Reviews of Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue (Restaurant)

Jeff Beck

They have a lot of tasty barbecue options. I was lucky to get to try most of them and I was especially impressed by the chicken, it was tender and well seasoned throughout with a nice smokiness to complement the spice and saltiness of the dry rub. The brisket was also excellent. I thought that the burnt ends were a little dry but I was in there on a Monday evening so that may have just been timing. The pulled pork was a little dry on it's own but they have several tasty sauces to remedy that, including a ghost pepper sauce which I particularly enjoyed, it had me cruising through my water at a good clip. There is plenty of room inside as well as a patio outside, and you can even sit in the bar to skip the line and receive full service.

Gordan England

The ribs were fall off the bone good! A nice heavy dry rub and smoke ring allowing for a lot of flavor but yet still tender and juicy! I went on Monday night and it appears they had a special $.50 each moink ball - spicy meatballs wrapped in bacon, another great dish!

Lynn Gaudette

The barbque was good, and they gave us quite a large portion. The prices were not visible. So we were in for a shock when they told us how much it cost. We paid $17.00 a plate. Which I thought was expensive. You have to go up to the counter and place your order. They only had a few sides to pick from. The beans we received were spicy. The mac and cheese was good. I gave it a 3 due to the price.

Davira Kuy

Amazing food, and various choices of BBQ sauce you can choose to put on your meats, which are also very succulent and moist. Local brand sodas are also a way to courteous promote local business, and are very tasty. If you like BBQ, this is a place to check out.

Cara Jo Vettovalli

The brisket was pretty good. The best of the things I tried. Better than the pulled pork. The sides (I had Mac and cheese and collard greens) were mediocre. Good northern cornbread. It's nice that it's a cafeteria style place (think Blaze Pizza atmosphere), it makes it quick for take out. There was practically no wait in line on a Saturday at 1 pm. The food at Capital Q in Albany, NY blows this place out of the water. We also tried some lemon ice cream from the UCONN dairy bar. Now that was 5 star.

Bruce Davison

Casual BBQ great food. Service is usually good too. Walking distance to the CT Convention Center in Hartford. Convenient to I-91 and I-84.

Ben Havlicek

Absolutely incredible food. I had the burnt ends, brisket and Turkey. A+. Some of the if not THE best bbq I'd ever had in my life.

Oreo Bendal

I recommend the Pawpaw poutin. Big box of fries smothered in pulled pork and cheese. Monk ball very good especially on special night, fabulously fresh and 50 cents.

Steven Clayton

Some of the best BBQ in CT! Bear Attack was awesome

Adam Nott

It's a bear-themed barbecue place! A "bear-becue", if you will. The food is quite tasty. It usually is with barbecue; it's almost "impawssible" to make them wrong, and between the meats and the sauces, you're in for a treat. I got a chance to try out the "bear balls" as well, which make for great appetizers and side dishes. I sat at the bar, and service was prompt and friendly. They've got local brews bottled and on tap. All in all, a great place for lunch or dinner!

Dan

I’ve been to the Hartford location a number of times and find the food to usually be pretty good, although I still think it’s slightly overpriced. For whatever reason I think the menu is confusing and first timers always seem to have no idea what to do when it’s time to order. Came in late recently on a Friday after a local event and it was still pretty busy and heard two employees talking about how the Mac n cheese was running out and more needed to be made; response, “no we are closing soon, serve smaller portions”. I guess that’s one way to do it.

Shawn Mack

Excellent barbecue meat! Sides aren't my favorite but everyone I go with loves them. Just a preference thing on my part. The sides are my single star holdback. Otherwise it's a great 5 star barbecue place. Service is good too.

Brent Thompson

Brisket was bland, they had no burnt ends, brisket was very fatty it's like they did not trim the fat cap down. Mac and cheese was cold.

Jamie Stone

Bear's does real barbecue, real well, which is a rarity north of the Mason-dixon line. The brisket and burnt ends are stand out.

Markus Schumacher

After my first visit last year, I knew that I like this place. But only after I've been in Texas for a while I recognize the quality and authenticity they offer in the heart of Connecticut! This is my go-to spot whenever I'm hungry and in Hartford for sure, absolutely recommend this place to anybody that likes meat!

