Best bar b que around! We went to for lunch since we had heard of it. Ate there. What an experience! Never stopped while we were there! Best bar b que since Texas. Yummy! Had brisket sandwich, sausage and coleslaw. I ate it all! I was stuffed! If that was not enough we asked about dessert ... we shared german chocolate cake with ice cream. Warmed. It was to die for, soooo good. I'm from Texas and my husband's from New York and we can't wait to come back to Ore Nell's! We live in Dover, so will be soon! read more

I wish I lived much closer to Ore Nells than I currently do. This establishment has fantastic food and great service. For take out, we ordered Barbecue for Two, which comes with 1/4 lb brisket, pulled pork, and rack of St. Louis ribs. For the sides, we tried the coleslaw, collard greens, and fries. Everything was so flavorful and tender. Do yourself a favor and also order the jalapeño cheddar cornbread with honey. read more

My husband and I made reservations for Saturday night and got a table but decided to sit at the bar to eat. Everything was great--the ambience was warm and friendly, . The staff were kind and attentive even for a busy night. The food was amazing! We got the platter for 2. Great BBQ-the meat was well cooked and the BBQ sauces great, the cornbread was sooo good. The sides were great too-got. Delicious beer on tap. A really fun perfect night. Will definitely go back! read more

Outstanding BBQ. Had Brisket, Ribs, Texas Link, Pulled Pork. And a couple of sides. The meat was exceptionally tender. The ribs and brisket had a solid smoke ring. Definitely a dish worth driving to. Excellent service. Very friendly staff. read more

Ore Nell's Barbecue - American Near Me - Kittery, Maine

Just ok. You cannot do everything well, but they try. Brisket was dry, ribs were dry and day old, chicken wasn't cooked long enough, links have too much spice, pulled pork is ok. Best item was Mac n cheese. Collards we're very vinegary. Eating area could use a cleaning. Service was like we were bothering them. Not a destination, but an ok quick meal spot. Wouldn't go out of my way to go back. read more

I think this is me and husband new favorite spot! We came in around 6:15 and there were no tables available. They asked if we wanted to sit at the bar or wait. We said we would wait. 10mins after waiting we decided to sit at the bar instead. The bartender was great. He explained the questions we had on the menu. The hostess also came back to us to ask if we would like to move to a table as well. Even tho we stayed at the bar. I thought that was very sweet of her. We got our food at a very reasonable wait time. The food was DELICIOUS! Best bbq I've had in a while. I'm from Mississippi and I miss it so much. I will definitely be coming back in the future. Would highly recommend. read more

Ore Nell's Barbecue - Bar - American Near Me - Kittery, Maine

Needed a place to eat after visiting the Kittery Outlets. Ore Nell's was about 8 minutes away so we reserved a table. We were seated outside upon arrival and picked a picnic table in the shade which was great considering how hot it was outside. All of the picnic tables had umbrellas for shade iirc. The service was fine and the food came fairly quickly. Between 6 people we shared the family cookout which serves 4-6. We asked for the Texas napkin and got 4 slices of white bread to go along with it. The cookout came with Brisket - extremely tender, decent flavor. Pulled pork - texture was good but I personally needed some bbq sauce on it. Ribs - the table favorite, the ribs had a nice charred flavor and were just a little bit sweet, the meat came off the bone with just the slightest nibble Chicken - good but imo also needed some bbq sauce for extra flavor (wasn't dry or anything) Hot links - my personal fave, just spicy enough and tons of flavor Four big sides: we got 2x collard greens - pretty good, never had it before so can't say how good it was versus homemade or w/e Mac and cheese - not bad but needed a little something more, maybe another cheese or garlic or something Waffle fries - can't go wrong with these. One thing we appreciated was that the sauces were served on the side. With some keto family members and some people who aren't hugely into BBQ sauce, everyone could still try everything without worrying about drowning in the sauce and adjust to their own preference. We could appreciate the meats on their own And the sauces were good. Nothing crazy but good. Overall, I would come back if I was in the area. Service was good, food was good, value was good. Nothing was over-the-top amazing but the whole experience was satisfying and we all left full. read more

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A nice bbq find! This place is tiny, and was packed on a Saturday night when we arrived. I honestly didn't think my fat self was going to be able to wedge into the original table we were being sat at.. I appreciate that the hostess recognized I was uncomfortable and offered us a better table (thanks girl). The portions were on the smaller size, but the food is great! Let me start off by saying the kale salad is out of this world, amazing! Don't question it, just order it! We loved the ribs- they fell right off the bone, pulled pork and sausage were great too. The brisket was pretty fatty but it was still good. We thought the house bbq sauces were also really great! For dessert we got the funnel cake and it was so so good! Like carnival food good! We will definitely be back! read more

