12 Vermont BBQ Spots That Keep Tradition Alive

Vermont might be famous for maple syrup and cheese, but the state’s barbecue scene deserves just as much attention. Across the Green Mountain State, passionate pitmasters are firing up smokers and keeping authentic BBQ traditions alive with slow-cooked meats and bold flavors.

Whether you’re craving tender ribs, smoky brisket, or tangy pulled pork, these spots prove that great barbecue isn’t just a Southern thing anymore.

1. Bluebird Barbecue, Burlington

Where the smell of hickory smoke meets Lake Champlain breezes, magic happens daily. Bluebird Barbecue has become Burlington’s go-to spot for authentic Texas-style smoked meats that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Their brisket is legendary around here, sliced thick and glistening with that perfect smoke ring. The pulled pork falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork.

You’ll find locals lining up before they even open, which tells you everything you need to know. Pro tip: get there early because when they sell out, they’re done for the day.

2. Black Diamond BBQ, Morristown

This place sits tucked away in Morristown like a delicious secret waiting to be discovered. Black Diamond BBQ serves up competition-worthy ribs that practically slide off the bone before you even touch them.

The sauce selection here ranges from sweet to seriously spicy, covering every craving imaginable.

Their cornbread comes out warm and buttery, perfect for soaking up extra sauce. The owners clearly know their craft, having perfected low and slow cooking methods over many years. Don’t skip the mac and cheese because it’s criminally good.

3. Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse, St. Albans City

When smokehouse meets brewhouse, you get something truly spectacular in St. Albans City. Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse combines perfectly smoked meats with craft brewing expertise under one delicious roof.

Their smoked chicken wings come glazed with house-made sauces that pack serious flavor without overwhelming the meat.

The brisket here gets a beautiful bark from hours in the smoker. Everything pairs beautifully with their rotating selection of freshly brewed options. It’s the kind of spot where locals become regulars after just one visit.

4. Wicked Awesome BBQ, White River Junction

However bold the name sounds, the food backs it up completely at this White River Junction gem. Wicked Awesome BBQ lives up to its title with seriously impressive smoked meats that showcase real pit mastery.

The pulled pork sandwich comes piled high on a soft bun with just the right amount of tangy slaw. Their dry rub ribs offer a beautiful balance of spices and smoke flavor.

The sides here don’t play second fiddle either, especially those perfectly seasoned baked beans. You’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next visit.

5. Big Fatty’s BBQ, White River Junction

Though White River Junction has multiple BBQ options, Big Fatty’s stands out with its own unique personality and flavor profile. Big Fatty’s BBQ specializes in Carolina-style cooking that brings a different regional flair to Vermont’s BBQ scene.

The vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness of slow-smoked pork with tangy perfection. Their brisket gets cooked until it achieves that ideal tender texture throughout.

The coleslaw here provides the perfect crispy, cool contrast to hot smoked meats. It’s refreshingly unpretentious food done exceptionally well every single time.

6. Willie’s BBQ, Benson

Are you ready for a true hidden gem in the Vermont countryside? Willie’s BBQ operates out of Benson with the kind of authentic, no-frills approach that serious BBQ lovers appreciate most.

The ribs here come glazed with a sauce recipe that’s been perfected over countless smoking sessions. Everything gets cooked with genuine care and attention to traditional methods.

The atmosphere feels wonderfully laid-back, like visiting a friend’s backyard cookout. You won’t find fancy decorations here, just honest-to-goodness smoked meat that speaks for itself beautifully.

7. Smokin’ J’s, Brattleboro

Did you know that some of Vermont’s best BBQ happens right in Brattleboro? Smokin’ J’s has built a loyal following by consistently delivering mouthwatering smoked meats with bold, unapologetic flavors.

The brisket arrives at your table with edges that are perfectly caramelized and interiors that melt like butter. Their house-made BBQ sauce strikes an ideal balance between sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.

The potato salad here tastes homemade in the best possible way. It’s the kind of place where everyone leaves happy and planning their return trip.

8. MJ’s Barbecue, South Royalton

When you’re craving authentic pit BBQ in South Royalton, MJ’s Barbecue delivers without pretension or compromise. MJ’s Barbecue focuses on classic smoking techniques that bring out deep, rich flavors in every cut of meat.

The pulled pork here gets that ideal combination of crispy burnt ends mixed with tender, juicy pieces.

Their cornbread comes out slightly sweet and wonderfully moist every time. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It’s straightforward, delicious BBQ that keeps folks coming back week after week without fail.

9. Shakedown Street BBQ & Grill, Stowe

Hence the name, you might expect some funky vibes at this Stowe establishment, and you’d be absolutely right. Shakedown Street BBQ & Grill combines mountain town charm with seriously skilled smoking techniques that produce unforgettable results.

The ribs here come with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone before you pick it up. Their smoked chicken arrives juicy and flavorful, never dried out or boring.

The atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, perfect after a day exploring Vermont’s beautiful landscape. It’s become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike.

10. Dino Bones BBQ, Waitsfield

Where else can you find prehistoric-sized portions of perfectly smoked meats in the Mad River Valley? Dino Bones BBQ serves up massive platters that’ll satisfy even the hungriest appetites with authentic pit-smoked goodness.

The brisket here gets that beautiful pink smoke ring that signals hours of patient, careful cooking. Their sauce options range from mild and sweet to fiery hot varieties.

The fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for everyone from kids to grandparents. You’ll understand the dinosaur reference once you see those gloriously huge portions arrive.

11. RVQ Smokehouse Food Trailer, Wilmington

Though it operates from a trailer, RVQ Smokehouse delivers restaurant-quality BBQ that rivals any brick-and-mortar establishment around. RVQ Smokehouse in Wilmington proves that amazing smoked meats don’t require fancy digs, just skill and dedication.

The pulled pork sandwich comes loaded with tender meat that’s been kissed by smoke for hours. Their ribs showcase a perfect balance of seasoning and natural meat flavor.

The mobility of the trailer means they pop up at different events throughout the area. Follow them closely because this mobile BBQ magic is worth tracking down.

12. Tin Shed Grill, Derby

However far north you travel in Vermont, you’ll find excellent BBQ waiting at this Derby destination. Tin Shed Grill sits near the Canadian border, serving up American BBQ traditions with impressive skill and consistency.

The smoked turkey here often gets overlooked but deserves serious attention for its juicy, flavorful perfection. Their beef ribs come massive and meaty, cooked until they reach ideal tenderness.

The rustic atmosphere matches the honest, straightforward approach to smoking meats. It’s proof that great barbecue thrives everywhere, even in Vermont’s northernmost reaches.