There are a number of foods that Connecticut is known for, chief among them seafood specialties like warm lobster rolls (yum) or local favorites like steamed cheeseburgers or New Haven-style pizza. Barbecue isn't typically at the top of the list. It's not that you can't find barbecue restaurants in Connecticut, it's just that the dish is much more popular in the southern United States and we're most definitely not part of the nation's famed "barbecue belt." However, that doesn't mean you can't get great BBQ in Connecticut that's just as good as what you'd have in Texas or the Carolinas! One of our favorite places to pick up delicious smoked meats is Taino Smokehouse.

Taino Smokehouse actually has two locations in Connecticut. The spot in Middletown is the more laid-back of the two. The Meriden restaurant is Taino Prime and focuses on serving aged USDA Prime (or greater) steaks.

The Middletown location features a 20-foot wood-fired grill, so needless to say, a lot of meat can be smoked here. All of the beef is ground in house.

The beautiful outdoor seating area in Middletown looks almost like a botanical garden. More than 400 people can be seated here: it's massive.

The restaurant is named after the Taino people, an indigenous culture to the Caribbean who were the first New World people to encounter Christopher Columbus. It's thought that the Taino invented the process of barbecuing.

You can find just about anything meaty here, from baby back ribs to apple cheddar sausage.

Don't skip out on the sides, though. There are plenty of delicoius ones available.

All the meats here are smoked fresh daily using local woods, so you're guaranteed the highest quality dishes possible.

For more information about this great BBQ in Connecticut, check out the Taino Smokehouse website.

Have you ever eaten at Taino Smokehouse? Share your experiences in the comments! And, if you need a place to stay while you're exploring the area, check out these VRBOs in Middletown.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/yearly-restaurants-ct/