Chester’s Barbecue

Bangin’. Always

The best in CT! Wow, now this place makes me feel proud to be from CT! Great staff, clean place and food quality is plenty! I tried the cut sweet pork sandwich on a roll oh my gosh delicious! also had collard greens, sweet potatoes corn bread a little of the chili everything on my plate was gone (Ghost) we even had samples of the brisket too and that was so perfect! The consistency was just right tender and juicy! This place is a blessing to one’s tummy makes you feel like taking a great nap at the end with a big satisfying smile! Amen oh I forgot to put what the hubster had lol, he had the vinegar pulled pork sandwich along with the delicious corn bread and chili and just looking at his face expression when he took the first bite of the chili was so cute and big smile hahaha yes we found are hidden gem! We definitely will be back, so worth it! Pete it was a pleasure keep up the great work and making this amazing soul satisfying food!

Leftovers in hand, we all were already calculating when to come back. (Our group included a trained chef)
Get: burnt ends, pulled pork, collard greens, beans. Skip: Mac and cheese. Neutral: corn bread. Vegetarians? Don’t bother.
Burnt ends are so decadent. Smokey flavor that enhances the meat without overwhelming it. The texture was simultaniously «burnt end chewy» but still super moist with lovely carmelized fatty bits. (If you get a sandwich it comes on unusually wonderful thick white bread. I’m normally not a fan, but this sliced white bread did a rare thing. It exposed me to a delicious version of a food I had completely written off.)
Back To the meat, because, well, MEAT!!! Light on the sauce, which was brilliant since it made the flavor of the meat shine, not masked. There is a sign that says «it’s not the sauce, it’s what you put the sauce on.» Or… Something close to that. So true.
Sides: Collard greens had a generous amount of pork and a nice vinegary flavor. Beans and rice and baked beans were spiced nicely and much less sweet than I usually expect. This was a plus in my book. Mac and cheese was disappointing. Way way way soggy, no pasta texture left, and not much cheese flavor either. Bland milky mortar. Cornbread was much less sweet than most places, very fluffy, but, for ME still too sweet. The owner came over and I mentioned this, he acknowledged that the cornbread isn’t authentic, but rather it’s «the only northern thing on the menu» and he makes it this way, because it’s what he prefers. Did I eat it? Yes! Would I eat it again as part of the combos? Yes. Would I go out of my way to order it? Nope.
Large space, would love to swoop in with a big group. Byob, step up to the counter and order which means no awkward check splitting, no wait staff to forget something, nope! This puts focus on the FOOD.

This is the best barbecue I have had in New England! The décor is nothing great, but the food is amazing! I only visit the area once or twice a year, but the last time I came here a local put me on to Chesters.
I had the brisket last time and the Italian Sausage this time, both were amazing. The sweet potato fries are awesome.
The staff is friendly and the food ready in short order. I will be back!

Ok, so you’re not going to agree with everyone here, but I cannot fathom what Sara L. said is true…
The barbecue… The best you’ll find up here. It’s real barbecue, that you’re going to put sauce on if that’s how you like it. Try the burnt ends of the brisket (heavenly) and the ribs are great, too. I mix the sweet and hot sauces together to make my own… it’s not shabby, but sauce isn’t required.
The sides… I don’t know why this is being brought up. The collard greens are amazing! They’re great with the hot sauce! The cornbread comes individually wrapped in aluminum foil and has the right amount of sweetness.
The owner… one of the first restaurant people up here to actually seem to care how the food and service was. We sat and talked about his barbecue philosophy compared to mine (everyone has their opinions… but only mine is right!) and about the restaurant business.
Overall… Cost is about $ 70 for a family of 4 with sides and drinks (and a fat boy dad). The barbecue is the best you’ll find around here AND the sides are fine! The owner is knowledgeable and courteous.

I love Chesters BBQ. I’ve tried a couple different types but my favorite is the NC pulled pork and the spare ribs. Today I tried the pulled chicken. Unfortunately I did not care for the smokiness of it with the sweet sauce. Mrs. Chester came over to us and noticed I hadn’t finished. I explained how it was a new try for me, she insisted on replacing it with something else to ensure my satisfaction. So I took some NC pulled pork with me as I had to get back to work, but I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!
Thank you again!