Gayle Block

Service was friendly- food was fine.

Jen Piasecki

Cafeteria style bbq, its absolutely delicious! Parking is kind of a pain, you have to pay but the trip is totally worth it! Super generous portions of awesome bbq! You have your choice of sauces, I recommend the KC!

Jamie D

Best BBQ I've had in a long time. This was my first time here, I actually bought a family meal to go to share when I got home (3 hours away)

Heather Jones

Good BBQ spot. All the meats are good. Corn read and Mac and cheese make the meal complete. Also they have a selection of dairy bar ice cream for those wanting a treat at the end of the meal.

Jameson Meyer

One of my top spots for delicious BBQ. Great location to chill, eat some good food. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The bill was average for the menu. Reminds me of a restaurant in Philadelphia that I enjoyed.

Lois Mimi Stevens

Love the burnt ends, brisket, ribs. Yum!

Loretta Waldman

This place is good. My favorite is a pulled pork sandwich with sweet sauce and slaw and a side of broccoli salad (ot has bacon). My husband loves the burnt ends.

Tudy Pennycooke

Good food and good customer service.

Eric Prieto

They closed the doors in our Face at exactly 10Pm ...all we have to say. Client oriented, right?

Ryan Jarvis

Places is not that great food is totally over charged does not even taste that good my friend got tin foil in his sandwich. Good beer selection I live 6 mins from this place and won't even go here.

Aerin Paulo

Really cool atmosphere, feels like the south of the north inside. Can wait in line like more traditional BBQ or get served in the bar. Portions are huge, flavors are amazing and drinks are great too. Four BBQ sauces to choose from and Hosmer Mountain Sodw on tap! Love coming here, can't wait to go back.

Jordan Zinn

pulled pork + mac'n cheese + cornbread + beer. really good

Stacey Brown

Consistency not there today... brisket was overcooked. Overall it was still good, tho

Elizabeth Therriault.

Watch out for the ribs...too spicy to eat (no warning given or choice of hot or mild). Moink balls were so dry...even adding sauce, they too ended up in the garbage!! Pulled pork and broccoli salad were good and if I ever go back(which I probably won't) that is what I would order. Oh and it's cafeteria style, so if you're expecting to be waited on, go somewhere else.

Steven Workman

Great place. Nice atmosphere. The only reason I didnt give it a 5 star is because the ribs I got where extermely dry and I ended up not even eating them. Was def a waste of food and my money. But everything else was good. One of the female lobby staff was eating from the side of a floor register or computer and then chewing on the floor as she walked through the dining lobby: Not a good thing. Employees shouldnt be eating while working on the floor directly in front of customers.

Hunter Churchill

First time trying Bison and it was really good, the place was full but even then the server took about 20 mins after we were done eating to even check on us.

Ivonne Sanchez-Dubiel

Talk about flavors! Variety of Meat and excellent family atmosphere. Can't go wrong with any of the items on their menu.

Matt Carroll

Can't praise the burnt ends enough. The 'chopped' is also excellent. I literally ship this sauce to family down south because they admit it's better then what they have in GA. I've literally watched the food at this place turn TWO vegetarians.

Michael Kasmar

Just some damn good barbecue. Well priced as well all things considering.

deby x.

Five times I’ve been here! And it gets better and better the more I get to know the characters. The ribs! Dazzling, smoky eyes, and the star of the show. The brisket! Tender, oh so tender, and full of flavor. The corn bread! Addictive relationship that is worth it, because it’s a salty, crumbly character but then becomes sweet in your mouth. Try it all! The staff is genuinely kind and gracious. Clean, spacious. A standing ovation!

Trever Falconi

I like this location a lot. The down town area is up and coming. This BBQ is a good bang for your buck and fantastic quality. Great staff as always.

Heath Adrian

Service was friendly. Burnt ends were delicious. Chicken was somewhat dry. Disappointed that cornbread and peach cobbler/apple crisp were cold.

Nicole Dell'Agnese

Great food, fast and good service!

Maureen Moore

Ribs were very tender and juicy. Best time to get there is before 2 p.M. for best selection. Wish they had potato salad, but the food is great regardless.

