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    Rusty Can

    4.4 (627 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Rusty Can Photos

    RUSTY CAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Rusty Can

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    Janet D.

    This place is worth the drive as it has the best barbecue in the area. We've only gone during the week and it is always busy but so worth the wait. It is a no frills place but you come for the food. Servers are always friendly and welcoming so you can say that you also come for the great service. Bathrooms are clean and there's plenty of noise from people chatting and enjoying their meal. I usually get the ribs and they are fall of the bones delicious. Their barbecue sauce is also great. For sides I usually get macaroni and cheese and fries. I asked a server about the white bread served with my meal and she told me that some people like to make sandwiches with them. I haven't made one yet but hey it's a thing for some I imagine. Their corn bread is consistently perfect for me - sweet and moist.

    Chris T.

    Definitely a nice spot about 30 min from the beach we were at for the day. Pulled up and parked next to other cars that made a row in the parking lot "plaza." Walking into the restaurant you initially enter in from the bar/lounge side and greeted by a hostess that'll bring you into the next room which is the dining area. Our server was great! She explained the different meat options and how to order. We opted for the fried chicken wings to start with Cajun dry rub. I thought these were good, juicy, and well seasoned with rub! Nice and crispy. Wings were a good size not dinky wing dings that other places would call wings. We did the platter of beef brisket so good! Rack of ribs (fall off the bone) Mac and cheese was thick and creamy! They have condiments, napkins, hot sauce etc all in the table for you! Thought it was overall a great BBQ spot

    Lizzie Y.

    The Rusty Can has great BBQ! I first found out about this place when I was looking for food options last week when at Crane Beach but didn't end up going due to dinner plans. We did decide to go this week after our beach trip & it was sooo worth it! It's located in Byfield, which is a very small town/village that's apart of Newbury, MA, near Governor's Academy boarding school. When we arrived, it was pretty busy but luckily we did not have trouble getting a table for 3! Prices were very fair & we decided to go with the 2 meat combo: rack of pork ribs & brisket + comes with corn bread & butter, pickles, Mac and cheese, and some white bread. We also got some root beer & orange soda, which came in glass bottles. Everything was delicious! Brisket was tender, not dry at all, & tasty. This, dipped with some of their BBQ sauce, AMAZING. The corn bread was a little dry, though it was perfect with the butter! Now, the ribs were fall off the bone tender! For an app, we did order the Cajun chicken wings w/ ranch dip & I love me a good dry rub wings! These were very yummy. It's honestly so hard to find any BBQ spots in Boston, & I know they do exist in MA... they are just farther out. Rusty Can is about an 1hr-1hr15min drive north of Boston. Highly recommend if you're looking for a pretty good BBQ spot in MA. It's def closer to NH area. Service was quick and staff was very helpful! They suggested 2 meat combo for 3 and at first we didn't know if it'd be enough... we ended up having two ribs leftover and some of the sides!

    Smoked Vidalia Onion dip and homemade chips
    Bill D.

    I couldn't count how many times we've driven past the sign for the Rusty Can on I-95 in Byfield, Mass. Wish we would have stopped sooner! This is fantastic barbecue! The restaurant isn't fancy, but it's perfect as a BBQ joint. Expect to wait if you come at dinner or lunchtime. The staff helped us choose what was an amazing meal! We shared a rack of 10 ribs (I think they gave us 11), plus the sides you'd wish for. I was really impressed by the BBQ black beans. They really know how to smoke meat, the ribs were amazingly tender and flavorful! The sauce on the table was smoky and a little sweet, too. I'm looking forward to another visit!

    From the moment I walked in to the restaurant I knew it was good. Plus, I heard it was real good simplicity, authentic no frills the real deal first time there I ordered takeout and I got the brisket sandwich. Oh my God it was absolutely perfect mouthwatering juicy delicious and a good amount of brisket. I most certainly will go back and recommend delicious.

