Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille
Address: 275 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453
Telephone: (781) 642-9720
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.56

Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille

275 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

(781) 642-9720
Store is closed

Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille Menu

Appetizers & Vittles

Sweet Potato French Fries

Southern Fried Pickles

Campfire Chili

White Meat Chili

Rattlesnake Eggs

The Stampede

Grilled Fire Shrimp

Fried Buffalo Shrimp

Smoked Pork Egg Rolls

Melted Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Arizona Egg Rolls

Sweet Corn Fritters

Louisiana Fried Catfish Nuggets

Chili Cheese Fries
Salads

Summer Salad

Western Salad

The Big Caesar

Grilled Steak Caesar

Bison County Wedge

Spicy Thai Peanut Western Salad

Half Caesar

Side Salad
Sandwiches

Texas Chicken

Bbq Pulled Pork

Bbq Pulled Chicken

Grilled Chicken Breast

Slow Smoked Brisket

Sliced N.y. Sirloin Steak

Southern Fried Catfish

Grilled Pearl Hot Dog

Awesome Chili-cheese Dog

Choice Of One Side
Quesadillas Burritos Wraps

Blackened Chicken Quesadilla

Chili & Cheese Quesadilla

Pulled Pork Or Pulled Chicken Quesadilla

Vegetarian Quesadilla

Pulled Pork Or Chicken Burrito

Memphis Thanksgiving Burrito

Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap

California Soft Tacos
Smoked Jumbo Wings

South Carolina Wings

Spicy South Carolina Wings

Fire Wings
Boneless Wings

Boneless South Carolina Wings

Boneless Spicy South Carolina Wings

Boneless Fire Wings

Boneless Spicy Thai Peanut Wings
Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cole Slaw

Delicious Fresh Green Beans

Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked Beans

Garlic Jalapeno Rice

Cucumber Salad

Sauteed Vegetables
Burgers

N.y. Sirloin Steak Burger

Buffalo Burger

Turkey Burger
Smokin Dry Rubbed Apple/cherry Wood Smoked

Pulled Chix & Pulled Pork Combo

Southern Ribs

Southern Ribs

Baby Back Ribs

Baby Back Ribs

Bbq Half Chicken

Bbq Smoked Brisket

Cowboys And Indians

Choice Of 2 Sides
The Big Grill

Bozeman Bison Tips

Turkey Tips

Steak Tips

Wagon Train

Denver Bison Steak

N.y. Strip Sirloin Steak

Grilled Fire Shrimp

Choice Of 2 Sides
More Great Stuff

Southern Fried Catfish

Southern Pork Tenderloin

Blackened Salmon

Southwest Pasta Big Bowl

New Orleans Four Pepper Pasta Bowl

Chile Releno

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille

Appetizers & Vittles

Sweet Potato French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southern Fried Pickles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Campfire Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Meat Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rattlesnake Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Stampede [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Fire Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Buffalo Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Pork Egg Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Melted Spinach & Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arizona Egg Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Corn Fritters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Louisiana Fried Catfish Nuggets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Cheese Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Summer Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Western Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Big Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Steak Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bison County Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Thai Peanut Western Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Half Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

Texas Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pulled Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pulled Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slow Smoked Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sliced N.y. Sirloin Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southern Fried Catfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Pearl Hot Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Awesome Chili-cheese Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Choice Of One Side [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Quesadillas Burritos Wraps

Blackened Chicken Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili & Cheese Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Or Pulled Chicken Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetarian Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork Or Chicken Burrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Memphis Thanksgiving Burrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

California Soft Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Smoked Jumbo Wings

South Carolina Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy South Carolina Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fire Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Boneless Wings

Boneless South Carolina Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Spicy South Carolina Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Fire Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Spicy Thai Peanut Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Delicious Fresh Green Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Jalapeno Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cucumber Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers

N.y. Sirloin Steak Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Smokin Dry Rubbed Apple/cherry Wood Smoked

Pulled Chix & Pulled Pork Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southern Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southern Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Half Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Smoked Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cowboys And Indians [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Choice Of 2 Sides [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
The Big Grill

Bozeman Bison Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkey Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wagon Train [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Denver Bison Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

N.y. Strip Sirloin Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Fire Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Choice Of 2 Sides [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
More Great Stuff

Southern Fried Catfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southern Pork Tenderloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southwest Pasta Big Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

New Orleans Four Pepper Pasta Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chile Releno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Write An Anonymous Review

Elliot K.

Bison County is everything you'd expect from a typical barbecue joint, plus a little bit extra that gives it a little edge over the competition. The meat selection is typical, and the quality is better than average. What really distinguishes the place for me is the extras - the large selection of tasty sides, awesome barbecue burritos, corn fritters, and turkey chili are all worth checking out. You'll also get a cute little loaf of cornbread to munch on while you're waiting for your meal. The beer selection is also a cut above the rest. They almost always have Victory Brewery's delicious Hopdevil, and often something from Berkshire Brewing Company like their Steel Rail Ale.
(4)
Jeffrey E.

I was told that the South Carolina wings are amazing. I think they are delicious but they aren't anything special or unique. However, their Bison burgers are the bomb. Make sure you order Rare if you like Medium and Medium if you like Well done because the meat cooks faster than beef. In fact, it continues to cook as it sits waiting to be delivered to your table. If you really want Rare (which I recommend), you have to look them dead in the eye and say "I want this rare and I'm serious". They will do it! Sweet potato fries are good but not crispy. Garlic mashed potatoes are heavy with butter. The cucumber salad is very sweet and sour, almost like a gourmet sweet relish. It's NOT the same as what Europeans or non-Americans would think of when you say "cucumber salad".
(4)
Eric S.

Service is usually slow...I always have to chase the waitstaff. BUT the food here is pretty good. My favorite: The Bison Burger with Sweet Potato fries! The nachos are also pretty good. Overall one of the better places to eat and drink on Moody street.
(4)
Adam B.

I absolutely love this bar. They have excellent burgers, the Pearl Hot Dog is very tasty and the steak tips are very good. My friend had the ribs last time we went and he said they were some of the best they've had. I like to go here to watch a Sox or Bruins game also. The employees there are very friendly and the prices are reasonable. I'm a big fan of bars that I can just hang out with friends without loud blaring music. This fits the bill perfectly.
(5)
Burgundy G.

I love going to this place...Luckily, its one of my husbands favorite places EVER... We go at least once a month.. I almost always have the stuffed pork tenderloin with the julienne vegetables.I can only eat about half of it, but it re-heats perfectly (usually later that night at home).... We like all the appetizers (the southwestern egg rolls are very good) The corn fritters, yum... the burgers are SOO good!!! I am not a fan of the smoked stuff, but my family all loves it, the ribs and the pulled pork is very good.. i have had a few bites of the beef brisket and LOVED it!! Moody Street has lots to offer-- and this place should NOT be missed!!!!
(5)
Forrest G.

Stellar... best place in waltham for smoked BBQ. I could name better places around boston, but definitely one of Moody St's best restaurants. Suburb beer selection as well.
(4)
Gil F.

Come here hungry and wanting meat! You won't be disappointed. I hope to post some pics up soon
(4)
Olusegun B.

after eating at this place again and again and again, its only fair that I write a review about the place. its possibly the best barbecue joint in the whole of waltham, if not boston (I have been to redbones, its ok) its the only place I know in the boston area that does the south carolina style mustard venegar barbecue. I love the spicy south carolina wings. another favorite of mine is the southern ribs which could be done either texan style or south carolina style. their selection of beer is also a cut above, and they are the only one that serve the palm belgian ale. I am still looking for a place in cambridge that serves this beer, either in bottle or draught. other notable items on the menu are the fries either sweet potatoes or regular fries which are golden brown and crispy, along with the green beans. obviously I love the place and they will always have a loyal costumer in me.
(5)
Tom F.