The first thing I noticed was how great it smelled here. I ordered some pork and chicken with coleslaw. The North Carolina style pulled pork is definitely one of my favorite menu items here. Service was fast, attentive, and kind. Hope to go back soon

You don’t have to walk into the shop to get awestruck by the smell of BBQ at Chester’s! It hits you in the parking lot. Even if you’re not hungry I bet you’ll still walk in! Truthfully I would expect outstanding BBQ at other places in the nation, not in New England. But it’s here at this ma and pa shop and their brisket is spectacular!
I have eaten here three times in short order and have nothing to be disappointed about with anything I’ve eaten. I do tend to favor the baked beans and coleslaw as sides. Chester’s is good for groups at lunch of dinner. They are very accommodating to ensure their customers enjoy the eating experience there! Give it a try and see for yourself! This is one place where you really will enjoy the BBQ even more than the sauce!
Recommend: HIGH

Not only does this place make some rock solid BBQ but they are not pretentious or stuck up about it. So far I have tried the burnt ends, pulled pork (vinegar based), red hot smoked sausage, and today’s special smoked corned beef! All are amazing and I only opt for the bad a@@ collards for a side although they have many others. Prices are a bit high but absolutely worth it!

For the love of the BBQ gods… We are in town visiting friends for a BBQ-​themed thanksgiving. Since we have no kitchen — we needed to purchase and — I’m already out of appropriate adjectives — because this place deserves all of the superlatives. We settled on large amounts of the most tender brisket I have ever eaten and even larger amounts of their homemade hot links, which are perfect and spicy and in my belly already. Thank you in advance Chesters — for making us look good to our friends tomorrow.

Stopped in today after trying to find somewhere to eat. The food was excellent and very tasty. We had gotten pulled chicken, and brisket along with corn, beans and a piece of cornbread.
It came to around $ 20, and was great. The portions seemed a touch small, but the food hit the spot and the owner/​chef was very helpful. Would definitely go back for some excellent bbq if we lived close. Check it out!

People are gonna hate me…
This place isn’t bad; it really isn’t. The trouble is that it really isn’t good, either, and for what they charge that’s kind of the problem. I been here about once a year for six years, and every time I think …“well, maybe next year.” Pretty much the only reason I go is when I dragged by co-​workers.
All of the meats I’ve tried are good, from Burnt End to Brisket to the various pulled or smoked pork you’d expect from any BBQ joint. I tried a ½ chicken a week ago, and it was grossly underdone so I’ll be sticking with the swine from here on out…
None of the sides are memorable, perfectly acceptable mush in the form of mush potato salad, mush sweet potatoes, mush everything. The only side that consistently pleases is the Rice & Beans with bits of Jalapeño in it.
The corn bread should be relabeled corn cake, sickly sweet and unappealing in every way. ‘Nuff Said.
Down to the business end, this place is expensive for what it is. High prices and measly portions all around. 20 bucks will buy enough for two at most BBQ places I’ve been to, here it will buy you a taste of three meats, only 1 side and corn-​cake that you would pay NOT to eat (Three Little Pigs,
). You leave still hungry, no leftovers.
Some important changes in pricing a some key changes in recipes would go a long way for me.

Baby Back Ribs, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, sausage, 3 sides & 2 cornbread for 2! Everything was great! Warning for those who don’t like spicy hot, the sausage is, I like it but it was a little to hot for my wife, more for me! We had baked beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes for the sides, also all very tasty! We are taking enough home for lunch tomorrow.

Our second time in a great restaurant!
Your food is FABULOUS, tasty, plentiful (more than I should eat, but great to have some to take home) and friendly!
Clinton ‘s Chester’s is Closer & we will try it soon! Thank you!!!

Heard wonderful things about this barbecue place, but as all games of telephone eventually go, there was a disconnect and something was lost in translation.
The walk-​up-​to-​the-​counter ordering system was hardly a surprise — in fact, I would have been let down if this was a fancy sit down and be waited on kind of place. Ordering was simple. Meat and sides or meats and sides, specials including a sampler that’s essentially «chef’s choice,» and all for a decent yet fair amount of coin.
Paper towel rolls at the table? Wonderful. There’s the anticipation that comes along with knowing it’s going to be a messy meal.
Serve yourself barbecue sauce? Okay, not bad. I’m going to freebase on this stuff while I choke down delicious smokey meat.
The anticipation and the buildup were unfortunately misleading. My experience here with the wife was lackluster, a straight up 3-​star meal.
No it wasn’t the paper trays or the individually wrapped cafeteria utensil package– those were great; no pomp, no frills, just food.
The real let-​down was actually the food. We ordered a 3 meat and 2 side combo, she had a root beer and I went with my usual unsweetened iced tea (I avoid sugary soft drinks) Burnt ends were great — in fact, they are great enough that the wife and I agreed to come back just for them. The brisket was alright, a bit dry, and I was lucky that my over-​zealous nature when it comes to sauce dunking came through with a vengeance. The ribs were not good at all.
Upon grabbing a rib I immediately noticed that it was not warm at all. It had the heat profile of something that was microwaved in an underpowered unit for way less than the required time. The meat itself was tough and the seasonings on it did absolutely nothing for the flavor profile (the only way I made it through was bathing it in sauce, I’m pretty sure I used a cup and a half of the stuff). Maybe it wasn’t the seasonings being underwhelming, perhaps my senses were dulled by the struggle of getting through them — fatigue could have set in pretty quickly had I ordered more ribs.
The mac&cheese had the nuclear yellow-​orange color that suggests a tantalizing nu-​cheese tang that coats the mouth but fell flat even in comparison to the colonel’s radioactive pasta goo. Easily the victor of the «wasted real estate on the combo plate» award.
The cornbread was alright. Dense and dry, and there was enough of it to satisfy the appetite.
Overall the restaurant itself was fine. It felt pretty cafeteria-​esque, which for any lazy Sunday afternoon is a welcome atmosphere. The staff was quick and friendly, embodying the patience of saints when it came to the ordering process. A good bang for the buck despite some shortcomings.
But again, I’m hoping it was an off-​day in an otherwise good season.

