Feels like home style Tennessee to Texas, Carolinas to the Mississippi Sweet Pork Big Texas Beef New Orleans Hush Puppies and Catfish Dry rub chicken is excellent! read more

I get it it's barbecue place. Obviously it's casual I like casual but this is a whole different level. I ordered a drink they didn't have it - ordered a backup choice they didn't have it. (Both on the menu) Our server was fine - the others seemed miserable. It's like they want you to leave before you even start.. We got our silverware (plasticware) tossed at us - for a second I thought this was actually one of those gimmicky type places where they are rude on purpose. The food is served in to go containers like we already want you to leave. It's super annoying because the tables are small so the top of the containers are getting in the way of the person across from you. Have fun trying to cut your food with a plastic knife. The food comes out maybe five minutes after you order, which I some reviewers see as positive. If you have ever worked in a restaurant you understand this is not a positive attribute. The food is definitely not cooked to order and has been sitting. I'm guessing they don't even smoke their own meat it does not smell like they do. Two of us received spicy when we ordered non spicy. We actually just ate it - not all of it - it was still OK... we didn't complain but no one checked on us either. The shoe string fries were cold soggy and inedible. Star Market special maybe? One person in our party got what looked like a box mac & cheese, and she said it tasted like it as well.. I don't think it was Kraft(that would've been too high class) I'm assuming it was a no-name brand. I ordered cornbread as an extra side. Had to ask for it long after we got our food. Got it wrapped in foil - and it's cold. It does come with butter as if you're supposed to spread it on the cold corn bread. It wasn't the most terrible thing I've ever had but it wasn't great. I don't know if the good reviews were just talking about some place they went to 20 years ago and reminiscing, or they are just friends with the owners. Oh, and they played some lovely rap music at almost nauseating levels. Yeah I'm not trying to work out I'm eating. This is not a situation where it was just a bad night. This is a Gordon Ramsay kitchen nightmares before situation. OK maybe that's not fair I did not see the kitchen. Based on the look of rest of the place, I can take a guess. I probably should not have eaten there. read more

Well,!I have eaten there many many times over last 25-30 years...this was bad and I mean real waste of money. I stopped in at 3 pm ish for lunch or early dinner. No one in there...,told to sit where ever I wanted... order a beer which was good and was only redeeming thing from visit . I ordered 2 meat combo $29.00 combo. With St. Louis ribs which was another $4.00 up charge and 2nd meat as the bbq hash. Sides I ordered that came with it was the baked beans, biscuits with jam. Here is where the wheels came off the truck rolled down the street and maimed the old lady at crosswalk. 3 minutes later this take out container shows up at table with plastic fork packet from the guy acting as waiter, cashier and take out guy. Inside was ice cold Dinky container of beans. Then, 2 cold biscuits looked cooked few days ago with another smaller container of the alleged peach jam sauce for cold stale biscuits. The bbq hash was hot and tasted watering as sitting in stew pot since prior night or longer reheated. The 4 ribs, one inedible as no meat on it . Other three were cold and smoked topping was definitely not cooked that day...I have eaten better barbecue from my frig from leftovers from a prior night or two nights ago barbecue dinner night out. Portion was not worthy of 33.00 dollars and quality was even something to serve or sell someone. I should have realized when food arrived so quick... all leftover food and nothing freshly cooked. It gets worse.... Guy from cash register shows to present receipt... Options listed with proposed tips stating at 18% and 2 more even higher ??? The calculated 18% which was not any where warranted was calculated based not not meal and beer price of 39.00 But added the tax into the calculation for proposed 18% tip???? Why am I proposed to tip also on taxes??? I gave 7.00 which still wasn't warranted for dropping on table a takeout box, can of beer and plastic utensil packet on table... I asked if prior owner Dick Gregory stills owns this place and was told yes? I won't be back Awful meal, fair and cold 16 Oz very good beer is my last visit... used to be decent place and I no longer see that is the case with better options in area for barbecue and I have eaten at them... Sorry to see place go downhill . Dick Gregory should be embarrassed serving this bd food at high prices of 33 bucks... beer for 6 bucks no issue . Tips proposed on tablet for payment based on total Mel costs and taxes misleading and excessive for basically a take out meal allowed to eat at table... Not COVId faults here... owner's fault running business into ground read more