Erva Willett

My first time visit to an excellent eatery for BBQ in Hartford. My daughter Christine and I stopped for a quick bite before we went to a performance at the Bushnell. Although crowded, we moved along as it is order, serve and seat yourself. Bears has a great reputation for the very best BBQ around and it didn’t disappoint. The one problem was they were running out of completed dinners so we were a little disappointed that some selections were not available. However, we definitely will be back in the future. Absolutely delicious food, very friendly staff.

Alex Josefson

Visited to discuss catering options for an upcoming event and the staff could not have been more phenomenal. Their food is delicious and they have one my all time favorite sides that I'm surprised more people don't know about broccoli salad!

Matt G

Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and enjoy smoked meats. However, I've been here on a few occasions and the overall temperature of the meat varies. On a few occasions, the meat that was carved has been more warm than hot. Otherwise, the meats are flavorful. The sides are decent, but I wouldn't go just for that.

Scott McLean

The brisket was excellent with great flavor and texture. Pulled pork had one or two top notch bites, the remaining bites were good but just OK. 5 choices of sauce, each distinct and well made.. Beans are thick and flavorful, french fries spot on.

Arwen Smith

Bear’s BBQ is so amazingly delicious. I absolutely love going here and I'm constantly craving it no matter my mood. I highly recommend this place. The service is quick and the employees are polite and helpful. The vibe is so cool and when I sit out on the patio I feel so happy and content.

Emile Brandon

Always amazing. I wish there was one in every town. The mac attack is the best creation ever and the extra bbq sauce at the table? Brilliant.

Daren Watson

We love this place. My wife and I usually go with my family in a group and chow down! We just love bbq anyway. We’ve tried many of the menu items, but must say that there are select options that a go-to for us. Our favorites: 1. Burnt ends*** 2. Beef rib*** 3. Pork ribs** 4. Half chicken 5. Fries (make sure the cooks hit the fries with a good amount of seasoning) 6. Baked beans (note: cooked with pork, in case you don’t eat pork) 7. Collards (has turkey neck NOT pork in them; BONUS) 8. Mac-n-cheese I think an additional bonus for this place are the soda options. The unique selection of soft drink is a great accompaniment to the BBQ. A favorite for us amongst these option is the Sarsaparilla soda. As my wife said, this is the equivalent to the Sarsi in the Philippines which she loves. Overall good food to enjoy in an open environment with family, friends or whomever. For a BBQ lover, this is definitely a must try.

RMT

Great place for wings, etc. I dont frequent the establishment, but compared to it's Windsor counter part it is a very good 2nd. The blind pig nearby is also good with smoked foods if you have a taste for that.

Nic Tedesco

I’ve never come away from here satisfied with the food. Truly subpar barbecue. I don’t know how people enjoy it. Staff is friendly and prompt. Beer selection is decent, including which beers are on special for happy hour.

Michelle Belk

Friendly, accommodating for people with allergies.

bigmama11kidz

the food is expensive but it can be worth it. I used to get the bear attack with pulled pork and they would give you a decent amount. but like everyone or everything they give you a small amount of what they used to give.

Mathias R

Tasty meats, some servings outsized like the poutine.

D. R.

The food is delicious. I recommend every thing on the menu. The drinks are unique and have interesting names. They provide several choices of barbecue sauce and each are very good. The pulled pork is fantastic but the beef ribs are the best in the area. The bar is always packed and vibrant with positive energy. The parking is terrible but the place is well worth paying for parking. I highly recommend this location and this experience.

Crystal Bryant

Came here with coworkers for happy hour. It wasn't crowded which was fine by me. The waitress was very pleasant and attentive. The food and drinks were good so I will be back.

Wendy Handin

Worst BBQ we ever tried to eat. After reading the many positive reviews, we were looking forward to our meal at Bear's Hartford location. So sad to have bothered. I ordered 1/2 rack of "baby back" ribs with mac & cheese and collard greens. The ribs were tough, fatty, and tasteless. I struggled to eat two of the six ribs and gave up. The mac and cheese was okay, nothing special. Being hungry, I ate the mac & cheese and the greens. My friend ordered the 1/2 chicken with cornbread and fries. The chicken was so tough that he played with a few bites and ate some of the limp fries. The highlight of the meal was the cornbread. We left Bear's hunger and annoyed with ourselves for not complaining about the inedible food.

