Tennessee's Real BBQ
173 Pearl Street, Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 843-0999
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We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Boston is not exactly a hotbed of barbecue joints. There are plenty of options for most other types of cuisine in the Greater Boston area, but BBQ ain't one of them. And when people do talk about barbecue around Boston, the same few names tend to come up again and again--Firefly's in Framingham, Marlboro, and Quincy, Blue Ribbon BBQ in Arlington and West Newton, Redbone's in Somerville, and perhaps two or three others. But if you search hard enough, some other lesser-known places pop up, including a terrific spot in South Braintree called Tennessee's. And while this restaurant is actually part of a small chain, we feel that it is good enough--and hidden enough--to warrant featuring on Boston's Hidden Restaurants (generally, we tend to avoid featuring chains on this site).
Tennessee's, which can also be found in a few other towns in Massachusetts and one in Pennsylvania, started out in the early 1990s and has remained mostly a local chain that is lesser known than some of the places mentioned above. The Braintree location is rather plain and anonymous looking, sharing a building with other shops in a commercial section of town and looking more like a generic fast-food joint than a barbecue spot. But Tennessee's is anything but generic, winning a number of awards for its Southern-style BBQ, including some national recognition.
The menu at Tennessee's is varied and extensive, and prices are mostly low for what you get. Sandwiches include a deliciously sweet pulled pork as well as a slightly sloppy but tangy and rich North Carolina pulled pork, while chicken lovers will probably like the pulled chicken sandwich that can be mixed with any number of sauces. A few burritos are also offered, including a wonderful chili brisket burrito with loads of tender, lean meat, and a very filling big BBQ burrito, which can be ordered with chicken, pork, or beef. Rib lovers have their choice of Texas beef, baby back, or Memphis, while folks who like wings can choose from regular, hot, or BBQ, and can order them in quantities up to 50. Sides are mostly good, with the collard greens having a slightly sharp vinegar taste and the rich-tasting baked macaroni and cheese being one of the best that this writer has tried anywhere around Boston. And if you're still hungry after filling your belly with a heaping helping of BBQ, a slice of pecan pie awaits.
The popular BBQ joints in the Boston area are well-known for good reason, as they mostly feature good to excellent food that should satisfy most BBQ lovers. But if you want to try a joint that is a bit lesser known and is just as good in quality, Tennessee's is a very good option. (NOTE: Tennessee's can also be found in Peabody, Milford, Leominster, and Framingham.)
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