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Used to love this place for decent barbeque but after a recent order I am agreeing with a lot of these reviewers. While still okay barbeque, it's just that...okay. I understand that Covid changed the restaurant industry, but the price increase for the quality and amount of food you are getting was a bit difficult to swallow (pun intended). Hoping they can turn it around or else it seems that may be next in the long line of Boston great restaurants falling from grace read more

It's sad to see what has happened to Redbones - I've been coming here for 20 + years but this is my first time since before the Pandemic. They've completely stripped the soul out of the restaurant to the point where you feel like you're sitting in the middle of a ghost kitchen. Music more appropriate for the kitchen blasts throughout the whole restaurant, there's no true hostess nor waitstaff, just mere functionaries who squeeze in your order between fulfilling take out orders, and gone are both the checkered tablecloths and mason jar mugs of lemonade that gave the place such a unique, Southernesque feel. The food is now meh - pulled pork and brisket were dry - but biscuits and cornbread still remained strong. Unfortunately I don't think I nor my family will be coming back here again. Sad to see what has happened to Redbones, it does not feel like the dine-in experience is at all valued here by ownership anymore. read more

4.5 - rounds up because this Texan was not expecting such satisfying BBQ here Ribs, ribs How I love thee St. Louis, Texas beef Both dry-rubbed, but different Seasoned to perfection Just enough salt To make that meat pop Sauces on this side Spicy and sweet Barely dipped Hardly needed Ribs already were dank Pulled pork No complaints Not too fatty Not too dry 3 hefty meats, $35? Not even! Post tax and tip Not all 2 big sides! Cornbread Not my fave - at lesser such joints But this one was soft Moist and yet gritty Corn pieces still visible Embedded in crumbs Biscuits 2 pieces Big as 1 cornbread A tad dry Hence the 0.5 star But when drenched in peach jam With juicy big peach pieces Delightful, unique Truly Southern Yet never had in the South - not by me! GET THEM ALL! One 3-meat combo Plenty filling for 2! Now time to nap Wake me up for more ribs read more

I brought a friend to this dive, thinking it was as good as the last time I ate there, several years ago. The pandemic obviously changed all that. It was cold in the dining room, breeze from front door opening. When our meal came, it was in a to-go box, and we were given wrapped up plastic utensils and napkin! The prices were crazy and the service was so-so! The food was not outstanding. I was very disappointed!! I won't be back!! read more

Eh... I wasn't all that impressed, maybe this isn't my favorite style of BBQ. Before I start the review, I will say that I was grossed out when a waitress came around the bar to blow her nose and then proceeded to grab a glass and scoop ice out of the open ice box and fill up the glass with a beverage for another customer. That was incredibly unhygienic- I'm glad she wasn't my waitress. That just needs to be addressed. Employees must wash hands after digging in their nose!! I came in around 2pm on a Friday and sat at the bar. The bartender was very attentive and friendly. I ordered the catfish combo with mac&cheese and cold slaw. The slaw was pretty bland, but the Mac & cheese wasn't too bad! Super creamy. I also had the brisket and fried catfish. Again, there wasn't much seasoning on either protein, so I made use of the housemade tarter sauce and their hot & sweet bbq sauces. They made a difference, but I do wish the meats were seasoned a bit more. The brisket did have a great smokiness to it, which was yummy. I also ordered some steamed broccoli to go, and had some beignets. The beignets weren't bad, but I've had fluffier. They still satisfied my sweet tooth though! All together it was about $40. There's a parking lot around the corner and some metered parking on the streets as well. read more

Redbones BBQ - Beignets - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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PULLED CHICKEN!! I live an hour away but if I am near Redbones I swing through for a to go order to take home. It's that tasty! I love it. Tip for blue cheese lovers- make it a sandwich and dress the bun up with some good blue cheese! You won't be sorry! read more