    Pulled pork sandwich on a brioche bun Side of mac n cheese
    Michael M.

    This is my favorite restaurant in the whole wide world. I order the same thing every time (pulled pork sandwich on a brioche bun w a side of mac n cheese), and it's perfect. every. time. The drinks are strong and awesome, and the staff is super friendly. On my best and worst days I want Rusty Can--you have to go.

    Timothy G.

    One our way to the Cape from Maine & needed a place for a quick snack and a drink to break up the ride. Boy am I glad we picked the Rusty Can. My wife started off with a Bloody Mary and I went with a PBR draft and some peanuts....nice touch on the bar peanuts! We then ordered the chopped chicken salad which was delicious and easily enough for 4 people. The bartenders were polite & prompt. Luv the atmosphere & the BBQ menu items all seem like winners. The food orders we saw go by to other people looked great. Oh yeah, how many BBQ joints have pre-made Manhattans in wooden house barrels...I wanted one so bad but the wife said next time. We will be back!

    Combo platter
    Melissa M.

    After hearing amazing things about this place and having a craving for BBQ, we had to give it a try! We got there a little before 6 on Saturday and it was busy! We were quoted about 45 minutes, but were told the bar was first come, first serve so we stalked for seats and were able to get two pretty quickly. The bartenders/servers were very friendly and funny! We enjoyed chatting with them and could tell they enjoy working with people too. We both got the combo platters with Cole slaw and Mac and cheese. I got the brisket and pulled pork and my husband got the brisket and ribs. Brisket was AMAZING. And they give you so much! Pulled pork was pretty good, didn't even need BBQ sauce with it! Ribs were good too! The Cole slaw is vinegar based and it was refreshing. The Mac and cheese was out of this world amazing! The corn bread....to die for. We will definitely be back!

    Half chicken  Wings Brisket sandwhich
    Zach M.

    The service was absolutely amazing! Our server was named Paul, since I was fasting due to Ramadan, he was extremely thoughtful and got the food to our table the minute it was time to eat. He continually checked in and made sure we had everything we needed. Paul was awesome! Now to the food! We ordered a brisket sandwich, smoked BBQ wings, half chicken (special) with slaw and fries as our sides. The wings were very good size with great flavor. I tend to like mine a little more crispy but overall above average. The brisket sandwich was PACKED! The brisket was juicy and flavorful. The chicken was flash fried, incredibly juicy, the meat was falling off the bone! The slaw was great, simple and well done. The fries are shoe string so they were very crispy. We also got the cornbread, not out of the this world but I would say above average. Overall, our experience here was great! We have tried to go before on a weekend but the wait was very long. I recommend going on a weekday. I will absolutely be back here soon!

    Chicken salad

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Phenomenal bbq. Stopped on way for takeout and it did not disappoint. Really good food prices are ok, wish they did chicken too. So good!

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Best burger I've ever had! Cooked to perfection. Good prices, amazing food and friendly staff

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Best bbq around I'd recommend the brisket bomb it's life changing. Great staff, great food

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Food is fabulous prices are moderate. It is worth the trip to Byfield. Food quality is A1

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    3 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Great place to get drinks after work. The food is also pretty good. Would highly recommend.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Best BBQ I've ever had in New England, friendly service, will go back again when I'm in the area.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    It's not that they do anything wrong. I'm just not a fan of their menu: don't like dry rub. I want to get sticky and messy eating my ribs

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    My son just loves the chicken sandwich. That is his favorite sandwich of all time. Just delicious

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    11 months ago

    Food is always fresh and tastes amazing. I drive from south of Boston for a 3-way Super Beef.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    So delicious!! And amazing customer service. We were given the wrong order and they made it right. Definitely go to this restaurant!

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    Rusty Can Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rusty Can

    I asked if you deliver to Newburyport ? No answer?

    What exactly would a camp ground be delivering?

    Can you eat outside with a dog there?

