Who says you can’t find good barbecue north of the Mason-Dixon line? Not us. Here are some of our favorites:

Redbones
55 Chester St., Davis Square, Somerville
Why go? When it opened in 1987, Redbones was one of the only barbecue restaurants in the Northeast. It has remained one of the most popular because of its simply delicious food made from scratch by an expert “pitmaster,” who oversees the action in the restaurant’s open kitchen.

Blue Ribbon Barbecue
908 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington; and 1375 Washington St., West Newton
Why go? This suburban restaurant, inspired by the joints that line highways and back roads in the South, aims to bring those beloved flavors to Yankee customers. Entrees are slow-cooked over oak and hickory, meaning the meat is juicy and flavorful.

 

Village Smokehouse
1 Harvard St., Brookline
Why go? Not far from campus, this well-known restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue, with food cooked in an authentic open pit. Each meal comes with cornbread, beans and a side dish, so be sure you’re hungry before placing an order.

Smoken’ Joe’s
351 Washington St., Brighton
Why go? Not only does this Brighton spot have great food, it’s a lively hub for some of the city’s top blues musicians, who fill the small, colorful dining room with music that’s as good as the food.

BBQsmith
Weekdays on the Greenway at the Chinatown Gate and various locations across Boston on the weekend.
Why go? Yes, it’s true — some of the best barbecue around is in Chinatown. (Most of the time, at least.) This food truck, which stays put on weekdays and can be found in spots across the city on weekends, offers meals built for the road, promising plenty of flavor but none of the mess that comes with standard barbecue fare.

Mrs. Jones
2255 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, (617) 696-0180
Why go? This Lower Mills take-out only spot may not look like much, but the traditional soul food is simple and delicious. The mom-and-pop restaurant serves each meal with cornbread and two entrees, with most meals available for under $10.

Bison Country
275 Moody St., Waltham
Why go? The one problem with barbecue is that your vegetarian friends are usually stuck with cornbread and cole slaw. Not at Bison Country, though: on top of its carnivore-friendly menu, the restaurant has abundant offerings for vegetarians and those hoping to avoid gluten.