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Relaxed eatery with rustic decor, serving Texas-style barbecue such as ribs, brisket & pulled pork.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2 Badgers Island W, Kittery, ME 03904
Phone: (207) 703-2340
Website: https://www.orenellsbbq.com/?utm_campaign=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: orenellsbbq.comresy.com
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Related Web Results
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Reviews
Erica C
Stopped into Ore Nell’s after not coming back for a few years. We were happy to come back for my birthday dinner. The food is consistently delicious, and the service is excellent. We sat directly in front of the open kitchen – we love restaurants that have this feature because we get to see all the other food options.
We split a 1/4 rack of ribs and the pulled pork sandwich. The meat is tender across the board, and the ribs fell right off the bone. There is no need for additional BBQ sauce, although my husband LOVED the sauce and decided to take some extra home. The vegan queso & mac n’ cheese hit the spot and paired perfectly with the meats. They have a decent selection of craft cocktails & draft beers. I ordered the Willie Hank – while flavorful, it was a bit weak in terms of alcohol content. Overall, the food is fantastic and reasonably priced. We will return time and time again.
… moreWe split a 1/4 rack of ribs and the pulled pork sandwich. The meat is tender across the board, and the ribs fell right off the bone. There is no need for additional BBQ sauce, although my husband LOVED the sauce and decided to take some extra home. The vegan queso & mac n’ cheese hit the spot and paired perfectly with the meats. They have a decent selection of craft cocktails & draft beers. I ordered the Willie Hank – while flavorful, it was a bit weak in terms of alcohol content. Overall, the food is fantastic and reasonably priced. We will return time and time again.
Jireh H.
Freezing cold weather and good ol’BBQ is something I’ve never associated together. Never thought I would until this last trip. How exactly do you fare against the elements to maintain the proper heat and smoke levels outdoors during this time of the year to yield perfectly smoked meats? What kind of insulation do you have? Or are you just crazy enough to do it indoors and trust that the exhaust vents are reliable enough to prevent you from carbon monoxide poisoning? Don’t know but I will definitely ask next time.
Obviously, I’ll leave it to the pitmasters of northeast to have figured it all out just to keep the product available mostly year round. There is a good following for well prepared brisket, pork, and chicken so if there is a will, there is a way to provide exactly what loyal customers are willing to trek through ice and snow for! Not to mention, to quench their thirst in a way that warms up the soul with their nice selection of drinks.
(NOTE: Is it as good as the “true” BBQ states? No. Is it a portal to what those states have to offer? Yes. Is it worth visiting when in the area? Absolute YES.)
It’s a cute little spot. Comfy and warm and inviting. The staff are not only friendly but VERY polite. You’d feel right at home immediately from the moment you enter. Now that’s something you’d expect in the South.
As for the food, I was here more as a pitstop than a proper meal but still decided to order the “BBQ for two” since that provided a quick sampling of their primary cuts. Figured if it was too much, I’d pack it; if too little, I’d order the half chicken next or something else that beckons whatever carvings hit next. I must admit that while they sing high praises of their brisket, which was quite good when it came out (it cooled down too quickly), their pulled pork was the *tonguegasmic* homerun for me. It was so juicy, perfectly seasoned that it trumped both the brisket and ribs IMHO. The collards were different from what I’m used to but delightful. And the mac and cheese? Divine. No way you can go wrong with Cabot cheese!
All in all, I’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to be back when in the area again. Definitely recommend anyone to at least visit when around town!
… moreObviously, I’ll leave it to the pitmasters of northeast to have figured it all out just to keep the product available mostly year round. There is a good following for well prepared brisket, pork, and chicken so if there is a will, there is a way to provide exactly what loyal customers are willing to trek through ice and snow for! Not to mention, to quench their thirst in a way that warms up the soul with their nice selection of drinks.
(NOTE: Is it as good as the “true” BBQ states? No. Is it a portal to what those states have to offer? Yes. Is it worth visiting when in the area? Absolute YES.)
It’s a cute little spot. Comfy and warm and inviting. The staff are not only friendly but VERY polite. You’d feel right at home immediately from the moment you enter. Now that’s something you’d expect in the South.
As for the food, I was here more as a pitstop than a proper meal but still decided to order the “BBQ for two” since that provided a quick sampling of their primary cuts. Figured if it was too much, I’d pack it; if too little, I’d order the half chicken next or something else that beckons whatever carvings hit next. I must admit that while they sing high praises of their brisket, which was quite good when it came out (it cooled down too quickly), their pulled pork was the *tonguegasmic* homerun for me. It was so juicy, perfectly seasoned that it trumped both the brisket and ribs IMHO. The collards were different from what I’m used to but delightful. And the mac and cheese? Divine. No way you can go wrong with Cabot cheese!
All in all, I’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to be back when in the area again. Definitely recommend anyone to at least visit when around town!
Abi
Service:
We found Ore Nell’s Barbecue randomly while driving around and decided to stop since parking was easy and the happy hour looked appealing. We sat at the bar and were attended to quickly. Ordering from the happy hour menu was straightforward. While the bartender took our orders promptly, he was a bit nonchalant when asked for drink recommendations, which made the experience feel less engaging.
Taste:
We ordered the Brussels sprouts from the happy hour menu, and the serving was impressively large and very delicious. We also tried the 1/4 brisket, which had good flavor, and the sauces paired nicely with the meat. The drinks, especially the CBS addition, were interesting, but the old fashioned my partner ordered was poorly made, which was disappointing.
Ambiance:
The restaurant had a relaxed, casual atmosphere that made it easy to drop in without much planning. Sitting at the bar was comfortable, and the space felt like a typical barbecue spot suited for quick bites or casual hangouts.
