Chef-owner: Andy Husbands · Opened 2016
Chef-owner Andy Husbands co-founded IQUE BBQ, the first non-Southern team to win the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (2009); three-time winner of Boston Magazine's Best Barbecue.
~ The Intelligence Report ~
Cambridge Dining Intelligence
“Texas-style BBQ in Kendall Square. House-smoked meats, good brisket, creative sides. Solid BBQ but not destination-level. Great bourbon selection, nice patio.”
— Guide to Cambridge · Dining Intelligence
This place is exceptional for
Best BBQ in Kendall Square
Texas-style smoked meats
Best Bourbon Selection
Extensive whiskey and bourbon list
What they nail
- Good brisket
- Extensive bourbon selection
- Nice outdoor patio
- Casual atmosphere
- Good for groups
Before you go
- Not authentic Texas BBQ
- Can be pricey for BBQ
- Meats can be inconsistent
- Better bourbon than BBQ
The maître d' recommends
- Brisket
- Smoked ribs
- BBQ platter (to try multiple meats)
- Bourbon flights
Best for
Value
How this rating was built
Methodology →$15–$30 per person
Texas-style BBQ with house-smoked meats. Brisket, ribs, and creative sides. Bourbon selection, outdoor patio, casual atmosphere.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
The Smoke Shop brings Texas-style barbecue bravado to Harvard Square. The space is unapologetically meat-focused—trays of brisket and ribs slide across the counter, the smell of smoke permeates everything, and the beer list is designed to wash down serious food. It's loud, it's messy, and it's exactly what barbecue should be.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Award-Winning Pitmaster Andy Husbands Brings Competition BBQ to Cambridge
Andy Husbands spent 20 years on the competitive barbecue circuit, winning championships and earning recognition as one of America's best pitmasters. When he opened The Smoke Shop, he brought that competition-level precision to everyday eating. The result is barbecue that stands up to Texas or Kansas City—right in the middle of Harvard Square.
The brisket is the benchmark. Smoked low and slow until the bark achieves perfect crunch and the interior melts on the tongue, it's served by the half-pound with none of the dryness that plagues lesser barbecue. The ribs—first-place award winners—have the proper smoke ring and pull cleanly from the bone.
Beyond the classics, the menu shows range. Wings get their own treatment—dry-rubbed and smoked, then tossed in agave and pit spices, creating a different kind of wing experience. Pulled pork, burnt ends, and sausage links round out the proteins. The sides—mac and cheese, collard greens, jalapeño cornbread—complete the picture.
The Harvard Square location is the flagship now, surviving after other locations closed. It's proof that quality wins—students and visitors pack the space for barbecue that actually earns the name.
The three-meat combo: brisket, ribs, and one more. Add mac and cheese and cornbread. Embrace the mess.
Texas-Style Brisket
The test of any pitmaster—proper smoke ring, rendered fat, melting texture
1st Place Ribs
Competition-winning St. Louis style with perfect pull
Famous Wings
Smoked then tossed in agave and pit spices—a category of their own
Burnt Ends
The candy of barbecue—caramelized brisket points
Why It's In Our Guide
The Smoke Shop proves that real barbecue can exist in the Northeast. Pitmaster Andy Husbands brings competition credentials and genuine technique to Harvard Square.
“Andy Husbands makes barbecue that would earn respect in Texas—and he does it in Cambridge.”
— Boston Globe“The best brisket north of the Mason-Dixon line.”
— Boston MagazineStudents have adopted The Smoke Shop for celebration meals and homesickness cures. The weekend lunch crowd includes barbecue pilgrims from across New England.
Insider Tips
Early lunch (11:30am) before prime cuts sell out. Weekends get crowded.
Reservations accepted for dinner. Lunch is first-come, first-served.
Counter seating offers views of the meat being sliced. Tables accommodate groups.
Brisket is mandatory. The burnt ends are special when available. The wings are uniquely good.
Harvard Square parking is challenging. Take the T to Harvard station.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 1,999 reviews
1,123 reviews
Updated 2024-12
876 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Owner Andy Husbands spent 20+ years on the competitive BBQ circuit, winning major championships. The Smoke Shop uses proper smokers, quality wood, and competition-level technique. It's as authentic as barbecue gets outside of Texas or Kansas City.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Mon-Thu: 11:30AM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-11PM, Sun: 11:30AM-10PM
3 min walk from Kendall/MIT
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Further Reading
Best Restaurants in Kendall Square
BlogWelcome to Guide to Cambridge: What We're Building and Why
BlogEvery T Station in Cambridge: A Complete Transit Guide
BlogCambridge's Coffee Culture: Why This City Runs on Independent Roasters
Walking TourMIT Innovation & Campus Tour
Walking Tour24 Hours in Cambridge