Hot damn, this place is GOOD. It's the perfect spot to just hang out with friends outside right by the water. The food is amazing, yet inexpensive!! The pulled pork sandwich is unlike any I've had in the past. The Mac and cheese was so creamy, it was like a better version of Panera Mac and cheese. And the brisket had the perfect amount of fat that made each bite melt in your mouth. You gotta check it out if you're in the area!! It's such a good deal for the Portsmouth/Kittery area, you really can't go wrong!! read more

Ore Nell's Barbecue - American Near Me - Kittery, Maine

Wow what a surprising gem. Unassuming bar with fantastic barbeque and excellent cocktails. Without a reservation, we sat in the bar at a hightop but didn't lack for service. Great atmosphere to boot. read more

Every visit has been fantastic! The drinks-the entrees-all excellent....Our favorite BBQ joint-hands down!

Amazing Texas BBQ. They smoke it. Really good Best I've had in the seacoast in the last 25 years. Brisket rocks. Corn bread, baked beans coleslaw all great including the St Louis ribs. Prices are reasonable. Limited seating so Arrive early. read more

Very good brisket! I had no problems with any of the food we ordered here today. It wasn't noisy because it was Sunday afternoon so it wasn't packed. Loved the corn bread and I agree with other reviewers here that it should be served with the meal as opposed to the white bread. Bill for three people with three beers came to $65. They need a chocolate desert, so says my wife and daughter. Had to ask for salt and pepper & ketchup which should be on each table. Service was great. I will be returning to check out more stuff on the menu! read more

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Our (my wife and my) favorite restaurant, period. The BEST BBQ on the East Coast (seriously). Excellent in all categories, really. Superb service and exceptionally welcoming atmosphere. We've visited or gotten take-out over 40 times at this point. In every season, we've sat inside and outside equally. Brunch, Lunch, Work Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Dinner- we've done it all here, and we have *NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED OR DISSATISFIED* -- the place is ** THE BEST ** restaurant in Kittery, Maine, and would be in the running for BEST in PORTSMOUTH, NH, too, if included. Just go, and you'll see. GET THE BRISKET- whatever you do. And the jalapeño honey corn bread.. WOW! Pair that all with their signature margarita (or two- easily/happily), and your day, night, and week is officially *perfect*. My only "complaint" would be that I'd love to see the "burnt ends" (the single BEST "special" item) be a regular menu item- as I'd pay any price for them, preferably in "endless/near-endless" quantities, and would literally empty my pockets to eat *several* of these in a single sitting... When utilized in their Brunch-time Bloody Mary's, they're simply flexing their status as GREATEST FOOD ITEM in the UNITED STATES! I kid you not. Please make it possible for me to get them at any time, and I will give you 6 starts out of 5. Thank you! Did I mention how great the food, drink, service, atmosphere, and location is? *THE BEST!* read more

Wow, wow, and WOW. We did Door Dash, but must come in sometime. We ordered the bbq tofu, and they make it better than I do, by far. We also got the coleslaw, and simply fantastic. It is wonderful to have vegan options. But, then my non-vegan friends can have something they like. I got it on Door Dash, but I hope to come in. WOW. Amazing. Seriously delicious. 10/10 read more

Great place! Right on the river overlooking the bridges and boats. Only real complaint I kinda have is that it's a little on the pricey side of BBQ and you don't get as much as other places. BUT! The quality is just that good. Brisket is almost perfect! not dry, lots of flavor, great rub that isn't loaded with salt, the fat instantly melts in your mouth and have a powerful flavor itself. One of the best briskets I've had. Only thing working against it, the areas that didn't have fat were much more tough than the fatty areas. I know that kind of a "duh" thing but I'm talking the meat melted on one end and was almost jerky on the other end, might have just have a weird cut. Pulled pork is some of the best too. Half shredded completely, half moderately shredded so the whole thing isn't a big hairball like thing. Obviously cooked with a little bit of flavor but not anything too crazy to take it away from adding to it if you wanted to. Great flavor too, just a general BBQ "zest" taste to it. Great texture and No fatty bits at all. Ribs were good, I can't say great. Judging from all the different ribs I've had, these ones are kinda strange. Most people will love them, I guarantee that, It's not like I couldn't eat them, I could eat these everyday. The issue is more that the meat is extremely soft and the cut is so "pristine" for lack of a better word. It didn't feel like a good meat rib, almost felt like if I didn't know any better I might say it was a meat substitute. But the flavor was great, the rub was excellent, so I wont go crazy on them for that. Mac and Cheese was excellent! he White Cheddar is always going to be a winner. Lot more Sauce than macaroni though. Kinda looked like cheddar soup with some pasta in it. Not really a baked style, I don't think anyway. But again, most people will Love this Mac and Cheese and think I'm talking crazy Beans were cooked to a great texture and a great traditional flavor, nothing crazy, just the pinto beans. Cole Slaw I appreciated a lot because it wasn't soaked in the sauce so it still tasted like slaw but without all the bad stuff. Sprinkled with some red spice and gave it a nice pink/purple color. Great taste, still crunchy. LoVE! that it comes with some pickles and onions! Always a nice little surprise. I complain a little about the price but you are getting real great food here and the portions aren't as big as other places but let's be real here, you can actually finish these portions at Ore Nells. It's just the right amount. read more

