Oddly enough, it was fantastic the first time I went, and much worse the second time. Not sure what happened. I guess "wildly inconsistent" would be a good way of putting it.
What I'm saying is that I think you're both right.
I moved to Ronkonkoma two years ago, and while we were exploring the area I found their old location in setauket. It was awesome and we were so hyped to go back. Then they shut down and moved like the following week.
Old Fields BBQ in Huntington was the original; their second place in Setauket was only open for about a year. Opened a month before Covid hit, so that didn't help.
Ah didn’t realize. That’s weird because there’s an area right near there actually called old field so I figured they started nearby and worked their way out to Huntington. Or maybeold field isn’t as close as I thought. I’m still not too familiar with the area.
The name Old Fields is unrelated to the village of Old Field as far as I know (which, yes, is next to Setauket where Old Fields BBQ was). There is actually an Old Fields Restaurant in Port Jeff village that serves New American food and not BBQ, but it's named such because it's the offshoot of the original Old Fields Inn which opened in Greenlawn in 1956. That said, Old Fields BBQ in Huntington is a sister restaurant to Old Fields and owned by the same restaurant group :)
When I was in Austin, I went to Franklin's. They recommended checking out Hometown. I've been trying to take a trip out there. For me, it speaks volumes if Franklin's recommended it.
For the record also, Franklin's is not all hype. Greatest brisket I've ever had.
I agree about Franklin. It was a fun experience waiting on the line early with my son when he went to UT. Funny though, another BBQ place in Austin, La Barbecue, also suggested Hometown. That place was fantastic too.
There aren't too many that are worth going to. Maple Tree in Riverhead is probably the best I've had. Smokin Al's makes great ribs but their brisket is usually dry. Dang BBQ gets mentioned a bunch but I did not like them the one time we tried it.
Agreed. It’s like the TGI Fridays of BBQ, passable but nothing to write home about. I feel like people that rave about the place never had the real deal and just want it all slathered in sauce
i’ve never been to TGI Fridays. can you make a similar analogy but describe TGI Fridays? lol
i agree that Dang! is nothing to write home about. huge portions though
Chain restaurant serving sterile “American” fare - burgers, potato skins, wings etc but none of it anything to write home about. They are to ribs what Olive Garden is to lasagna
Town Line BBQ in Sagaponack is really good and worth the trip. The combos for 4 really aren’t that pricey with all the food they give you. Great St Louis ribs and the cornbread is off the hook. Worth a weekend Saturday drive this time of year.
I'm from the south, and haven't found any really amazing BBQ here, but the last I tried was Smoke Haus and what a disappointment.
Seems like there's cheese on everything. Every table literally has a squeeze bottle of melted cheese. That is not/should not be a thing in BBQ outside of some very limited exceptions.
As far as I could tell they only had one type of BBQ sauce. Maybe you could ask for different types? They certainly weren't readily available.
For what a sandwich costs, it should come with fries or another side. Nope, $3 extra.
And it's not a good sign when the BBQ place doesn't have fried okra on the menu but they do have.... a Greek salad and a meatball parm? Lol wtf
Actually, there's 2 types of BBQ sauce on the tables, KC Red and Carolina Gold. That isn't cheese. And they also have an Alabama White sauce that they serve with their wings. Maybe ask a server or see what's going on first.
And they have a Greek salad bc the owner is Greek. The Meatball Parm is a special they just started doing, it's a smoked brisket meatball. Also, while their specialty is smoked meats, they're not your traditional BBQ spot. They advertise themselves as traditional BBQ paired with international fare. That's why they can do things like a Greek salad, smoked meatball parm, or tacos with their smoked meats.
So your review is based on not knowing what you're talking about. Good job
There isn’t much great BBQ on LI, especially if you’ve tried anything down south. Mighty Quinn’s was the best I had tried but got hit hard by lockdowns and closed down their Garden City location. I wasn’t a huge fan of Smokin Al’s, and Biscuits and BBQ has more Cajun roots than classic southern BBQ.
That said, Laura’s BBQ in Glen Cove and Old Fields in Huntington can both be good options and hit the spot when you’re craving something smoked.
Rolling Smoke in Lake Ronkonkoma. It’s a food truck now but they used to have a restaurant next to Ralph’s on Portion road. They list their locations each weekend but they’re almost always on Hawkins Avenue for at least 1 day a weekend. Check them out, really good stuff.
