It's two o'clock on a Saturday afternoon and you're hungry, where to go? I remember a place, is it still here, thanks to Google it was! Off the beaten path, since Tuckaway tavern had a longer wait than usual. Muddy River was remembered by my friend and I. Maple bourbon chicken wings were ordered. Smoky and hot. The beef brisket was being cooked, so we both got the pulled pork. I had a side of lime slaw, not too bitter, not Cole slaw either. I only could finish half the sandwich. Sydney, our waitress was very attentive to our needs and allowed us to eat and enjoy. Great to go back to a great restaurant! read more

In all fairness I have come here three times... THE GOOD: Ambiance was fun (just hot upstairs), service was spot on and very attentive, and the meats are cooked well (got progressively better each time I have come). The beer battered chicken tenders and honey mustard appetizer was awesome! UNFORTUNATELY THE BAD: I found the bbq sauce (3 choices) is lacking and actually detracts from the flavor of the meats (go for the honey mustard instead). The side of macaroni & cheese was mediocre (consistency seemed powdery clumpy and the taste was bland). Overall good enough to satisfy the craving, but there are better options within 30 minutes. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Chicken tender appetizer and BBQ combo (¼ lb. BRISKET, ¼ RACK RIBS, & PORK BELLY) - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

I honestly had them for the first time at the Newfields NH Fall Festival 9/19/2026. I was amazed the staff very, very hard working, excellent system for fast pace, a lot of people, and still serve very good food. Great attitudes, accommodating for our allergies, and if I had the money I would visit the restaurant for sure read more

My dad and I had lunch at Muddy River. I didn't experience the specialty of the house but my salad was alright. I always appreciate it when the hardboiled egg in a cobb salad is cooked properly. Service was attentive and friendly. My dad ordered the brisket and enjoyed trying out the various BBQ sauce options. Staff were also thoughtful with an order we took home. The space has changed (moved stairwells) from the last restaurant but it seems to work. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Smokehouse Chicken Cobb salad - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

Went for my sons and my birthday. We ordered friend pickles and beers. Friend pickles were some of the best we have had. Ordered the Big Board ( there were 4 of us) and we barely got through half. Loved the chicken, ribs and pulled pork. Cornbread was really good . Wish the brisket had a little more seasoning. Was very moist though. Will go back for sure. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Friend pickles - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

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This was such a good dinner! I feel like everything was consistently good and our waitress was fantastic! I have no complaints! The nachos to start were so tasty! I loved the barbecue style nachos and thought they weren't too overpowering which is always good. The cheese was perfectly gooey and I loved the hint of spice with the jalapeños. We ended up getting the family board (I can't remember the exact name). It had so much food... rack of ribs, large fries, large mac and cheese, pork belly, pulled pork, whole chicken... and it was only $114 for four people which honestly feels like a steal! My only one eh thing is that I wish the meat was seasoned a bit better. The barbecue sauces to accompany were fine (2 tasted the exact same), but the meat itself lacked seasoning so you HAD to dip it in sauce to have any flavor. I wish there was a more Smokey flavor to it! But that's okay--still good. We also had cornbread and it was honestly to die for! Again, service was fantastic, the food came out fast, and you get a great amount for a reasonable price! read more

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Wife and I went there for lunch a couple weeks ago. The brisket Reuben was a bit overdone but very tasty. The baked beans were amazing! Service was very good. My BIG complaint, and the reason I won't be going back......DO NOT ADD A 2.5% surcharge at the bottom of my check because I used a Visa card to pay my bill. NO-ONE in your restaurant told me I'd be charged extra to pay my bill with a credit card. If you want a cash only business, post a sign on the front! read more

Freaking awesome great place beans and slaw had that they have the best beer deciduous on tap the Reuben a top 5 sandwich in my life I will be back next week read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