Redbones BBQ - To go - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Too expensive!! They are changing $23 for 2 pieces of chicken with fries. I'm not paying that much for that. read more

Very good barbecue, especially considering that we're at least three hundred miles north of the Mason-Dixon line. Arriving on a weeknight, we asked our hostess which was more fun, upstairs or downstairs? We were already a little "happy" from a couple of rounds at Sligo. Downstairs where Josh took excellent care of us. He immediately got the mood tonight, giving us just as much crap as we gave him and making for a fun meal. Fried pickles to start were great. A very large portion - enough for the five of us to share easily. Every so often, one of the jalapenos in there gave it a little kick and that was excellent. Main course, I chose the ribs and brisket plate. An excellent portion, half of which is still sitting in the fridge to be consumed later. The ribs were nicely grilled and a little black. Very tasty. The brisket had a very good ring and was very moist. They have "Hot" and "Sweet" sauce on the table, but I used neither. Sides of cole slaw and mac & cheese were good. The mac and cheese was quite cheesy and the noodles were firm. Tasty. They do offer a HUGE beer here and I went all in. Drank the whole thing and was not the last at the table to finish. A great meal and a fun time at Redbones. Solid 'cue. [Review 9959 overall, 1539 of 2018.] read more

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https://youtu.be/YC_L00hFxOw This place is phenominal!! Great food! Awesome staff! Cool are work! I will definitely be returning! read more

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I have been coming to red bones for over 20 years. It was a go to spot for me and my father. We would come from out of state because we enjoyed it so much. The food was delicious it was always so welcoming. Not the case yesterday. Wednesday afternoon between 2 and 3, my date and i were just glad they were open because most places in the area open at 5. But its empty. Its not welcoming like it used be. We were ignored, we were given attitude just for asking for either wifi access or a menu. We finally got the menue, and its much smaller than it used to be, ALOT of the better dishes are gone. I nearly cried when i saw they got rid of the corn fritters. I was shocked when i saw the prices. Theyve gone up a good 30% way too expensive. With the treatment we got and with how disappointing the change was, we left before we even ordered drinks. I look at the pics from the past reviews and its depressing how noticeable the lack of quality or even care is being put into the food that is going out. Im sorry, but this was a staple of my childhood, and i wont be returning. read more

Truly good Q. We visited here while in the area and we weren't disappointed. The brisket was moist and the bark delicious. Slaw is not sweet, just perfect to eat with brisket. Fries were soggy, which brought a 5 star meal to a 4 star. Cornbread was dry, also factored into the star rating. Sauces are very good. Spicy is quite spicy, the sweet is our preference. We'll be back again, to try some other items on their vast menu. read more

Redbones BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

What happened to this place? Someone said there had a been a change in ownership. Whatever the case, we were treated very rudely and left before ordering. We sat down and the host said we could use the QR code to scan the menu. I was having a tough time getting it to work so we asked for printed menus. The host seemed rather upset by this and basically threw two printed pages at us. After perusing the prices (which seem to have increased by 25-30% since we last visited), we decided to leave. I would have felt like a complete chump dropping even a penny there. It looks like I'm not alone in my opinion, either. Thankfully, Blue Ribbon BBQ in Arlington was only ten minutes away, with friendlier service and reasonable prices. And great food! Anyway, I'm done with Redbones. read more