John-Michael

There's a reason I compare every other barbecue place to Bears, and non have come close yet.

Kate Lovelee

Go here if you love bbq!

Todd Eldred

Great food and excellent service!!

Graham Kist

There is a reason Bear's has continued to grow, adding locations and offerings. Hands down, its the best BBQ in the Hartford area. Jamie McDonald (owner) not only knows what he is doing with BBQ, but he knows how to run a restaurant, which is probably why he expanded to Chango Rosa, Blind Pig, and Cook and the Bear. The meat here is always tender, smoky, flavorful, and self sauced. Every day of the week has some sort of theme or deal. The wings are crispy from being smoked, the ribs are tear off the bone, the pulled pork is succulent. You cant go wrong with anything you order. They even support local business by selling UCONN ice cream, local beers and sodas. The location downtown has a full service bar with cocktails, others just serve beer. All have an industrial woodsy vibe to the decor. Eat in, take out, catering, Bear's does it all, and its all good.

Nate R

Horrible customer service. When I called for a take out , they put me on hold for 15 mins, and I hung up and called back, the lady who answered was extremely rude on taking my order. If you don’t wanna work then don’t work , bears has great food, horrible customer service.

Bob Comendador

Food was amazing and the service was great. Let us stick around to watch the Raptors win! Go Bear Smokehouse and Go Raps Go!

Ken Morton Jr

Very good BBQ in the center of Hartford. They try to keep the menu fresh. Some things are great, others not so much. Mac attack is great but will put you in a food coma. Wings are pretty bland and boring, however.

Wanda Wesley

Great service! Great food!

Jennifer Wright

Food was great. Easy to get to off the highway limited Street parking. Had the Mac Attack with brisket and pork. Also had the Bear Balls very tasty. Hubby had pulled pork sandwich he loved in too. Might have to make a trip back just for the food.

Zaneta Braswell-Ellis

My first impression- Wow, really nice clean environment. Staff was polite and friendly. The menu was semi confusing. The food was ok,I had dozen chicken wings with fries. It was ok. My husband had 1/2 rack of ribs with side of macaroni and cheese. My husband enjoyed the ribs and my wings. I would recommend this place for you to make your own assessment. Overall, our visit and meal was ok

Elisa Catley

Amazing food! Great atmosphere! Will keep returning.

Stan Fernandes

Food was good. We came here for dinner before seeing a show at the infinity theater. A good collection of barbecue favorites.

Laura Sweet

They also have a food truck that is just as amazing. One time we went to Brewery Legitimus in New Hartford because the Bear's food truck was there. We got there and the whole truck was sold out!! They're THAT good! We didn't realize that until we waited in the long line for food and then went to the bar for beer.

Dan Haptas

Great bbq. Love the bigger restaurant, especially the addition of the bar area. A must visit when in Hartford!

RENJU MATHEWS

The food is awesome !!!!! The 'burnt ends' here is just too good and so is the fried wings. Definitely try the Bear Attack with Burnt Ends and dribble a bit of the Ghost BBQ sauce (it is Spicy Hot) and Texas BBQ sauce on it...yummmm... Cornbread + Brisket+ Bbq sauce = Bliss!! Very nice ambience too...

Jessica Mauhar

Found this place very inviting. Staff was welcoming, friendly and helpful. Place was clean. Food was amazing. Not a fan of BBQ, but I heard great things and had to try it. Glad I did. Perfect seasoning. Great selection of items to choose from. A bit costly, but worth every dime.

Raleigh Johnson

I know That when this restaurant opens up in every other state the United States it's going to be as popular as McDonald's

Matt Dull

Good BBQ and a cool vibe to the place. The staff was friendly, plenty of seating and overall a nice experience

Paul Noren

Coming from Texas, I've had better BBQ, but this was pretty good. Sides were tasty. Nachos were huge and definitely a great value as the amount of meat included is much more than buying a more expensive combo platter. Atmosphere was nice. The locally made fountain drinks they serve were really good and worth a try.

ali honeydeu

Food is so good. I had the Mac attack with cornbread and pulled chicken and I love it. It’s so good!!

