BBQ. Stick with the aforementioned wings and a disappointing IPA if you drop by Redbones.

My husband and I checked into Red Bones on a weeknight before a concert we were attending. I was amazed how busy the place was, even on a Wednesday night. Despite this, we were promptly seated at a small table in the center of the restaurant. My first notice was that they really have the tables jammed in — the (vacant) table next to ours was so close I grabbed something off of it without even needing to lean. I’m sure this comes in handy when seating large parties but don’t expect to come here for an intimate dinner.
I have to admit, I don’t generally select BBQ joints when dining out because I’m not particularly fond of smoked and/​or overly sauced meats. But my husband loves it and I can certainly appreciate good BBQ when I taste it. I had already perused the menu before coming and had an idea of what I would be selecting.
It took a bit to be greeted by a server but our water glasses were promptly filled. My husband was happy enough with the craft beer selection. We placed our order and received our food in what seemed like a reasonable amount of time. I had ordered pork and vegetables as my sides. Overall I was happy and it was filling. My husband enjoyed his meal as well.
It took awhile to get our check, pay it and be on our way but it was busy and we only started to feel a bit antsy shortly before our bill was finally addressed.
All in all, it was a pleasant experience. I’m sure if I lived in the area I’d go back and maybe someday we will, but for now it was just A-​Ok and worth a visit for me.

RedBones is good southern BBQ made for carnivores. Whether it’s the ribs, sausage, pulled port or brisket, I have enjoyed every bite and the flavor delighted my taste buds. The cornbread is a little dry but the biscuits with peach jam are delicious.
The inside kind of has the feel of a dive bar or greasy diner but the atmosphere is friendly and bright. This place is good for groups no larger than 8.
RedBones is also my go to take out or delivery option for the weekend. They have free delivery after 5pm.

Redbones has had it’s ups and downs over the years, but it’s always been a lively and fun place to go. I’ve always enjoyed their great beer selection and their options for how large pour to order.
They took a nose dive a few years back, portions down, quality down and prices up. They seem to have come back a bit and stabilized but quality, quantity and value aren’t what they were for my five star reviews. Right now the food is closer to 3 stars, atmosphere and beer list pull it closer to four. Flavor, smoke, texture, bark for the barbecue just don’t stand out.

The first time I ever had food from Redbones Barbecue was at a wedding.
On the cape.
In a private community.
BUFFET STYLE.
I didn’t know what Redbones was. I had, at the time, been a Cambridge resident for two years. C’est pas beaucoup. It was still a disappointment that having had lived in the Porter Square area I had never gone… but I digress.
The next time I had food from Redbones was in Somerville, at their restaurant. We arrived at about 6:45 on a Saturday and were told that we would have to wait twenty minutes for a table for two. They told us we could go down to the bar if we so pleased. We did. We were there about forty minutes, and were eventually texted to come upstairs. When we did come upstairs, we were able to order promptly. We both got some variation of chicken — mine obviously quite good, but– while the meat portions are ginormous, the portions in the sides are mediocre at best. I had maybe 9 french fries total. Seriously.
I love french fries. Who doesn’t?
On the positive: the menu clearly lists all of the gluten-​free options. Worry not, my celiac friends, and the rest of you foolish gluten-​free fad dieters… celiacs, you won’t get sick. Fad dieters, you won’t fake a stomach-​ache. In the end, everyone can be happy.
I had a cola and the house wine. Didn’t love the house wine; the cola was just okay. Delay in service, sides quite small, otherwise decent bbq option.

I got the pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese and onion rings, my bf got the sausage sandwich with onion rings and baked beans. Everything was delicious and Jennie our server was right on top of everything. We chatted with Jennie and she told us about the restaraunt and its history. She was very friendly and this will be our go to lunch spot when we visit Somerville.

I ordered the big BBQ belt plate.
It’s a mix of different Ribs and sausage with 2 sides.
The sausage was good and tasty but very disappointed from the ribs… Most of them taste the burn meat.
The bar is good though and I enjoyed my Jalepeño Marguerita

Been here before, but this review is only reflecting this visit.
Made an reservation for 7 on a Saturday night. Didn’t get seated until 7:45. Put in the food order by 8. Didn’t get the food until after 9.
Redbones has a pretty good list of beers and decent BBQ, BUT it shouldn’t take TWO hours to get your food. I understand it’s a Saturday night, but that’s some bullshit.
The waitress did give us «complimentary corn bread» (which until recently was free).
We talked to the manager and got all of our drinks comped and half off our bill.
Still disappointed.

