I love BBQ but can’t enjoy it as often as I’d like as the wifey isn’t big on meat. That’s what made this place so special, their BBQ Tofu. The game changer if you will. Along with that we got the smoked turkey and of course pulled pork. Side of Mac n’ cheese and pit beans. Delicious for dinner, and delicious 3 hours later as a snack. Came for my birthday and was not disappointed.
Overview
If you're looking for a place in Burlington, VT, that offers mouthwatering barbecue, Bluebird Barbecue should be at the top of your list. Located at 317 Riverside Ave., this vibrant spot brings a modern twist to classic BBQ, drawing both locals and visitors with its irresistible flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
Walking into Bluebird Barbecue, you'll immediately feel a sense of warmth, both in the décor and the smell of sizzling meats. Whether you're craving tender ribs, juicy pulled pork, or perfectly smoked brisket, the restaurant delivers on all fronts. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, each cooked low and slow to achieve that perfect smoky flavor. They also offer delicious sides, including mac and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw, making it a complete dining experience.
What truly sets Bluebird Barbecue apart is their commitment to quality ingredients. Their meats are sourced from local farms, ensuring they serve only the best cuts of meat, and everything is cooked on-site. The team at Bluebird Barbecue takes pride in their process, using a blend of traditional techniques and innovative approaches to barbecue. The slow-smoking process over hardwoods creates deep, rich flavors that you simply can't find at chain restaurants.
The atmosphere is casual, making it an ideal spot for both family gatherings and casual nights out with friends. The friendly staff adds to the charm, providing a service that is as warm and inviting as the food. Plus, the open kitchen lets you see the chefs at work, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Whether you're sitting at the bar enjoying a craft beer or lounging at a table with family, there's a real sense of community here.
As for drinks, Bluebird Barbecue has a solid selection of local craft beers, which pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the barbecue. They also offer a variety of signature cocktails and soft drinks, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.
Customer reviews for Bluebird Barbecue are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the exceptional taste and tender meats. People rave about the perfectly balanced rubs and the smoky aroma that fills the air as soon as you walk in. The portions are generous, making it great value for money, especially considering the quality of the food.
The restaurant also stands out for its eco-conscious approach. They focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and minimizing waste whenever possible. This commitment to environmental responsibility resonates well with patrons who care about the planet while enjoying their favorite BBQ.
For those looking for a special event space, Bluebird Barbecue offers catering services, making it a perfect choice for everything from family reunions to corporate events. The team is always happy to work with clients to customize the menu for any occasion, ensuring guests are delighted by the flavorful dishes.
Located in the heart of Burlington, Bluebird Barbecue isn't just a restaurant-it's a gathering place for those who love great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and an overall fantastic dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving some of the best barbecue around.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1250 reviews
I'm a BHS student, and this is week 7 of my Student Eateries Series It's halloween, and I'm craving some intense flavored goodies and a very cozy spot to enjoy my dinner. This was the perfect spot for it! The atmosphere was insane, and very cozy! I sat at a booth near the window, and I can see a stunning view of the Winooski River from where I'm sitting, top tier atmosphere! The music was also calm, and I feel really relaxed inside the restaurant. The service was incredible. My server was great, asked if I needed anything, and very friendly. Nothing more to say about it! The food was definitely the star of the show. I ordered a large beef brisket accompanied with pickles. The flavor was GREAT! The brisket has that smoked flavor, and the sauces are excellent. It's a REQUIREMENT to add the sauce to the beef brisket for that awesome flavor. One thing I really liked about the beef briskets are the fats of the beef brisket (they are usually around the edges of the beef brisket), it's really soft and tender, and is the best part of the entire beef brisket! The pickles are good too, full of flavor, and very good paired with beef, Although the portion size may seem small, it was very fulfilling for me. Do not underestimate the portion sizes! Overall, this restaurant hosts an excellent atmosphere, calm and relaxing. The service is also incredible! The food was the star of the show, having that smoked flavor, and the sauces is an excellent edition to the food. This restaurant may not accept Apple Pay This restaurant accepts cash
What a delight to find this place 5 minutes from Burlington! 5 delicious sauces on the side to choose from: flavours based on mango, ketchup, mustard/vinegar, sweet/hot, mild/sour. The smoky meat was to die for. The seating in the back is covered, yet open to the outdoors and nearby river. We just don't do BBQ like this in Europe, or it hard to find. I was very happy!
So good!! Locals all recommended this place as well as seeing it on food network. I’m not a big bbq eater but the seasoning and texture of the meat was perfect, all the sides were ordered were SO good. My husband and I finished this with a dessert in minutes and wanted more, wish we had this place nearby!
Cool spot for bbq in Vermont. Beef brisket sandwich is better than the pulled pork in my opinion. The poutine is a must. I wish they had the brisket ramen though. Staff is friendly and kind. Definitely should stop by if you’re in the area.
A motorcycle ride around Lake Chaplain is a must when starting off the riding season. More to this, a spin across the beautiful city of Burlington, Vermont, brings me without hesitation to the Winoosky side. This is where you will find, by the cliff over the Winoosky river, the so ever popular Blue Bird BBQ. The smoke house offers home made smoked beef, turkey, pork and ribs to dream about, just to name a few. I just love the opened terasse at the back, with the view on a calmer side of the river, the birds chirping around at the distance, a calm breeze breaking through. A place at the bar is also very comfy. All meals come with a pretty good list of sides, from coleslaw, baked potatoes and fries to brocolis the size of a small car. The beer list is acceptable, but the choice of wines limited. Staff is friendly, professional and efficient. Do come early or rather make a reservation as the place packs up quickly.
Bluebird BBQ gave us one of the most welcoming and heartwarming dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the service truly set the tone for the entire meal. Our server, Brittany, was absolutely fantastic—so kind, attentive, and genuine. She took such amazing care of us, making sure we had everything we needed and even engaging in great conversation that made us feel right at home. It’s rare to find a place where the service feels this personal and thoughtful—this is exactly how restaurants should be. And the food? Simply unforgettable. Everything came out incredibly fast and was piping hot, fresh, and beyond drool-worthy. The ribs and brisket were hands-down the best we’ve ever had, cooked to perfection with incredible flavor. And then there was the warm maple cornbread with maple butter… it melted in our mouths and felt like a little bite of heaven. As visitors from Virginia Beach who’ve tried our fair share of BBQ, we can confidently say Bluebird BBQ tops the list. We’ll absolutely be back next time we’re in town. Keep up the amazing work—your service and food are a true standout!
Very convenient location, plenty of parking The staff are super nice and the service is quick Now food. We got the Family Reunion meal since wanted the chance to taste everything (feeds 4-6 people...There were 3 of us, so had plenty of leftovers to go). Meats Brisket - so soft it melts in your mouth Ribs- very flavourful Pulled pork - nice and moist Turkey - surprisingly good, goes well with the apple sauce Chicken - good flavor but a bit dry Sides Mac& cheese - Oh-My-God it was so good Fries- nice and crispy Calslaw - very light Beans - very flavourful Apple sauce - very good,not sweet, great pearing for the chicken/turkey Pickles - have a nice kick And it all comes with some toasted fluffy bread I washed is down with some maple lemonade wich wasn't too sweet which was nice All and all 10/10, do not skip if you are in the area