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    Rusty Can

    4.4 (639 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Rusty Can Photos

    RUSTY CAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Rusty Can

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    3 Meat Combo!

    Great Southern BBQ up North! Very affordable. Go hungry (seriously). We always get the 3 meats combo (brisket, pulled pork, ribs) and to be honest, we're probably not going to deviate because it works for us. They also have a giant pitcher of BBQ sauce (I think it's housemade) that pairs well with the meats. Oh and the mac&cheese is a personal fav of my hubby's and I like their greens.

    Buffalo (left) and Cajun (right) wings.

    Just made my first visit to the Rusty Can. I exited the highway and followed the signs as I zoomed right past the entrance to the Can....Opps. The building has a sign which is hard to see but I found it. Hint: From 95 north, the Rusty Can is about 75-100 yards from the exit ramp in a small plaza on the left. Anyway got there at 3:01 on a Monday. On Mondays they open at 3 pm. Since it was open for all of one minute, seating wasn't an issue as I parked myself at the bar in front of a tv. Plenty of beer choices plus peanuts at the ready while you wait. II needed a wing fix but couldn't decide so I opted for both the smoked buffalo wings and the dry rub cajun wings. Both came out in about 10 minutes. I liked the cajun but the sauced buffalo was better! I ended up getting a side of sauce and pouring that on the cajun. Next time I will have to try the brisket bomb as I saw someone get it and it looked incredible. Also the online menu is very basic but if you look at their Facebook page, they display all the specials which I think out number the regular menu... I give it four stars for the wings as they were good, pretty solid.

    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

    3 Meat Combo
    J. P.

    TLDR - This place was well worth the wait (I've been eyeing it for some time) and the trip on a snowy day (1.5 hour round-trip). There are only a few restaurants I would whole-heartedly endorse as it does seem quality is falling as prices increase. It's great to find an excellent BBQ place in Mass.! BBQ, particularly good BBQ is so hard to come by in New England and now that I found a place within an hour of home-I'm ecstatic!!! The only other place that has been up to my standards in New England is in Littlelton, NH...there was one in Portland, ME but I believe they closed. Anyway, myself and my girlfriend split the 3-Meat combo and the Brisket Bomb-and took some desserts to go. Here's the deets: This place is like stepping into a Southern Restaurant with a decent Mass. vibe. We loved the realness of the servers-no fake nice-ness, just real people serving real food...It was perfect for us Massholes and we were thankfully there before the dinner crowd, so we couldn't be happier. We sat at the bar and had great service even thought the bartender was very busy. The Brisket Bomb (5/5) is quite similar to a Steak Bomb, but with Brisket. Arguably the best value on the menu. Could split with a friend and maybe get a side or two if your not looking to go big. Pulled Pork (5/5) was a little sweet and a little bit of spicy-and oh so damn good. Most pulled pork is at the very least, passable. This wasn't that. This was amazingly tasty. Ribs (5/5) we got 5 with our plate and they were fall off the bone and super tender & tasty. No sauce needed, although I tried one with some of their sauce-I know not everyone is into saucy BBQ but I've been to Kansas City and ate my way through that town-good saucy BBQ is excellent...as is dry rub...I love it all. I digress, these were great both ways but no sauce is really needed on any of their meat imo. That's a massive compliment! Chopped Brisket (6/5) you can also get it sliced if you prefer...it was so good...I thought my girlfriend was going to cut me for that last few bites. No joke, this shit was competition worthy! For sides we got the Mac n Cheese and the BBQ Black Beans. Both were very good. The mac was very creamy and while not the very best I've had it was really up there...we debated this and put it between a 4.25-4.5/5...the best usually with a little bit of breadcrumb imo but that might a personal taste but this was very good. It also has large shells which I love. Big marks for not putting pimento in it...that's def a Southern thing but we prefer without. The BBQ Black Beans 5/5 were soooo good. If you want to be really wild, mix in a little pulled pork or brisket and you can take it to the next level...but def not needed. Now, here is the kicker...they have HONEY BUTTER here. Talking about indulgent...we've only had it a few times and this was better than the best we have had. 7/5!!! Worth a trip for that alone. We practically licked the tray clean :P and got a brownie and a slice of pecan pie to go. We just shared them a few hours later, the taste still on my tongue as I write the review and both were great to me, although my girlfriend felt the brownie need to be a little more in the center...I guess they use a large pan because they were close to being burnt on the outter edges-but they were both great, if cooked a little uneven perhaps. Pecan pie was excellent too. 4.5/5 just to give them a little feedback. Overall this is NOT ONLY my FAVORITE BBQ in the STATE, it's my favorite in NEW ENGLAND!!! It would be an awesome place to take friends...to go watch a game (I bet it gets packed) or to pick up some Q to take home or to a party. We are massive fans!!!

    Brisket nachos

    Nachos are a must order on Thursday with the brisket! Went with a group of 4 people for nachos and beers and the one tray of nachos was more that enough food

    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!

    Salad & Hush Puppies
    Grace D.

    Absolutely raving about The Rusty Can in Byfield, MA! This hidden BBQ gem blew us away. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone perfection, with so much meat packed onto each one--seriously generous and smoky delicious. The pork belly sandwich special was an unforgettable mouthful: juicy, cheesy, and perfectly stacked on toasted rye that added the ideal crunch. We were shocked (in the best way) by the salad portions--massive! Easily enough to feed a family of four, and fresh as can be. The cornbread? Soft, sweet, and heavenly with the honey butter. We did think a little toast would've helped that butter melt just right--but still a must-order. The house pickles were crisp with the most satisfying snap and bold flavor. We also tried the hush puppies with their unique dipping sauce--super creative, though not totally our vibe. Limited seating means you might wait, but trust us--it's absolutely worth it. Booth or table seating. The Rusty Can is a flavor-packed experience from start to finish.

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

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    22 days ago

    The brisket is to die for. Also the pork belly patty melt. We have also have a 'feast' for 10 that was amazing. Kudos to 'the can''.

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    16 days ago

    The Rusty Can's St Louis Pork Ribs never disappoint! Consistently delicious! Best ribs in the North Shore, IMO!

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    25 days ago

    Best BBQ on the north shore! Prices are good as well and they have a ton of options. Don't sleep on the Rusty Can

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    2 months ago

    Food is awesome! Best BBQ on the North Shore! Brisket melts in your mouth, ribs are meaty and fantastic!

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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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    Rusty Can - bbq - Updated August 2026

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