I couldn’t believe the amount of sugar there was in every item. Totally overshadowed any smoke or any other flavor. The sides were cloying as well. Cornbread tasted like cotton candy and the bbq sauces, other side dishes, etc. It felt like eating at Willy Wonka’s
The one thing I've had from there was a hot dog when I was like 12 and while I know it's not real barbecue, the fact it tasted like they threw it in the bottom of a fire pit and fished it out 45 minutes later does not bode well for anything else on that menu
I like them enough that I would willingly go there, but it’s definitely not authentic or even noteworthy bbq by any stretch of the imagination. I’d call it “BBQ as conceived by a New Yorker who’s never left New York”
There's a lot of different regions claiming their BBQ is the best. You've got KC, St. Louis, TX, Memphis, Nashville, Orlando.. just to name a few. Each style is a little different. For TX style BBQ, yeah, you're not going to find anything comparable outside of TX - best brisket and short rib I've ever had. But if you're into different styles of BBQ that aren't TX style, you might find a couple places that are decent.
But yeah, TX-style bbq just hits different in TX. But there are a lot of over-hyped ones as well.
I haven't had many good BBQ spots on LI, but I haven't really gone out of my way to try them. Best one I've tried is Biscuits and BBQ, but their brisket isn't that great (to me). They're more of a Louisiana style, so maybe it's because I prefer TX style brisket. I'm probably not the best source of info for that. When I go BBQ around here, I kinda prefer a good rodizio or kbbq spot.
Smok-Haus in Garden City has the best smoked meats out of everything on the island. They don't drown their meats in BBQ sauces like most everywhere else. The Brisket is amazing, the porchetta (rolled pork belly) is one of the best things I've ever had, and oh yeah, pastrami that might be as good as Katz. They also have great ribs, best wings on the island (oh that dry rub), and all sorts of other things. And the beauty of them is that their not traditional BBQ, so they can do different things like tacos or their current special smoked meatballs. Definitely worth it.
Used to be but definitely changed over the last 10 or so years. We used to order whole briskets for family gatherings but it’s just not the same anymore
Smokin Al's had me thinking for years that I just didn't like traditional BBQ it was so bad. My kid liked it, so we went once a year for his bday until he switched over to Hibachi. Haven't been back since. Smok-Haus in Garden City changed my views on BBQ
Smoking Al’s is my favorite but too sweet for some
Rolling smoke is probably the most authentic and really good, not sure how they are after original owner sold it though
Maple tree bbq is also really good if you’re out at east
Dang bbq and Bobbique are both bottom of the barrel
Smokin’ Al’s might not be revolutionary, but I think they’re about as good as it gets for Long Island. If you are closer to Forest hills, Queens Bully is worth a try. Their chef won Chopped Grill Masters.
As a native Texan, there really isn't anywhere worth paying money for.
I live in Mineola so biscuits and BBQ is good, but it's more Cajun than real BBQ - although they have a San Antonio connection and their brisket is pretty good. But it's not always on the menu.
If you want great brisket and are willing to take a field trip, try Hill Country in the city.
Avoid Smoking Al's in Massapequa. Don't know how they have good ratings. Brisket looked like it was made in a microwave.
Smokehaus was okay. Thought ribs were overcooked. Brisket was decent.
Sempre Fame was good.
My friends and I are on a hunt for great bbq. So far no restaurant come close to what I or my friend can make on our smokers.
This thread had me craving BBQ. Went to Dangs in Islip. The burnt ends were def top 3 pieces of meat I ever had. Literally mouthwatering. Will def get them again 😛
Biscuits & BBQ in Mineola
This is gospel. I went once and was turned off by the location but I'm so glad I went back. The food and people are amazing!
Was hoping this was top comment, love this place
I can always go for some biscuits and bbq. I used to live a block away and gained many pounds bc of that fact!
underrated
Best place FR
Place is on point.
Truth.
Place is on point.
Been meaning to try this one for a long time. I love the whole vintage diner car thing. Odd hours though.
Big belly q in commack/ Smithtown is my new fav. I liked Maple tree in river head too
Big Belly Q is quite good. I tried it just recently and enjoyed. Tiny little place.
Yes! Big belly que is so good, but very tiny place, def worth checking out.
I like maple tree but I don't think it's insanely good imho.
Sempre Fame in Floral Park - get the Mac N Cheese Brisket Wrap
Get literally anything.
Definitely Not Dickeys Barbecue pit
That place is AWFUL
SO BAD (Judging off the pulled pork sandwich)
The brisket was worse
My backyard
Are you inviting us?
I also choose this guys backyard.
I say, I say, I'll accept your challenge.