Miguel Santiago

Great place to enjoy good food at a good price. There's free Parking but it's almost impossible you most likely will need to pay and park in a parking lot / garage

MortalKombat124

Very delicious food. I will recommend

Michael Rivera

One of the best barbies around, nice new space and location with a small but top -notch selection of drafts. Great place to visit with your meat-loving friends when the craving for smoked and tangy hits you in the tooth.

Molly Zembko

Poutine was good, burnt ends were even better.

Jonathan Martino

The food is absolutely amazing. The staff was very nice. When you go, get bear balls. You will not be disappointed at all.

Nathan Lincoln

Best place ive ever had bbq, love the mac-attack and the older style sodas available

chris ogrady

Omg the food was awesome Especially the boink balls. I had the brisket sandwich. It was cut a little thicker than I like, but tasty.

Louie Irizarry

Ordered the half chicken. The part of the wing that attaches to the breast was raw. The manager told me it was the smoke ring. We went back and forth until I put a white napkin to it and the blood was Visible. Lost 9 Customers.

Marc Murphy

The greatest BBQ I have ever had. I've tried to find better but never have.

Ajay Penemetsa

This is one of the best BBQ places in central CT/Hartford area. Well. I would also take it far enough to say in New England. The caveat is that it's the burnt ends that are phenomenal. If you are in Hartford are, definitely check this place out for it's burnt ends. If you don't like them, sure try the other stuff ... It is Kansas style BBQ.

Rhonda DeLeon

Food was excellent, nice place.

Michael Kleban

Two words, Burnt Ends. Get them. I've never tasted a better cut of meat. You'll thank me.

Derek Barnes

So good. The only downside is that when I eat lunch here, I need a nap.

Willard Dennis

First time customer. I just wanted a good meal but instead I got an experience an excellent one. I had the 1/2 rack baby back ribs with side of collard greens and Mac and cheese. The meal made me sit back and enjoy and savor each bite. It was that good. The ribs were tender and the collard greens were flavorful. The Mac and Cheese was also good.I will be back.

Jonathan Varga-Szabo

It's a good thing this place isn't any closer to me. Food was amazing, seating is adequate, "buffet line/cafeteria" style service counter makes me feel like I'm back in elementary school. This is not a tablecloth-silverware-wine-list sort of place. You order at the counter, it's put on a tray and handed to you. You bus your own table. $12 will get you an incredible meal. $15 will get you a meal you could easily share with someone. I'm talking nearly a pound of meat, and two GENEROUS sides. None of this single-ice-cream-scoop-of-coleslaw nonsense. Broccoli salad, despite what it sounds like, exceeded all my expectations. Sauces a bit on the sweet side, coleslaw too, but that's subjective. With that said, i recommend NOT asking for sauce at the counter, as all of the tables have additional sauce bottles, which include those offered at the counter. So you can sauce your meal as you see fit. It operates as efficiently as a fast food joint but its damn good food. Seating is kinda like a fast food joint, self-serve soda fountain, plastic utensils. Staff were exceedingly friendly. Unexpected. I thanked a young man after receiving my food, and instead of "sure," or just a grunt, I got back a full sentence "you're very welcome, enjoy!" On my way out, a worker was washing the window on the door, and she held it wide open for my party, and said "have a great day, thanks for coming!" Dining room is dominated by reds, browns, and a gigantic bear piñata. Place is clean, which is good since you're eating "bbq style" off of a sheet of paper on a metal cafeteria tray. Will definitely be going back again.

Johnny Rodriguez

Food is delicious! To the customer service is excellent!

T Remy

Just visiting area, what a SUPER dinner!! Can't go wrong here, wonderfully flavorful meats and sides!! The bear balls appetizer are huge and EXCELLENT! I want that recipe!! Great sweet potatoes and collard greens, and broccoli salad. Sure the other options are great too! Ribs fall off the bone, burnt ends good and juicy, turkey was moist, as well as pulled pork!! Visit this place soon and often! We are depressed that this great place isn't in Midwest...come to Western IL soon!!

Brian Sheehan

Best bbq in the state hands down

Sinddy de jesus

Great food, if you like smoked turkey and pulled pork this place is it. The two meat platter and sides are a must, save room for the dark chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Brandon Perry

Being from the South I WASN'T expecting much from a BBQ spot in Connecticut. I had the brisket sandwich, Mac and cheese, and onion rings. The brisket was cooked perfectly and the Mac and cheese was phenomenal. The only thing we do better are the rubs. My new favorite BBQ spot if I'm not in Kentucky!