First two tries, the food wasn't great. Today, tried to stop in for a cold drink coming home from the beach (97 degree day, middle of a heatwave). Only 2 other people at the bar and one table taken, so almost empty. Bartender gives is menus and walks away. No offer of cold water on a 97 degree day! No offer of drinks, nothing about what's on draft or specials. Literally nothing. She proceeds to chat with a coworker, who was on his phone, for over 5 minutes while we sat there stunned. A few minutes later, we gave up and walked out, with no worker, who out numbered customers, saying a word to us. Beyond strange. That was strike three. Never again. read more

We ordered the brisket platter to share with a side order of pork belly sliders. The brisket was dry and tough, the fingerling potatoes were undercooked and the cornbread was dry. I never tasted pork belly or a brisket before, after looking forward to it all week I was so disappointed. The best thing we had there was the beer, Deciduous. read more

Muddy River has always been delicious and reliable with us. We've been coming for several months now almost weekly. Ribs are always tender, pulled pork is spot on and martini's and margaritas are always made perfectly. Gabby, Sue and the rest of the crew always make you feel like you're welcomed here. When your area, come try some amazing bbq! Keep it up. read more

The new location in Newfields is beautiful. It's a shame the legacy reviews from the old location are still factored in. The food was reasonably priced and quite good. The bar has several TV screens. I really love the cozy seating in the quiet corners. The building is historic. The floors are uneven and the bar seats rock. The floors are oily and I nearly slipped while walking toward the door. I love that they have a large outdoor dog friendly dining area. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Burnt ends special - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

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We found this place when we were camping nearby. Now every time we are in the area we stop in. Excellent food, terrific service and the music they play is awesome. It looks like they have plenty of events. We saw that they were having a lobster bake coming up. If you go don't skip the Mac and cheese as a side. Its my favorite along with the homemade cornbread. This place is a gem. read more

MUDDY RiVER is BACK!!! Remember the old days in downtown Portsmouth when this was the only Barbecue Place anywhere in the area? I don't care what the other reviews say, this IS the Muddy River of olde, just in Newfields. We enjoyed every single thing that was put in front of us. These were where we were introduced to fried pickles and judged everything since(30+ years) as subpar. While for my personal tastes I would have changed some things(less jalapeño and more lime in the slaw), overall everything was excellent. We sat at the bar where our male bartender showed the style, knowledge and savoy of a seasoned professional. read more

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Had an amazing waitress named Grace last Sunday. She was so sweet and attentive. Made sure we had everything we needed. Food was delish!! Oh and sit outside such a great area and pet friendly. read more

Me and my family are celebrating my mom's birthday in maine decided to stop here along the way and we're sure glad we did the food was absolutely amazing and their beers on tap are great. I had the the half rack ribs with the lime jalapeño slaw and brisket baked beans. The ribs meat were fall off the bone and very flavorful and our waitress was very friendly. read more

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Arrived at 6:20 called ahead asked if there was a wait was told there was plenty of room both indoor and outdoor. Decided for the inside as there was a live band outside, it smelled so good straight from the parking lot. We were greeted by an eager waitress put drink orders in immediately, I got the peach whisky drink- my husband got beer on tap, the beer was luke warm but whatever perhaps it is the keg. We put orders in immediately after getting our drinks... and that's where we waited and waited and waited for 1 hr and 20 minutes. Drinks empty just waiting for the waitress to recognize us. Nope. Kitchen had food ontop of food ready to be brought out, a huge piece of wood or signage actually fell in the kitchen because of how confused the waiters food runners were, still don't understand how they have 20+ wait staff (plus an owner who was on his phone the whole time) We got our second drinks. My husband again ordered a tap bear again is was warm. I got the blueberry lemonade- it was weak and tasted like too much triple sec. Food arrived portions were sad. Beans cold. Mac n cheese cold. Chicken freezing, the buns where the chicken sat ontop of were soaking wet in grease. We know that food was on the runner to be brought out for 35 minutes, we sat right next to the kitchen and my husband was watching through the doors like no way that's our food? $100 tab in food we didn't eat and drinks we couldn't finish. Best thing I was the piping hot ceaser salad. When I asked the waitress (who had no intent on ever checking back in with us) for the check she saw neither of us touched our plates and asked so how was the meal? I said honestly? It will be better when I nuke it in my microwave at home. Offered to remake it but no way am I ever sending food back into a kitchen. I said look the foods beyond cold, I understand Luke warm but why is the salad and beer boiling?... she said I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it I said no really why is your beer piss warm? She said I could have offered UCE CUBES, I'm not a Karen but to see the staff on their phones and TikTok instead of running food and fixing the keg temp is insane. She said I'm so sorry we're just soOoo busy. Restaurant inside was EMPTY. like no one besides us and one other family was inside. I wasn't asking for a comp or free food but the lack of caring and the sight of two full beers and two full meals untouched all she could offer is a new bun for the Nashville chicken. We were going to put two lobster roll to go orders for my father in law whose birthday was today but skipped after the waitress dismissed us like it was an us problem. This was me and my husbands first time out to dinner in almost a year. We went to the 110. Food was great, beer was cold, drinks were flowing. We won't be back. read more

