Rhode Islanders are blessed with heavenly-good BBQ spots statewide, and while Boneyard Barbecue's business address reads Seekonk, we might as well claim this bustling, family-friendly joint as our own. Boneyard booms with personality, from the vintage rock posters, handbills, and autographed guitars to the hard rock 'n' metal beamed in via satellite radio, and boasts a hustling staff and delicious (primarily carnivorous, of course) menu options.
Even the most ardent Ocean State navigator may not comprehend just where Boneyard Barbecue resides; it's accessible from Newman Avenue in Rumford, Exit 29 in Pawtucket, or the backroads of South Attleboro and North Seekonk. During a recent midweek visit, the place was abuzz with high-schoolers, hungry couples, and a bar full of regulars attempting to talk over an Ozzy-Metallica-Dio rock block (as well as the sports-friendly TVs and a projection screen in the bar area). I met my newly-wedded pals Brian and Melissa and grabbed the sole available table, a corner four-top (the room includes six comfy booths, a handful of high-top tables, and extended party tables, with a dozen or so bar seats) and prepared to ride the slow-cooked spicy lightning. Melissa is known for her homemade pulled pork and ribs, so I knew she'd be pulling no punches here, while Brian was enamored with the décor and music selection. A devout Faith No More fan, he continually scanned the tables ("Is that a Mr. Bungle handbill?") from his Misfits barstool. From Led Zeppelin to L7, Pearl Jam to Pantera, Boneyard is a goldmine for rock 'n' roll enthusiasts.
Boneyard Barbecue | 508.761.6855 | 540 Central Ave, Seekonk, MA | Mon-Wed, 11 am-11 pm; Thurs-Sat, 11 am-Midnight; Sun, 12-11 pm | Major Credit Cards | Full Bar | Sidewalk-Level Accessible |
Our waitress, Linda, was accommodating — if not swamped — throughout our early suppertime visit, and offered some appetizer guidance to start, to go with a pitcher of the inhouse Boneyard Brew (a light lager that goes down even easier at only $9; the tap/bottle selection features all the macro-brews plus selections from Wachusett, BBC, and Harpoon). Combo specials line the menu, such as the Hungryman (10 wings, housemade chips, and soda for $10), a pitcher of Boneyard and 30 wings for $20, or a pitcher of BBC and 20 wings for $25.
Boneyard's starters hit the spot, topped by the "Potachos" ($9.95), a mastery of the fresh-cut fried potato chip (thin, crispy, and greaseless) adorned with evenly-distributed helpings of shredded cheese, sliced olives, jalapenos, and salsa. We added pulled pork ($3) over the chicken or chili options and emptied the basket. And attention fans of boneless tenders who prefer a fresh, hand-cut chunk of bird over those flat frozen strips in the shape of South America — your search stops here. A six-piece ($5.95) is a meal in itself, and a dozen ($9.95) is a great two-man app over a few pints (try the sweet-heat Black & Gold sauce).