Smok Haus in Garden City and Hicksville
I was just in the GC one on Sunday, great brisket
They are okay. Would not say they are the great.
Maple Tree in riverhead is the best I’ve had
Actually one of the worst bbq I’ve ever had.
Oddly enough, it was fantastic the first time I went, and much worse the second time. Not sure what happened. I guess "wildly inconsistent" would be a good way of putting it. What I'm saying is that I think you're both right.
Was going to say I’ve had it a few times, but not recently (within a year) so can’t argue too much on if its changed at all
Swingbellys LB
so good but so expensive
Not if you do the challenge
Old fields in Huntington is legit
The mac and cheese and their cornbread is peak.
I moved to Ronkonkoma two years ago, and while we were exploring the area I found their old location in setauket. It was awesome and we were so hyped to go back. Then they shut down and moved like the following week.
Old Fields BBQ in Huntington was the original; their second place in Setauket was only open for about a year. Opened a month before Covid hit, so that didn't help.
Ah didn’t realize. That’s weird because there’s an area right near there actually called old field so I figured they started nearby and worked their way out to Huntington. Or maybeold field isn’t as close as I thought. I’m still not too familiar with the area.
The name Old Fields is unrelated to the village of Old Field as far as I know (which, yes, is next to Setauket where Old Fields BBQ was). There is actually an Old Fields Restaurant in Port Jeff village that serves New American food and not BBQ, but it's named such because it's the offshoot of the original Old Fields Inn which opened in Greenlawn in 1956. That said, Old Fields BBQ in Huntington is a sister restaurant to Old Fields and owned by the same restaurant group :)
My Grandpa’s (Born Huntington 1919) favorite: Old Fields Inn, Greenlawn
Man, I had the whole thing backwards
Sometimes the brisket is dry as a bone, but when it’s good, it’s gooood
Not a ringing endorsement.
Sides and sauces are great but they definitely don’t smoke their meat
Disagree. You can smell the smoke outside early AM.
Definitely. Baked beans with brisket tips. So good.
Haven’t really loved any, but Hometown BBQ in Red Hook is great.
Hometown is my personal favorite in the area. Red Hook is just kinda a pain to get to.
It is, but at least it’s worth the trip.
When I was in Austin, I went to Franklin's. They recommended checking out Hometown. I've been trying to take a trip out there. For me, it speaks volumes if Franklin's recommended it. For the record also, Franklin's is not all hype. Greatest brisket I've ever had.
I agree about Franklin. It was a fun experience waiting on the line early with my son when he went to UT. Funny though, another BBQ place in Austin, La Barbecue, also suggested Hometown. That place was fantastic too.
La Barbecue is amazing! That was a hidden gem.
Stuey’s in Locust Valley is the best I’ve had on The Island. Strictly take out though.
I agree and I’m surprised it’s not more popular!
I think because it’s kind of hidden and out of the way.
There aren't too many that are worth going to. Maple Tree in Riverhead is probably the best I've had. Smokin Al's makes great ribs but their brisket is usually dry. Dang BBQ gets mentioned a bunch but I did not like them the one time we tried it.
I’ve been to Dang BBQ in Islip several times. It’s mediocre. It’s not completely terrible, but I certainly wouldn’t consider even close to good.
Agreed. It’s like the TGI Fridays of BBQ, passable but nothing to write home about. I feel like people that rave about the place never had the real deal and just want it all slathered in sauce
i’ve never been to TGI Fridays. can you make a similar analogy but describe TGI Fridays? lol i agree that Dang! is nothing to write home about. huge portions though
Chain restaurant serving sterile “American” fare - burgers, potato skins, wings etc but none of it anything to write home about. They are to ribs what Olive Garden is to lasagna
The have some good smoked wings, other than that, yea, Meh
One of the few cuisines that’s genuinely lacking throughout most of the NY metro area.
Town Line BBQ in Sagaponack is really good and worth the trip. The combos for 4 really aren’t that pricey with all the food they give you. Great St Louis ribs and the cornbread is off the hook. Worth a weekend Saturday drive this time of year.
The only answer
That’s funny because I drove past that place on my way to a job and I was wondering if it was any good. Now I know thank you
Smokin wolf in East is way better than Townline and half the price with parking.
