Ask a room full of Massachusetts locals where to find serious ribs, and one town keeps coming up in the answers: Raynham. That might surprise anyone who assumes good barbecue only lives below the Mason-Dixon line.
Down a busy stretch of road on the South Shore, a casual spot has quietly built a following that includes transplants from North Carolina, Texas, and other places that take smoked meat very seriously. People drive an hour to eat here, and many leave carrying takeout containers because the portions are that generous.
Before the main event even arrives, a free starter lands on the table that regulars talk about almost as much as the ribs. Keep reading to learn where this place is, what makes it stand out, when to go, and why so many people keep coming back for another round.
A Smokehouse on Broadway in Raynham
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
The answer to the big rib question is 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, found at 701 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767, in the United States.
Raynham sits on the South Shore of Massachusetts, a region better known for seafood shacks than smoke rings. That contrast is part of what makes this spot so talked about.
The restaurant is a laid-back barbecue venue that leans rustic in style. Its menu centers on ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and sausage, backed up by hearty sides.
It also doubles as a busy takeout operation. Plenty of people swing by just to grab food and go, while others settle in for a full sit-down meal.
The place has earned a 4.5-star standing from more than 1,300 people, which is no small feat for a local barbecue joint. That kind of support usually comes from consistency rather than hype.
The name itself tends to get a chuckle. It is a little cheeky, a little bold, and it sets the tone for a restaurant that does not take itself too seriously while taking its barbecue very seriously.
So where does the story go from the parking lot? Right to the smoker.
The Smoker Out Front
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
First impressions start before the front door opens. A big smoker sits to the right of the entrance, hard at work during service hours.
That setup tells guests a lot right away. The meat here is not an afterthought, and the cooking happens in plain view rather than hidden in some back corner.
Inside, the operation runs as both a restaurant and a market-style takeout spot. Guests come and go in a steady flow, especially around dinner time.
At the takeout counter, a glass-front warming station holds extras like Frito pie, thin house potato chips, chicharrones, and rice. It is the kind of display that makes it hard to stick to the original order.
There is also house-made barbecue dry rub available to bring home. Some guests buy a bag after their meal so they can try their own luck at the backyard grill.
The pitmasters get regular credit for staying on point. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked pork belly all come out of this operation, and brisket is easily the most talked-about meat on the menu.
That smoker clearly earns its keep. Still, the first thing to hit the table is not meat at all.
Cornbread With a Honey-Butter Reputation
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Free food has a way of winning people over fast. At this Raynham spot, guests who sit down receive warm cornbread served with whipped honey butter.
It is one of the most mentioned items connected to the restaurant, which says a lot considering the competition from the smoked meats.
The cornbread arrives crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Some guests say it seems like it came straight out of a cast iron skillet handled by somebody’s grandmother.
The honey butter gets almost as much attention as the bread itself. It turns a simple starter into the moment many diners point to as the true beginning of the meal.
To be fair, not every plate has been perfect. On at least one occasion the cornbread came out cold and hard, so timing can matter.
Still, the overall pattern is clear. People remember this cornbread, and it often shows up in conversations about why they return.
Even guests who were lukewarm about other dishes have singled out the cornbread as a highlight. That is the sign of a starter doing its job well.
Once the basket is empty, though, the real headliners step up.
Ribs That Started the Conversation
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Mention ribs in this part of Massachusetts and the name 2 Jerks tends to pop up quickly. There is a good reason for that.
A half rack of baby back ribs comes out on a paper-lined aluminum tray. One order held eight ribs, along with sides and garnishes.
The ribs are known for being tender and well smoked. Several guests say they fall off the bone and carry enough flavor that sauce becomes optional.
Each tray also tends to include pickled red onions and jalapeños. Those extras add a little brightness next to the rich smoked meat.
Smoked beef ribs show up on the menu as well. They give hearty eaters another way to tackle the rib question.
Repeat guests often name the ribs as the reason they keep coming back. Some pair them with mac and cheese and New England-style beans as a regular order.
Not every rib story has been glowing, especially from years back. An older visit described ribs that lacked flavor, while more recent meals lean strongly positive.
For a fair test, ordering a half rack is a smart opening move. It leaves room to sample what else comes out of that smoker.
Brisket Holds the Crown
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Ribs may open the conversation, but brisket might be the true star. It is the single most discussed item tied to this restaurant.
The brisket is described as well seasoned and tender. Many diners call it one of the best they have had in a long time.
Praise comes from people with high standards. Guests who grew up in the South, and others who have eaten barbecue across Texas, have said this brisket holds up.
One diner from North Carolina summed it up simply by calling it good barbecue, and a son visiting from Texas agreed. That is a tough crowd to please.
Brisket also shows up in creative ways. It has topped tater tot poutine, filled sandwiches, and even appeared on a crispy brisket pizza.
For groups, combo plates let people mix brisket with pulled pork or ribs. That is a good way to compare meats without ordering the whole menu.
A mustard-based sauce sometimes comes alongside the brisket. Some guests love that pairing, while others prefer one of the other house sauces.
Speaking of sauces, those deserve a closer look of their own.
Three Sauces and a Bag of Rub
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Sauce debates can get heated at barbecue joints. Here, the solution is to offer several options and let guests decide.
Meals often come with three different barbecue sauces. One is mustard-based, which wins fans who enjoy a tangier style.
The spicy sauce lands around medium heat. It is not as fiery as a jalapeño, so cautious eaters can still give it a try.
