Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue

First time customer. I just wanted a good meal but instead I got an experience an excellent one. I had the 1/2 rack baby back ribs with side of collard greens and Mac and cheese. The meal made me sit back and enjoy and savor each bite. It was that good. The ribs were tender and the collard greens were flavorful. The Mac and Cheese was also good.I will be back.

Five times I’ve been here! And it gets better and better the more I get to know the characters. The ribs! Dazzling, smoky eyes, and the star of the show. The brisket! Tender, oh so tender, and full of flavor. The corn bread! Addictive relationship that is worth it, because it’s a salty, crumbly character but then becomes sweet in your mouth. Try it all! The staff is genuinely kind and gracious. Clean, spacious. A standing ovation!

Very good BBQ in the center of Hartford. They try to keep the menu fresh. Some things are great, others not so much. Mac attack is great but will put you in a food coma. Wings are pretty bland and boring, however.

The restaurant is within walking distance of the Connecticut Convention Center. There was a lunch special which offered 2 choices of meat, 2 sides, and drink. It was quite a bit of food, and we had enough takeout for another meal. The set up is buffet style, although the staff serves the choices. The ribs were excellent, another excellent choice was the chopped turkey sandwich. Collard greens and sweet potatoes were very good. There was no seafood, but a non-meat lover can get a good vegetarian meal.

So, um........

They categorize this place a cafeteria.

I was raised in the deep south where barbecue is king. This place truly delivers as some of the best barbecue I've had.
I don't think it's really fair to categorize it as a cafeteria.

Cleanliness: The floors, the tables, the chairs were all very clean and the people that work there were is so extremely nice.

Food: you have to try the moinks.... stay with me here for a second. It's a meatball wrapped in bacon and smoked. When I tell you that it is heaven, sunlight, a beach all wrapped into one on a little wooden skewer, topped with some wonderful barbecue sauce (I suggest in the spicy).

The sides were also amazing. The broccoli salad it was not too saucy or creamy or cheesy. It's the perfect blend of all the ingredients. The collards were really great.

If you're in the downtown Hartford area, please stop by and give this place a try.