Just tried their brisket for the first time. I'm from Texas, I know barbecu, no joke. Living this far north, one can ONLY hope to find something that resembles that side of heaven when it comes to bbq. The service was kind and courteous, but that brisket, well let's just say I won't be coming back for it, beans, maybe. read more

First of all I want to shout out to Jonathan. He should give a master class on serving customers! We went for lunch. First visit ever. I was pleasantly surprised at the delicious food. Every bite. I had a brisket sandwich with very hot, tasty fries. My companion had an Emerald Aisle Old Fashioned which she loved. She enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich and fries. Nice touch with the watermelon slice! We will be back. Bringing Dad next time. read more

Our group's dinner here started very slightly awkwardly, but once we were seated, everything was fine. We were a party of 7 showing up for dinner on a Saturday evening, unsure of whether a table would be available. When we got there, we saw the parking lot was not full, and there were empty tables. We were then told there would be a 10 minute wait, and I immediately thought, "Uh oh, they're understaffed." I don't know if someone over heard one dining companion say "Oh, there's a table over there that can accommodate us, " but within about 2 minutes, we were immediately seated there. I was unsure what to expect from this small BBQ chain, but after looking at the menu, I was very optimistic. What amazed me the most was their extensive whiskey selection, and of course I took advantage of that. My pour was generous and reasonably priced. Most of the other drinks came out quickly, though 1 was delayed. It was very easy to split our group into separate checks, and we received great service from our waitress. I enjoyed everything I ordered, but if you have sensitivities to pepper, you may want to ask your server about the amount of pepper in any dish. My smoked turkey slices, tasty but maybe just a wee bit dry, has pepper on the edges. I was even more surprised to taste pepper in the beans. But overall, everyone in our group really enjoyed all of our appetizers and entrees. This restaurant is convenient to friends I frequently visit in the area, and we already agreed this will be a frequent future destination. read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Smoked turkey breast meal (contains pepper). - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

The young lady who checked us in was very nice and helpful. We ate the bar. Our bartender was Trista, was very pleasant and attentive. All of the staff were quite friendly and happy. We had the brisket and burnt ends. Always is great choice. The beans are a bit spicy, but oh so good. It's definitely worth a visit. read more

For 4 we tried the pulled pork plate with Mac & fries, mushroom burnt ends with beans and zucchini salad and the vip plate with both plus coleslaw, greens, cornbread for all and a kids meal pulled pork Sammy that came with sides also. Everything was delish! 10/10 read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

Definitely a very good place to have some barbecue was in the area for work and was recommended this place. Definitely had a good time. The brisket was good. The burnt ends felt it could've been a little better but overall was nice and tasty was not busy but definitely had a nice sports hangout vibe to it. Food came out quick greeter was very nice. Would definitely recommend and I definitely would stop by again. read more

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From the food to the service, another great meal today at the Smoke Shop. This is the most authentic BBQ restaurant my husband and I have found since we moved back to New England from Texas. The ribs are meaty and moist, and the brisket is always mouth-wateringly delicious!! The music is fun too! If you want the best service as for Jon! He's truly the best!! Highly recommend! There's only a partial picture... dove right in! read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Ribs - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

I came here for the first time today. Anytime I'm in a new area my go to food is barbecue. I love to try new barbecue spots. I have to say the food was really great. I got a little bit of everything. The brisket was phenomenal probably one of the best briskets I've ever had. Pulled pork was good. Ribs were good as well however, the portions were a little bit smaller than expected. For context I got the three meat platter. I also did add-on of the burnt ends, those were amazing. For my sides I did coleslaw beans, and mac & cheese all great sides. Cornbread so yummy. Honestly, if the portions were a little bit bigger, I would've gave this place five stars and I totally get its by weight. I would probably recommend on the menu for the three meats maybe specifying how much meat the person is getting. I also ordered the brisket eggrolls, which were amazing. However, with that, I also think the portion was small. I got three eggrolls. read more

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The smoke shop was so great! They immediately asked about allergies of which I have 2 that are life threatening, and they have a special coded menu just for that. The employees were very nice and seemed happy. Food was great and came out quickly as well. I could see it being very packed in here on a weekend. Prices were reasonable and I'd come back any day. Thank you guys! read more

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I got take out from the Methuen Smoke shop BBQ for the 2nd time in the last week and it's fantastic. We got the Mac and cheese with chopped brisket and pulled pork and chicken sandwiches. They were all fresh and tender and perfectly seasoned. The sides of Mac and cheese, pit beans and brussel sprouts were on point and delicious! They are definitely part of our rotation for take out food at a fair price point! read more