Went there yesterday for lunch. The service was super slow (an hour and 15 minutes in a fairly empty restaurant) and the food was "okay". We sat near the chef and one thing that turned me off is the fact that they don't use gloves when they prepare the food. The dining area was also kind of dirty, and they had literally just opened for lunch. We enjoyed our app- the Arizona Egg Rolls, but the main meals were nothing special at all.
(2)
Chelsea B.

I am pleased to offer an update to my previous review because they have switched the poppers to cream cheese AND their brisket has improved. It may not "fall apart" upon fork pressure yet, but it's definitely an improvement. Service continues to be great, and the beer selection as well. Hooray! I have also been very pleased with their chicken lately. I usually don't even try BBQ chicken when there is beef and ribs to be had, but theirs is delicious. Bison County makes me happy to live in Waltham.
(4)
Lalin A.

Not very special but food is better if you go during the day and at off peak hours than busy nights. During weekends, it is hard to find seating and since the service is not apt to take care of the crowd, the food quality goes down. Interesting, yes. Their fries are good. Meat can be dry. It is OK for college kids in Waltham to go to Bison county for a change from their cafeterias, but if you are looking for some tasty barbecue, don't waste your gas, time or appetite.
(3)
Jj D.

The beer selection is great here. The seating is nice you can hang out and not feel stuffed in. But best of all the food is really good. I have had the bison tips several times and they are worth trying. The fried calamari has this spicy batter that almost is a new spin on a classic.
(4)
Danny M.

Went in on Saturday night.....Went in around 9pm and wait was only a few minutes. If you like Martini's I would not reccommend this place as they were ok.(No bloody Mary's) The food.....AMAZING! I got the Wagon Train (4 oz bison tips, 5 oz steak tips, 5 oz turkey tips).....Delecious!!!!! The Cucumber Salad is one that I have never tasted in my life so good at this place! Service was friendly. Overall got to go to this place for the food!!!
(4)
Ali B.

My friend and I went here on a Saturday night in mid-November around 8:30pm. We wanted to sit at the bar and get something to eat. The bar was a bit crowded but it was not a problem to find two seats together. I was glad we were at the bar, far away from the grill area, where it gets rather smoky. The food was delicious! I got steak tips and sweet potato fries. The steak was cooked perfectly but it didn't have as much flavor as I would have liked. A little bit of sauce would have helped. The sweet potato fries were really yummy! I was surprised how many families with younger children were there later on a Saturday evening. It wasn't really a problem, though, since we were at the bar.
(4)
Doris K.

I would not go back to this place unless it was for alcohol and the sweet potato fries. It's a fun place but the food is not worth it. My brisket was dry and it didn't seem like it was smoked at all, more like baked. If you are looking for good bbq I would suggest Blue Ribbon instead. Our service was good, quick and courteous, but like I said I will only go back for the drinks and sweet potato fries.
(2)
Evan G.

I've been going to Bison County for almost a decade. This fact makes me feel really old. Maybe that's why it has taken me so long to review it, because it puts me face to face with my own mortality. Luckily, if I was going to bite the bullet tomorrow, I'd probably want my last meal to be the Buffalo Steak with an extra large loaf of Bison County's amazing cornbread. The steak is worth the splurge, and since it's by far the most expensive thing on the menu at $25, you really can't go wrong with anything you order. The buffalo tips are a good alternative if you don't want to fork out the money for the steak. It's safe to say that since the Clinton administration (oh the good times), I've tried just about everything on the menu, and I've not been disappointed with anything they serve. The ribs, brisket, and burgers are all fantastic. I've ordered my food medium rare each of the maybe 50 times I've been there, and it's always been perfectly cooked. Bison County also has a great beer selection, with 10ish beers on tap and another slew of bottled beers. It is one of the few restaurants that I can say has been consistently great for a really really long time, so make the drive out to waltham and give it a try.
(5)
Steve R.

The food was awesome! The Buffalo burger was juicy and cooked perfectly. There are so many great items on the menu, that I can not wait to go back and try some other items. My friend had the ribs and said that they were fantastic.
(4)
Rebecca Y.

Had lunch here today. Both my friend and I had pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Lunch was $25 for both of us. (beverages were non-alcoholic). The food was good and nice to do something different, but $25 for lunch for 2 people is a bit much for this type of place. Plenty of tvs with various sports channels on and the service was average.
(4)
Meredith P.

This was a lucky find as we happened to get a parking spot on Moody St, it was raining, and this was the first place we happened on. Yum! I got the catfish tacos and my companion got the chili cheese dog. O happy day! Excellent. The ribs smelled fabulous and we'll definitely try those next. Wish there were hush puppies on the menu--a southern staple--but glad to see fried pickles. Service could have been a little better but it appeared that it was the bartender running the whole show in the front room and he did have his hands full. We'll be back.
(4)
Natasha A.

This place is subpar compared to your chains like Fridays and Uno's. They do have some good appetizers like the rattlesnake eggs, but I would avoid it for burgers and steaks.
(2)
Kevin W.

After only one visit, I can't say I'm impressed. The South Carolina pulled pork BBQ was made from the best cut of meat. The fries were pretty good, and a friend said the burgers were good, but overall it was disappointing.
(2)
Sarah H.

Bison County is a great barbecue/rib place. Their appetizers are great (my favorites are the spinach/asparagus dip, the sweet corn fritters, and the sweet potato fries) and they have an impressive list of beer, wine, and hard liquors. This is a fun place to bring a group, but they do fill up fast, and the place tends to get loud.
(4)
stephen s.

Went to Bison County BBQ.on a Sat afternoon... It is more of a"bar" Atmosphere than I expected but that was okay with me.. Great "Beer" selection.... I tried the corn fritters which were nice and crispy but nothing great...I also had the spicy Wings which were excellent...The meat fell off the bone and the sauce was different than your usual wing sauce...At first I did not think they were hot...But the "heat" sneaks up on you and by the time I finished eating I needed another cold beer... Service was good... I would go back for sure... Great place to watch sports have some beers and eat....
(4)
Laura M.

Sooo, I don't really think of Bison County as "barbecue." They serve up some decently barbecue-ish things, but I know better than to order, say, ribs or pulled pork. They're just not up to this southern girl's standards (for that, try Blue Ribbon, as others have mentioned). Mostly I just go here when friends want to go. I typically get a buffalo burger, which is nice and lean and tasty, and try different sides. Everyone loves the "delicious green beans" (that's how they're listed on the menu!), which are indeed pretty delicious. They also sometimes have pretty good beer on tap (Hop Devil!). I have nothing really bad to say about them, but no raves either.
(3)
Robert L.

Had the nacho plate appetizer and a half-rack of baby back ribs. The nachos were great. Most places you get a pile of chips with toppings only on the top of the pile, so after you eat the top layer there's nothing left but a pile of plain chips. These had globs of chili and cheese throughout and fresh halepenos on top. The ribs were good, very tasty, although just a tiny bit on the dry side. The service was exceptional! I will certainly be back there to try the brisket and would definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Jen J.

