Beale Street BBQ

Beale Street BBQ owner Mark Quigg once operated a takeout grill on Route 1 outside Freeport, but author Stephen King got wind of his cooking; soon he was catering movie shoots, joining forces with his two brothers, and the Quiggs have never looked back. Of the barbecue joints in Maine, this is probably my favorite, with an appealing roadhouse atmosphere, friendly staff, and great smoked meats. Check the board for intriguing daily specials, which usually include a fish preparation as well as Creole or Cajun offerings; I also like the barbecue sampler ("All You Really Need to Know About BBQ"), which entitles you to a choice of pulled pork, chicken, or beef brisket; sweet, crunchy cornbread; a half slab of ribs; a quarter chicken; delicious spicy smoked links that remind me of east Texas; and a mound of barbecued beans and coleslaw. Two people could comfortably split it. There's another, fancier location (tel. 207/442-9514) at 215 Water St., in the town of Bath, a half-hour north up U.S. Route 1, also open daily and until late.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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