Zack Wilson

Great food, no doubt. A little pricey but you get what you pay for. Love this "a la carte" style mixed with great food. So unexpected. Now having one in Windsor Locks by Bradley airport on rt.75, we dont have to go to Hartford just for Bear's. Atmosphere is good but a little bright. Also has a bar which is great.

Doug Johnson

They were out of ribs, the pulled meat was dry and tasteless. The people however, are great.

Zach Yeamans

Bear's never fails to hit the mark, if you like BBQ they're the best in town!

Wendy Taft

Food was incredible!! Will definitely make the trip to go there again!!

Shan Jiang

Cafeteria style BBQ that is pretty cheap. Food is pretty good and relaxed atmosphere.

Timothy Myers

Bear’s is located within walking walking distance of UConn’s school of business, so I guess they are drawing a bit of a collegiate crowd. Nothing wrong with that. The restaurant is laid out in such a way that you order your food at a counter, then take a tray with your purchase to a bench/table where you eat. You dispense your sodas yourself from a fountain in the middle of the restaurant. All very low key, and more than appropriate for a BBQ place (if a BBQ offers table service, you’d better be suspicious).

Sean Meehan

Food here is very good but very high price. Dinner for a family of 4 cost us over $50. I didn't find the value in the meal. Charging $3 for a soda was a bit high and you get nickeled and dimed. The redeeming quality is the food is very good.

Mary blaxland

The best mojitos I have ever had and the fried pickles are awesome! Not the usual soggy chip cut ones these are spears and breaded in high quality breading and still crunchy

Nathan B

Very good bbq! Bear balls were delicious. Drinks were very well prepared. None of his was overly priced. I would highly recommend this place.

Butch Cassidy

Dont listen to all the haters. This place is good. Yea it is cafeteria style but all my food was hot and really good. Is it the best BBQ I ever had, no, but if you want amazing BBQ go to Texas. Everything I got I couldn't stop eating. I highly recommend splitting the bear balls, you will not regret it. The price is on par for BBQ. It is also like 3 mins from airport, so it is an easy place to get in and out to eat for good food.

JL Robinson

I was with a party of 7 that was in a reserved area and we had a great experience overall, however the table service was slow initially but got better for the rest of the evening. Food was awesome.

Jonathan F

Delicious food, in a pleasant but otherwise bare bones establishments. Very worth visiting.

Andrew Gargano

Bear's has quickly become a BBQ staple in northern CT. The food is good but the help is fantastic, and it comes as no surprise. Jamie is often praised for his commitment to his employees and it shows in their work and customer service. I love the wings. I like the sausages and the ribs. Brisket has been hit or miss depending on the time of day. The Mac Attack is a huge plate and well worth the money. And for that, it is a best seller as well. All the locations are clean, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere. Expect cafeteria style ordering and payment, with table services for bar drinks requiring a second transaction unless you eat in the bar area (Bear Cave). I've never eaten in the bar area, but supposedly you order at the table and it is served to you. They feature a variety of sauces, and serve Hosmer's sodas (including birch beer!).

Chris Herrmann

Great wings, Mac and cheese was pretty solid as well. The place is a very legit BBQ place, so if you are into meats and comfort sides, this place is a treat to try. Great selection of sodas too !!

Tamara Y. Washington

So, um........ They categorize this place a cafeteria. I was raised in the deep south where barbecue is king. This place truly delivers as some of the best barbecue I've had. I don't think it's really fair to categorize it as a cafeteria. Cleanliness: The floors, the tables, the chairs were all very clean and the people that work there were is so extremely nice. Food: you have to try the moinks.... stay with me here for a second. It's a meatball wrapped in bacon and smoked. When I tell you that it is heaven, sunlight, a beach all wrapped into one on a little wooden skewer, topped with some wonderful barbecue sauce (I suggest in the spicy). The sides were also amazing. The broccoli salad it was not too saucy or creamy or cheesy. It's the perfect blend of all the ingredients. The collards were really great. If you're in the downtown Hartford area, please stop by and give this place a try.