Nope! I've eaten BBQ all over this country for 50 years, this is not a place to enjoy that experience. The presentation looks good, but that's just the cover up for vastly inferior food. I love collared greens, but this was more of a green paper towel experience, very dry, and very over cooked, hard to choke down. The Brisket was almost tasteless, and again severely over cooked, maybe done last week and rewarmed to serve? I have to say the same for the Ribs, not anywhere close to tender. The Hot Links ( sausage ) over cooked, dry, and not a flavoring I preferred. Half sour pickles, very descent. Oh, when a customer first comes in, it's nice to be acknowledged, or greeted, how is it every worker can be occupied talking about anything without it? Or before you get up and leave, to ask how it was?? Kitchen Admin Fee???? Overall I say don't bother, there is better. Next up? read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - My "Meal" ??? - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

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Having been here before, I have always enjoyed the wings, turkey and ribs. Today was a completely different experience. Our server clearly did not know the menu, not knowing the soft drinks available or being able to describe the menu items like the zucchini salad. Bad start and continuous excuse that it "was a new menu" definitely made me question what might be new. I spied that they have a Beef Rib special for Fridays and Saturdays. Score! Ordered them with half sour pickles and French fries as the sides. Well the pickles offer a nice crunch and good flavor, same with the pickled jalapeños. The cornbread is always tasty and the watermelon is a nice fresh bite. What should have been the star of the tray was the beef rib, yet it was the greatest disappointment and complete failure. First, the rib was completely salty and had disintegrated off the bone. Making the meat more like a stringy pile with nothing for flavor except salt. Not even the hot BBQ sauce provided could save this pile of meat. If I hadn't been here before and had positives experiences I'd be loathe to return, but I will likely return for my tried and true favorites of wings and ribs. read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Beef Rib - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

We tried the new Smoke Shop restaurant in Methuen on Friday evening. We got right in. Its a nice space and thoughtfully decorated. It was not comfortable however as it was COLD and chilly inside and had to put our winter coats back on. Just a heads up, its pricy! So pick and plan accordingly. Great menu! I wanted to try so much! The meals took a while to show up, and he brought out some cornbread as an kind offering, which was appreciated. We ordered our meals, from Victor our server who was really good and on top of things. I had the 2 meat combo (briscuit and smoked turkey) and sides were mac & cheese and brussel sprouts with onion jam. THe briscuit came out cold, which was quickly corrected. Everything tasted good and had a nice smoke flavor. THey offer a rewards program, but not sure we will sign up as I dont think we will return often enough to actively partiscipate. read more

Customer service is really important and when you ask how it's made? There is a reason, tried this twice and won't go back. When We sit at the bar, kinda expect alittle better service. They need to get their shit together and the food is just ok. Kinda pricy. 2 and done!! read more

Johnathan was a very friendly server. The pulled pork rivals a place I go to when in Texas. The vibe fits the food. The music is a nice choice. read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ in Methuen opened in the former Outback Steakhouse on Pelham St just off I-93 Exit 45. They had their soft opening phase in early January 2025 and their grand opening day is January 15, 2024. After hearing The Smoke Shop BBQ would be opening a location close to NH, I placed an online order earlier in the day for takeout to be picked up around dinner time. I've been to The Smoke Shop BBQ in Cambridge, where I've enjoyed their BBQ meats and other food and also watched my friend perform an acoustic set several years ago at their former location in Kendall Square. I arrived at The Smoke Shop BBQ in Methuen around 5:45 PM and the parking lot is dark. Inside, the staff was going through training getting ready for the grand opening and the side takeout door was open for pickup. My order was ready to go when I arrived. I headed back home to enjoy my takeout order of Burnt Ends Sandwich with 1 side choice (sweet & spicy cole slaw) ($16.50 plus tax), Pulled Pork Sandwich with 1 side choice (zucchini salad) ($14.50 plus tax) and a Large Side of Pimento Mac & Cheese ($7.75 plus tax). Both sandwiches were served on toasted hamburger buns with modest amount of meats. The Burnt Ends were ere very tender and had la sweet & smoky flavor. The pulled pork was moist and soft and also had a good sweet flavor, BBQ sauce provided. The chilled sides of creamy chopped cole slaw and zucchini salad with bacon were both pretty good. The large mac & cheese side was very dense and rich, soft elbow macaroni smothered in an orange pimento cheese sauce and topped with bread crumbs. I was hungry and managed to finish most of the food in one sitting. I returned back for dinner the next evening by invitation for a live staff training dinner service. Since I was a guinea pig diner, the food would be 50 percent off. I arrived at my 6:00pm reservation time and was seated in a booth in the bar area. The server took my drink order (I got ice water) and food order. I ordered a starter, entrée, and dessert. For a starter, the BBQ Fries ($10.25 plus tax) with Pulled Chicken (add $3 plus tax), a good amount of crinkle cut fries topped with cheese Sauce, slow-cooked pit beans, pickled jalapeños, & pit spices topped with roasted pulled chicken. This tray starter was very filling to eat. For dinner, the Pit Boss ($31.50 plus tax), choose 3 meats & 3 sides, opting for burnt ends, St. Louis ribs, beef brisket, Texas toast, watermelon, vidalia onion mashed potatoes with smoked brisket fat, half sour pickles, and brussel sprouts with onion jam. The brisket and burnt ends were soft and tender with some fat. The lean St. Louis ribs on the bone had a nice dry rub. The mashed potatoes were soft and smooth and had a nice meat flavor. The brussel sprouts were smothered in the onion jam with a sweet smoky flavor. The cup of pickle chips were good to cleanse the palette. For dessert, the Caramelized Banana Pudding ($6.25 plus tax) had a chilled creamy yellow pudding mixed with firm caramelized banana slices, vanilla wafers and topped with whipped cream. I was very full after eating everything in front of me and took my time before requesting the check which was discounted to $27.29 with tax and before tip. The marketing manager stopped by my table and I was given Smoke Shop Loyalty points from this visit and the takeout visit from the night before, coming close to earning free food. The server, food runner, and three managers interacted with me during this visit. The staff did well. Overall, the food I ordered over two nights was pretty good, though the portions are a bit on the smaller side for the BBQ sandwiches and adequate for starters and main entrees. The general manager thanked me for stopping in on both nights. read more