A honey mustard sauce has its own following. Some regulars specifically recommend it to first-timers.
House hot sauces also get plenty of love. On certain dishes, hot sauce on the side for dipping adds an extra kick.
The meats are not drowned in sauce by default, which suits people who want to judge the smoke on its own terms. Many say the ribs need no sauce at all.
Then there is the house dry rub. It is sold to take home, giving backyard cooks a chance to borrow a bit of the restaurant’s approach.
A small souvenir like that can turn one meal into many. Next up are the sides that round out every plate.
Sides That Refuse to Be Sidekicks
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Good barbecue needs strong backup. The side dishes here carry their weight and then some.
Mac and cheese is one of the most requested picks. It is known for being creamy and well blended, and kids seem to love it too.
Collard greens get frequent mentions as well. Most diners enjoy them, though one guest found a batch too salty.
The beans come in a smoky New England style. Some people say they could not stop eating them.
Other choices include potato salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, and a cucumber salad that some regulars order every time. Frito pie has also earned fans as a standout side.
Gumbo with rice is on the lineup too. It is a nod to Southern cooking that pairs well with the smoked meats.
A side Caesar salad is available for anyone wanting something lighter. One came out large enough to feel like a real part of the meal.
Choosing just two sides can feel like a puzzle. Many groups solve it by sharing, which also leaves room for the menu’s more playful items.
Beyond the Barbecue Tray
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Not everyone in a group wants a tray of smoked meat. The menu stretches well past traditional barbecue to cover them.
Oklahoma-style smash burgers have a loyal crowd. They come up often among regulars who treat them as a go-to order.
The fried chicken sandwich is another favorite. Tenders, dry rub wings, and fried chicken also give poultry fans plenty of choice.
Sandwich lovers can find a cubano, a New York-style pastrami sandwich, and a smoked pastrami Rachel. The cubano has been called the best in the area.
Appetizers include Texas Twinkies, which one table enjoyed so much they ordered a second plate. Deviled eggs and poutine are also popular starters.
Fried cod with a light, thin batter has impressed diners looking for something other than meat. A pulled pork mac and cheese dish arrives in a generous portion.
The menu has changed over the years, so some items come and go. Weekly deals and daily specials add even more variety.
That variety helps explain the steady crowds. It also shapes the mood inside the dining room.
A Cozy Room With Personal Touches
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Some restaurants feel like a stop on the way somewhere else. This one feels more like a neighborhood hangout.
The atmosphere is cozy and casual. There is bar seating for those who want to settle in, along with tables for families and groups.
Plenty of quirky items hang on the walls. They give guests something to look at while waiting for food.
The room can get a little noisy. For parents with lively kids, that is actually a plus, since no one will notice a bit of extra volume.
Families say the place feels welcoming, and kids’ meals are available. The space is described as clean and pleasant.
The drink side includes a local craft beverage list and seasonal options from the bar. Many guests stick to soft drinks and simply enjoy the food.
Friday and Saturday nights can bring a wait. Most people say it moves along reasonably and is worth it.
A comfortable room only goes so far, though. The people working in it make the bigger difference.
Smiles Behind the Counter
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Friendly faces can turn a good meal into a memorable one. That seems to happen often here.
Guests are typically greeted right away. Staff explain the specials, answer questions, and keep things moving.
Servers earn praise for knowing the menu well. They check in throughout the meal without hovering.
A couple from the South noted that the staff seemed genuinely happy. They felt it stood out in a region not always known for warm small talk.
The owners also get credit for being friendly. Regulars describe a welcoming environment that keeps them returning with family.
Food tends to come out quickly. Dishes arrive hot, even when the dining room is busy.
Not every interaction has been perfect. One guest found a staff member short when asking about menu options, so experiences can vary.
Still, the overall picture leans warm. With the people side covered, practical planning comes next.
Hours, Portions, and Planning Ahead
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Timing is everything with barbecue, and this spot keeps a clear schedule. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Plan around that, since showing up hungry on a Monday would be a real letdown.
Portions are generous. Many tables leave with takeout containers, and couples often split plates.
Diners describe prices as reasonable for the amount of food. A large platter called the Whole Pit fed a party of four with leftovers to spare.
Takeout is a strong option for busy nights. The counter handles a steady stream of to-go orders.
Weekend evenings get crowded. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weeknight can mean a shorter wait.
Daily specials and weekly deals rotate, so asking about them is worthwhile. They can lead to a new favorite.
A dessert menu exists as well. Saving room is a challenge, but it may be worth trying.
Worth the Drive to Raynham
© 2 Jerks BBQ & Market, Raynham, MA
Some places earn their reputation one plate at a time. That is the story of this South Shore barbecue stop.
Ribs bring people in, brisket keeps the conversation going, and the honey-butter cornbread leaves a lasting impression. The sides and creative menu fill in the rest.
It is not flawless. A few meals have missed the mark, and busy nights mean waits.
Yet the broad support is hard to ignore. More than 1,300 people have weighed in, and the result lands at 4.5 stars.
Guests with roots in North Carolina, Texas, and across the South have given it a thumbs up. Some happily drive an hour each way for a meal.
Families, couples, and solo diners at the bar all seem to find their spot. The relaxed setting makes it easy to return again and again.
For anyone in Massachusetts asking where to find real ribs, the locals already have an answer ready. It sits on Broadway in Raynham.
Bring an appetite, plan for leftovers, and save a little room for that cornbread.
Dining and Cooking