To get The Boy to come with me on a trip to Somerville for an errand I had to run, he demanded heading to Redbones as his reward (despite my desire to try out the flourishing ramen/noodle scene out there). Fair is fair so barbecue it was! We started off with some Fried Okra which came with not enough ranch dressing but our server was happy to provide us with more (you're going to need it). For our meal, we opted for Any Rib + Any BBQ opting for Baby Back Ribs (they also have memphis rub & st. louis style - we'll be back for those) and Smoked Beef Brisket with Baked Beans and Collard Greens. The ribs were covered in a great sweet and tangy bbq sauce - be sure to grab for their in-house sauce options as well to add more flavor/create different flavor combos. The Boy and I found the brisket a bit dry which was disappointing. Baked beans were ok but not the best I've had and I did enjoy their greens though; they had a good salt and acidic balance. I'm a fan of Red Bones decor it's pretty hipster/artsy much like the Somerville area plus a little grunge because you basically are eating in a basement but there's a lot of cool and interesting art all around. Definitely would come back because I love their flexible combo offerings and variety, especially in rib style. Would also be interested in their fried chicken, beef ribs, pulled pork, and house smoked sausage. read more

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Shocking Disappointment. Coming here since early 90's. No longer good. It's now a take out with a precipitous decline in quality. I cannot recommend it anymore. The ribs are par boiled and barely smoked. Dirty rice and bbq beans are ghosts of their former selves. The indifference of the staff reflects the egregious decline in commitment to food quality. They don't even have silverware and plates anymore. Look elsewhere. Nothing good in life stays long. Goodbye, Redbones. read more

I had been going to Redbones for many years and was back a couple of times in the past few weeks. The food is really pretty good. It was just like it always was. The beer selection is reduced from the incredible number available pre COVID except has been curated well. If you want BBQ this is a really good take. read more

I placed a large online order for a graduation party. I was a little nervous because it was a large order but everything was perfect! The food was hot and perfectly packaged. Everything was delicious! I ordered pork bbq, baby back ribs, slaw, Mac & Cheese, collards, cornbread and sauces for a party of 20. Everyone raved about the food and especially the bbq, ribs and cornbread. I highly recommend Redbones if you are looking for great bbq and delicious food. read more

Redbones BBQ - Barbecue, collards, cornbread, macaroni and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I'm a northerner. Even though I lived in Northern Virginia for a while I wouldn't call that "the South". So this cuisine was new to me. Luckily our group of six included a gal from MISSISSIPPI. She gave Redbones the thumbs up and I completely agree. Redbones serves up comfort food from the south without any pretension. To get our group in, we made a reservation - and I recommend that if you're going around dinner time and have a group. The food was both tasty and COPIOUS. Leftovers will probably go with you out the door. I had the 'sausage of the day', the pulled pork sandwich and sides of mac'n'cheese and onion rings. Other options enjoyed by our party included broccoli, fried okra, mashed potatoes, biscuits and more. See photos for evidence. The service was excellent and one small thing I must call out: for the wait staff said "thank you!" in a very sincere-sounding way after each person ordered. It was really sweet and maybe I'm jaded because it seemed super nice. The food came quickly and everything was as advertised: the ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork and side dishes were all wonderful. They have many beers on tap as well as a bar. We had a great time at Redbones and will most certainly return. read more

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We went last night. The food and service were excellent. So 5 stars for that. The bar area looks so sad. All the liquor bottles and the decorations are gone. The food is served in take-out containers. The cozy ambience is missing. One quarter of the dining room is set up for pick up. I don't know what the plan is. The server said they've had dining in since July, but the website only had it up since recently. If this is the way mgmt is planning to continue, we'll wait until the summer, do pick up and go sit in the park. We live too far away to travel there to do take-out and bring it home. read more

Please note: attempt was made to provide restaurant an opportunity to resolve before posting. Based off Food ordered below and Service (lack of) On 4/26/2022 as I was driving my mom home from her doctor's appointment; she was craving some good barbecue. She LOVES a good barbecue. Unfortunately, she can't have it as much. However, once in a blue moon; I'll allow her to indulge. Anyway, I suggested Redbones, since we were in Somerville! We decided on curbside delivery via website online ordering versus dining in (for mom's health safety) ...and I must say we were extremely disappointed. In addition to not having a designated curbside pick up spot, the quality and taste of the food, plus customer service = TERRIBLE: -hot wings (appetizer) -St. Louis ribs (combo2 meats) were salty and extremely spicy. -spicy fried chicken was dried, salty and soggy-also, you don't get the option to choose what type of meat-so dried up breast is what was given. -fries (one of Combo sides) were old, stale, cold and no, the commute wasn't the issue since Cambridge is a hop away. -greens (other side) was you guessed it...salty! It was as if they were trying to revive several days old leftover food by reheating then bathing it with salt and hot sauce to numb the taste buds. This is the reason why we make our own food and rarely get takeout. I feel restaurants take advantage of these types of "takeout " orders where customers entrust the establishment that food we bring home to our family table would be as if it was prepared right from kitchen to table. But with pick ups, deliveries, and such.... unsatisfactory food cannot be seen and eaten until one arrives home later, hoping we wouldn't notice or say anything; which makes it worse! For this establishment to pride themselves as a place for barbecue....not pleased at all! just very very disappointed with the food and their customer service. I will not be returning here. read more