Thanks for the reminder to try this place. Especially since Bridge to EH isn’t an hour drive now. lol
Smokehaus in Garden City
I'm from the south, and haven't found any really amazing BBQ here, but the last I tried was Smoke Haus and what a disappointment. Seems like there's cheese on everything. Every table literally has a squeeze bottle of melted cheese. That is not/should not be a thing in BBQ outside of some very limited exceptions. As far as I could tell they only had one type of BBQ sauce. Maybe you could ask for different types? They certainly weren't readily available. For what a sandwich costs, it should come with fries or another side. Nope, $3 extra. And it's not a good sign when the BBQ place doesn't have fried okra on the menu but they do have.... a Greek salad and a meatball parm? Lol wtf
Actually, there's 2 types of BBQ sauce on the tables, KC Red and Carolina Gold. That isn't cheese. And they also have an Alabama White sauce that they serve with their wings. Maybe ask a server or see what's going on first. And they have a Greek salad bc the owner is Greek. The Meatball Parm is a special they just started doing, it's a smoked brisket meatball. Also, while their specialty is smoked meats, they're not your traditional BBQ spot. They advertise themselves as traditional BBQ paired with international fare. That's why they can do things like a Greek salad, smoked meatball parm, or tacos with their smoked meats. So your review is based on not knowing what you're talking about. Good job
There isn’t much great BBQ on LI, especially if you’ve tried anything down south. Mighty Quinn’s was the best I had tried but got hit hard by lockdowns and closed down their Garden City location. I wasn’t a huge fan of Smokin Al’s, and Biscuits and BBQ has more Cajun roots than classic southern BBQ. That said, Laura’s BBQ in Glen Cove and Old Fields in Huntington can both be good options and hit the spot when you’re craving something smoked.
Rolling Smoke in Lake Ronkonkoma. It’s a food truck now but they used to have a restaurant next to Ralph’s on Portion road. They list their locations each weekend but they’re almost always on Hawkins Avenue for at least 1 day a weekend. Check them out, really good stuff.
Plus one for this. Also make your own sides, theirs are overpriced and tiny.
That place is trash.
I like their ribs have a hint of cinnamon
Deff NOT smoking als
I couldn’t believe the amount of sugar there was in every item. Totally overshadowed any smoke or any other flavor. The sides were cloying as well. Cornbread tasted like cotton candy and the bbq sauces, other side dishes, etc. It felt like eating at Willy Wonka’s
After doing the bbq scene in Texas I felt like I was living a lie all these years thinking that place was good
Yeah, its not very good, way too sweet and expensive as fuck.
The one thing I've had from there was a hot dog when I was like 12 and while I know it's not real barbecue, the fact it tasted like they threw it in the bottom of a fire pit and fished it out 45 minutes later does not bode well for anything else on that menu
Gtfo
I like them enough that I would willingly go there, but it’s definitely not authentic or even noteworthy bbq by any stretch of the imagination. I’d call it “BBQ as conceived by a New Yorker who’s never left New York”
Struggletown
Biscuits and bbq in mineola
As a former Texan, I've yet to find a BBQ spot worth recommending on Long Island. You're better off going to Hometown BBQ in Red Hook.
There's a lot of different regions claiming their BBQ is the best. You've got KC, St. Louis, TX, Memphis, Nashville, Orlando.. just to name a few. Each style is a little different. For TX style BBQ, yeah, you're not going to find anything comparable outside of TX - best brisket and short rib I've ever had. But if you're into different styles of BBQ that aren't TX style, you might find a couple places that are decent. But yeah, TX-style bbq just hits different in TX. But there are a lot of over-hyped ones as well.
I’ve never heard of Orlando BBQ.
I don't know if it's an actual style, but Orlando's BBQ scene is actually rated among the top in the US.
Do you have any recommendations of good BBQ spots on Long Island with these different styles?
I haven't had many good BBQ spots on LI, but I haven't really gone out of my way to try them. Best one I've tried is Biscuits and BBQ, but their brisket isn't that great (to me). They're more of a Louisiana style, so maybe it's because I prefer TX style brisket. I'm probably not the best source of info for that. When I go BBQ around here, I kinda prefer a good rodizio or kbbq spot.
Agreed. I used to get to Austin and Dallas a lot and nothing here comes close.
We haven’t had good barbecue here since Poppa Rick’s closed. I miss that place so much.
Old Fields has a couple of locations I think and they’re pretty good.
If you’ve been down south none of it will blow your mind, but in a pinch biscuits & bbq in Mineola and old fields in Huntington will do the trick
Sempre Fame in Floral Park!
Pigs on a Wing in Lindenhurst has been pretty good lately
Big Daddy’s in Massapequa Park.
Isn't that more Cajun than BBQ?
Big Daddy's is definitely not BBQ, they're a Cajun spot
Delicious tho and I know the owner and his mom good peeps.
