🔥Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: 5 of Upstate NY's Real BBQ Spots
- Hudson Valley Happenings
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
🔥 HVH’s Top 5 BBQ Joints in New York You Have to Try Forget what you thought you knew about great BBQ—New York is packing serious heat. From farm-smoked brisket in the Hudson Valley to retro gas station meat temples and beer-garden rib royalty, we’ve rounded up five mom-and-pop BBQ joints that are blowing smoke in all the best ways. No chains, no shortcuts—just real-deal pitmaster passion and finger-lickin’ flavors.
Whether you're road-tripping with your crew or just craving a destination-worthy bite, these spots bring the fire. Let’s dig in.
Modena, NY
At John Fazio Farms BBQ, it doesn’t get more farm-to-smoker than this. This Modena gem is run by the Fazio family, who not only cook the BBQ but raise the animals themselves (Well the Chickens, Ducks, and Rabbits at least)—hormone-free, pasture-raised, and smoked to perfection right on the farm. The moment you pull up to the rustic barn and smell the apple wood rolling out of the smokehouse, you know you’re about to eat something real.
What sets John Fazio apart isn’t just the freshness—it’s the soul. Their brisket comes slathered in house gravy (yes, gravy) and melts in your mouth with every bite. Their pulled pork and dry-rubbed ribs hit that balance of tender, smoky, and just the right amount of chew. This is the kind of BBQ that tastes like someone woke up at 4 a.m. to make sure it would be perfect—and they did.
With a no-frills, all-flavor setup and a loyal local following, Fazio Farms BBQ is a pilgrimage-worthy destination. Don’t forget to grab their house-made sauces and fresh eggs to go.
Highlights:
True farm-to-BBQ experience
Rustic outdoor barn seating
Sauces and meats available for purchase
Family-run operation
Seasonal hours—call ahead
Contact:
1836 Route44/55,
Modena, NY
(845) 883-4100
Newburgh, NY
If you're craving true pitmaster passion with a Hudson Valley twist, Handsome Devil delivers fire on a plate. Founded by Ed Randolph—Food Network–recognized BBQ champ—the team slow-smokes all-natural meats over wood sourced from local orchards. The result? Ribs and brisket with deep smoke flavor and bark that bites back.
What sets Handsome Devil apart is that hunger-meets-craft philosophy. Whether you’re digging into their classic Southern-style ribs or loading up on specialty sausages and housemade sauces, every bite feels intentional—like a high-five for your taste buds. The casual vibe, quick service, and community-first mindset make it more than a meal—it’s a local celebration.
With two convenient Hudson Valley locations (Newburgh & Poughkeepsie), a killer sauce shop, and BBQ catering that’s made waves at festivals and weddings, Handsome Devil is about flavor, family, and flames. Don’t miss the chaotic-good lineup of sides—smoked mac & cheese, collards, and the kind of baked beans that deserve their own fan club.
Highlights:
Award-winning, wood-smoked BBQ
Two locations: Newburgh & Poughkeepsie
Housemade rubs, sauces & sausages available to go
Catering, food‑truck & festival-ready
Community-focused with first responders & family vibes
Contact:
3 Corwin Court,
Newburgh, NY
(845) 787‑4711
Peekskill, NY
There’s hot, and then there’s firehouse-hot. NY Firehouse Grille in Peekskill brings the heat in all the right ways—smoking ribs and brisket daily inside a historic 1900s firehouse-turned-BBQ haven. This place is as fun as it is flavorful, with over 70 wing flavors (yes, 70+!), massive platters, and rotating local beers on tap.
Their ribs are slow-smoked to fall-off-the-bone perfection and typically served wet or dry, with classic BBQ sauce for that deep, sticky finish. The brisket? Tender, juicy, and piled high. And don’t sleep on their infamous “Waiver Wings”—so hot, you literally have to sign a waiver before diving in. The firehouse décor, including a massive patch collection from first responders across the country, adds an extra layer of charm and community pride.
Founded by two brothers and built on community love, NY Firehouse Grille gives daily discounts to first responders, teachers, and military. It’s more than a BBQ joint—it’s a local legend in the making.
Highlights:
Historic firehouse setting
70+ unique wing flavors
In-house smoker for ribs & brisket
First responder patch collection
Full bar with draft beer
First responder & teacher discounts
Contact:
50 Welcher Ave,
Peekskill, NY
(914) 788-0808
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo might be best known for wings, but locals will tell you: the real MVP is @fatbobssmokehouse. Tucked into a cozy downtown side street, Fat Bob’s has been smoking up the scene since 1998. Their meats are smoked in-house daily, and their house rubs and sauces are the kind that’ll have you licking your fingers and the plate.
Their brisket is thick-sliced and barky with a smoke ring that tells you it’s been babied in the pit for hours. The ribs are award-winning for a reason—tender but not mushy, perfectly seasoned, and best dipped in their sweet heat sauce. Bonus: their mac & cheese is next-level, baked with gooey layers and crispy corners. Add a cold beer and you’re living the dream.
This spot blends laid-back vibes with consistent flavor, a full bar, and plenty of seating inside and out. Come as you are, leave with BBQ sauce on your shirt and zero regrets.
Highlights:
Full bar + house brews
Famous mac & cheese
Award-winning ribs & brisket
Indoor & patio seating
Buffalo classic since 1998
Contact:
41 Virginia Pl,
Buffalo, NY
(716) 887-2971
Bouckville, NY
Ray Brothers BBQ didn’t just win “Best Ribs in NY”—they earned it with wood-fired perfection, live music energy, and a beer garden that makes you want to stay all night. Founded by two brothers with a passion for real-deal BBQ, this spot is both a smokehouse and a hangout.
Their ribs are thick, tender, and kissed with just the right amount of char. Brisket is served by the pound and best paired with creamy slaw and a cold local beer. Their wood-fired smoker gives everything a deep, primal flavor—like BBQ should be. They’ve even got house-made pickles and sauces that round it all out beautifully.
In the summer, the real magic happens out back. Grab a seat on the lawn, watch a band take the stage, and dig into a tray of ribs while the sun sets. It’s more than dinner—it’s a full-on BBQ experience.
Highlights:
Wood-fired smoker, slow-cooked meats
Full bar + beer garden
Live outdoor music stage
Award-winning ribs
Family-owned & operated
Contact:
6474 US-20,
Bouckville, NY
(315) 893-7200
😋 So, what are you waiting for? Grab your napkins, cancel your salad plans, and fire up the GPS. These BBQ joints aren’t just meals—they’re meaty, smoky, saucy rites of passage. Whether you're a rib rookie or a brisket boss, this lineup is your all-access pass to the sauciest, smokiest bites New York has to offer. Let’s meat up!
With full bellies and BBQ dreams,
The HVH Team