Awesome staff, beers on tap and bbq execution!
Emily handles the bar with a down home flair. Brisket plate shows off their ability to hit good bark, seasoning, tenderness and chew. Will surely return when in town, again. Bring friends and family and enjoy great American freedom of expression!

Food: food would get 5 stars. Huge portions, all entrees come with two sides… Tons of beers on tap and mixed drinks too
Service: waitress was friendly but they seemed understaffed maybe? Seems like this is the norm based on other reviews. Expect to wait a while for everything. Drinks, water, check
Ambience: only saw the upstairs. Tables are extremely close together and it was freezing!
Come to experience the food, don’t come expecting an amazing experience

Came with a large group of around 20; service was good and fast. Bbq and sides were all good. Group consensus was that the brisket was the best bbq option. They also offer vegetarian options, which is considerate.
Has a casual funky vibe going on; margaritas were a little on the sour side. I’d come back if I were in the area and was in the mood for some bbq.

The pulled pork and baby back rib combination dinner was my dinner choice. Both were tasty but not something that I would crave. What was wrong? I lack sufficient background and experience to assess Southern food accurately. I can say that it was missing depth, smokiness, and tenderness found elsewhere. Portion sizes were generous such that everyone took home leftovers for the next day.

Southern food for people who haven’t been to the south (so me). Otherwise I would probably be more disappointed. This place is cool but I always felt that the food and vibe were way over-​hyped. I came here later in the evening, like 10PM on a weekday, and it was completely empty which is understandable. But service was quick then.
I had the brisket sandwich with 2 sides – mac n cheese and cole slaw. Friend had pick 2 of the hash and sausage. The brisket was dry but smokey, so pretty good with sauce. Everything else didn’t really shine. Mac n’ cheese was more creamy than cheesy and the cole slaw was bland. Oh well, sides can be a hit or miss. Their hot bbq sauce needs more heat tho!
It’s decent for a quick Southern food fix. I’ve been here a handful of times and have had catering from them and they’ve been consistently «okay” – never bad and never really good.

Good BBQ.
I was surprised at how popular Redbones has become. It was early in the evening, but I had to wait for nearly 45 minutes for a table. More families and large groups seem to dine here compared to other Boston Area and Somerville eateries.
I shared a ribs and pulled pork combo plus an extra order of brisket. The pulled pork was tasty, the ribs were not bad, but not quite perfect. The brisket was not bad, but I have yet to find great brisket outside of Texas. The collard greens and mac and cheese were both good sides. All of this was an Ok amount to share between two not super hungry people. If you are very hungry, you might have to go solo on a combo. They have a pretty extensive liquor selection. The glass of neat bourbon I had took the meal to the next level. Overall, I had a fun and satisfying experience.
A good spot for a fun and meaty meal with family and friends.

At first I was a little leery about BBQ in New England. Clam chowdah and seafood – yes. But pulled pork and brisket – ehh maybe? Located in Davis square, this place is off the main drag. When you stroll around you’ll see some very crunchy places, which makes a bbq joint seem out of place. The sign is old and rustic– a true sign of no frills bbq. The checkered tablecloths were a very nice touch. The beer selection is fantastic as well. We ordered hush puppies and corn fritters to start. The hush puppies were great! Cooked to perfection. The corn fritters were served in a maple syrup sauce which was a nice compliment.
Now — the BBQ. Decided to go with the brisket sandwich. Came with two sides so I had mac and cheese and potato salad. They put sauces on the table, but I wanted to try it without any sauce. First bite was amazing! Extremely tender and moist. The outside was charred to perfectly and I could take the smoke. I was quite impressed! I added some BBQ sauce which complimented the beef very nicely. My friend ordered the St. Louis style ribs. I tried one and it was a bit dry, but nonetheless very very tasty. The char on the outside was exactly right.
If you’re looking for southern style BBQ… This place has got it! Good to know there are some great BBQ joints even in New England!

After a night of drinking in Davis Square, we went to Redbones for a heavy late dinner. We got there right before midnight and we were able to find a table downstairs. The service was friendly and the prices were reasonable. The ribs were great and the beef brisket was even better. I could have done without the buffalo wings, they were too salty. I find that with most authentic BBQ places, the BBQ sauce is thin and watery which is also the case with RedBones. I wish there was something thicker available.
The chicken and waffles is great, def try it! Skip the mai thai drink and save it for an authentic Chinese restaurant.
Ambiance is cool and chillax. Nice spot for friends or a casual date.