Amazing service, ambiance , and great food. This was the best brisket I've ever had. Im a harsh critic usually also. Sue was incredibly friendly and helpful read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

The moment we entered we should have turned right around. The wet mop and stale beer smell that assaulted my nostrils should have clued me in on what was to come. First, we ordered our drinks--I had the iced tea. I've never mentioned iced tea in a review before, but this iced tea was truly remarkable for how flavorless it was. It was so weak I at first thought it was a glass of water. Sadly, it foreshadowed what was to come. When our food came, I could not have been more disappointed. The ribs were literally grey. No char. No crust. No smoke ring. I cannot believe anyone with an ounce of pride would have presented those ribs to any customer. Because there was nothing but a fork and butter knife, I was left to pull the ribs apart with my fingers. They were tough--almost inedible. The taste was just as bland. No smoke. No seasoning. Nothing. If you had told me that had been cooked in a sous vide I would believe you but for the faintest bit of pink on the underside. The pulled pork tasted like the butt had been cooked in a slow cooker. Like the ribs, they lacked any evidence that they had been in a smoker. No flavor, no smoke ring, and, again, no crust. Also, whoever prepped the pork after cooking didn't bother to remove the fat and bits of membrane before putting it out for service. The sides were no better. The "jalapeño" cole slaw lacked any flavor beyond shredded cabbage. Not even the dressing had any zing to it. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mayo, and a pinch of sugar--none of those tastes were in the slaw. The beans had the taste and texture of off-brand canned baked beans. They are touted as "brisket baked beans" and there were pieces of brisket in them. However, the texture gives away that the meat is added *after* the beans are cooked. BTW, the pieces of brisket lacked any discernible smoked taste. The pickles were vinegar-flavored mush. Pro tip: remove the blossom end from the cuke and you'll get much better results. Finally, the "ambiance." The room and grounds are rather nice--if you can get past the inexplicably loud pop country music. FFS, either turn it down or, if you must play country, at least play something decent. Or don't. We won't be back. Frankly, I'm embarrassed on your behalf. How anyone could have let out of the kitchen such ineptly prepared food is beyond me. Take some pride, Muddy River Smokehouse. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Ribs: grey, tough, oddly fatty, and completely without flavor. - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

What a charming rustic gem! The Southern‑style BBQ was absolutely delicious--perfectly smoky and full of flavor. The bartender's warmth and friendly personality made the experience even more enjoyable. I'll definitely be coming back for more! read more

Great fresh made from scratch food. Friendly attentive service. Busy but not loud dining room. Fun decor fitting the smoke house theme.

