Rusty Can, Byfield
Smoked meat is the name of the game at this North Shore favorite, where ribs, chicken wings, brisket, pulled pork, and more can be found in heavy rotation. Chalkboard additions are bountiful, offering plenty of reasons to stop by—in addition to the ’cue, that is. And the lengthy and largely local beer list is a great way to experiment with another kind of culinary pairing. The Rusty Can’s three-way, of course, is a North Shore tradition; there’s a reason this spot makes an appearance on this list nearly every year. It is just that good. Rusty Can was recently voted BONS 2025 Editor’s Choice for BBQ.
6 Fruit St., Byfield, 978-462-1204, rustycanbyfield.com
The Farm Bar & Grille, Essex
Perhaps one of Essex’s lesser-known dining attractions, The Farm Bar & Grille serves up gargantuan portions of homemade barbecue to a discerning crowd. In addition to dishes like house-smoked, St. Louis–style ribs; barbecue steak tips; and macaroni and cheese, the Essex spot serves benchmark fish and chips, meatloaf, and both baked and fried fish tacos, made with haddock. Readers just can’t get enough. The Farm Bar & Grille was recently voted BONS 2025 Reader’s Choice for BBQ.
233 Western Ave., Essex, 978-768-0000, farmbargrille.com
Scarlet Fire BBQ, Amesbury
Located inside BareWolf Brewing in Amesbury, Scarlet Fire BBQ uses the traditional low and slow BBQ cooking methods, pairing an all wood fired smoke with ingredients including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked mac and cheese. Sides include apple pie pit beans and granny smith coleslaw. Pair their BBQ with a flight of Barewolf’s beer including SHRED, Kitty Kitty Pizza Party, and Little Brown Bat. Check out their event calendar for live music, trivia nights, and more.
12 Oakland St, Amesbury, 978-572-6520, scarletfirebbq.com
Big Pig Barbecue, Ipswich
Big Pig’s food truck supplies their sticky, gooey bbq goodness to True North Ale Company patrons on Wednesdays through Sundays. Go with a group and check out their loaded nachos, smo-fried wings, loaded fries, and brisket empanadas. Still hungry? Top it off with a brisket bomb or smash burger. True North’s taproom offers indoor and outdoor seating with new beers Season of the Witch Hazy & Juicy IPA and Scale Breaker Pumpkin Ale.
116 County Rd, Ipswich, 978-312-6948, bigpigbarbecue.com/restaurant2