Michelle Jackson

Amazing food. My normal is Mac & Cheese with Ribs.

ario phone

Best smoked beef I've ever tasted. My daughter loves their pork ribs.

Robin Eberhardt

Love their barbeque. Usually go there for the ribs hit the brisket is also really good. The best deal for me is the 2 or 3 meat combo that comes with two sides. Make sure you go there early, last time they ran out of ribs when I was there around 8.00pm.

Ryan Morahan

Fantastic food and beer here. They have both a cafeteria style serving area and a full service bar area.

Dennis Smith

Delicous BBQ joint in the heart of downtown Hartford. They serve up some really good smoked bbq that won't break the bank.

Bo Jackson

The Pulled Chicken Bear Claw is soo good. Bartenders also make great drinks! Bring your appetite because they give you huge portions.

Lube Ferrigno

Food is meh, service is good prices a bit high.

Yazmin Saldana

Food is delicious but my choice of chicken wasn't the best option.. my chicken was so dry and not so tasty.. but overall I will give them 5 cause everything else was delicious..

Hyacinth Nightshade

Food is precooked which I thought was weird. I was expecting a smoker on site and cooked to order but instead some sort of warmer with platters of meat. The Chicken was dry the brisket was ok. The sausage had some kick but was average. Too much sugar in everything tho. Fountain soda was undrinkable even the diet cola was way too sweet, coleslaw dressing too sweet and the sauces were too sweet. Overall just ok

Jamel Catoe

Amazing food and great atmosphere. Can't go wrong here.

Todd Matt

We stopped into Bear's this afternoon with the hope of some original and well prepared Kansas city barbecue. I say hope because Bear's can be hit or miss. The last few times a miss. Today we selected Burnt ends, and Brisket. These selections along with ribs are the true test of a good barbecue joint. As soon as the server placed the brunt end on the tray we knew they were tender and moist. The same was true for the brisket. Sides included broccoli salad, mac and cheese, plus some of the best baked beans this side of the Mississippi river. All selections this visit were top notch with just the right amount of rub and cooked perfectly. The salad was awesome, with the mac and cheese excellent. To top it off we each had a cup of ice cream from the Uconn dairy bar . . . a perfect ending. Today's visit provided some of the best 'cue one is going to find within a 100 miles. Put Bear's on your short list.

Rebecca Leeds

Food is absolutely amazing!! And the inside is so we'll designed. Really loved their pulled pork sandwich!

Cachie Rosa

Yummy yummy for my tummy the food was great. But they could of served move meat for the price I paid and the soda was not that great for my taste.

Nate Pickett

Best bbq in central CT! The Bear Attack is always my go-to, though I often need a nap after tackling that

ittybittytoast

Delicious and filling!!! Great service and big portions too

L G24

Great service loved it worth the drive

Stefanie Santos

Great food! Quick service! Would definitely recommend if you enjoy BBQ!

Gregg Goerlach

Excellent Barbeque. Never have had a bad meal there.

koohyar pooladvand

Love it! High quality and delicious! Are you a carnivore? This place appeases you. Though, not suitable for the climate change!

Tom Evans

Tons of food! Nice atmosphere. Mostly young professionals.

Brian M

Super reliable and tasty BBQ. Burnt ends, sliced brisket, BBQ beans. Can't go wrong.

Chris Ocampo

Great food and service

Jesse Haas

We waited in line for a half hour on Father's Day just for them to tell me that they are out of every meat except Turkey and sausage. all before 6pm I will never come here again or recommend

Dan Rogul

The pork is fair. The burnt ends are amazing! These are the fattest (or fatty-est) parts of the brisket and they are delicious. The taste is scrumptious. I'm looking forward to getting back here. The lines get slightly ridiculous during lunch and dinner hours. So plan accordingly.

Marcia Stephenson

Meat was good. Sides have no flavor. Veggies are bitter and no taste. Mac and cheese dosen't taste like cheese.

Saeryn Wilcoxen

Figure out what you want ahead of time, especially at lunch. Decent selection of beers and such. Food and sauces are phenomenal.

