Open Pit Barbecue, Dry Aged Steaks (in house with an open window to see), Craft Cocktail and Bourbon bar. We make our own sausage and grind our own burgers, real food! We do a little bit of everything, come inside just to take a look you won’t be disappointed!
Based on 747 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery
Address:
1388 E Main St, Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 440-1600
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
Menu
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Reviews
D. Matthew Powell
We stopped on a Wednesday evening. Upon arrival, we were apprehensive. It’s a small place attached to the side of an Ace Hardware. Very small seating area; however, we got the last table. We ordered 2 meat platters with 2 sides. We got the Bacon Pops (WOW) I’ve never had deep fried bacon and I’m hoping to find it somewhere again. All the meats were amazing. The portions were huge. We took half of the meals home and had them for lunch the next day and still couldn’t eat it all. I have nothing bad to say about our experience here. We had pulled chicken, brisket, ribs and the apple cheddar sausage, beans, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. None of us complained about any of it. Keep up the good work here. A lot of 2 meat platters are served with reduced portions of 2 meats; however, not here, they gave us huge portions of both meats that were ordered. Give it a try. Not sure how seating will be on a weekend or busy night so you may want to call ahead to check.
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John Juniet
If you are anywhere near Meriden and even remotely craving something exquisite, you must stop in to Taino Smokehouse Prime. We were greeted and seated right away. Shortly after we were welcomed by a tremendous baritone named Derek. Derek should be doing voice acting for sure, so if you’re reading this and happen to know someone who may know someone, then please have them stop by and at least just talk with him. Anyway, stellar service by Derek (or maybe it was just his voice). The food. Where to begin? My wife had the Pulled Pork Plate with the sauteed vegetables and potato salad. I ordered the 1/2 chicken plate with the sweet potato fries and sauteed vegetables. The presentation was 5 star. The flavor – beyond. The barbecue sauce in the tender pulled pork was fabulous. Each bite of my chicken was incredibly smokey and so delightful. The chunks of potatoes were plentiful throughout the salad, which was amazing. The blend of vegetables was interesting, and each one’s flavor was unique on its own; just a vibrant blend. Fresh sweet potatoes fries actually were some of the best I have ever had. Grease? What grease. Each dish had potential for an overdose of grease, but each item was cooked so well, there was little to no concern of that. Taino Smokehouse Prime was a great dining experience. We haven’t stopped in since pre-COVID, and we wondered why we waited so long.
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Mike Brough
This is the best BBQ around. Hands down. The meats were tender and flavorful. The mac and cheese was think and creamy and had a perfect char to the top. The atmosphere was awesome. Can’t ask for anymore!
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Marco Weiss
Amazing food and atmosphere. Foods amazing get the bacon pops! Mac n cheese and brisket confirmed Amazing. Staff was great and on point. Overall 5 out of 5. Will be back
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Vin C
First, good was outstanding. Had a short wait for our table. Enjoyed watching the action in the kitchen! Our server was just the right amount of attentive and when the kitchen got backed up offered a free round from the bar. 5/5 will return
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Jay Ditota
Food was excellent. We got a little bit of everything (brisket, smoked chicken, mac&cheese, mashed, baked beans, slaw). Would definitely come back again. The atmosphere was great, live music really set the mood. Drinks were also very delicious. Derek, our server, did a great job with everything.
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bryant gregg
Always a great time at this location. Amy, our server was outstanding! Food was delicious. Can’t wait to come back and check out the new patio this summer.
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Gabriela Amorim
Lovely place, amazing food, cozy atmosphere. Derek makes you feel at home. This place has a personality. Def recommend!!
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This Guy
It’s a cool vibe. You can the smoked meats down the street. Great place for a date or hangout. Food and drinks have consistently been delicious. My boss brings customers. They have trivia on Tuesday. Only dinner now. Used to be lunch and dinner but they made some changes. I haven’t been disappointed and I’ve been there many times. Great BBQ spot! Everything is tender!
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Trang Tran
I hate to say anything bad but I hope the owner read this as constructive criticism. First we got the $60 meat platter. The ribs were so dry. The burnt ends were really burnt. Will not get that again. Please do not serve them if they are too burnt. Brisket was very juicy. BBQ sauce was delicious. Our sides was mashed potatoes which had no flavor and needed some butter. The potato salad lack flavors. Need some spices.The collard greens were too sweet and you need to get a new recipe. Order a side of collard greens from American soul food in Meriden and you will have the best flavor. Mac and cheese was too much cheese sauce and lack flavor. We would stay and had dessert but the lady bartender voice was so loud that every time she laugh. There was a screeching echo thru out the whole area that we could not sit there any longer.
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