    No no longer provide outdoor seating

    Do they take reservations?

    I don't think so. It's never been so crowded when I tried to go there that I couldn't get right in. (outside seating too) If you have a large party maybe that's something to call them about. I'd say generally they don't take reservations.

    Do they have call ahead seating?

    Yes

    I have seen pictures of the smoked prime rib, but don't see it on the menu. Is it a special only available at certain times?

    Yes. It's sometimes on the special board. It's delicious!!

    View All 7 Questions

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    Bucciarelli's Butcher Shop & Deli

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    Visited on a warm Saturday in February. It was the day before the Super Bowl and the store was very…read morecrowded. It was my first visit after hearing so much about this place. Upon entry, I noticed the location was very well organized and clean. The wrap-around cases of meat, take and go, all kinds of grill items (chicken, steak, tips, burgers, sausage) and then the butcher, ready to cut whatever you need. Boars Head meats are available, which are my favorite. A wall of drinks from craft beer, soda and water to name just a few were cold and ready for purchase. I ordered my favorite....a roast beef panini with yellow mustard, pickles and caramelized onions on a ciabatta roll. My brother ordered his favorite, a turkey sub with mustard and lettuce. Again, both sandwiches had Boars Head meat. The staff was ready to take orders. There was plenty of employees willing to help and answer any questions that we had. As I said earlier, it was busy but the customers were managed very well. I have to share a story. My former favorite spot for my roast beef panini was the Corner Store, Chatham. However, after COVID, they decided to discontinue there panini's, which was an absolute heartbreaker! I have never had a bad sandwich there! I have spent a long time trying to find a comparable sandwich and I finally have! My panini here at Bucciarelli's matches the Corner Store! It was awesome....warm, fresh bread....delicious roast beef and the perfect amount of mustard, pickle and caramelized onions! I plan to make my way back for sure! My brother enjoyed his turker sandwich, as well. He is a new fan, too! Finally, I found some incredible Irish Potato chips, which I have never seen before. They are not Utz, Lays or Wachusetts.....check out my picture! BBQ chips were really good! Keoghs We took some pictures which give a good view of the location. Parking was easy. I was able to pull in front of the store and there was approximately 6-8 spots available. 5-stars!

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    Piatto Cafe

    4.2(21 reviews)
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    What a disappointment this was. My husband and I were looking to try a new place for lunch and…read morehoped it would be good. No such luck. Although it wasn't busy, we waited quite a while even for beverages. When the waitress eventually took our orders, I asked for a cheese burger club sandwich, medium rare, add onions. My husband got a chicken parm sub. When we finally got our lunches, she served mine with no French fries, which I eventually received a few moments later. The burger on my club sandwich was so overcooked it was like a piece of shoe leather. There were no onions, and the minuscule piece of cheese didn't look or taste like cheese, but reminded me of a piece of curled up parchment paper. My husband's sub was fair but she forgot to bring him the glass of water he'd asked for and he had to keep asking for refills of his iced tea. Overall a dreadful experience when we had been looking forward to a tasty, quick meal. The first time we've ever been there, and also our last.

    My wife and I go here often for breakfast. The staff, including the owners who are always on site,…read moreare so friendly and attentive. Their breakfast sandwiches are fantastic, as well as their Eggs Benedict and waffles. As others have mentioned, the place is incredibly clean, which contrasts quite a bit with a competing breakfast joint right nearby that is not really kept up at all. I highly recommend this place.

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    Piatto Cafe - This burger is fresh meat. Very tasty with wonderful fries.

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    Joppa Fine Foods

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    Joppa Fine Foods - Fruit Platters never looked more inviting --I'd swear each was fresh-picked at peak lushness! Unforgettable.

    Fruit Platters never looked more inviting --I'd swear each was fresh-picked at peak lushness! Unforgettable.

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    Rusty Can - bbq - Updated June 2026

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