Buck's Naked BBQ & Studio Bar

Buck's Naked BBQ occupies a sprawling rustic cabin on Freeport's main drag, and it's got the energy of a place that knows what it does well. Smoky ribs, brisket, and sausage come out tender and properly seasoned. The bar buzzes, the booths fill up fast, and the staff keeps drinks topped and plates coming without you having to ask.

• St. Louis-style ribs that taste like the real thing
• Brisket and sausage so tender they don't fight back
• Spacious booths and attentive service that actually feels present
• Vinegar-based sauce worth ordering on its own

Start with the half rack of St. Louis Ribs, which arrive with potato salad and coleslaw that justify their real estate on the plate. The brisket and sausage are the Q for 2 standouts, and honestly if you're ordering the "Q for 2" you'll understand why people come back. The Thai Chili Shrimp swings a different direction and lands it. Fries come piled high and well-seasoned. Save room, or don't; leftovers travel well.

Big open cabin with tall ceilings and booths that give you space to settle in. It's lively without being loud, the kind of room where families and groups of friends both belong.

This is casual dinner territory, the kind of place where you come hungry and leave stuffed. The dry rub is the star, and the sides aren't an afterthought. Come with friends, come for a birthday, come when you want to eat more than you planned and not feel bad about it.

Guests rave about the portion sizes and how hard the staff works, especially the regulars who call out servers by name. One recent visitor said the ribs reminded them of St. Louis, which for a Maine barbecue joint is no small compliment. The bar keeps drinks coming, and the kitchen doesn't drag.