Smokin' Good BBQ in Bethel, Maine

Smokin' Good BBQ sits along the road in Bethel, slinging wood-smoked meats and sides from a casual setup with picnic tables. Most visitors rave about the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, plus the value for the portions you get. It's the kind of place skiers pass a hundred times before finally stopping, and word spreads fast on a Sunday evening.

• Brisket and pulled pork that earn genuine loyalty.
• Value: generous plates at fair prices for what you get.
• The BBQ sundae for $11 is famous for good reason.
• Friendly, fast service even when slammed.

Start with the brisket if it's fresh off the smoker. The pulled pork is reliable and shreds clean. Ribs and chicken in the bone both come highly praised. Get the BBQ sundae as a side or light meal, pulled pork, cornbread, beans, and pickles for eleven bucks. Don't skip the cornbread. The spicy BBQ sauce is worth trying, though one diner noted the sauces could use more depth.

Casual and unpretentious. You'll eat on picnic tables outside or in a simple room. On prime time (weekend evenings), expect a line and some noise, but the vibe is easygoing and family-friendly.

The menu leans on the classics: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken. Sides like beans, coleslaw, and cornbread come with most plates. The BBQ sundae (pulled pork, cornbread, beans, pickles) has become a local cult item. One recent visitor called it their "number one favorite roadside meal ever." Portions are genuinely big.

Most guests praise the meat quality and portions, especially the brisket and ribs. One visitor called it the best roadside meal they'd ever had and said they'd wait in line happily next time. One diner noted the beans had "excellent rich stewed flavor" despite being end-of-day. Not everyone agrees: one guest felt the flavors fell flat and the sauces lacked complexity, though they acknowledged the meat was tender and the service was kind.