Went to check out the Smoke Shop for some BBQ and Bourbon! Methuen location. I got the Nashville Hot Chicken appetizer and a side of the Pimento Mac and Cheese! For my drink I got the Mad Man with Angels Envy Bourbon. Everything was fantastic! When we walked in we were told an hour wait, so we headed to the bar where we snagged two available seats! The restaurant is casual and was very busy. It's very close to home so I expect I'll be visiting a lot! read more

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Went a couple times to the Methuen location and everything was great service was impeccable. Definitely will be back. Cornbread read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

Outstanding service Jonathan S was so knowledgeable and his recommendations are on point. The food, favor and spice is Outstanding. The atmosphere is the absolute best. Definitely returning! The watermelon beer is amazing! read more

Came in last night. We sat with Jonathan and he was absolutely awesome. Food was 10/10 and the decor makes it easy to forget it used to be an Outback. Ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, jalapeño cheddar sausage and burnt ends .... Amazing. And definitely try the palmetto mac and cheese read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Ribs, Burnt Ends, Smoked Turkey - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

Was very excited to try this place as I love good bbq. Unfortunately we left very disappointed. Went on an early Saturday evening and it was not busy. We ordered three three meat combos to try many items. First for the good: the bbq pulled chicken was very good. Sadly the good ends there. Other things sampled by the three of us were brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, turkey, and ribs. The common theme across these items...all dry. Flavors were ok, but so hard to tell with food that is dry and cold. The portions were also quite small for the price of the meal. In addition the ribs were the smallest St Louis style ribs I have ever seen. The sides were frankly ordinary and unremarkable. I am so looking for a good bbq joint in this part of the state and with the hype and reputation I had high hopes, but what I found seemed to be a chain restaurant that lacks inspiration. read more

I've visited the Methuen location a few times and have always had a good experience--the food was tasty, and the staff were friendly and attentive. This time, I decided to try delivery instead. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the in-person visits. The pulled pork sandwich arrived packed so tightly into a to-go container that it lost its appeal and resembled more of a compressed ball of meat than a proper sandwich. I'm hopeful they can improve the packaging for delivery orders, because the quality is definitely there when dining in. read more

The Smoke Shop BBQ - Pulled Pork Sandwich - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

Went here after an afternoon appointment. They had Beef Ribs that day and they were really superb. You just don't find beef rib bbq up here in NH. The sides were good but the star was definitely the beef ribs. Check before you go because they don't do them every day and they do tend to sell out early in the day according to the server. read more

Trista and Felix rock. Thanks for the great service and awesome food and drinks. Cool music, great vibe. read more

Food was okay and service wasn't great. A drink was spilt on a guest and the management didn't move our table, we ended up sitting at a wet sticky table. Our waiter tried to help but there was too much. Food also took a while to come out and dessert (got the crack) was a very small portion for $8 and not worth it. read more

Excellent food and service! The manager and waitress, Kris, were very attentive. We'll be back :) Thanks read more

