Truly the best barbecue I have ever had. I am so pleasantly surprised and so happy that we now have a place like this!! We first went on Father's Day and the energy was so happy I could tell all the locals were over the moon about the food and experience because people were literally saying to our table saying "how great is this??" We even went again the same week!! First off, the cafeteria set up is so fast and easy, no matter how busy it is. All of the workers are so sweet and welcoming, and keep things moving with a smile on their face!! The woman that was cutting the meat was so knowledgeable and helped with our questions. She was really good at guiding what we need for how many people. She also really took her time picking out the best slices for us and even cut the dino meat off the bone so it was easier to eat. When doing so she even said "I really want you all to have a great experience here." We pretty much tried a little bit of everything and I can honestly say (sides included) it was so unbelievably delicious. The meat literally falls off the bone and melts in your mouth and the sides pack a bunch of so many different flavors. I'm a huge fan and will continue spreading the word!!! Thank YOU! read more

Smoke On The Water - The sweet women cutting the meat was giving us samples and so educated on all of their offerings. It was awesome to talk to her! - Barbeque Near Me - Salisbury, Massachusetts

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Very large space with tables aplenty, a closed-in porch, outdoor seating, and a bar with beer on tap but no stools. The service model is cafeteria line, but it's a hundred times more efficient than any other you've been to. It's very well staffed and that staff is incredibly enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful. Meats are sold by the pound, by the rack, by the combo, and on sandwiches. -- Ribs (on a combo): If you choose a combo (2-, 3-, or 4-meat), you get a half rack. Mine was slightly small on two separate visits. Good bark, a light rub the first time, a heavier rub the second. Sauced without asking (sweet number) the first time, unsauced without asking the second. Very good texture underneath. The meat is tender without being steamy or soggy; it pulls clean off the bone. Really good flavor in the meat, exhibiting the effects of smoke and rub. Oddly, the cross sections looked dry, but the bites all tasted and felt juicy-- better than the photos. Bite for bite, one of the better ribs out there. -- Brisket (on a combo): Tried twice; two large slices of pencil thickness the first time, four slices a little thicker when doubling up (you can do that) the second. Moist throughout and juicy in spots the first time, juicy throughout the second. More good texture, drooping when lifted and not falling apart. Nice easy bite with no mush. Good flavor toward the salty, peppery bark. Very enjoyable. -- Smoked Turkey (half pound): Not much to look at, but flavorful and moist throughout. A little gristle here and there, but not a problem. Probably the best rendition I've had in Massachusetts. Nicely done. -- Pork Belly Burnt Ends (half pound and on a combo): Both times, 3 good sized pieces, roughly the shape of and a little larger than an ice cube. Great bark, great full-on juiciness, great tender bite, great flavor. Far and away the best meat of the first visit, a co-best the second, and the best rendition anywhere of this item too. They offer it with a maple bourbon sauce ladled on; I opted for it on the side for dunking. Glad I did, because I enjoyed it dunked and on its own. This will be ordered on every visit going forward. Beef Rib: This was an à la carte item weighing 1.55 pounds, so a bit over $60. The carver drizzled beef tallow on top before slicing an end rib off the 3-rib rack (you can choose end or center). Good amount of bark, good amount of meat, with different flavor characteristics on each side of the bone (bark side much more crusty, peppery, and salty). Tender and very juicy throughout, with outstanding flavor. Best beef rib I've had northeast of Ridgefield CT. -- Pulled Pork: Ordered à la carte as a half pound. Steamy, with little bark, pink color, or rub flavor. Very turkey-like. The only dud. -- Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage (by the link): Solid item, decent snap to the casing and very good inner flavor and texture (soft but not mushy). Shy of great though: moist throughout, but not full-on juicy like some are, or as dark on the outside. Still one of the better ones and maybe an order-every-time item if with a group-- but à la carte (don't waste a meat allocation on it on a combo). -- House Sausage (by the link): Similar characteristics, minus the heat and cheese. There's flavor, but it's a little too hotdog-like to choose over the jalapeño cheddar version. -- Sides: Mac and Cheese was lacking in the cheese department. Collard greens nicely cooked and nicely flavored--somewhat buttery, somewhat spicy. Potato salad not too wet (that's a good thing) and studded with bacon bits (depends on mood). Coleslaw had an unusual composition (I think broccoli) and some nice flavor (slightly sweet and cilantroey). Rice with peppers special was a surprise hit and surprisingly spicy. Cornbread the cakey kind but not too sweet (that's a good thing), and extremely moist and fresh. As a bonus, when you gather your plates, silverware, and such, there's a condiment bar with cucumber slices and pickled onions-- a nice touch. This place is eager to please. The barbecue is good, the place is comfortable, and I've never seen so many smiles behind the counter putting everyone in a good mood. Heck, they even offer tours of the pits-- maybe next time. I know there'll be more next times. Going with a 4 for now, but this looks like a 5 in the making. read more