So my wife brought home dinner for my birthday from Ore Nell's. Everyone has been talking it up, including my mother in law, and being a big fan of BBQ we decided it would be perfect for the evening. My wife got the chicken sandwich which she said was pretty good while I had the ribs, brisket and pulled pork. I'm not a picky eater, I'll pretty much eat anything but wow, the brisket was severely undercooked, and had an extremely horrid fishy taste to it. Not being able to consume the brisket, I attempted the ribs, first one was ok, second one; horrible fish taste again. That was enough for me. I don't know if my order was slathered in clam juice or cod oil, but I still have that wretched taste in my mouth. Within the hour I had some pretty bad nausea and stomach pain. I don't think something was right with that food. My wife actually mentioned it smelled like tuna, after I told her about the taste. Funny enough, my wife even told me the person at pickup mentioned the owner and the chef were in there cooking. No idea why it would taste that way, but I don't think I could try it again. read more

Used to be one of my favorite places, went in recently and got hit with a mandatory gratuity of 20% for a party of one. Food is great, staff is friendly but a 20% service fee on top of prices that have already gone up a fair amount in the past year or so means I'll have to skip out on this place in the future, if I had left additional tip I would've paid about $40 for a meal that consisted of one app one main and a single beer. read more

We were recommended to this place when looking for some BBQ catering for a birthday party. Called them up and they were incredibly helpful, and provide a wide range of catering services for all occasions. We decided on a big pickup order for about 25 people: brisket, ribs, chicken, kale salad, beans and more... it was absolutely delicious and some of the best BBQ I've had in the northeast. Everyone at the party loved it. Can't wait to go back. read more

Super delicious barbecue place right on Badger's Island. Inside and outside seating, with friendly service and something on the menu for everyone. Humanely raised meats, plus BBQ tofu, salads, and of course all the BBQ meats and sides you'd imagine. Great views of the water. Overall, a super place to get your BBQ fix. read more

The food and cocktails are the best here! I came here for my husband's birthday once with a large party and the staff was so friendly, sweet and patient. Shannon R. is our favorite bartender here! The Rye Tai Milk Punch, the Shrub Mule and Willie Hank are my favorite drinks here. All my friends rave about the meat, but I usually get the bbq tofu dishes and they are soooo good. It really has something for everyone. You won't be disappointed! We live 45 minutes away and are regulars. A+++ read more

this place was absolutely delicious i loved everything. the brisket was tender and flavorful. the pickles were crunchy and crispy. the ribs were mouth wateringly good. the mac and cheese was to die for. nothing we got was sub par. our waiter was polite and prompt while also being funny. i would recommend this place to anyone in the area wanting bbq. it's delightful read more

Found this place on yelp and went to check it out. Food is excellent, barbecue for 2 was perfect. Sat outside overlooking the the Piscataqua river. Staff is super nice and very good. Will be back with friends. read more

Family party at this great barbecue spot. So many options for apps, meals, dessert. We had most everything offered from kids meals, Mac and cheese, barbecued tofu, brisket and ribs. All smoked to perfection, side sauces and bread to mop up. Corn bread with honey was a fave. So was funny cake. Please see prior review from an 8 year old in our party - her first Yelp review. read more

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Super friendly bartenders. The food is consistently good and plentiful. The atmosphere is very casual, nothing spectacular but comfortable .

Went today after reading all the reviews here, as usual the reviews were way off. Brisket was way dry. Chicken was ok, but still cold. St Louis ribs were good. People working there were nice ,server was great but the food that we had was just meh. Was really looking forward to brisket but I barely finished it because it was just way too lean and really really dry..The ends were inedible. Was there around 3pm and also in the off season so I imagine it must be difficult running a bbq place like that without the steady stream of tourists and plenty of food always cooking. Will try again this summer and hopefully the brisket will be better. read more

First visit. Excellent helpful friendly service. Only critique would be the noise- not a place for a romantic dinner. Started with kale salad and frito pie. Both excellent, kale was fresh. Teen had brisket dinner and loved it. Split the platter for two with Mom who is picky. She loved it! Brisket was so tender; collard greens delicious; ribs were dry rubbed and tender; and fries were dusted with salty spicy something. Mom asked for some cornbread- griddled cheddar jalapeño muffins with honey and melted butter. Delicious! And dessert- ice cream for the teen, funnel cake (omg more honey) and tart for Mom. I've never had funnel cake in a restaurant- order it! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Owner is from Houston so except the real thing. read more

Very friendly staff and great outdoor seating area was a perfect compliment to BBQ I did not expect to find while visiting Maine/NH.