I was expecting more from this restaurant after seeing it featured on Phantom Gourmet. I was sadly disappointed the first time, and was not pleased the second either. The only reason I went back for a second time was because Watch City Brew (located across the street) was closed for a private party. There was no one to seat us when we first walked in, so we kind of stood there confused, thinking whether we should seat ourselves or wait for a hostess. I went on a weeknight and it wasn't that busy, so there should have been someone to greet us and seat us immediately. When we were finally seated, we realized the hostess was also a waitress handling the bar area and dining area along with only one other waitress. We started off with the Buffalo Shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were large, but weren't de-veined which grossed us out. It seemed like they boiled the shrimp and then just tossed them in some supermarket brand hot sauce. Not a good start! I opted for the buffalo pulled chicken sandwich, which was very dry. There was barely any bbq sauce in the chicken. I had to ask for extra. The french fries were good...of course, I am a sucker for anything that is deep fried. My friend had the fried catfish, which he hardly ate because it tasted that bad to him. He said it was bland and wasn't made with cornmeal. It was battered and deep fried, so I thought it was edible. ha! Then again, I've never had true southern fried catfish, so I wouldn't know what it is supposed to taste like. His sides weren't tasty either -- the beans tasted like they came out of a can and the cole slaw was just OK. Overall, the food wasn't good and the service was worse. At one point, the waitress noticed that our drinks were empty and didn't bother to bring us re-fills. We had to ask after several attempts to get her attention. The atmosphere wasn't very inviting either. We were the only people of color there and we just got this vibe that people were staring at us. (I know that some people of color can get over sensitive about situations like that and react when there really isn't an issue, but once in a while, you get that feeling and you know it's not you. This was one of those occurrences.) I would recommend Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton as an alternative.
(2)
Stephanie W.

What a disappointment. I really wanted to like it. The only positive thing I have to say is the bartender was excellent!! Very overworked but excellent. They need a service bartender. The food was lackluster.
(1)
Mike D.

I'll admit that I don't remember this place that well. I remember tasty bison tips served with really good baked beans and decent french fries. I remember a decent beer selection and a nice, tolerant server who put up with our large and by this time fairly boisterous bar crawl crew. I remember that it felt like it was time to go home, rest of the crawl be damned, after we finished our meal, so that's what I did.
(4)
S G.

I would travel back to Bison County again. My friend and I went for dinner the other night. We sat at the bar, and had pretty good service. One bartender was pretty attentive, getting us beers and menus right away, but once he stepped outside for a while, we did sit there for a fair amount of time before the other bartender came to check on us. But, really, overall, no complaints. Both my friend and I got the turkey burger, which, really was flat-out delicious. I got the sweet potato fries, which were decent, and she got mashed potatoes, which got her thumbs-up. In the seating area out back, the grill is front and center (ok, actually off to the side). None of this sketchy behind-closed-doors cooking for the Bison, oh no. BUT the BEST part of the joint is their beer list and bourbon list. Not only do they have a wide selection of varied beers, they were GOOD beers. I, of course, now no longer remember any of the names of the ones I tried, but they were all really good, high-quality stuff. (They also have the good cheap stuff, like Pabst - they even make a Black and Blue). If you ask, the bartender will let you try those on draft before you order, as well, which to me, is always a sign of a friendly establishment. And BONUS, he gave us a few free beers. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Young K.

Ok so my brother came here for a visit from New York City, and was yearning for barbaque. I was telling myself there was a great collection of restaurants in Waltham Ma known as "Moody Street". We went there and I ordered the Buffalo burger because it was reasonable price and lower calorie compared to the beef burger. I must say I really enjoyed it along with some coleslaw. My brother had the pulled pork sandwhich and he was very satisfied with that as well. One drawback was that service was very slow but definatly recomended.
(3)
Lynda M.

We dined here last night with friends. It was crowded, but we managed to score a nice table near the bar in about 10 minutes. The menu is large and diverse. It isnt just for meat eaters! My turkey tips were amazing--very tender---not dry, and so were my sides of green beans and grilled veggies. The cornbread was warm with a honey butter spread. My fiance had the half chicken (huge) and the cucumber salad. Our friends also enjoyed the tips and sweet potato fries. The wine and beer selection is very good. All and all we left with full bellies and will definitely be back!
(4)
Sarah P.

Bison County is a great BBQ place. The menu has a moderate amount of items and although most of the entrees are meats (it IS a BBQ restraunt) Bison County also offers salads, quesadillas and pasta dishes. There is a large beer selection, and they have many beers on tap. I had the pulled pork sandwhich with sweet potato fries. The pulled pork was great, and the fries were good (I have had better sweet potato fries elsewhere). My sweetheart had the blackened chicken quesadilla, and he thought it was underseasoned, but still good enough to eat the whole thing. The service was great--our waiter was very nice and really attentive. Bison County is definitely worth a try!
(4)
Bill M.

Great place to eat! Owner/manager Adam knows about gluten free eating. Even went so far as to read the ingredients of his BBQ sauce and got me one of the ingredients to look at. I had the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and string beans. They even have gluten free beer.
(5)
Z P.

Now this is a great place. Been here maybe 4 or 5 times. Every time the food was dead- on good. Enever anything bad to say- the portions are great, the prices are fair, and it is great- tasting BBQ. Period. I had brisket today, and the wife had ribs- both plates awesome. The sides were great, and even the Ceasar salad was surprisingly good. The waitress was exactly what I needed too- there whenever I needed her, fast and efficient, and never bothering us to get into tedious conversations with her. Wish I could get there more often- def the better choice for BBQ in the area.
(5)
Jeff B.

Typical barbeque fare and nothing remarkable about the coleslaw or fries. I think they use Kraft BBQ sauce. We waited to be seated even though it wasn't very busy, they may have been short-staffed because we didn't see a lot of our waitress either. I don't plan on returning.
(2)
S W.

I like the burgers, steak tips, green beans, and fries(regular and sweet). My one complaint is about the delicious caesar salad. They offer their awesome caesar salad in dinner form and the name is something like " big caesar salad" or something but great big it is not. And I am not just talking about the meat portion. I mean how expensive is it to throw on another cup or two of lettuce and another handful of the delectable cornbread croutons? I got it with steak and payed close to 15 bucks for it and was starving after the meal-- Come on, Bison County! You have a great product- Don't be greedy- If you increased portion size on this one, I would come at least once a week!
(4)
Cyndy K.

Absolutely LOVE this place! The atmosphere, the food, the staff, everything! Best nachos ("The Stampede") I've had in a very long time! YUM!!!!!
(5)
Keith B.

I love this place! The atmosphere is relaxed and the bar is a great place to hang out with some friends. They specialize in awesome beers and even more awesome BBQ. Definitely have the baby back ribs, they were the best I ever had. The smoke was sweet and not overpowering and best of all I didn't taste it for 3 days afterward. According to our waitress (who was friendly AND fast which is rare) all of the sauces are homemade and it showed. I have been to every BBQ place in the state and this place is right up at the top. And for a real authentic southern flavor be sure to try the mustard based South Carolina sauce, I think I'd like to drown in it some day!
(5)
Seth M.

Solid barbecue - they make good chicken and ribs, and a pretty mean burger. Not quite as authentic as the Village Smokehouse or Redbones, but it's a solid offering, especially in Waltham.
(3)
Irene F.

Yup, it's just not that great. However, the bartender, maggie, is awesome :) The food is just sub par, and there's no two ways about it. Get some apps and drinks, skip the burgers and what have you. Watch City has a much better burger anyway!
(3)
Elie M.