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What went well? The wait staff was friendly. What went poorly? Everything else. The manager thinks he's got a winning restaurant, and anyone that disagrees with him can go to heII. It's a confusing set up. I would say nickel & dime their customers, but that would be underselling it. They make you pay immediately, for everything. I'll have a soda - please pay. I'll have a side of pickles - that's $5, pay now. The sides had decent portions, the meats, were not. The music was blaring so loud, couldn't have a conversation. Other patrons, dining-in and taking out, took umbrage with hidden/exorbitant charges. I truly hope this saves people from having the same experience. read more

Good BBQ is very hard to find up here in New England. This place is doing it right and I will be coming back. Don't skip the pork belly, sliced brisket, or the cornbread . Sides are done southern style but very light on the seasoning for me. So glad we finally get good BBQ in Salisbury ! read more

Wow, what a great lunch we had here. I'm going with a full 5 stars because the manager went out of his way to set us up with a bag of ice for my cooler for all the leftover food we had. We didn't expect to bring food home! What I found unique about this spot was that you could order as much or as little of the meat you want. Tiny portions so you can sample all that is offered, or a half pound of whatever. Also a little different is that it is a cafeteria style setup. You walk and choose what you want and how much, pay for it, and carry to your table. A server then comes by for your alcoholic drinks or anything else you might need. We had Grace, who was just great. The place is new and sparkling clean. Plenty of room to eat in or outside. Unfortunately not a great view outside. This strip of Route 1A isn't anything to look at sadly. We thought the strips of brisket were great, as well as the pulled pork. The ribs were only OK, not quite fall off the bone tender. Smoked turkey was moist and tender. Sides were all hits, potato salad, mac and cheese, collards.... Again super pleasant surprise. Give them a try! read more

I got back to Smoke on the Water yesterday since I liked it so much when I went a week and a half ago. This time, I went with my husband and three grands. We did the combo that serves 4-5. The ribs, beef brisket, spicy sausage and pulled pork were all excellent. I didn't love the coleslaw but my husband did. The baked potato salad, mac and cheese, and cream corn were all really good. I HIGHLY recommend this place! read more

If you're looking for a sign to try Smoke on the Water, this is it. From the moment you walk through the door, you're welcomed like an old friend. The staff takes the time to explain how everything works, walks you through the menu options, and makes you feel genuinely excited about what's about to happen. And trust me--what happens next is worth every calorie. We ordered the mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, tomato cucumber salad, beef brisket, and pork ribs. The verdict? Not a single miss. Every bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The brisket was tender, the ribs were phenomenal, the sides held their own, and the cornbread was exactly what good cornbread should be. But let's talk about the mac and cheese for a moment. If loving that mac and cheese is wrong, I don't want to be right. It was hands-down my favorite thing on the table--and that's saying a lot considering everything was a solid 10/10. And then there's Gabby P. (Please emphasize the "P"--she earned it.) Friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely happy to help. She made an already fantastic experience even better. Restaurants can teach service, but kindness and personality like hers can't be trained. She's exactly the kind of person you hope to encounter when dining out. Great food gets people in the door. Great people keep them coming back. Smoke on the Water has both. We'll absolutely be back, and next time, I will not leave without a take home order of mac and cheese. read more

