Beef was more plentiful in Texas compared to the Southeast and this gave rise to its dominance in barbecue preparations there. The American BBQ pit master has done a fantastic job on their brisket. It is moister than any other barbecue joint I have tried in Boston. Served in quarter inch slices and awaiting (or not) your choice of self-serve sauces, including mild, hot, and mustard-based. There are other options on the menu as well including pulled chicken, and grilled items such as chicken, turkey tips, tenderloin and salmon. For the reluctant New Englander they even have fried haddock. But the real surprise – the aforementioned new idea – and star of the menu has to be the chicken wings. They are large and meaty, coated with the house dry rub and smoked. They are offered two ways, wet and dry. Wet means they simply toss the dry wings in a hot wing sauce. They are pretty good but the dry wings on their own are unique and outstanding. Juicy, redolent with smoke and evenly coated with the rub, these were the best wings I have ever had. Thankfully, every table has an under-mounted roll of paper towels. You’re going to need them if you dive into the ribs or wings. They have most of the sides you would expect too. Coleslaw, collard greens, baked beans, mashed potatoes, grilled corn and of course, and corn bread.— John C.

I can’t believe the complaining sometimes when I read Yelp reviews. This is Boston, MA not the south. As far as BBQ is concerned, this place is excellent. Having eaten in both locations now I felt the need to YELP about it. For starters try some of the delicious dry rubbed wings, they are excellent. When it comes to the main course, anything and everything seems good… BBQ chicken, pulled pork, sausages, beans, greens and everything in between. Yes, and the cornbread is also exceptional. The place is very clean and the Rowley location has a unique small town feel to it, I love it. The staff is very eager to help and the food comes quick. Oh, did I mention they serve beers and margaritas?!?!?!? Honestly, try it. Compared to some other so called BBQ restaurants around here I think this place is pretty fantastic. Oh yeah and there is free peanuts and popcorn… I mean very few things are free in life.— Derek W.

Oh man, is this a find! I had to go to a doctor’s appointment at the Cummings Center, which is no one’s idea of a cool place to eat. I’m fairly new to the area so when I saw the sign for The American BBQ and didn’t recognize it as a chain, so I had a glimmer of hope that it might be good. It is not just good, it is terrific. Clean, cute, friendly, attentive staff, and family-owned. I had chipotle wings (to die for) and brought home a pulled pork plate with greens and mashed sweet potatoes for the next day. Everything was delicious and my only complaint is that they should open a restaurant closer to me.— Victoria W.

The American BBQ folks know what they’re doing. The ribs are smoky and tender…slowly cooked for hours, finished on the grill and slathered with a tangy-sweet ketchup-based sauce. The pulled pork was excellent as well. Succulent and shredded fine, it is served with a sweet sauce but one can opt for the more traditional south eastern treatment by using the vinegar based sauce.– Marbletex