This has been my all time fave for a while now. My favorite meal in the whole world always is a turkey burger with grilled green beans and a side of sweet potatoe fries at this joint! Beer( and booze) selection is exceptional. The music they play has me singing and tapping my toes as soon as I sit( tonight a few goodies were clash,ziggy marley,and the police). My favorite table is under the bison in the corner on the bar side where I can watch the riff raff wander down busy Moody street, and the speaker is right there so if it gets jammin I can still groove!! Turkey burger here is a homemade patty-simple- not seasoned-just flame broiled. You can add whatever fixins you want as extras. As for the rest of the stuff on the menu-looks good,but I havent really tried much. Their chili dog actually looked pretty damn good-maybe someday...the texas/southwestern stuff had some good sauces. Meat portions are decent. Open grill on the resteraunt side so if you sit you can watch him work his magic.
(4)
yo s.

Nice looking restaurant. The atmosphere is 'ite. Food is decent but not too cheap. Are we talking bbq?
(3)
Donna H.

Having spent a fair amount of time in the South, I know BBQ and this was just okay, certainly nothing to write home about. I was told that this was a great place for ribs. It was a disappointing experience. Granted the ribs were not fatty, had some flavor and not dry, but would I bother going back to have them again -- definitely not. The beans were soupy, flavorless and had large chunks of meat. The corn bread and sweet potato fries were also a let down. Sigh. Where can a Southern transplant go for some decent BBQ? Don't tell me Blue Ribbon...
(2)
Greg S.

I've been here twice for BBQ and thought that it was ok, I guess I just always go to Blue Ribbon BBQ when I'm looking to eat BBQ so I forget to drive out to Bison County in Waltham to try more of what they have to offer. Anyway, I've gotten the combo a few times and thought that the BBQ was good but always needed more BBQ sauce, That and they could use some more side offerings, I usually go with the mashed potatoes and the green beans or baked beans though. They do have some unique beer offerings as well if I remember correctly.
(3)
Andreas L.

The Bison bar is not usually what I would think is my favorite spot - but it is. The bartender (Scott) prides himself in a great selection of craft beers and maintains a great relation with his beer-loving patrons. He knows about the brewing, the ingredients, the taste of course and the history of the brewing company to each of the beers he is serving. At first I felt overwhelmed with getting such a detailed recommendation on what beer to order, but now my first question to the bartender is for his recommendation. The food is southern BBQ style. They offer ribs and other typical items and I had not yet had any complaints. My favorite snack is the South Carolina smoked wings (on the bone) which are addictive! They offer bison burger with a meat with less fat than regular sirloin. All in all I am happy to go there. I have to mention that the owner appears to have a lucky hand in picking his crew!
(5)
Gina S.

First time here. Hostess/waitress asked us to pick a table without a menu on it as they are saving these tables for groups of 3 or more.... Place was empty. Started on kindness level on wrong foot....almost left but gave food a try. Ordered baby back ribs with garlic mashed potatoes, hubby got brisket with coleslaw. Baby backs not smoky and overdone on grill as all I tasted was burnt char. Gave them to hubby who will eat anything. Potatoes were like porridge , runny, not seasoned. Hubby's brisket was very juicy, tender, but no smoked flavor. Felt like I was tasting pot roast. Baked beans....really? They were out of a can and I know my beans! The coleslaw I did not taste but hubby said" nah", ..... With all the competing places for eats on Moody Street, they should look at places like Moody's Deli that packs the house Will not be returning for quality, let alone price of 48.00 for 2 people with one ice tea
(2)
Roger M.

I really like Bison County and have for years. It has been around for a long time on a street where restaurants come and go. Longevity is a good sign. It is consistently good food, nice selection of drinks and friendly service. It is my go-to place on Moody Street, when I am not looking for an ethnic adventure. (I often do look for an adventure -- but not always.) The star of this restaurant is the 8 foot long grill and BBQ pit. Even in the middle of winter, I feel as if I am eating out doors on a nice day. My favorite main dishes are the ribs, pulled pork and the turkey tips. The brisket is tender, but the sauce is a little overpowering. (I had to scrape some off.) On the other hand, while I enjoy the blackened salmon, but would like it a little spicier. The pulled chicken is not as good. The dinner portions are large. I usually have items to take home. BTW, they really do sell bison. I did try the bison burger a while back. It was not my favorite meat. But, at least I can now say that I have tried it. My wife often tells me that the true test of a restaurant is how well it prepares its vegetables. The string beans are always cooked to perfection. They are the right level of crisp and fresh. I personally love the cucumber salad -- which is not too sweet. Yay. The spicy rice and the mashed potatoes are also delicious. While I lead with the food, I want to point out that this restaurant has cider on tap! Yup, not just something like 18 beers on tap --- cider too! Since I am gluten-free, it makes a big difference. If you are gluten-free, this place is a great option with lots of choices. If you want to keep down your carb consumption, this is a great place too. I recommend Bison Country all the time and I recommend it to you, too.
(4)
Esther J.

I went there on Memorial Day at 11am when they first opened for the day, and I was the only one. Perhaps it was early for BBQ... I tried their half rack in their house and honey sauce and rice on the side. The food was good, a little dry, but I was full! Although I was the only customer and the waitress was right in front of me, it was hard to get their attention. Yes, there was two, and they were too busy talking to each other a bout their nights before. I'd definitely come back. It was good.
(3)
Thanh H.

"Taste the meat, not the heat." - Hank Hill. This does not apply to Bison County. I ordered the South Carolina Wings and The Southern Ribs. They stated the meat would be smoke, but I didn't expect it to be that intense. I ate a piece of chicken and a rib, both tasted exactly the same - smoked and charred. The meat had very little say in the matter. The chili-cheese fries with bacon was great. The waiter was great. Explained all the dishes in detail when asked. What I really liked was the music they play, modern songs with a country twist. It's not a bad place, but it's not a place I would go raving about either.
(3)
Autumn V.

Amazing simple amazing! Didn't thk we'd find good bbq in Massachusetts but a local pointed us in this direction & the baby back ribs were juicy & tasty the pulled pork sandwich was .... Well reminded me of being in Oklahoma! It's not pricey either.
(5)
Lindsey M.

I've been to Bison Country for lunch and for dinner and always find myself ordering the same thing: Boneless South Carolina Wings and the Bison Burger Quesadilla. The South Carolina wings are excellent, the sauce is a vinegar honey mustard sauce that is very tangy. They give you extra sauce on the side which is very nice. Get these wings with this sauce, they are a solid choice! The bison burger quesadilla is my favorite item on the menu, it is huge! Although a little pricey for a quesadilla ($13.95) I can never finish this and always have it for lunch the next day. Bison Country is a small space with a large bar area and a variety of tables and booths in the back. The bar is great to watch a game at or enjoy a few drinks and food with friends. It can get quite loud in the restaurant so be prepared. They have a full bar and an excellent selection of craft beer. Staff is very warm and friendly. The bartenders seem to run the entire restaurant during lunch and do an excellent job. They are now open for lunch 7 days a week, make sure to stop in and give it a try!
(3)
Ari P.

There are so many signs for when they won awards for best BBQ in Boston. Between 2003-2005. I highly doubt the same cook/management is at this restaurant now. I decided to just go for the wedge salad rather than brave the meat. Not bad at all, but it's a salad in BBQ restaurant. My fellow diner went for the pulled pork which from my taste was passable. The worst thing about the meal was the mashed potatoes. Gerber baby food status. Not particularly memorable, or my first choice on Moody, but hey it's one of the stalwarts.
(3)
Doug M.