Bruce McClure

This is an easy review...Bear's is the shizzzz. I've eaten here so many times, I cannot even begin to count the number. And each time, it's been fantastic. The new digs are wonderful and comfy. Local soda, local ice cream offered, too. And Jamie is, from all accounts, a pillar in the community. Sauces are GF, so my bride (who has Celiac's Disease) can eat here. Top notch!

Daisy Winkler

Enjoyable meal before our show at the Bushnell. Food is served cafeteria style. My mom had the chicken and brisket combo, while I had the burnt ends and turkey combo. Meals came with two sides. Each was flavorful. My only suggestion would be to not include the cornbread as a "side" and include it with each meal instead.

M Coates

Meh. Ribs were good, as was the pulled pork. All the sides sucked, aside from the beans. Corn bread was cold and hard. Beef ribs were decent. It’s a cafeteria style corporate BBQ joint. Wouldn’t go back due to price vs quality of experience ratio. Staff was very pleasant though.

Elio Ricci

Awesome place, excellent food, great service from order to clean up.

Heather Hansen

Amazing food!!! Great drinks!!! Easy affordable parking right next door. Terrific customer service.

Jessica T

Quick and tasty lunch while attending a conference nearby. Convenient and less stressful with time constraints due to ordering cafeteria style rather than being waited on.

Amanda Histand

Passed through here on my way to Boston. I ordered the pork BBQ sandwich with fries. The fries were quite greasy, but overall a very tasty meal.

John Sponauer

Best BBQ in Connecticut. Brisket is amazing, sides are awesome, staff always friendly and helpful.

L C

Awesome food. That salad with turkey was delicious

elena crespo

The 2 meat combo is amazing!

Jeruscha Whilby

Lots of food for a reasonable price

Raymond Bailey

The place is awesome family friendly and great food.

Kelsey Winiarski

Excellent brisket! The staff was helpful in picking something to eat. I ended up getting a brisket sandwich- brisket was tender and the bun was squishy. Some of the brisket was a little fatty but it was overall good. The only issue I have with this place is the pop, they don't have coke or Pepsi but their own brand, which is fine, but the pop that I got tasted like cleaning chemicals from both machines. Overall worth the visit but I'd recommend skipping getting pop with your meal.

Maik B

Nice BBQ Food, very good. Always friendly stuff. Nice Decoration but the Comfort is not so good for long. Conclusion: Recommendation for an visit.

Kevin Arango

Best bbq I've ever had! Great quality meats, very flavorful.

dolly jones

This place is amazing. From the design, food and service. I love it all. We visited the one in Hartford. It was our first time here. We had enough food to bring home. One thing I noticed and it's not just this place, food servers are not wearing HAIR NETS. And the hair is getting longer and longer.

Julie Christianson

I'm a vegetarian and I still like this place. The food is excellent, and there are things for vegetarians and even vegans to eat. The salads are incredibly generous portions and are filling before any of the meats are added. It is more than a meal with meat.

thickchick761

This has been my favorite spot for the last 6 years, when they were just a whole in the wall. Now, they have grown and the recipes may be the same, but the taste isn't. However, burnt ends will ALWAYS be our favorite.

Shirley Webb

The restaurant is within walking distance of the Connecticut Convention Center. There was a lunch special which offered 2 choices of meat, 2 sides, and drink. It was quite a bit of food, and we had enough takeout for another meal. The set up is buffet style, although the staff serves the choices. The ribs were excellent, another excellent choice was the chopped turkey sandwich. Collard greens and sweet potatoes were very good. There was no seafood, but a non-meat lover can get a good vegetarian meal.

Lily Bartel

Great food and service. Love that they have Uconn Dairy Bar ice cream!!!

Laura Jennette

Food was reasonably priced and delicious. Staff was helpful and restrooms were clean. The honey butter on the cornbread is AMAZING. I also really enjoyed the brisket! We had a lot of leftovers with the family meal (with 4 adults)

David Connors

Food was delicious. Really hit the spot.

Nancy Eve Dalin-Peters

Wow! I stopped in Hartford on road trip and picked Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue from an online search. Trust all the 5-star reviews -- this place is phenomenal. From the "moinkballs," meatballs wrapped in bacon, to the moist brisket and perfectly charred burnt ends, not one thing we ate wasn't delicious. There was very little wait, the staff was helpful, and we found parking right in front. Great for groups!