This Local Maine Restaurant Has the Best BBQ in the State

Maine has loads of great BBQ joints, but this one, in particular, is apparently the best in our entire Pine Tree State.

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While our state may not be necessarily 'famous' for barbecue, we still appreciate a good BBQ meal. While we might not match the expertise of Kansas City, the Carolinas, Memphis, and Texas, known for their own distinct styles, we can still get in on the action up here in our neck of the woods.

Mainers know how to savor smoked meat just as much as anyone else. Who doesn't love a delicious BBQ, no matter where it comes from?

That being said, as silly as it may sound, is it ‘barbecue,’ ‘barbeque,’ or ‘BBQ?’ What is MOST correct?

Well, according to an article from Reader’s Digest, the difference between ‘barbecue’ and ‘barbeque’ is primarily a matter of spelling evolution and regional preference. Both spellings are considered acceptable, with ‘barbecue’ being more prevalent.

The spelling ‘barbeque’ likely came from the French phrase ‘barbe à queue,’ meaning "whiskers to tail," describing the roasting of an entire pig. While the abbreviation ‘BBQ’ is based on the pronunciation of the word, not the spelling.

So now that we have those formalities out of the way, how does one even determine what makes the BBQ at a restaurant ‘the best?’

To determine ‘The Best BBQ Spot in Every State,’ the publication 24/7 Tempo conducted a thorough analysis of reviews and ratings from various city, regional, and state websites. They compiled a shortlist of the most highly acclaimed BBQ establishments and then used editorial discretion to select the final choices.

24/7 Tempo focused on independent restaurants and avoided chains in their selection process. As described in their article, the chosen restaurants typically offer a variety of traditional BBQ meats such as ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Many of the selected establishments also incorporate local or personal flavors by offering unexpected sides or other dishes.

With all of this being said, what is the best BBQ spot in Maine?

The choice for the best BBQ spot in Maine, according to 24/7 Tempo, is Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill in South Portland.

24/7 Tempo had the following to say about Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill,

Longtime barbecue lovers Jeremy Rush and Adam Powers set up shop in 2013. All the usual meats are offered, with most of them involved in the Elsmere Tornado Sandwich — chopped brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and Texas Red BBQ sauce on a toasted pretzel bun with coleslaw. More unconventional menu items, for (a) ‘cue place, include barbecued oysters, Caesar salad, and a black bean burger.

What are your thoughts on 24/7 Tempo’s pick for the best BBQ spot in Maine? Have you ever been?