Kick-Butt Barbecue

1375 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465 (map)

Consider the capacity of your stomach, because you'll want a little bit of everything on the menu. Aptly named local darling Blue Ribbon has won national acclaim thanks to its slow cooking methods. Kansas City burnt ends, North Carolina pulled pork and Memphis dry-rubbed ribs are just a few of the meaty treats on offer. Authentic sides like collard greens and black-eyed peas, not to mention the addictive depth of the housemade hot sauces, make a true Southerner proud.

55 Chester St, Somerville, MA 02144 (map)

Somerville's irresistibly irreverent eatery serves to please with myriad styles of ribs, including messy, meaty Arkansas (pork) and giant Texas (beef) varieties. Cheap, spicy, enormously piled BBQ hash (pork, beef, peppers, onion and spices) is typical of the down-home, authentic Southern barbecue for which Redbones is famous. Head down to the Underbones bar downstairs for an impressive slew of craft brews and various and sundry roguery.

1700 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445 (map)

The barbecue is there, we swear, beyond Brookline's jungle of sushi stopovers, kaffee klatches and Thai takeout. A meaty production by the same folks who birthed Belgian beer haven The Publick House down the block, this finger-licking sibling doles the likes of saucy beef brisket, breaded and fried baby-back ribs and sweet-potato salad with, naturally, a generous selection of beers (40 on draft).

220 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 (map)

This Moody Street hangout is popular with local singles for its live blues tunes every Saturday night and blues jams on Mondays. Its Memphis-style spare ribs and tangy North Carolina-style pulled pork, the proud output of Jakes' oak wood-fired smoker, keep the crowds hungry for more. Wash dinner down in style with microbrews and special seasonal drafts. Whether you find it peculiar or only natural, this house of meat worship also offers a gluten-free menu.

275 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 (map)

Just down the street from Jakes Dixie Roadhouse, Bison County stands apart with its bevy of buffalo options. From burgers and strips to steak tips, lean bison meat is served in style. But not to worry, purists: Texas-style ribs and brisket please fans of traditional barbecue. Dry-rubbed and Mesquite smoked specialties share space with Southern-fried catfish and cornbread-stuffed pork loin--because why have a side when you can have it inside?

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

Inman Square's beloved dining destination may be best known for its nationally renowned approach to seafood--fresh catches of the day are scrawled lovingly on a chalkboard--but it also serves some serious 'cue. Eastern North Carolina-style shredded pork proves popular, as do savory burnt brisket ends. However, the Ribs from Hell (spicy in the best way), are objects of pure beauty, full of flavorful heat and inconceivable tenderness. Pair them with a potent tiki drink if you dare.

1124 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA null (map)

Word of advice: Come starving. Cambridge's most popular Brazilian churrascaria provides carnivores with an ideal introduction to an authentic rodizio. Freshly grilled meats impaled on sabers, from nicely charred pork loin to savory chicken hearts, are paraded throughout the dining room and sliced and served tableside. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes a bevy of non-meat options, but why eat salad when you can eat more steak?