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Some of the best BBQ we've ever had. It is market style, so you order your sides, meat and then you pick your seat and a server comes over to get your drink order. Sophie was an awesome server! We sat outdoors as it was a beautiful day, but plenty of seating inside and outside. Very family friendly as there were several families with littles sitting indoors and outdoors. I would've preferred this drink to be strained because the jalapeños are so small you can suck them up in your straw, but the drink had good flavor. Incredible bbq, staff and atmosphere. Will definitely return! read more

Smoke On The Water - Macaroni and cheese, cornbread, brisket, pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Salisbury, Massachusetts

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Amazing BBQ and a very nice updated restaurant where you can eat in or on the outdoor patio. Service is great and they have a nice selection of drinks as well. The cost might seem a bit high but the whole experience is worth it. They have takeout as well. read more

Extremely busy and overwhelming atmosphere. Very loud. When you first walk in you are standing in line like a cafeteria and have little time to chose what you want to eat. Some sides are offered as an upgrade. Food was ok, not the best i have had. Finding a table was overwhelming as well. You also have to get your own drinks, silverware and condiments. We will not be back. Parking was also a nightmare. read more

Absolutely 100%. Food is amazing. I've had the brisket there twice and I will continue to go back absolutely delicious flavorful nice atmosphere pleasant and friendly. read more

Amazing food amazing service , the staff is so kind and helpful the food is out of this world delicious pickle red onion and pickles free on the side So so so good cannot wait to come back ! read more

Smoke On The Water - Barbeque Near Me - Salisbury, Massachusetts

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delicious food! Chopped Brisket, smoked Turkey, mac n cheese and corn bread! delish!

This place is legit BBQ best I've had this far north. With the price of meat nowadays it's not cheap it can't be but the food was great. The Dino beef rib was excellent but it weighed in at 1.6lbs making it like $62 dollars by itself. However if you have never had a bbq beef rib it's a must try. read more

Amazing food even on opening weekend. We turned back for it because the smell was so good. The burnt ends are sweet savory desserts. You can get as little or much as you want. 2 people 5 meats and 2 sides for $65 with tip! Going to stop by for drinks next week cause these look delicious. See photo. read more

Smoke On The Water - Yummy drinks! - Barbeque Near Me - Salisbury, Massachusetts

On the pricey side. I know meat costs are extremely expensive now. But 34$ for a slice of brisket 3 burnt ends and a spare rib with minimal meat on it. The collard greens were salty and totally gross. The staff(meat lady) needs an attitude adjustment as customers are more important than you! Not worthy of a repeat! read more

Dino bones were 1/2 fat 1/2 meat. Thought that they would be better quality for 50 dollars each. Ribs were OK, but they put sauce on them so you don't have a choice. Though the cucumber salad could be better. read more

Incredible bbq. The brisket is elite. Service is phenomenal. Really nice and helpful staff! Highly highly recommend.

Delicious!!! Brisket moist, smoked to perfection. Tasty sides. Great atmosphere. Friendly staff. Definitely go back.

Ordered carry out and everything traveled well and was delicious. Efficient set up separating the dining and to go, was an easy process. Outdoor seating and parking lot was packed! So we knew it was going to be good. We got ribs, brisket, and jalapeño sausage with some sides. Everything hit the mark and we'll definitely be back. Only ding, we ordered and payed for macaroni but they missed putting it in with our order. read more

I am not a traditional bbq fan. I don't like sweet sauces on meat. Think lobster with butter, bbq with sweet sauces, waffles-chicken & maple syrup. However this place caters to your specific bbq needs. Think smoke, charred and you have found a custom tailored blend specifically to your taste. read more

It's a little confusing when you first come in because it's cafeteria style so when you go to the first two stations that's where your side orders are and then you move along the counter and that's where your meat selections are. For some people, there should be somebody there explaining how this all works. The food is very good. The atmosphere is great. The drinks are great. The girls had a caring for you. Everyone worked well together. We had Gabby P taking care of us , and she was so caring of us and others. read more

Service is great. Very attentive and knowledgeable staff. Fun ambiance. Food candy for the pallet. Yummy! Gabby P was extremely pleasant and attentive. read more

Amazing BBQ. Loved the brisket and sides - especially the collard greens. Best this side of "The Salt Lick" in Driftwood, TX.