Not the same Muddy River that used to be in Portsmouth! No way! Ordered a plain Jane double smash burger and wow it was bad. May as well been the plain Jane leather burger and honestly a MacDonald's quarter pounder would have been better and not left me with stomach cramps as the Muddy River did. No taste, was over cooked and simply well 'gross" and a huge waste of money. Go to River Works for a good burger and meal. The smoked Fingerling potato side was just as bad. Corn Bread, naa. Wife had beef brisket and was expensive and small portions and she agreed with me. Do not waste your money here as the food stinks and is expensive. I suppose for the ambiance of a nicely restored barn restaurant if you want to waste your money on that but honestly go to Goody Coles on rt 125 in Brentwood. Not recommended and no way will ever return. read more

I'm sad to say when this place first opened the brisket was so good and the second time I got the pulled pork and was delicious. Third time I went back a month later it's was disgusting. Went back again back in may and still not good. Tried again in July and got the bbq plater with brisket pulled pork and chicken. Best thing off that plate was the corn bread and that's wasn't as good as the first couple Times. read more

This is a review for the new restaurant in Newfield, NH. We got the platter that feeds 4. The good, the ok, and the bad. The good: The size of the platter was plenty of food for my family of 5. Three of them are kids 9, 12, and 14. Corn bread, mac and cheese, and the chicken were good. The whole family liked these. The ok: The old bay potato salad was ok. Nothing really wrong with it but also nothing great. The bad: The ribs were under cooked in my opinion. I don't like fall off the bone ribs but these definitely had too much bite. I also didn't like that they are spicy. Cayenne spicy rubs are not something you expect on BBQ. Usually any spice is added in a sauce by the customer. The worst thing was the brisket. It had no smoke ring and was dry. Almost like a bad pot roast. This was shocking considering we arrived at 11 am when they opened. I personally would have tossed it all, eaten the loss, and told customers we were out of brisket today. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Dry pot roasty brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

Had an amazing experience at Muddy River. Everybody was so accommodating and the food was top notch! Can't wait to go back.

Can't tell if it's the ambiance or the decor but this place is amazing. 10 stars out of 5.

Back home visiting family when I passed by the sign. I used to go to the Portsmouth location and was sad to see it go. Glad you're back. Love the food, love the Service. Parking was not fun, but our meals made up for it. Thank you for opening back up. read more

The food at this place is outstanding, try the pulled chicken sandwich, side of fries and ranch dressing. You won't regret your decisions. 10/10 BBQ! read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Pulled chicken sandwhich with potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

Was a fan of muddy river in Portsmouth for years. Couldn't wait to go to the new location. I got the ribs and was so disappointed. They were chewy fatty and not fall off the bone baby backs like I was hoping very disappointing. read more

First time here, definitely will be back. Awesome ribs, chicken wings were fire, great service!

What an awesome set up! We used to go in Portsmouth years ago. Glad they kept the name. we chose the big board and everything was great. Server was attentive but slow, but we were in no rush as we were there for trivia night. Great time! read more

Big BBQ Board with pulled pork, brisket, ribs, pork belly and smoked chicken. Very tasty! Homemade corn bread was moist and delicious! We had the Mac'n cheese and baked beans-yum! Banana pudding & chocolate ganache cake were both really good. read more

Muddy River Smokehouse - Banana Pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Newfields, New Hampshire

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Great meal, nice atmosphere. Definitely coming back. Mac was our bartender. Great job

Been missing this place since it closed downtown Portsmouth. Stopped in today. I had brisket platter, wife had smoked chicken. We cleaned both plates. Service was good, food was great. Nice location. We'll be back. Brisket Baked Beans, cornbread and jalapeño slaw were all great read more

My first post on any restaurant, I had to because this place was so infuriating. For starters, had wait about an hour for the food to come out, and it came out cold. So could not really comment on the food. Have experienced that before, but worse the meals came out with many of the items that where on the menu (sides like coleslaw and beans). When we asked the waitress about it, she snapped back that they where not included, although they where clearly stated on menu. Someone else came by and promised to bring the sides, but never did. We returned meals and got them comped, but with continued hostility. I am going to get pissed off every time I have to drive by this place. read more

This is the review you need to read after reading all the others. We came to Muddy River the weekend it opened, and came back for the second time tonight. So, if you're looking to see if a few of the kinks have been worked out since opening, please continue reading. First, I have to say the first time we visited, we were blown away by the renovations, environment, outdoor area, food/drink menus, etc. It was clear the owner(s) gave 110% to ensure the place would succeed. All the food was great with the exception of the brisket. Despite that, everything else was so good we knew we'd be back. Well, tonight we returned... and I'm thrilled to say I reordered the brisket and it was delicious! I had the BBQ platter and absolutely loved the pulled pork, brisket, chicken, cole slaw, mac and cheese, perfect sauces... AND the cornbread. Let's talk about that cornbread for a second. I'm not sure about the negative cornbread review I'd read, because that was the BEST cornbread I've ever had and I lived in the south for 20 years. I'm happy to write this review... because after the first visit I said to myself "If they can dial in that brisket, this will be a special place." Mission accomplished! . read more

The muddy river smokehouse lives up to the standard of the original site. Fowl balls are outstanding. Service is attentive and friendly. The atmosphere rustic and homey. I was a big fan years ago and am. read more

This is going to be a long one! The muddy river smokehouse was my go to 25 years ago Ish. I was so excited when I heard they reopened back up. But we live further away now than we did back then. We were at the beach and I wasn't even hungry, but we were close by so I'm like we need to go there! So we did. The new building is very nice. I really prefer the ambience of this building versus where it was in Portsmouth when I was younger. They had Maine lunch on tap, which is our favorite so that's a big bonus!! so now the food I am a Buffalo wing connoisseur and when they're on the menu, especially when they smoked. I have to try them! They were good not great. I would give them a six out of 10. I got the pig city, which is what I always used to get at their old location in Portsmouth. Back then it came with a smoked sausage and now it comes with burnt ends. I would give that an eight out of 10. I actually prefer the sausage but the burnt ends were pretty damn good. The ribs were smidge dry but they were not coated which I totally understand because they give you a choice of sauces. Pulled pork was great no complaints. Baked beans were really good. The only thing I would not do again is the coleslaw I would swap that out with something else but I like sweet coleslaw so that was my personal preference. The sauces were all amazing the house, the spicy, and the mustard really good all of them. My wife got the smash burger and she said it was one of the best she's ever had definitely taste that it was housemaid ground beef! Overall, I would definitely go back there again! As far as this review goes, I never comment on the service because that varies from day-to-day. read more

Food was great.. especially the brisket and the cole slaw. Wow! Loved the beans too. Friendly fun atmosphere. Great bar. Service was spot on for a busy Saturday night. Will be back! read more

My husband ordered the combo with 1/4 chicken, pork, and brisket. It came with cornbread, baked beans and Cole slaw and a small side of bbq sauce. I had the brisket on Ruben sandwich and a small side of the pork belly. The chicken was clearly undercooked, couldn't even get it off the bone and looked bloody. The cornbread was also undercooked. The brisket was very dry and flavorless. The pork belly was slightly smoked but flavorless as well. My sandwich was very bland and dry. The Cole slaw was just cabbage with mayonnaise and a little bit of jalapeño. The baked beans tasted like the ones in the can. The food really didn't have much of a smoke flavor (not sure about the chicken bc we didn't eat any of it). We were not liking it and the waitress immediately took it back and brought us some pork and the sticky ribs to try instead. The sticky ribs were sweet and really tender but still lacked any type of seasoning the pork was the only thing that was ok but I wouldn't go back for it. The waitress told us she wouldn't charge for the first meals bc we hardly ate any of it but the manager told her to charge the full amount. When we met with him, he was not very willing to listen to our complaint but he did take some off the bill. The waitress was so great and very sweet we left her a large tip. It's not in our nature to complain and we are both extremely polite people and it is hard for us to complain but the food really was that bad. I would say they should season the meats with some sort of rub and check the cooking times to ensure it's cooked but not dry. read more