Overall Review:
Ore Nell’s Barbecue was a convenient and decent stop with tasty food and a solid happy hour, though the drink quality and service at the bar could be better. It’s a good quick spot if you’re in the area, but nothing particularly memorable.
… moreWe found Ore Nell’s Barbecue randomly while driving around and decided to stop since parking was easy and the happy hour looked appealing. We sat at the bar and were attended to quickly. Ordering from the happy hour menu was straightforward. While the bartender took our orders promptly, he was a bit nonchalant when asked for drink recommendations, which made the experience feel less engaging.
Taste:
We ordered the Brussels sprouts from the happy hour menu, and the serving was impressively large and very delicious. We also tried the 1/4 brisket, which had good flavor, and the sauces paired nicely with the meat. The drinks, especially the CBS addition, were interesting, but the old fashioned my partner ordered was poorly made, which was disappointing.
Ambiance:
The restaurant had a relaxed, casual atmosphere that made it easy to drop in without much planning. Sitting at the bar was comfortable, and the space felt like a typical barbecue spot suited for quick bites or casual hangouts.
Overall Review:
Ore Nell’s Barbecue was a convenient and decent stop with tasty food and a solid happy hour, though the drink quality and service at the bar could be better. It’s a good quick spot if you’re in the area, but nothing particularly memorable.
Karl Bennett
Kevin was very attentive and detailed, despite handling multiple guests and bar service by himself. He recommended getting the Jalapeño Honey Cornbread with the chili, which was an excellent choice.
All the meats on the platter for 2 were excellent, as were the 3 sides. Best were the brisket, followed by the ribs. I neglected to ask for Texas napkins (white bread) and should have, especially with the pork. Will definitely be visiting again!
… moreAll the meats on the platter for 2 were excellent, as were the 3 sides. Best were the brisket, followed by the ribs. I neglected to ask for Texas napkins (white bread) and should have, especially with the pork. Will definitely be visiting again!
Sophy Vuong
We visited Ore Nell’s Barbecue on a quiet Monday evening. And while the atmosphere and staff were nice, all of the meats were very dry in our Tray for two bbq platter. The size of the platter was more than enough to feed two and try a bit of everything. The meat tasted good but needed the extra sauce, which we enjoyed the spicier bbq sauce more. The mac n cheese was creamy and we enjoyed the nicely acidic collard greens. The corn bread was really delicious, would highly recommend that. Overall, our meal was okay but the meat was a bit underwhelming as the star of the show.
… moreCraig Coburn
The barbecue for two was great. It was plenty of food. The corn bread was awesome. The ribs may be the best I’ve ever had. Brisket and pork were good. They have a sweet sauce and a spicier sauce. I really liked the spicy one. Our only minor complaint was parking. Service was great. A small but good beer selection.
… moreNathaniel Ray
We have probably driven by here a couple dozen times, we finally stopped here and were treated to some very fresh and extremely delicious Q. Portions were generous and everything cooked to perfection. We went in on a Friday afternoon for a light lunch and left needing a nap. All I can say is I hope this place stays afloat and is around for years to come.
… moreDaniel Bentall
Brisket was disappointing, I’m hoping I just caught them on a bad day and look forward to giving them another shot. Having recently moved from Texas I was really looking forward to this place, overall it is good, but fell short in my opinion in some areas. Pork ribs and pulled pork were great, would highly recommend. Cornbread was just bad, a little too burnt, odd flavoring, and very dry on the ol palate. The Mac and cheese was pretty good, can’t go wrong with Vermont cheddar. Pickles were great, nice touch. Look forward to going back.
… moreMac
I was born and raised in Texas.
I’m choosing to believe they had an off day.
The brisket was fine, not cooked all the way, as the pink part was cold when it came out. (Actually, most of our food was cold the minute it hit the table).
The frito pie needs work. Half a tub of sour cream and flavorless beans is not it. Y’all need to go to Lone Star in Cambridge and try their’s. They reincarnated our childhood with that one.
The cashew queso was also seasoned strangely. I make this all the time, but mine is smooth and resembles the typical queso flavor profile. (Needs more nutritional yeast, some turmeric, some chili powder, and a splash more water).
We didn’t get the bread, which is a must. Not that it mattered, because we split the 1/4 pound and received one slice of brisket (which was supposedly the 1/4 pound).
The staff was lovely. Mainers remind me of Texans in the best way possible.
Overall, it wasn’t worth the drive from Boston and I really hope they were just having an off day.
… moreI’m choosing to believe they had an off day.
The brisket was fine, not cooked all the way, as the pink part was cold when it came out. (Actually, most of our food was cold the minute it hit the table).
The frito pie needs work. Half a tub of sour cream and flavorless beans is not it. Y’all need to go to Lone Star in Cambridge and try their’s. They reincarnated our childhood with that one.
The cashew queso was also seasoned strangely. I make this all the time, but mine is smooth and resembles the typical queso flavor profile. (Needs more nutritional yeast, some turmeric, some chili powder, and a splash more water).
We didn’t get the bread, which is a must. Not that it mattered, because we split the 1/4 pound and received one slice of brisket (which was supposedly the 1/4 pound).
The staff was lovely. Mainers remind me of Texans in the best way possible.
Overall, it wasn’t worth the drive from Boston and I really hope they were just having an off day.
Maureen Glidden
My belly is so warm and full now. Everything was great. The ribs were so good they did not need any sauce. The flour less German chocolate cake was warm and so delicious. I have found a new great place to dine in my own town.
… more