Ashley Gendron
I felt compelled to write a review because anyone with toddlers knows how going to a restaurant can be a toss up! What a gem this place is- we went for an early dinner on a Saturday night (have been meaning to stop in forever now), and saw the great outdoor set up. First win for us with our kiddos in tow! It was the perfect spot for us to set up shop and actually be able to finish our drinks 😀 Much to our (very pleased) surprise, the kids menu came with WikiStix!! (little toys for the kids). I mean, I ended up playing with them more than they did, but come on! That little gesture goes a long way when we live in a world where bringing kids to dinner is a bit looked down upon. Second win! Then we get to the menu and the options for kids were just perfect for those classic picky eaters. Not to mention the prices- I get so frustrated seeing menus where the kids menu is $15/$16 for a kids meal- $7.99 was the next win for us. I almost wanted to ask our waitress if she babysat because she just had a way with talking to my kids and was so kind and genuine.
I’ve told friends all about our experience and I want to make this a weekly (ok maybe monthly with kids) place to go!
Thank you Muddy River for allowing me a relatively, dare I say….easy, meal with my family!
… moreDirector Norwell COA
My husband and I just stopped in for a late lunch on our way home from Maine. Muddy River Smokehouse came up on our search for BBQ, so we made a 15 minute detour at Portsmouth to check it out. Best choice!! He had a full rack of ribs that were meaty, tender and fell off the bone. They were perfect without sauce, but the sauce was tasty too. I had the brisket Mac & Cheese, a perfect balance and flavorful. We had plenty of leftovers and are sure they’ll be just as good. Our server (Grace? – the musician) was very friendly and attentive. The place was clean, homey and a great playlist. It’s obvious that they have a great local following. We are so glad we stopped and found this BBQ gem! This will be one of our regular stops now when we’re travelling.
… moreDerek w
This place is more off a bar than anything. The sauce was good. Brisket was definitely under cooked. Pork belly taste like a slab of good bacon. I expected a chunk not a thin slice. Im pretty sure the beens are bush backed beens ribs are ok fatty and reminded me of frozen and microwaved. 84$ was over priced.
… moreShirley Glines
We started our Valentine’s Day Weekend dinner plans at Tuckaway Tavern, but they had a 2 1/2 hour wait which we weren’t up for. So, after typing in “Restaurants near me” in a search, saw that there was another smokehouse 11 1/2 miles away in Newfields, NH. The reviews made us hopeful and curious, so we drove there. The Muddy River Smokehouse was a divine intervention! Every bit of our experience there was excellent! The smoked turkey and smoked brisket were perfection, as was every other item on our platters. The cornbread is a touch sweet and so, so delicious! Our server Jackson was prompt, helpful, and kind. The restrooms were spotless. The atmosphere was relaxed, music can be heard but the perfect volume. We are smitten and will gladly go back there often.
… moreZach Moruzzi
Found this place on the way home from a camping trip and Im glad I did. Incredible service from Sue as soon as we walked in. A very friendly and helpful waitress. I got the pulled pork and brisket with 2 sides. The brisket was one of, if not the best I’ve ever had. Pulled pork, sides and everything else were delicious. The atmosphere was perfect for a bbq style restaurant and I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
… moreJoseph Fredericks
This is THE place in the Seacoast area to go for Barbecue. The smoked meats are the GOAT! Can’t beat the service — fantastic. All in all, it’s an easy decision, just go and eat!
… moreDeanna Anthony
We tried Muddy River for the first time and we’re really happy with our experience. We planned to go to Tuckaway and, after hearing there was a 2.5hr wait, we looked for another option. It couldn’t have worked out better because we wound up here and weren’t mad about it in the slightest! We got right in. The place has a great vibe and cozy atmosphere. Service was attentive and quick. It smells amazing in there and all the food was awesome and smokey. We got the wings, ribs and burger and we were pumped about all of it! There were so many other things on the menu that caught our eye, so we’ll be back to taste test more very soon!
… moresamuel romanov
If I could give this place 15 out of 10, I would!
Muddy River Smokehouse is hands down my favorite smokehouse—not just in New England, but anywhere. I’ve driven over 1 hour to eat here, and if that doesn’t tell you how good it is, I don’t know what will.
The first thing that stands out is their Fresh from the Grill Big Board. If you’re stopping by, do not miss it. It’s loaded with various freshly grilled and smoked meats that are incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection. If you’re not up for the full board, any item from the grill is still well worth your time and money.
I’ve tried smokehouses all over—Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, even as far as New Braunfels, Texas, Virginia and Tennessee. Out of all of them, Muddy River ranks number one, with the New Braunfels spot coming in second. Even my sister, who lived in Texas and has been to some of the state’s best, agrees—Muddy River could hold its own in Texas and still come out ahead. If you’re into smoky drinks that match the soul of the food, do yourself a favor and order an Old Fashioned made with 10-year-old Laphroaig. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience. It has that deep, earthy-smoky character—think the smell of a campfire or a backyard grill with family, wood smoke in the air, laughter in the background, and that feeling of being fully present in the moment. It’s the kind of drink that captures something timeless, like a summer night spent cooking over fire and sharing stories. It doesn’t just pair with the food—it’s cut from the same cloth. Bold, nostalgic, and full of character.
All things considered, this is my #1 smokehouse in New England, and quite possibly anywhere. Amazing food, great drinks, and worth every mile of the trip.
… morePierre Lanthier
Had a great family outing, shared a Big Board amongst 5 along with fried pickles, wings and tasty cocktails. Kai (staffs 5 yr old son) was gracious host showing us to our table!!!! Staff were great, food outstanding and great atmosphere.
… moreCleo Huggins
I loved the brisket, ribs, coleslaw, smoked Mac and cheese, pulled pork, pork belly, cornbread and the bloody mary, smoked cheese cake, wings, and fried pickles – if we had a bigger group, I would have tried more things. Based on how excellent everything was, I would have loved the whole menu. Fun cozy atmosphere, very nice and attentive staff. Bar area with TV’s that aren’t in your face showing sports and old movies. Booth-like bench and high tops near the bar and an entire cozy upstairs looking down on the first floor. Plus an extensive outdoor patio. They have serious set ups for horseshoes, and other lawn sports. This would be a great place to spend your summer and a fine spot to pass long winter evenings.
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