3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Hartford, CT

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Hartford, Connecticut. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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BEAR'S SMOKEHOUSE BARBECUE

25 Front Street,
Hartford, CT 06103 Directions

Since 2013

Specialities:

Chopped Pork and Brisket Burnt Ends Turkey Breast Texas Sausage Kielbasa Impossible Meatloaf Chopped Sandwich Turkey Breast Sandwich Kielbasa Sandwich Texas Sausage Sandwich Burnt Ends Sandwich Impossible Meatloaf Sandwich Fried Chicken Sandwich Fried Cheese Curds Bear Bowl Bear Attack Super Spud Bear Fries

" Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue is a laid-back spot that serves smoked meats, sandwiches, and classic comfort sides. They specialize in Kansas City-style barbecue and offer a wide variety of wood-smoked dishes, along with gluten-free sauces and seasonings. There is a private room with a long table that can seat 12–14 people, great for small group meals. For bigger groups of up to 40 people, they can reserve part of the restaurant for buffet-style events. Extra fees may apply for renting the space, meeting a minimum spend, and staff service. This is a great spot for all kinds of gatherings, work events, parties, receptions, or family celebrations. They also offer high-quality catering for any occasion. Whether you are stopping in for a quick bite or grabbing a drink before a show at Infinity Music Hall nearby, Bear's is a top choice in the area. They also serve happy hour food. The Main Dining Room accommodates groups of 15 to 40 people, while the Bear’s Den offers a more intimate setting for up to 14 guests.

2026 Highlights: Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue offers authentic Kansas City-style wood-smoked BBQ. Jess Santos (also known as Jessica Santos) serves as the General Manager and Multi-Unit Manager. "

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Menu:

Favorites
Mac Attack $17.00
Bear Bowl $17.00
Bear Attack $17.00
Super Spud $17.00
Bear Fries $17.00
Kickin' Fries $17.00
Bear Style Poutine $17.00
Combos
1 Meat Combo $18.00
2 Meat Combo $23.00
3 Meat Combo $28.00
Cub Meal Chicken $10.00
Cub Meal Pulled Pork $10.00
Ribs & Chicken
12 Rack With 2 Sides $24.00
Full Rack With 2 Sides $40.00
Full Rack No Sides $34.00
12 Chicken With 2 Sides $18.00
Whole Chicken With 2 Sides $23.00
Whole Chicken No Sides $19.00
Beef Ribs Served With 2 Sides $45.00
Meats By The Pound
Pulled Pork 1 Lb $24.00
Pulled Pork 12 Lb $12.00
Pulled Chicken 1 Lb $24.00
Pulled Chicken 12 Lb $12.00
Brisket 1 Lb $36.00
Brisket 12 Lb $18.00
Chopped Pork & Brisket 1 Lb $28.00
Chopped Pork & Brisket 12 Lb $14.00
Burnt Ends 1 Lb $38.00

Discount:

$5 Off on Your Birthday

$5 Off After Spending $100

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Contact:

(860) 785-8772

Sun-Wed: 11am - 9pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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BLACK-EYED SALLY'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR

350 Asylum Street,
Hartford, CT 06103 Directions

Since 1995

Specialities:

Creole Deviled Eggs Fried Okra and Pickle Chips Crispy Catfish Fingers Southern Sliders Sally's Chopped Salad Southern Caesar Salad Pulled Pork Sandwich Beef Brisket Sandwich Sally's Cheddar Burger Fried Green Tomato BLT Pig Out Sandwich New Orleans Po' Boy Sandwich Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Sally's Pig Out BBQ Beef Brisket Platter Pulled Pork Platter BBQ Chicken Platter

" Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar serves Southern food and BBQ with live blues, jazz, and soul music. This restaurant is located in a 100-year-old brick building with vintage charm, giving it the feel of a real Southern juke joint. The restaurant is family-owned and has been part of the Connecticut community for over 20 years. They are known for their award-winning BBQ and authentic Southern cooking, served with heart and flavor. They offer catering too, so you can enjoy their tasty food at any event. If you’re looking for great Southern food, live music, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, the restaurant is the place to be. Gift cards are available for your loved ones. They offer 4 semi-private dining options that can accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 200 guests.

2026 Highlights: Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar is founded by restaurateur James Varano. The full-service bar features 18 local craft beers on draft alongside specialized cocktails, including their notoriously strong Hurricane, which comes with a strict house limit of two per customer. "

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Diner Choice Award Winner by OpenTable - 2015

Menu:

Platters
Sally's Pig Out $26.95
Bbq Beef Brisket Platter $26.95
Pulled Pork Platter $18.95
Bbq Chicken Platter $17.95
Salads
Sally's Chopped Salad $13.95
Southern Caesar Salad $11.95
Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwich $15.95
Beef Brisket Sandwich $17.95
Sally's Cheddar Burger $15.95
Fried Green Tomato Blt $16.95
Pig Out Sandwich $16.95
New Orleans Po' Boy Sandwich $17.95
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich $17.95
Appetizers
Sally's Wings $14.95
Fried Green Tomatoes $11.95
Creole Deviled Eggs $7.95
Fried Okra & Pickle Chips $10.95
Crispy Catfish Fingers $14.95
Southern Sliders $11.95
Sides
Side Mac & Cheese $8.95
Sally's Slaw $8.95
Housemade Bbq Potato Chips $8.95
Cornbread & Honey Butter $5.95
12 Buttermilk Waffle $4.95
Red Beans & Rice $8.95
Cheddar Cheese Grits $8.95

Contact:

(860) 278-7427

Wed & Thu: 12pm - 8:30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm - 9pm
Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Sweet Chuck's BBQ - Hartford, CT Barbecue Restaurants - Food Image
Sweet Chuck's BBQ - Hartford, CT Barbecue Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image

SWEET CHUCK'S BBQ

1400 Park Street,
Hartford, CT 06106 Directions

Since 2026

Specialities:

1/2 Pound Brisket 1/2 Pound Pulled Pork 1/2 Pound Smoked Chicken 1/4 Pound Brisket 1/4 Pound Pulled Pork 1/4 Pound Smoked Chicken Full Rack Ribs Half Rack Ribs

2026 Highlights: Sweet Chuck's BBQ is a food counter located inside the lively Parkville Market in Hartford, CT. They are famous for cooking high-quality meats "low and slow" using real wood smoke, mixing the best flavors of Texas and Kansas City barbecue. Visitors can order thick slices of Texas-style beef brisket, sweet pulled pork, tender ribs, and cheesy "Smokehouse Mac" bowls directly at the counter. Because the restaurant is inside a large indoor food hall, you can grab your food quickly and sit down to eat with friends at any of the market's big communal tables, lively bars, or outdoor patios.

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License #3426793

Menu:

Meat By The Pound
12 Pound Brisket $19.04
12 Pound Pulled Pork $16.80
12 Pound Smoked Chicken $15.68
14 Pound Brisket $10.08
14 Pound Pulled Pork $8.96
14 Pound Smoked Chicken $7.84
Full Rack Ribs $39.18
Half Rack Ribs $24.62

Contact:

Mon & Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Tue & Wed: 12pm - 9pm
Thu-Sat: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report: