Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop - Manchester

First time here and I mostly enjoyed it. Staff were friendly and nice. Part of my order, Mac and cheese ???? was missing. I called and they had one waiting for me and provided extra due to accommodating my having to come back. Best thing is I arriveda few minutes after they closed, but they had it ready for me. The staff were very nice. Now the food ????: Mac and cheese???? was delicious. I enjoyed the candy yams also. The meat ???? is charcoal black where some may not like it, but the ribswere fall off the bones. I could be wrong but the collards had a pickle after taste or maybe it was just me. Otherwise themeal was perfect and my family and myself are overly stuff. The potato salad was perfect and really tasty. Overall it was avery good meal and I ate way too much. Thank you ???? for providing more soul food East of the River.

Brisket sandwich with melted cheese and an amazing barbecue sauce. Coleslaw was on point. Had it for an early lunch and was able to run with it until a late dinner.

First visit was a great experience. Small location, super friendly and knowledgable staff. Menu had a few specials/dailys rotating both for deserts and mains. Got the chance to try a few staples on this visit: Brisket, ribs, and chicken. The choppedbrisket was the star, and one of the greater BBQ briskets I've had in CT, on par with Bear's but a few steps away from BT's. Theribs were great as well, cooked perfectly with a light crust, and I loved the extremely boozy and savory BBQ sauce they gavewith it despite me not typically liking sauces. I thought the chicken needed some work, maybe more brining prior or something toseason the thicker sections of meat. The smaller more fatty thigh meat was great but the larger leg had some large unseasonedchunks inside. Will be back for more, there's no other legit options like this nearby so it's nice to have some people doingthings so well in the BBQ scene. Also loved their slaw <3

Tried this place out for the first time today and was very pleased with their offerings. Ordered a pound each of pulled pork and brisket, along with a full rack of ribs, and side orders of collard greens, beans, and cornbread. The pulled pork was moist,relatively lean, and tasty. The order of brisket had slices from both the point and flat cuts; the former is juicier but hasmore fat, while the latter is leaner and a little more chewy. They both were tender and had a good smokiness. But the ribs werethe star of the night the outside had a crisp spice rub which gave them a real zing. They were smoked to the point of beingtender, not falling off the bone (which I think is too much) and still had a nice chew to them. Collard greens were fresh,leafy, not at all bitter or overcooked, and had a tea like perfume; beans were nicely seasoned with a molasses sweetness; andthe cornbread was chewy and moist with a good crumb. All in all pretty darn satisfying stuff. I've had BBQ all over thecountry: several places in Texas, the Carolinas, St. Louis, Kansas City, you name it. Thomas' style is more in line with eastcoast and Carolina type flavors. This isn't the best BBQ I've ever had that honor still remains in Austin, TX with placeslike Rudy's or The Salt Lick but I have to say Thomas' is outstanding for east of the river CT. One thing to mention, becauseI saw another reviewer comment on it: the seasoning rub on the ribs is pretty spicy. My family likes things highly seasoned sowe really loved it, but it might be too much for others who are more faint of heart when it comes to cayenne pepper. Just beforewarned.

I ordered the Chopped BBQ Brisket Sandwich w/ a side of Carolina Slaw or cornbread, I got both sides.. I, for the first time in my life, didn't drown the Sandwich in a sauce of my choice, I wanted to taste the beef, and was a happy with that decision!!Just pure tasty high quality beef brisket (chopped/pulled) and totally loaded. 5 ???? plus!! The slaw is made the exact way itshould with a nice vinegar ingredient, like it's supposed to be, especially if you're going to preface it with Carolina. Thecornbread was solid, a little different than most, very tasty, no dipping necessary. This a to go and catering restaurant, wellworth it. I highly recommend.