Short ribs and burnt ends were incredible. Sides were on point as well. Will definitely be back. Servers were friendly and attentive. Great vibes. read more

The brisket sandwich was very dry and the sauce didn't help. The pork ribs were also dry and meat did not fall off the bone. Very disappointed. read more

The food was room temp not even hot. the sides were ok the amount of meat they gave me for 95 dollars was small I can pick up pre marinated ribs from market basket on my cheap grill taste better the staff was great.overall not worth it read more

Best BBQ! I've been down south and this place SMOKES it. Love the fact it's HOT & you can see what you are getting not just a menu picture. 10 out of 10 read more

Was surprised to see this re-opening when we were driving towards Seabrook, so we stopped for lunch. A bit disappointed at the set up as we thought it was a standard restaurant and would have a bar, not a cafeteria style layout, but everything seemed clean and the waitress who brought our drinks was attentive. The Salisbury Summer drink I had was delicious. My bf's beer was in a nice ice cold glass. The food was just OK - pulled pork was good, the brisket was a bit dry but the fat was nicely rendered. It's not as good as Rusty Can brisket but in fairness that's very hard to do. Mac and cheese tasted nice but was lukewarm. The best thing we had were the collard greens, those were delicious. Nice to see the spot re-opened, idk if we'd come back though. read more

I have been searching for a great BBQ joint since moving to MA in 2017. I was born and raised in Oklahoma, and the food and atmosphere at Smoke On The Water reminds me of home. The drinks are unbelievable and the service was extraordinary!! This place will easily become a regular spot for my family to visit. read more

Amazing brisket and beef ribs! The smoked turkey was delish! The staff were so friendly and welcoming... a must try!!

We've been there a couple of times and they've been great. I tried pulled pork this time (even though I wanted smoke turkey) and it reminded me of living down South. Sarina was amazing and knew I wanted the turkey, so as we were leaving she let me know there was some and I took it to go. the sides they have are all great. and if you are a cornbread aficionado then try it. Its's moist and tastes like honey is in it, so good. if you haven't tried them yet you really should read more

Anika is the best!!!! amazing food, toured the smoke house. what a process. will be back!

Beyond amazing food and friendly staff. It's a different ordering concept than people are used to around here, but it works so well for this type of food. We visited on a Wednesday night and the place was hopping. We got our food quickly and everything was perfect. All the side dishes were fantastic and the meat was cooked perfectly. Nice balance of flavor and smoke. Can't recommend Smoke on the Water enough! read more

Best BBQ in the region, hands down. Food is scrumptious. Customer service is fantastic. Workers are hot.

They are doing everything right! Food was fantastic. Service was great! Especially Sophie! They have their system down to a science and they've only been open a week! We had brisket and Burnt ends and everything was delicious. We will be back very soon.!! I wish I took a picture before I started eating, but it looks so good. I couldn't wait! read more

Outstanding barbecue!! These guys really nailed it. Ribs were perfect, brisket was juicy with the right amount of smoke, pork belly burnt ends were straight up awesome (honey maple sauce!!) and the beef burnt ends were delicious! Specialty drinks were on point as well. I'm impressed!! read more

Amazing Beef Ribs! Incredible hospitality! Mac N Cheese and cream corn a major plus!!!Take the pit tour!

I'm not a big barbecue person but this was delicious. Their ribs were seasoned perfectly and their Mac n cheese was awesome.

fantastic friendly service even on a super busy father"s day.we both had chopped brisket sandwiches which rivaled any Texas barbeque spots we have frequented. the Mac and cheese was awesome the cream corn was sinfully good but the banana pudding with the suggested cinnamon was to die for. i had a beer in a frosted glass [nice touch] my wife enjoyed a lemonade special cocktail which she loved.we lived in the area aprox 22 years ago but the next time we are at all close we will be visiting again so pleased!!! read more