When we think of iconic foods the Bay State is known for, usually, seafood comes to mind. While Massachusetts has some of the best seafood in the region, believe us when we tell you that there are also lots of phenomenal barbecue joints here as well. But it’s so hard to choose which ones are the best. Luckily, OIYS has curated a special road trip to some of the best hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurants in Massachusetts that we think you should visit.

This road trip has seven stops over 231 miles and just over five hours of drive time. It's best to take two or three days to visit all seven locations. Use our interactive map to guide you and feel free to add stops along the way. Now, gas up the car, bring your appetite, and let's hit the road!

1. Rusty Can, Byfield

The first bbq place on this road trip is the chef-owned Rusty Can in Essex County. Each mouthwatering selection from the pit comes with white bread, cornbread with honey butter, pickles and onions, and a choice of two sides. Sides include collard greens, bbq black beans, and mac and cheese among other options.

Visit the Rusty Can website and Facebook page for more information.

2. Blackstrap BBQ, Winthrop

Since 2010, Blackstrap BBQ has been the go-to place for high-quality bbq in Winthrop. They also offer some different selections on the menu like brined and smoked wings, smoked crispy jerk chicken, and ginger scallion lo mein with brisket. Yum!

Visit the Blackstrap BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.

3. West Side Steak & BBQ, Worcester

This neighborhood bbq joint on Worcester's west side is a popular place with locals and offers friendly, welcoming service and excellent food. Order a plate, tacos, potato skins, chili, and more. You can't go wrong with anything you get here!

Visit the West Side Steak & BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.

4. Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ, Taunton

Kinfolks has won multiple awards for its bbq over the years, and you will see why after your first time eating here. It's almost hard to believe it had its start as a food truck! It's known best for its pulled pork but anything you order here is sure to be delicious.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Kinfolks, an award-winning BBQ restaurant in Massachusetts.

5. Bark BBQ, Plymouth

Whether it's just a bowl of mac and cheese you want, a pulled chicken or pulled pork sandwich, or a filling bbq tray, make sure you have plenty of room in your stomach! And if you're here with kids, there are several kid's plates on the menu.

Visit the Bark BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.

6. The Alley Bowling & BBQ, Orleans

A bowling alley may be the last place you'd expect to find some incredible bbq, but places like this do exist! Head to Orleans to bowl a round and grab some delectable bbq while you're here. They even offer poutine topped with your choice of bbq pulled pork, black bean chili, or country sausage gravy.

Here’s a previous article telling you more about this one-of-a-kind BBQ restaurant and bowling alley in Massachusetts.

7. The Block & Tackle, Wellfleet

Located in Wellfleet, this smokehouse can be found right along Route 6. You may not think to stop, but you should! You can get plenty of smoked meats like pulled pork, pulled chicken, Polish sausage, and St. Louis-style ribs a la carte. Their buttermilk fried chicken is also a must when you stop by for a meal.

Visit The Block & Tackle website and Facebook page for more information.

So, what do you think about these BBQ joints? Are you ready to hit the road on this road trip to some of the best hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurants in Massachusetts?

If your favorite bbq joint didn’t make the list, please add it in the comments. Or submit it on the OIYS nomination page for a chance to be featured in the next road trip article in Massachusetts.