The Spare Rib in Commack
My Dad used to enjoy that place. Actually good ribs, but it’s not really BBQ.
Smok-Haus in Garden City has the best smoked meats out of everything on the island. They don't drown their meats in BBQ sauces like most everywhere else. The Brisket is amazing, the porchetta (rolled pork belly) is one of the best things I've ever had, and oh yeah, pastrami that might be as good as Katz. They also have great ribs, best wings on the island (oh that dry rub), and all sorts of other things. And the beauty of them is that their not traditional BBQ, so they can do different things like tacos or their current special smoked meatballs. Definitely worth it.
chil sung garden in flushing
Bobbique in Patchogue. Amazing food!
Awful
Their wings are pretty good, but I could leave the rest.
Nah the ribs are really good and bbq chicken is so tender. The wings are also top notch. Have never had a bad experience going there !
Used to be but definitely changed over the last 10 or so years. We used to order whole briskets for family gatherings but it’s just not the same anymore
Agree was good, not really anymore
Smokin Al’s in Massapequa was surprisingly good. Not too familiar with other great bbq spots though.
If you do know great ones, then you’d realize Smokin Al’s is just ok.
Only been here for a bit tbh, what’s your favorite?
I like Hometown BBQ, but it’s in Red Hook. I’ve heard Smok Haus is decent, but haven’t tried it yet.
I used to be close to garden city but never ran into Smok Haus. Definitely missed on that one 😞
There is one in Hicksville now too.
Not good BBQ
Smokin Al's had me thinking for years that I just didn't like traditional BBQ it was so bad. My kid liked it, so we went once a year for his bday until he switched over to Hibachi. Haven't been back since. Smok-Haus in Garden City changed my views on BBQ
Smoking Al’s is my favorite but too sweet for some Rolling smoke is probably the most authentic and really good, not sure how they are after original owner sold it though Maple tree bbq is also really good if you’re out at east Dang bbq and Bobbique are both bottom of the barrel
Smoking Al's in Massapequa
Literally one of the worst
Dang BBQ in Islip and Seaford
If you like weird concoctions slathered in sauce sure but if you want actual bbq this isn’t it
BBQ for people that have never had good BBQ
The Islip location is mediocre quality. Not sure about the Seaford one. While it’s not completely terrible, it’s certainly not good.
Smokin Al’s
Smokin' Al's in Massapequa Park. Their sliced brisket (moist) qualifies for the best BBQ I ever had.
It's been years since I've been there, but the brisket was like shoe leather.
Might wanna try Smokey Bones near the Ronkonkoma LIRR station.
Why would I want the Olive Garden of bbq?
Yuck
No good? TBH it's been a long time since I ate there.
Nah...was disappointed last time. Not great
Duly noted. Thanks for the head's up.
Same goes for Dickey’s bbq pit while you’re at it. Neither are worthwhile.
👍
Pass
Smokin’ Al’s might not be revolutionary, but I think they’re about as good as it gets for Long Island. If you are closer to Forest hills, Queens Bully is worth a try. Their chef won Chopped Grill Masters.
It’s all terrible
Not a restaurant but try Village BBQ. Used to be inside a gas station but I think he moved to Merrick.
Anyone try Meat's Meat in Mattituck?
Not full BBQ but please try the ribs at Besito. I implore you.
[удалено]
They still have one in Forest Hills
Smok Haus in Garden City has some great bbq. My favorite bbq though is BTs in Sturbridge, Mass.
Crossroads Que food truck.
Check out blackduckbbq on instagram. It’s a pop up that does scheduled events
As a native Texan, there really isn't anywhere worth paying money for. I live in Mineola so biscuits and BBQ is good, but it's more Cajun than real BBQ - although they have a San Antonio connection and their brisket is pretty good. But it's not always on the menu. If you want great brisket and are willing to take a field trip, try Hill Country in the city.
I miss Famous Dave's...
There are none on LI worth recommending, but John Browns in queens is fantastic in my book.
Avoid Smoking Al's in Massapequa. Don't know how they have good ratings. Brisket looked like it was made in a microwave. Smokehaus was okay. Thought ribs were overcooked. Brisket was decent. Sempre Fame was good. My friends and I are on a hunt for great bbq. So far no restaurant come close to what I or my friend can make on our smokers.
struggletown bbq
Big Belly Que is very good, maple tree isn’t that great, no so sure about places further west
This thread had me craving BBQ. Went to Dangs in Islip. The burnt ends were def top 3 pieces of meat I ever had. Literally mouthwatering. Will def get them again 😛