Ore Nell's will always make you feel right at home! The friendly, attentive, and professional staff tend to your needs and make sure you're happy with your order. Sit outside while the weather's nice to catch a sunset over the Piscataqua River or dine inside by the bar for an equally lovely experience. The brisket is tender with tasty fat (drool) that as a pescatarian I can't resist. Their specials menu is creative and exciting. Drinks are tasty and consistent -- What you see is what you get here!! My dad and I went here last night to have some quality time and we were treated like family by everybody there What a rare experience. These guys were short-staffed but handled the tables with grace. Thank you guys!! read more

Wow, what a disappointment. To be fair, we've been 4 or 5 times since they opened, always good. Tonight had the brisket sandwich. Over done, some pieces not chewable. No taste. I'll go back but won't order the brisket. read more

Best bbq we've ever had! Our waitress Darcy was great! Nice to meet another Michigander!

Fantastic food. We weren't expecting much in the way of bbq since we were so far north of the Mason Dixon. Boy was I wrong. AAA plus all the way. read more

You know it's a great place when you don't manage to take any photos! We got the meal for two people and split it with our toddler as well. Plenty of food and a great variety. The star by far: Ribs! Get these! There's nothing better around in my opinion in terms of ribs. Their brisket was also amazing. We got cocktails that were, in our opinion, imbalanced. The sides were okay- they could up their coleslaw and Mac and cheese game in my opinion. You come here for the meat though! They have both outdoor and indoor seating. I recommend a reservation for the weekends. Parking is tight- we parked down the road. Great for kids! read more

Been there a few times. A little noisy inside but the food is really good. Even though it's rustic inside you might want to make reservations. read more

Food, service and atmosphere were amazing. We shared a little bit of everything. The brisket was so tender and the pulled pork super juicy. Finn says thank you for the bowl of water read more

Ore Nell's Barbecue - American Near Me - Kittery, Maine

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We had a very large family gathering and someone suggested barbecue... Never having eaten here myself I trusted neighbors' judgment. Oh my goodness am I glad I did! We ordered ribs, pulled chicken, beef, pork, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw and desserts. Every single thing was absolute perfection! They sent extras like onions and pickles and big tubs of barbecue sauce. Everything was beautifully seasoned and cooked. Everything melted in our mouths! Even the delivery man was sweet and happy! We can't wait to actually go into the restaurant. Everything was amazing from start to finish. The assistant manager, Danny, took my order and he was wonderful as well! read more

This food is unbelievable it's so good if I could I give them a best BBQ trophy I would give it to this place And that is coming from someone who doesn't like barbecue that the And by the way ribs are on point and the seating is wonderful not to packed but not like 2 people by the way a 8 year old wrote this. read more

Ore Nells was a fantastic surprise which capped our trip to Portsmouth/Badgers Island. We sat outside on the patio, which was a perfect place to catch the sunset over the water. Sometimes I find BBQ spots a bit too loud for my liking - and yes, there was indeed a table of loud, drunk dudes downing beers by the fistful and yelling on the regular - but this was regardless a peaceful and wonderful vibe. I had the brisket, which came in equal parts juicy and charred. The meat was delicious and held a deep, smokey flavor. The outer parts may have been a touch dry for my liking, but the fantastic house sauce (spicy and mild are available) elevated things perfectly. My companion had the mac n' cheese and said it was absolutely delicious. The cocktail was a bit too sweet, but maybe that comes with the Texas-style territory. On the other hand, the service was incredibly friendly and made us feel welcomed from beginning to end. I don't think I've had better BBQ in this part of the country, so I'm already dreaming about returning. Don't miss this one! read more

I've eaten a lot of BBQ around the country. I have a offset smoker and from using it I know what goes into great Cue and what the end product should be. The restaurant is comfortable and what you'll expect from a BBQ place. The wait staff are very friendly and of course willing to talk about recipes and methods. Now to the food... I've ordered burnt ends, not on the menu. They're the real deal. Very moist and flavorful. The meat has just the right amount of tug to pull it apart. It's cooked just right. The ribs are also awesome and cooked perfectly. The meat is made with a simple rub so the meat speaks for itself. They're served without sauce as it should be. There is sauce if you want to add itMy wife had the pulled pork sandwich and like it a lot. Ore Nells is right up there with some of the best I've been to. read more

Service, food and drinks were all excellent! Our table was comically small for the two of us by the time we had our drinks, meals and barbecue sauces but we made the best of it. Our server was wonderful! read more