The food here is phenomenal! My favorite meats: wings, ribs, and sausage. Favorite sides: Brussels Sprouts, Mac n Cheese, Beans, and Cole slaw. And there is their cornbread... OMG, can't even exprless as how moist n flavorful that was!! Honestly ... ALL MEATS AND SIDES Were SOOO DELICIOUS! That's is not all the Bitter cake, The Mad Man and Pear Margarita were AMAZING too. read more

So disappointed. It's clear they delete reviews. I ordered take out. A Brisket platter and a brisket sandwich. When I took them out of the bag it felt like the my were empty. $50 for air. You should be ashamed. read more

Pitmaster was perfect... drinks could be bigger like copper door but food was expensive but worth the money I recommend if u appreciate BBQ read more

Great service and food. Very clean restaurant and the servers are very nice. The manager checked on their customers as well to make sure everything was good. Lots to choose from on the menu. The buttered corn bread is outstanding. read more

Everything was amazing here except our server. He was polite and did his whole song and dance before taking our order then forgot about us until it was check time. read more

Placed a take out order and gave a pickup time a little over a half hour after i ordered. Got my confirmation email and waited to go. Time to pickup and food wasnt ready. Had to wait another 30 min and was told my order wasnt received even though i got an email. Ordered brisket, pulled pork and 2 sides. Food finally comes and i'll give them credit, i got a $25 gift card for the trouble. But for the foos itself, disappointing. Brisket was way too salty and the pork was lacking. Bbq beans were ok and the mac and cheese same. So i have a free $25 for a second chance so we'll see. read more

Best wings I have ever had . We ordered a little of everything. All the food came out warm and delicious. I highly recommend this place for people with food allergies. read more

Great Southern BBQ! Right up there with some of the best BBQ I've had while traveling. Worth the trip.

It's some solid music. Quiet during the weekday, which makes for a great opportunity to try it out for the first time.

3 months later we tried this place again. So close to home for us, we had high hopes to make it a regular stop! But the order of 6 chicken wings, flight of 3 bourbons and 2 drinks we ordered came to almost $80! They carefully measured every drop of bourbon in the old fashioneds and they were so sweet- clearly they don't know how to make a proper cocktail without a recipe. The bourbon flight was a joke! We thought we would share it. Each of the 3 samples was about a tablespoon of bourbon, barely enough to really get a taste! These were average priced bourbons, not terribly high end but it was $25!!! Empty your wallet and prepare to be dissatisfied when you leave. I drive by daily and the parking lot is never very busy. If you like it here better go soon, I don't think they'll be here much longer! read more

First of all, service was amazing (thanks Rodrigo!) brought our son for his birthday, they brought the cake out and sang happy birthday. Bbq was outstanding, sides were impressive, we will definitely go again soon! read more

Expensive for the amount of food you get. Everyone's meat was cold. Only thing good was our waiter!

The kitchen manager, Felix, continued to check on our table throughout our meal, suggesting food, drinks, and even offering helpful services like pouring my Mexican Coke into a pre-chilled glass, and offering a delicious dessert! You can tell he really enjoys interacting with the customers, we really felt like family. We don't live nearby, but we will definitely be coming back to see Felix, and checking out other locations closer to home. Thank you, Felix, for a truly wonderful dining experience! read more

Tried the Smoke House in Methuen since I was in the area. Doing a little research, I saw that it appears to be a small chain of MA locations. On arrival we were greeted by the receptionist and the place looked good. Since we were in a time crunch we asked if we could place a to go order. Placed order for 4 and waited. After about 20 min. Food came out and we were on our way. The smell in the car made us hungrier so we had high expectations! When we sat down to eat, a sandwich was supposed to have a side of fries and there was nothing. Order some corn bread on the side that was supposed to come with "sea salt" butter and nothing again. Starving we tore in. Nashville Hot Chicken was good. Nice crunch. Most of the heat came from the slaw and peppers in the slaw, vs a sauce. No honey available. The mains were ribs, brisket, another chicken sandwich and a brisket sandwhich. Also came with some side of beans, Mac & cheese and Brussels sprouts. The mains were uninspired. Meat was very dry (brisket and ribs). Event the sauce that was provided couldn't save the meat. Chicken was good, but not as good as the appetizer. Brussels sprouts were good, Mac & cheese was decent and the beans were super spicy. Wasn't expecting that. Burnt ends were a soggy flavorless mess. Overall, we were disappointed. Spent good money to get a meal that less than acceptable. Service was good and as promised. That is where the 2 stars came from. Called manager and was placed on hold and then disconnected. Didn't call back. Save you money and go elsewhere. Best that I have found in Merrimack Valley is Northeast Smokehouse in Billerica. Closer to Boston we liked southern BBQ joint Redbones has always been good. Will not bother going to Smoke House in Somerville. read more