BT’s Smokehouse is the only thing remotely close to Rhode Island that I would even have the gaul to mention to a midwesterner when it comes to BBQ.

I just want to reiterate. It's not something people talk or think about a lot in terms of foodin the US. But if you're in the Northeast get some Portuguese food. It doesn't have to be seafood, you can get a nice steak or pork. It's among the best cuisine in the world (just ask the big shot gamblers in Macau). There aren't many places in the country that will have better Guese food than Providence/Fall River/New Bedford/Cape Cod. Anthony Bourdain frequented these places and for those of us in the know, it's often a weekly outing. You can't go wrong with a Portuguese Ribeye.

No offense taken. Best seafood places in RI is something relatively easy to google and I did already do a search on this sub. Best BBQ in the New England area wasn't so easy to find. I love seafood and plan to try a lot (have had some already). Just thought it would be fun to see what the locals think is good BBQ. Come to KC and I will tell you what we consider "good" seafood and would love to hear your thoughts (I know ours is worse).

No offense. You don't go to Kansas City for seafood, and you don't come to Providence for BBQ. Get some Italian, Portuguese, or deep-fried seafood. Any BBQ in this area is a rip-off of some other region's style.

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Edit: if you're considering Portuguese, take a car to Fall River and go to Sagres. It doesn't get better than that.

100% the best. I have never been disappointed with them, and have ordered maybe 10 times in total.

Ever since they moved, it just hasn’t been as good as when they were on Thayer. Last time I got the brisket, it was insanely salty. Like a straight up salt lick. The sausages were good, and the bbq pirogies were amazing though.

Eat seafood!

I would never travel to KC and ask “what’s your best calamari and lobster roll?”

where are the TAMALES

Kansas City native here! The Smokeshop near Boston is where you need to go if you want real KC burnt ends. Like others have said I also recommend trying the Thai, Indian, or Italian but if you really need those sweet sweet burnt ends, now you know. Their pimento Mac and cheese is amazing too, and they have an extensive whiskey menu.

Feel free to pm me if you want other KC perspective opinions. I also hate seafood

Also definitely go to Waterfire!!

Durk’s BBQ is the best in the city. Great Northern BBQ is an okay restaurant, but ironically the BBQ is the worst part of their menu.

I was going to say about the same. I’m from upstate NY originally… I’ve had Durks and they don’t even come close to Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse. Most likely you’ll be disappointed anywhere you try.

This is the way

Becky’s Barbecue in Middletown, it’s close to Newport. I think it’s the best in the state.

Dumb and misplaced. Without the colleges Providence would be a dump.

Probably the most RI thing but I saw my friend post about this, and supposedly health and family issues. https://www.realty.com/commercial-listings/337568413/346-348-Branch-Avenue-Providence-RI-02904

Just an FYI - Apsara is Cambodian not Thai. I know food-wise it's all a little confusing, but the owners are Cambodian and we all consider it a Cambodian restaurant.

Murphy's is my go-to spot for everything and they also are a Liverpool bar that shows matches.

Good Stuff Smokehouse in near by Blackstone MA. They only smoke the good stuff.

Al Forno. There is not a restaurant in KC like it. It’s nothing over the top or fancy, just really solid food every single time (one of the more consistent restaurants there is). The menu right now is very fall themed and has a mix of traditional Italian, seafood and grilled items. Mind you, it’s very popular and I’d get there within an hour of opening to snag a table or spot at the bar. Oh, and the desserts are made to order and 🏅

Having lived in and still visiting the south regularly, Providence (like most of New England) does not have bbq that is comparable in terms of quality and price to what you would find in GA, NC or Memphis (never made it to KC).

If I were in your shoes, unless the hankering for BBQ is irresistible, I would seek out what PVD excels at and may not (again have not been) be as readily available in KC.

I saw that your partner does not love seafood, there are plenty of other options Portuguese, Bolivian/Peruvian, Italian…

Slow Rhode is a spot I enjoy as a midwesterner myself - but now living here.

Also, if you want some good breakfast biscuit sandwiches check out Irregardless Biscuit Co. - they're on Broadway in Fed Hill (same owner as Slow Rhode I believe)

I believe they have someone in house who specializes in just sausage. That…cannot be common.

Already in my top 5. /s

Definitely TGI Friday's for ribs!

The joke is that our barbecue ain't that good. Texans and Kansans don't often agree about barbecue, but you'll probably agree that even RI's best would be considered average in a place known for barbecue. I moved here from Texas almost 7 years ago, and the barbecue and chicken friend steak just don't scratch that itch. It's good, but folks are picky about barbecue. Thankfully you already hit all the best food spots! Good luck 😃