In town for work and we stopped here for lunch on a recommendation from a coworker. I enjoyed my meal and would come back. I had the pulled chicken sandwich and a side of sweet potatoes. The chicken was moist and very flavorful. I appreciated that they don’t drown the meat in sauce. You pick how much and what type. The sweet potatoes were just OK. There is a lot more flavor that could be unlocked.
Service was surprisingly good — quick and friendly. And the staff made rounds to make sure we were enjoying our meal which was a plus a restaurant that is closer to fast food than sit down.
Overall great experience and I will visit again.

I frequently stopped at Chesters while in the area over the past five years. I must say at first it was great. However, after today, I’m turned off to taking the trip. Another user suggested he dines often and gets reheated junk, which may have been the case today. The brisket was horrid– dry and bland. I can say the same for the St Louis ribs. Very uncharacteristic.
The owner, Chester, is a nice guy. I’ve met him the first time I came here in 2010. His great service and attitude reflect to this day on his staff, so service is a plus. The dining room and décor are also comfortable. I just can’t get past the food. Has it really gone downhill?! :(
The restaurant is byob, and there’s a package store fifty feet away, which is a plus if stopping by.
And for those saying there’s not many great bbq places around, take a trip to Hartford/​Windsor and try Bears.
I had to drop this rating after our group got sick from the food :(

Wow. I love BBQ. And while working in Connecticut I found this little gem. Right when you walk in the amazing smell hits your nose. The menu is a bit overwhelming, but the options are vast and you don’t have to pick just one.
I got the Pit Boss — 2 meats and 1 side, and opted for the pulled chicken and pulled pork w/​a salad (trying to keep it as healthy as possible).
Chicken: wonderful. Just a small amount of smoky flavor, a little drizzle of BBQ on top (def not needed).
Pork: amazingly tender and great flavor.
Salad: typical. But the rye croutons were awesome.
Cornbread: looked good, but gave it to coworker that was with me.
Total cost for lunch $ 18.88. A bit high for lunch, but it was worth it. So full. Won’t be needing dinner tonight.
Love this place and I plan to come back for the other items.

Anyone that does a 1 star review isn’t deserving a Unilocal account.
This is a 5 star BBQ in a strip mall that has employees that care and take the time to explain the menu.
I was a Chet’s virgin till today. It must have been all over my face as the person at the counter took about 2 minutes and explained the menu and how it all worked from ordering to pick up in a manner that was easy for even me to understand.
I got this location off of Unilocal and quickly discounted the BBQ home experts, the same that do their own beer at home and most likely dis the local brewery for a hoppy tasting yeast frothy tongue swirling less than a perfect pint pour. Me, I am happy with paying someone lil money for my simple food pleasures.
Chester’s is so worth the price for both quality, quantity and employees.
Mac and Cheese, Meatloaf sandwich, brisket (to die for), ribs and … you name it. It’s worth a try.

Let me just preface this review with the fact that we do A LOT of BBQ at home, have our own dry rub recipe, and even make a variety of homemade sauces for the side — so we are on the picky side.
Saying all that, Chester’s BBQ is A-​OK. I have been here at least 5 times and it is semi-​consistent.
I really enjoy their brisket (and burnt ends), their ribs are okay too. I think their décor is retro and charming, and they have free refills on fountain drinks.
Great things about Chester’s — 1. Unlimited paper towels for messy fingers (LOL), 2. Decent BBQ, 3. Cool décor and comfy booths, 4. Decent variety of sides, 5. Free refills on fountain drinks, 6. Lots of variety, 7. Their beans are really good.
Meh things about Chester’s — 1. BBQ sauces has way too much molasses (I wish they had more than one flavor), 2. Cornbread is too «cakey» and sweet, 3. BBQ and other meats can be on the dry side, 4. Price per lb for brisket and meats are on the pricey side.
Overall Chester’s is a decent place to go. Overall we have been ok with it and will continue to go back.