Nostrano Frankie's Barbecue — Restaurant in Southwest Harbor

Frankie’s BBQ: Southwest Harbor’s Unassuming Temple to the Art and Science of Smoke

Tucked away in Southwest Harbor, Maine, Frankie’s BBQ is not your average roadside smokehouse. It’s the passion project of a one-man culinary orchestra, a retired molecular biologist turned pitmaster, whose quest for perfection has transformed barbecue into both an art form and a science.

My wife, relatives, and I have been making pilgrimages to Frankie’s for three summers now, ever since stumbling upon it in 2023. That first bite was a revelation. The food is, quite simply, outstanding: tender, smoky, and layered with flavor in a way that speaks to meticulous technique and uncompromising standards.

But the real treasure, if you have the time, is Frankie himself. Ask him about barbecue, and you’ll find yourself drawn into a captivating conversation that ranges from the delicate nuances of smoke control to the biochemical reactions that make great BBQ possible. His knowledge is encyclopedic, his enthusiasm infectious. You leave not only well-fed but inspired to fire up your own grill and see if you can match even a fraction of his mastery.

A word to the wise: Frankie’s is not the place for menu tinkering or substitutions. This is barbecue as its maker intends it, crafted with precision and offered without compromise. To alter his work would be like asking Leonardo to repaint the Mona Lisa or Vivaldi to rewrite The Four Seasons. Trust the man, and order what’s offered on the menu.

The setting is open-air and refreshingly unfussy: no frills, no distractions, just expertly made barbecue served with a side of authenticity. In a world of overcomplicated dining experiences, Frankie’s BBQ is a rare and wonderful reminder that the art or the smoke, when done with skill and soul, is more than enough.

Bravo, Frankie. Long may the smoke rise. And please don't retire...

Ok, so I wasn't going to say anything at first, but after reading another review on here and some other info I came across, I feel people need to be warned. My wife, 2 kids and I visited last month. We decided to stop and get lunch. My wife and daughter ordered from Rodick’s (very good, btw) and my son and I ordered pulled pork (Cuban and pork sandwich) from Frankie's. At the time, I thought it was decent (I make better pulled pork at home), but later that night, both my son and I and my wife (she tried a few bites of the pork) all got sick with stomach issues and were sick for 2 to 3 days after (my daughter was fine and she didn't eat any of it). Having 20 plus years of restaurant experience (mostly in barbecue restaurants, at that) and having been ServSafe and food safety certified many times, I know this was a classic case of a food borne illness coming from improper following of time and temperature policies. He absolutely should be reported to the health department, but I'm sure, just like my family no one has wanted to take the time out of their vacation to visit a doctor and file an official complaint of food poisoning. So, if you want to try his food, proceed with caution and make him temp his food first (if it's between 40° and 140°, don't eat it! But honestly, if you want BBQ, just go to Mainely Meats.. they really are the best on the island and you...

Firstly half the menu wasn’t available when we came. what was available was over priced for the portions and quality. The total was $70 for two meals, while paying he gave himself a tip without asking. He wasn’t the friendliest person and he bragged a lot about his food! He was serving the cornbread with his bare hands that were covered in black soot. We tried overlooking this because we thought it must be good because he said he sells out fast. Here’s the worse part…me and my whole family got sick of diarrhea and throwing up for two days straight. Two of us had to call out of work because we couldn’t be away from the bathroom that long.I would honestly give this place zero stars if possible. I feel bad for this because we always try supporting local vendors but this is not a place...