Always have a fondness for the downstairs bar. Food great The Mac and cheese is the best around read more

I ordered a 3 combo (chose fried chicken, BBQ hash, and pulled pork + sides of mashed potatoes and gravy and biscuits with peach jam + cornbread appetizer) on a Saturday evening through online ordering for pickup. My order was ready for probably a few minutes before the email suggestion time. When I got home I noticed that I never got my cornbread (Saturday dinner rush but the outside seating and interior weren't packed to the brim). Also when I opened the container, the ratios were approximately 15% fried chicken (one piece of fried chicken breast), 15% BBQ hash (four pieces of potatoes and a slice of onion), and 70% pulled pork (a mountain). The fried chicken wasn't too special, the chicken was cooked fine but the crust was bland. The BBQ hash was fine but I'm not sure how it was considered a hash. The pulled pork was an extremely generous serving but the meat was dry when you got pieces that weren't on the exterior which was exposed to BBQ sauce. The biscuit was ok but decent with the peach jam (though it seems like it was made with canned peaches, kind of sickly sweet but balances out the salty biscuit nicely). The saving grace was the mashed potatoes. When I set out to order food, I knew that I wanted fried chicken and my options were Redbones or Bonchon in Harvard Square. Last time I ordered from Redbones, I got the same average fried chicken and amazing mashed potatoes; I believe my brain knew that I was going to be set up for disappointment but the mashed potatoes would ease the pain. They're on the thicker side but very smooth and delicious with the gravy. Don't think I have the heart to visit again. Definitely check your takeout order before you leave the restaurant! read more

This is a solid bbq and southern cuisine restaurant. I enjoyed many of the items here and often order in for delivery, as well as dined in at the restaurant. The food is bountiful and in large portions. I love their combination dinners so that I can try a bit of everything. The spicy chicken is SPICY - and as a south Asian, I love the level of heat. It was surprising and flavorful. The fried pickles and jalapeños tend to be soggy the two times we've gotten them - a different breading might need to be used, who knows? Ultimately, lots of delicious food and options ranging from vegetarian options to meats in different sweetness and heat levels. read more

I've been coming to Redbones with my family since I was little, and had another excellent meal there tonight! I always have to start with the delicious corn fritters, which are served in a pool of yummy Vermont maple syrup. Tonight I had the catfish dinner, which is pretty unique to a Redbones. They marinate the catfish in a pepper sauce, then deep fry it in a crunchy cornmeal crust. The fish is very clean tasting and has a nice kick from the pepper marinade. You get your choice of 2 sides from an extensive list; I chose cornbread and hand-cut fries. The catfish also came with hushpuppies, which were very tasty. The draught beer selection is extensive, as is the cocktail and margarita menu. Try the "Redbones Shandy," a homemade blend of Allagash White, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemonade. Redbones has a great, fun environment, and the servers are always cool, interesting people. It's a Somerville institution and shouldn't be missed! read more

Redbones BBQ - Corn Fritters (it comes with 5, but I got hungry!) - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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This place came highly recommended. Ordered food for 37 people in my office. Food was cold, and terrible! This place is a dump! read more

