Barbecue is one of the most popular food categories in the United States, and it is loved by nearly everyone in the entire nation. Out of all the places I’ve tried, one stands out amongst the rest– The Rusty Can, easily the best barbecue I have ever tasted. Opened in May 2017, Chef and Owner Jim Sullivan originally had an idea for a food truck, but decided to opt for a restaurant. Located in Byfield, MA, this place has a hole in the wall vibe right out of the Wild West. Along with a bar and first come first serve seating, it is nearly impossible to find a place to challenge the Rusty Can in terms of flavor, value, and vibe in all of Massachusetts.
I got the 2 Meat Combo, which I got Brisket, Ribs, Black Beans, and Mac & Cheese. The 2 Meat Combo comes with a selection of Brisket (Chopped or Sliced), St. Louis Style Ribs, or Pulled Pork, along with 2 sides consisting of Mac & Cheese, BBQ Black Beans, Fries, Collard Greens, or Cornbread, and tops it off with pickles and onions, a piece of Cornbread with honey butter on the side, and 2 slices of white bread to use for various reasons. Also, I will give my review on their Brisket Loaded Nachos, which I have had 2 times before, but not this time.
Brisket Loaded Nachos
The Brisket Loaded Nachos were one of their multiple appetizer options at the Rusty Can, however only featured on Thursdays. Topped with Brisket, Jalapenos, Sour Cream, Cheese, Beans, and Pico de Gallo, they were an excellent choice to start your meal. All of the flavors came together perfectly, and the chips somehow didn’t get too soggy. Priced at $23 dollars, I would go back every time, and this has no flaws whatsoever.
Flavor: 10/10
Price: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Brisket (Between Beans and Ribs)
The brisket here is probably the best thing that this restaurant has to offer. It is melt in your mouth tender, packed with juiciness and flavor, and is a staple for anyone who comes here to try this restaurant. Topped with their table-side BBQ sauce served in a giant glass bottle, it is almost like an unwritten rule when it comes to this place. Priced at about $15 dollars, I believe it is a tiny bit on the higher end, but a half pound of brisket is worth it at this price.
Flavor: 8.5/10
Tenderness: 10/10
Price: 6/10
Overall: 8.2/10
St. Louis Style Ribs (Bottom Right)
The St. Louis Style Ribs might be a contender against the brisket in terms of the best thing this restaurant has. They fall off the bone, but not in the way that has it falling all over the place for you to pick up off your plate, rather coming off the bone so easily that it is nearly like a meat popsicle. These ribs are not as juicy as the brisket, but taste better in my opinion. For about $15 dollars for 5-6 bones, it is yet another excellent option at the Rusty Can
Flavor: 9/10
Tenderness: 9/10
Price: 6/10
Overall: 8.2/10
Mac & Cheese (Bottom Left)
The Mac & Cheese here is the best side they offer by far. It is rich, creamy, and the shells themselves are cooked a little bit more than Al Dente, which is my personal preference. Anybody looking for some of the best Mac & Cheese has to try theirs. Coming as one of the multiple options for sides, this is easily worth every penny.
Flavor: 9.5/10
Cheesiness: 10/10
Pasta: 10/10
Price: 10/10
Overall: 9.9/10
BBQ Black Beans (Between Mac & Cheese and Brisket)
This was my first time ever trying black beans of any kind. I was honestly surprised, as they dont have a very distinct taste compared to pinto beans or any other kind, and they tasted good. It had a strong smokey flavor, paired with a nice peppery taste that was really unique to me. My only complaint was that the beans were very undercooked, which was a very big hit to their overall score. I think that was the only thing that wasn’t good about them. As another one of their sides, I would try it again in hopes of the beans being cooked better.
Flavor: 8/10
Beans: 3/10
Price: 6/10
Overall: 5.7/10
Cornbread and Honey Butter (Top Middle)
Cornbread is one of the best additions to some BBQ. This cornbread tasted great, and was not dry at all. The honey butter that came with it was good as well, as it is a very easy yet delicious addition to anything. The only cons of the cornbread were that it was chilled, which I personally prefer at room temperature to a warm piece of cornbread. Both were a nice addition to each other, and something that I would continue to get when I come here.
Flavor: 8.5/10
Moistness: 8.5/10
Temperature: 5/10
H.B: 8/10
Price: 8/10
Overall: 7.6/10
The Atmosphere/Service
The atmosphere of this restaurant was one of the best things about it. I was greeted by a kind waitress, who told me to find whatever table I wanted and sit down. The inside was very nice, with some dimmed lights overhead and overall a nice look to the place. It looked straight out of a western saloon with cowboys and such, and the table that I sat at was actually an old workbench repurposed into a table. The staff were extremely friendly and everything came out fast, but not too fast to where it seemed pre-prepared. Easily one of my favorite parts about this place
Vibe: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Everything Altogether
I cannot recommend this restaurant more than I already have. With excellent barbecue, excellent service, bang for your buck prices, and a great atmosphere, this place is great. I believe that owner Jim Sullivan has done an excellent job with this restaurant and will continue to do so. After different weights and additions of score, I am rating this place an 8.6/10. Please check out the Rusty Can in order to actually try some of this yourself.