I am visiting for my daughter soccer tourney. I was looking for some wings close to out hotel and yelp led us here. I past on the wings and got the brisket, and a great choice it was. My wife got the burger ans loved it, my daughter boneless wings and very happy. The service was awesome I will come again
(4)
Ethan C.

I just went here for the first time, and I would say that this place is good for a causal dinner. The waitress was very friendly and polite to my family and I. The food it self tasted pretty good. The mashed potatoes side was a little chunky for my tastes. But overall I think that the food was worth the cost, and I enjoyed my dinner.
(4)
Miss M.

Had a hankering for BBQ and pulled chicken...so I ordered a sandwich, and it was very good with cole slaw...downside is most of the sandwiches don't come with toppings and you are only allowed one side...unless it's SWP-FF and a vegetable, to where you have to pay more... The sweet potato fries and regular fries weren't that good. They were the type which were deep fried and reconstituted. I wish I got mashed potatoes instead. The server we had was passive aggressively rude just because I had a question about the sides...sorry but I think it's kind of greedy of them to charge for toppings on a burger or sandwich...not the servers fault but he was kind of cocky and treated me like an idiot...(the menu and website layout isn't exactly the clearest). Also I had to go get silverware myself...never got refills on drinks (non-alcoholic of course)...and it was just kind of a disappointment, and I felt insulted by the side comments our server made. I was uncomfortable most of the time and you could cut the awkwardness like a knife to warm butter... The layouts and atmosphere is good...the owner was going around trying to people please, but I wish he actually noticed some of his customers needs. Oh well...
(3)
David B.

Our trips down Moody Street have brought us past this place. Finally, craving good old red meat, we gave it a try. We enjoyed the food for BBQ can be hard to find in New England, especially in the suburbs. The ribs were messy and delicious and the brisket had a wonderful crust and meaty tasty. Brisket has a tendency to be dry and chewy but this was good stuff. Also appreciated that they provided different sauces, depending upon your taste and desire for sweet or sour. The service was good as was their beer selection. The interior was little worn but appropriate....it was clean. We enjoy the dining options Moody Street has to offer. We will add this to our list of places worthy of a repeat visit.
(3)
Samuel H.

Yum. Try the bison burger it's a personal favorite, but know the place can get crowded which means service can be a bit slow.
(4)
Jeromie J.

So, considering I've been here every day since I've been in the area I think says it all. Great beer list, friendly people, smokin' meats low and slow. Nicely done Bison County!
(4)
George B.

Pretty good place for casual dining. We really liked the ribs and the pulled combo. The bison tips were so&so and the fries were pretty greasy. The open grill is pretty cool although very smoky...
(4)
Paul D.

Great beer and Bourbon list. The BBQ isn't half bad either and the portions are gigantic. The bar has many TV's and you can usually find the game you are looking for. If its not on you can ask the bartender and they'll change the TV for you. Its a great place to catch an NFL game featuring your favorite non Patriots team.
(4)
Mitch E.

The service was good. We were seated right away and the food came out quickly, however, it wasn't that good. We started off with an order of the south carolina boneless wings. They were decent, but it was basically just chicken fingers with honey mustard drizzled over it with a side of honey mustard to dip them into. I ordered a buffalo burger and my girlfriend got the turkey burger. Hers was decent. She got garlic mashed on the side. They tasted ok but were pretty runny. I had ordered my burger medium well. It came out pretty rare. i had to have them throw it back on the grill for a few minutes. The grill is in an open area of the dining room, and at one point we saw the cook chatting away on his cell phone as he was cooking the food. They had a decent beer list but they were out of a few of them, and it just so happened that they were out of the ones that we wanted. i wont be rushing back but if a group of people from work were going out for drinks and a bite to eat i wouldnt necessarily avoid it either.
(2)
Sam M.

A really good steakhouse with some excellent sweet potato fries. I know it says "BBQ" on the sign, but there's as much grilled meat as there is barbecue (maybe more) on the menu and it doesn't have that "BBQ shack" feel that Redbones and Blue Ribbon do. Despite that, we had a really good dinner. The hubby ordered the deep-fried pickles as an appetizer, which were surprisingly good. They came with sauces on the side but really didn't need any. We both got the bison tips -- chewy, but that was not surprising as there was no fat on them, and very flavorful. What I liked best was that the meat tasted like meat, not some over-seasoned, soaked in tenderizer crud that certain chain restaurants serve to customers and tell them that's what meat is supposed to taste like. The sides -- as I said, the sweet potato fries are the best I've had yet. Cucumber salad was light and a nice complement to the heavier meal. My husband did not like the rice at all, though, so I'd say skip that. Service was good. We went on a Friday night and were seated right away, our orders were taken & food was on the table quickly. There was a little lag between finishing our meal and getting the check, but not too bad and we were in and out in about an hour. Despite being surrounded by families with kids and big groups of pals out for dinner. I liked the layout of the bar area as well, big and up front, and the selection is acceptable. I may just park myself there a few evenings this summer. Oh, yeah -- almost forgot about the cornbread! It's different, sure -- sweet and cakey, not light and crumbly. I wouldn't say it's "not Southern," I've had similar in regions down south, especially north Florida/south Georgia and in eastern Texas. Don't eat more than a slice or two or you'll be too filled up to eat dinner.
(4)
Mike D.

Buffalo shrimp fried in a tempura batter with delicious hot sauce drizzles over the top of each shrimp and it comes with an amazing horseradish dipping sauce. Also a bison burger with Monterrey Jack cheese (medium rare of course!) and sweet potato fries, and a Harpoon on draft to wash it all down!! I think if I was going to the chair this would be my last meal request!!
(5)
Daphne M.

I ate here for the first time last night and I had to say that I enjoyed myself. I was meeting my brother in Waltham to catch a movie at the theater. He suggested this place. I am not a huge BBQ or meat eater, but I definitely love a good burger. I had a steak burger which was quite tasty and perfectly done. They also offer turkey and buffalo burgers which is a nice touch. They had a pretty extensive list of beers both in bottles and draft. What I really liked was the ambiance. It was so chill and relaxed. The best part though was that it St. Patrick's day it was not at all apparent in this place. They no that they are a BBQ place and did not try to make everything fake irish, which I totally hate. Service was excellent. Only bad thing was that the fries were not so great. Their sweet potato fries are supposed to be good though. Maybe I'll try them. Who knows?
(4)
Dan B.

I love Bison County! First off, they're one of the few places on Moody St. with a decent beer list, and most of it is on tap. The bar area is well-suited to watching the game as they have more than enough large screen TV's so there's hardly a poor seat in the bar. The restaurant area is slightly bigger where you can see the cooks putting on a show. The food is fantastic especially when it comes to their beef. I've had their steak, steak tips, bison tips, pulled pork, bbq chicken, and even the ribs. All were excellent. The sides are also tasty and I always seem to have leftovers to take home. I took my parents here when they were visiting from out of town and my Dad, who loves ribs, said their baby back ribs were the best he's ever had, period. This place is pretty busy on Friday nights, but most of the time I can walk in with my girlfriend and just sit in the bar no problem.
(5)
Christian C.

When my friend lived close to this restaurant, we went quite often. I love any place that has bison burgers and bison steak tips. The wings here are insanely good and the owner is from South Carolina, so you know that this place is legit. The wait staff is always on point. My only criticism is that I never get enough fries. What's up with that? There's nothing better than vinegar-soaked sweet potato fries with a bison burger.
(4)
Joanna C.

Great beer list, t.v.'s on the bar wall to catch the score for the latest game, an "exhibition cooking" station in the back (pretty much a big grill that has meat grilling)... It's not amazing, lick your fingers barbecue, but it's pretty good, and their portions are GIANT. Like where I had enough pulled pork and pulled chicken leftover for 2 additional meals. And let me tell you - I can eat! A pretty laid back establishment (which can get annoying if you want to get out of there quickly), but great for just sitting back, leisurely eating while watching the crowd, and drinking beer.
(3)
Jonathan A.

Was really looking forward to some gluten free BBQ, but didn't get past the drinks. Gave my name for a table and took a seat at the bar. Noticed that it was cluttered behind the bar, but also noticed a pretty good looking signature drink menu. My buddy and I ordered Dark and Stormys from their drink menu...no ginger beer. So we ordered Mojitos...no mint. Well we aren't that picky so we were good with vodka tonics. My girlfriend ordered a margarita with sauza instead of house tequila. Bartender pulls out house tequila, empties the bottle into a 16 oz glass,(which amounted to a 1/2 inch of tequila) and filled the glass with sour mix. Undrinkable even for me. Cancelled our reservation and went up the street to Tempo which has GREAT drinks and a gluten free menu.
(1)
Monica R.

3.5 stars fun place to grab a beer or a burger at the bar. good beer list. good turkey burger. The outside screams - come and visit!! i'd do it again but am in no rush.
(3)
Vanilla P.

I placed a huge order for my office (12 meals) and asked for a couple extra cornbread loaves to be throw in: "We have to charge you for the loaves." Seriously? After dropping $180+, you won't throw in some cornbread? Whatever. I ordered some extra loaves. Everyone liked their meals, and asked to order from Bison Country again during our next lunchtime meeting.... BUT THEY FORGOT THE CORNBREAD. When I place an order next time, I'll let them know that. My Western Salad was very good, filling, and fresh. The blackened chicken was flavorful, and the veggies were crispy. Bison Country got 90% of the orders right, which is a little above average, I suppose. Dressings were forgotten, regular fries instead of sweet potato, etc. Nothing major. Everyone ate, was happy, and requested it again. Just double check your order before leaving.
(4)
Jef S.

Not that great. It's a convivial enough environment to stop and get nachos and beers after work, but the food and service are simply not good here. The exceptions are any offering that comes drowned in barbecue sauce...for example, they have a very good pulled pork sandwich on the lunch menu. If you're looking to share a few with the boys, might as well, but otherwise I'd just head out to Blue Ribbon.
(2)
pete k.

This would be a 2 star review if this were only about the food. Fortunately for Bison County, someone knows how to pick beers. Atmosphere is decent - spacious, rustic, open, etc. Waitresses are fairly attentive. Menu is obviously focused on BBQ and other meat - alot of which is cooked on a grill in an open kitchen area at the back of the restaurant. The grilled meat looked fine - most things seem to marinate in their own little bag, which is dumped onto the grill at cooking time. I suspect the grilled items would be decent. But we're here for BBQ. My table had a variety of BBQ'd meats - pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and brisket. All claimed to be "mesquite smoked". For the record, Mesquite is not a smoke wood that you should ever use - its best use is artificially on "bbq" potato chips. So I'm hesitant to even start off. Lets start with presentation.. when you order your pulled pork/chicken they ask what kind of sauce you want - "regular" or "honey bbq". Not very impressive selections! Now, if you select honey bbq, your pork arrives in what the table agreed as "pea soup" colored. Really odd appearance. And seriously, there should be no need to mix the sauce IN for us - keep it in a cup on the side. Good BBQ does NOT NEED SAUCE. Then there's the mound of pulled chicken - which is not pulled. This stuff is.. smushed. Its appearance is that of tuna salad. No real meat character here, just a pasty mush of something that used to be chicken. The brisket had a dab of sauce, as did the ribs. Good - these should not come sauced up. The brisket did not look smoked, but it was thin sliced and very tender. The "southern ribs" - spares - were very good sized and meaty. Now, on to the flavor. Out of the 4 types of meat - the only one with ANY smoky flavor was the chicken paste. Unfortunately it was a strangely dry pile of meat substance - kind of sucked the moisture out of your mouth. Slathered in sauce, it could have been edible but in no way was this true BBQ. The "pea soup" pulled pork - while I found a couple little pieces of "bark" - did not have any smoke or spice. The bark had some color from smoking, but the outer edge did not have the crust that good BBQ should have - no rub on this meat. The honey bbq did not come out tasting like BBQ - it was just a saucey pile of meat. Did not taste bad but did not taste like BBQ. It was at least moist, unlike the chicken mash. The brisket - which had a nice texture - again totally lacked smoke. In fact it tasted like brisket that was cooked in an oven - the kind you'll find in a good deli. Not BBQ brisket. It was nice meat but again, not BBQ. At all. And the "sauce" on it was not a very tasty BBQ sauce unfortunately. The ribs were very meaty - and very tender. The meat came off the bone fairly well - however once again.. NO SMOKE! And no rub - the meat was just.. meat. I was really disappointed in the ribs and brisket - these ones didn't seem to have ever made it into a smoker. The slaw was very.. wet.. pretty plain and lacking any real flavor. Would have covered up the lack of smoke on a pulled pork sandwich I suppose, or added moisture to the chicken paste on a bun. The sweet potato fries were good - nice and crispy. The baked beans were probably the best item on the table to be honest - bacon and brisket were cooked in the beans to add some nice flavor. Mmm beans. Apps - forgot about those - we had the calamari, corn fritters and these "fire!!!" shrimp. The calamari was fine - very large rings with some kinda ranchy sauce. The fritters were tasty.. really what fried batter isnt good? The sauce it was served with was odd - I think its the house BBQ sauce? Or maybe honey mustard, was hard to tell. And then there's the "fire!!!" shrimp. Tender shrimps that were likely marinated, grilled and topped with a slash of hot sauce. Not exactly "fire!!!" and since there are only 5 or 6 on the plate.. eh. The cornbread was good, forgot to mention that. So the extra star - some good beers on tap - Smuttynose, Old Speckled Hen, and a few other decent micro brews. Overall, you can fill your belly and still have leftovers - but if you go here looking for BBQ - turn around - actually just go across the street to Jake/Earls Dixie BBQ.. or drive 3 miles to Blue Ribbon which will blow Bison out of the water. Oh and lets go over parking - trying to find a spot near Moody is always a disaster - so be ready for some aggravation if you haven't had the pleasure of trying to park in the area. If you are lucky, your friends will have a beer waiting for you wherever you eat.
(3)
Joel A.

53 Reviews! This place doesn't need another one. But I must add my $.02. Bison County is one of our favorite places in Waltham because it has no pretentions. It is what it is. Down to the dented salt shakers, pile a napkins on the table (you'll need them), catsup bottles you can park upside down, waitstaff without uniforms, carvings on the tables. And good value. Refreshing. Why "only" 4 stars? They need to upgrade the bread/rolls and update their vegetable offerings. (Or maybe they don't need to because *everyone* gets the sweet potatoe fries and the string beans anyway?) Also I think there is only one dessert -- ice cream on a brownie with chocolate sauce. Big enough to share.
(4)
Jason H.

This place is probably my favorite in town to grab a beer and get dinner. First off they have an excellent beer selection for a bar in the dirty dirty Waltham and that goes a long way with me. Second, the BBQ here is very good and the portions are generous. Many of my dinners will end up being finished the next day for lunch, as left overs. Its also a nice place to watch the game and they play pretty cool music most nights... Service is hit or miss, but overall this is a very worthy place to hit up, especially if in the area.
(4)
Sharon K.

At first I wasn't a fan of this place because the selection is very much the same. All their plates are almost like the same thing spun in a different way. And I had gotten many cuts of meat that were more fat than meat. I stopped going for a while... But after many many weeks of my boyfriend going there every Tuesday night for Trivia night, and me feeling bad about not being social with his friends... I decided to give it another try, cuz they all loved it so much. The waiter guy was super nice to our table because my boyfriend and his friends were "regulars". (Before I had felt very ignored on busy nights, but my boyfriend explained to me that it was just that one guy running all the tables and the bar at the same time... but since, they have added more servers, there's another girl there now too.) I found that I like the ribs. I still don't like that they charge a whole extra dollar for sweet potato fries. But I do like that they will make you a brownie sundae dessert if you ask for dessert even if it's not on the menu.
(4)
Stace M.

Went here on a sunday. It was nice and quiet. Food and service was GREAT! Looks like it could be a fun afterwork scene for the 20's and 30's crowd. The only reason I have 4 stars is because for bar type food it is a tad pricey. MUST order the chili chese fries! Soooooo gooooood!
(4)
JJ H.

Our first time in last night...we sat at the bar...the bartender was nice, but quite. We order the watermelon beer they had on tap...it was delicious..but on the warm side...perhaps if the glasses where chilled or something. We ordered the chicken wings, spicy southern style, and they were very good. Then we went all out and got the pulled chix and pork combo, and the "cowboys and Indians" (choose any two meats) with baby-back ribs and brisket...for sides we had the cole slaw, cucumber salad, rice and fries (we ordered swt potatoes but got regular). The rice was pretty bad, but everything else was great! We will come back...thanks!
(4)
James S.

The only good thing about this place is the wings... if you're having dinner and own a car, you're better off going to Redbones or Lesters
(2)
Anna B.

I took a group of 40 people from work to Bison County. Mostly men - corporate types but not the types who'd be bothered eating with their hands - and this definitely beat our last group dinner which was at Skipjacks (more formal and quiet). Bison County was loud and casual but still appropriate for a work event. I was on the road the week before so I didn't have time to spend on this and didn't pick a menu like I have for dinners in the past. Basically I chatted with the owner about the type of stuff we wanted and he planned it to stay in our budget. The food was well-priced and delicious. Beers came quickly which is important after all-day meetings. If you go in a big group I recommend family style (people loved that) and the favorite items were the steak and turkey tips, ribs, and sweet potato fries. I should mention they need advance notice for a group that size. Parking in the area can be tough - everyone found a spot but be prepared to check 1 or 2 parking lots before finding one. I ended up parking on the street. Allow an extra 10 minutes and you'll be fine.
(5)
Kathleen G.

My favorite place to have a burger in Waltham! This place has a great atmosphere and really good food. It doesn't leap out at you from the street - I'd lived here almost a year before I wandered in, but one meal and I was hooked. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lisa W.

I just went to Bison County yesterday for dinner and it was great. Their beer list is excellent - they have a lot of good stuff on tap. I had a Blue Moon with a lemon wedge on the rim. The food was fantastic. Really interesting meat is served there. My boyfriend got bison tips and I opted for a buffalo burger. These meals were both named literally. I actually had a burger that was made of buffalo and he had actual bison. The reason I find myself clarifying this is I had trouble believing it when I saw it on the menu and I figure someone else would too. Everything was flavorful and well-marinated. I even had one of the tips and it was really good. Oh, and I forgot that for starters we got the spinach and artichoke dip. That was to DIE for. It was so good that I almost wanted more tortilla chips so I could get more dip. The waiter was knowledgeable and good-humored. He wasn't afraid to make a joke here and there. The atmosphere was fun. Good times can be had at Bison County, that's for sure.
(4)
Alyssa O.

The hubs and I went to Bison County today for lunch. I loved the feel of the restaurant and it felt authentically Texas. I got the pulled pork, which was delicious. Sweet potato fries were also nice. Hub's tea tasted great and had a bit of a fruity kick at the end. This is better than Blue Ribbon BBQ!
(4)
Jeremy K.

meh, i went here maybe twice, both times it was fair, the wifey is a veggie so no point coming to a place like this for our dinner out.\ the food and sauces were fair too, i guess its only getting 3 stars out of ambiguity.
(3)
matt m.

I don't judge on whether the food at a BBQ place is "authentic" since I really have no idea what that means. However, I can tell you everything I've had so far has been great, from burgers to sandwiches to their larger plates. Decent beer selection, good bartenders.
(4)
Pat L.

I guess you can't go wrong at a place that has a giant stuffed animal head over the bar...you know you're going to get what you came for (meat - if you're here, I sure hope that's what you came for). Started off with some drinks - they had Steel Rail! I haven't had a Steel Rail since my Amherst days, so that was a great start. The beer and booze menu was great in general, with a listing of all their liquor and a fairly large selection of bottled beers (and prices for almost everything - pretty rare). Apps were fried catfish and some sort of spicy chicken wing (hardly the "extremely spicy" promised on the menu, but very tasty). I went with a burger, which was great. Buddies had baby-back ribs (thumbs up, huge portion, great taste - highly recommended) and the wagon train (bison, beef, and turkey tips - mixed reviews). The cornbread was as good as we hoped, but stay away from the sweet potato fries...they were cold, with a soggy exterior and an uncooked center - bummer. So go here, have a Steel Rail (Berkshire's finest), eat meat, and take home a lot of leftovers. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Nancy L.

If you are seeking good BBQ, then Bison County is it. If you are seeking great BBQ then go hit up Red Bones or Blue Ribbon instead. Bison County offers traditional BBQ fare such as ribs, pulled pork, and smoked brisket but it's not as yummy as the aformentioned resturants. It does have a decent beer selection (which Blue Ribbon does not but Red Bones trumps that with a wheel of beer) and has more space since less people tend to venture out to Waltham. A good local joint due to its atmosphere but not out of the world BBQ.
(3)
Sean S.

This place is freaking amazing! Excellent beer selection. The boneless spicy thai peanut wings are great. I had the NY sirloin steak sandwich with sweet potato fries. Amazing stuff! The sweet potato fries are ridiculous in how good they taste. I could eat them all night. I highly suggest you go check this place out and get some damn good meat and beer.
(5)
Meaghan B.

This barbecue was pretty good. To start you off they bring you a brick of cornbread, and that is surely the way to my heart. I got the beef ribs half rack, and to my dissmay they were a little dry. My own fault for not asking for a side of bbq sauce, but sometimes I don't want to insult the pit master. My husband couldn't have been more happy with his pulled chicken/pork combo, and my dad was psyched about his pork rib/brisket combo. I also got a side of sweet potato fries, and they were melt in your mouth good. The waitstaff was very friendly and not over attentive, which I love. Nice atmosphere and overall I'd say it was a good bbq experience.
(3)
Kate R.

I was not super impressed with the food here. Overall it's average. There is a open grill in the back of he restaurant which we sat near. We split a boneless chicken appetizer which all of the chicken were thin pieces and nothing to rave about. The cornbread was the best thing of the meal. I tried a bison burger with cheese cooked medium. It was just not right. The outside seemed really crispy in the inside a little pinker then I would of liked. I've had bison before and I can be cooked better. My friend watched his meal being made as the cook took out his phone in between cooking. He was rather shocked and the guy was not wearing any food prep gloves. The atmosphere was also average. I don't think phantom gourmet will give the same reviews now as they did in previous years.
(3)
Paul G.

