Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue

New Haven, CT · Barbecue restaurant

Rating
4.2/5
★★★★☆ 4.2
Reviews
20
Rank in New Haven
#286
of 509 restaurants
City Percentile
37%
rating percentile
Address
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue, 470 James St, New Haven, CT 06513
Phone
(203) 350-9060
Website
www.bearsbbq.com
Status
Closed · Opens 11 AM

Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue is a restaurant located in New Haven, CT. It is one of 509 restaurants listed in New Haven. Its 4.2-star rating matches the New Haven city average of 4.3 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue

Bear's Smokehouse New Haven is CT's only brewery/smokehouse. Fresh beers and fresh BBQ available every day of the week

Hours

Saturday11 AM–10 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★☆ 4.0 M M · Jan 2026

Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue delivers outstanding barbecue with bold, authentic flavors. The meats are perfectly smoked—tender, juicy, and packed with that unmistakable slow-cooked depth. From brisket to pulled pork, everything tastes fresh off the smoker and expertly seasoned. The sides are just as impressive, complementing the barbecue without stealing the spotlight. Portions are generous, the menu has great variety, and it’s easy to find something you’ll crave again the moment you finish your plate. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and efficient, even during busy times. A true go-to spot for high-quality barbecue—consistently delicious and always satisfying.

★★★★★ 5.0 Gary Waring · Mar 2026

Food was great, brisket was very tender and flavorful, chicken was smokey, and the pork rib meat was falling off the bone, cole slaw was crisp, beans were tangy, cornbread was just right and the baked sweet potato was roasted to perfection.

★★★★☆ 4.0 Lac Nhan Phan Mai · Aug 2025

Really nice and clean place. Especially the terrace with the lights. Food was good too. You have to line to order first and then go with your tray to the cashier. We took the family deal for three but it would have been perfect for four. We had a little bit too much. I was not fan of the Mac & Cheese. We would have preferred a more cosy and smaller place but this because we are used with European style.

★★★★★ 5.0 Max Mosher · Oct 2025

Probably the best bbq in the state. I had a full rack of ribs. They were smoked to perfection and almost fell of the bone. They have a variety of delicious bbq sauces to push it to the next level. The food is prepped and served to you at the counter and there is ample seating. The price was fair not cheap but reasonable for good bbq. I sat at the bar for some unique draft beers brewed on site. The bartender was friendly and helpful.

★★★★☆ 4.0 C Tedesco · Oct 2025

It can be tough to find good barbecue in the northeast, but there give it a good effort. To be fair, we were there for an event, so all of the food was served buffet-style. I’m sure if we were there for dinner it would havewould be been better. Good beer selection. Nice atmosphere inside.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services

Barbecue restaurant

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.