I've been here before, and the food was phenomenal; sadly, that's not the case today! The food was lackluster! I will not be coming back to this spot! The menu has been reduced, and some previous items have been removed! What a disappointment. The service was decent as only one person was attending the dining room. The ambiance was ok! I ordered the Texas rib and it was extremely dry. My girlfriend had the chicken and waffle the chicken looked to be undercooked . Whatever you do, don't get the slushy margarita. read more

Been happy going here as my default local bbq spot for 20 years, but it's apparently fallen off a cliff. Most of the dining area is now closed, service is indifferent, food is okay. Some of my group didn't manage to get drinks in because the waitress walked away mid-order and didn't come back for 30 minutes (way off peak hours with two other parties in the whole restaurant). They no longer provide *plates* - food is served in sealed takeout containers from a foil pan. No ambiance to speak of. I would recommend sticking to reheated entrees from Costco for a similar experience at a much better price point. read more

What the hell happened to this place??? Food tasted the same, but service was ridiculously bad. I've been going here for over 20 years. The people working there couldn't care less - just going through the motions to do the bare minimum. Davis has lost a part of its culture. read more

This BBQ restaurant has its ups and downs, earning it a three-star rating. While it offers a decent dining experience, there's nothing particularly special about it. It falls somewhere in the middle, providing an average barbecue experience. read more

Delicious southern comfort-style food, quick service, and a cool, upbeat, relaxing atmosphere. The meat was well cooked and very tasty. Cornbread was not hot which was literally the only flaw. I especially like the upstairs decorations with tributes to blues, soul, and rock musicians read more

This was my first time ordering takeout from Redbones and unfortunately my last. The food was fair (chicken & baby backed ribs) and the service was non-existent. I have never been to a restaurant where the staff seemed so disinterested in engaging customers read more

Something's not right. This place used to be my happiness Mecca. My home base. My joyful, always experience. But the food has changed. I think they got a new kitchen manager and they are beginning to cut corners where corners never were! Their amazing, thick and cheesey Mac and cheese (truly, legendary) has now turned into a runny, less cheese more processed tasting disappointment. The ribs felt noticeably smaller and I didn't get a piece of cornbread with my meal until I asked and the waiter looked at me apologetically as if to say, I can tell you've been here before and I'm sorry. Anyway, service was always mixed and somewhat slow, but to see the delicious food I love start to go down in quality, really breaks my heart. The whiskey drinks, however, continue to be strong and wonderful. read more

Brisket? Bricks-get. Just throw this in the trash next time, please. Don't serve trash and you won't get trashed. I paid them for this. read more

Redbones BBQ - Very bad brisket. 1/3 of a lb. paperweight. - Barbeque Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

mac and cheese is from the box, seems like kraft. super disappointing. cornbread also tastes like a box mix. food is under-seasoned and underwhelming. seems as though the chef has an allergy to salt. read more

Real sweet tea north of the mason-Dixon, who knew! Place takes me back to Georgia, can't get enough of the brisket

Had the pulled pork sandwich. Meat was okay but the bun was dry and made everything hard to swallow. Service wasn't great. But that seems to be the norm in Boston. The restaurant was a convenient enough location and the ambiance was okay. Not too loud or anything. Perfect for conversation. read more

Last time I was here, my dad took me and my sister when we were kids. That was 20 years ago. I'm so happy that I get to say that it's still just as delicious and its so nice to know that they never let the quality drop. I'm sure my father would agree if he were still around. The woman who took care of me was so kind and gave great recommendations saying "its all what kinda mood you're in. You wanna be ok after this or you wanna have trouble walkin'..." THAT PLEASE! If the owner reads this, I hope you can take this as a compliment: The only reason I can't give a 5 star rating is because of Terry Black's. Best BBQ in Boston for sure. read more

Location's the same, my meal was still pretty good, but Redbones as I knew it is dead. No wait service, no menus, NO PLATES...you just go in, order on your phone, then sit and eat takeout while terrible music pounds a migraine into your brain. The place was nearly empty on a Saturday night and I expect they'll be out of business within a year. Nice makeover, geniuses. read more