I grew up in South Carolina but now call myself a New Englander. In South Carolina, the best BBQ was always at the places that were closed Wed and Sun for church and did not serve alcohol. Luckily, the best BBQ place in the Boston area is open 7 days per week and has a great selection of beer. This place is a real gem - fine Italian, authentic Chinese, and trendy upscale restaurants are easy to find in the Boston area. What is tough to find is decent BBQ. Other BBQ places in the area tend not to have as good flavor and re pretty greasy (BBQ should never be greasy). I moved away from the Boston area about 2 months ago, but I liked this place enough that I used to come here with my wife and rambunctious toddler almost every Friday night. When in-laws were in town, this is where we took them out. This place is great to go out with friends, take someone (not a vegetarian) on a casual date, or take the whole family. Oh, and the beer -Craft beer lovers out there will appreciate the selection. They have a menu of craft beers that always has good stuff on it, including some difficult to get limited release beers. I highly recommend the Cowboys and Indians with pulled pork and brisket Carolina style. Wash it down with something on tap.
(5)
Rob D.

I've been going here for lunch about once a month for 2 years now. I love it. Southwestern food is always good and plentiful. Haven't had a meal I didn't like, and the bar manager Scotty is good people serving great beer.
(5)
Jimmy S.

Stopped in for lunch recently. I was shocked to learn that the place has been there for 19 years and I'd never heard of it. I get to Waltham every once in a while but have never even noticed the sign... But I then thought I probably would've heard of it by its food rep, which I had not. I found out why. It's a BBQ joint that features Bison meat. I have to admit, we don't know how to BBQ up north. Blue Ribbon? meh. Everything tastes the same to me. Where da real BBQ at? Tennesee's? it's "Aight". Bison County? Nope. I ordered what I thought was a classic - the beef brisket BBQ sandwich. Well I got that - 4-5 slices of dry brisket on a kaiser roll. It was not great, in fact it kind of sucked and was fatty too. Tried a taste of a Bison burger - If you're looking for a huge burger that tastes gamey - this is your sandwich! Plus's - Bar, Bartender was great, friendly and helpful, beer selection very good.
(2)
Elisha M.

Bison County is always a go to place on Moody for great beer choices and good bar bites and BBQ. Came here today for a quick bite, the bartender was great, always friendly. Ordered a burger with sweet potato fries which are awesome.
(4)
John C.

Came here for dinner recently when we couldn't get a table at The Gaff. We were just looking for beers and a sandwich and we found the right spot! Great selection of beers both on tap and bottles. I had a pulled pork sandwich with South Carolina style sauce. It was awesome! Sweet potato fries were hot and crispy, the beer was cold and the service was great. What more can you ask for? Glad to have another local spot to turn to.
(4)
Nick M.

I got take out here when I first moved to Waltham last winter and was disappointed. Their steak tips weren't to my liking, not very flavorful and the portions were smaller than I'd expected as well. I may need to give them another chance to redeem themselves but I was turned off by my initial experience.
(2)
Jessica B.

This is my second visit for lunch and while it probably wouldn't occur to me to suggest going, it was quite good. The bartender was both manning the bar and serving the lunch guests and did an impressive job staying on top of everything. I had pulled chicken which I LOVED. I was looking for a healthy side and they actually had two different vegetable selections not counting the salad. I was impressed. Overall, I quite like the place for a casual lunch.
(3)
Bill O.

Neither great nor horrible, just quietly disappointing. The baby backs were tasty; the brisket dry and rubbery. Cole slaw and baked beans plentiful if also a bit too sweet. I didn't leave angry, but I wouldn't return.
(2)
Paul M.

My wife and I were craving barbeque last night, so we thought we'd stop in. I had been there once for lunch and noted a generous selection of craft beers on draught, so things looked promising. My wife's chicken wings were meaty and tender, and the accompanying Caesar salad crisp and fresh. My Pasta Bowl, however, was another matter. The sausage, listed as "chorizo", was really just sliced kielbasa. The pasta looked like it might have been homemade, but it seemed to be overcooked. The real killer was the fact that the dish was drenched in barbeque sauce. After picking through the sausage, I couldn't eat more than a few bites of the drowning pasta. Granted, I probably should have gone with BBQ, but I wouldn't have expected this to be so challenging. Given the explosion of competing restaurants along Moody Street, I'm not likely to return.
(2)
Megan M.

I was born and raised in Texas so I know good bbq! I have been to all the "best places" around Boston and everything I have tried tastes nothing like what BBQ should taste like. Bison County knows what they are doing!!! I tried their pulled chicken and pork Texas style and I actually felt like I was at Rudy's bbq in Texas! It has the right amount of spice and flavor and you can tell it was slow cooked, like it should be! The service is prompt and the people there are always friendly. I will definitely keep coming back here!
(5)
Emily K.

Went here specifically for bison burgers and I wasn't disappointed. Both our burgers were cooked to order and very tasty. Side note, they seemed to have a surprisingly good beer selection as well. I'd definitely come back for a bison-burger fix.
(4)
Jamie L.

Excellent beer choice of over 70 craft beers to choose from.. always on rotation and the food is always on point
(5)
Jim S.

I'm a pretty big BBQ lover. We were originally going to go to Blue Ribbon in Arlington but decided to go here so we could see a movie at the Embassy Theater. So long story short, my wife and I went. I got the {stupidly named] Cowboys and Indians which is two meats, two sides. In addition to baby back ribs the menu said they had "Southern Ribs." We didn't know what those were either so we asked the waiter. He sort of explained it but I don't know that he knew. In any event I got the Southern ribs and brisket. First he brought us - slid towards us really - some cornbread and some very sketchy-looking butter. Then when the rib platter came, I first tried the "brisket." I put it in quotes because I don't know what it was. It reminded me of meat you'd get from a frozen dinner. Whatever it was it was NOT brisket. You can tell as much - or more - about a BBQ place by its brisket. The ribs? Covered with BBQ sauce, indifferent, ok. My wife's baby backs were tough and overcooked. Ribs should be tender, meaty, fall off the bone. None of those things was true here. Bottom line - the chef here has no idea how to make BBQ nor does he much care about what he's cooking. He comes in, punches the clock, leaves. The only good thing here was the beer. It may well be the everything else on the menu is great. I'll never know because I'll never go back, at least not while this short order cook is there. If I can make a meal better myself at home, what's the point? If you want good BBQ in this area, avoid this place like the plague. Trust me. I've eaten tons of it and this ain't good BBQ. It's not the point of the place, it's an afterthought. Instead go to Redbones, Sweet Cheeks, Blue Ribbon, or in Sturbridge, BT's BBQ.
(2)
Deena S.

Service was fine and good beer selection but I have to say this restaurant was not very clean at all. From bathrooms to floors to tables..not sure id eat here.
(3)
Jeremy K.

While I really want to like this place, especially since my favorite Waltham joint, Jake Dixie's Roadhouse closed 2+ years ago, I can't help but expect and want more out of this place. And I'm not alone either, as my significant other and my friends had the same comments based on our visits there. And it's a shame really, especially considering how little competition they have in the area, Blue Ribbon aside. They have a great location, right near the top of Moody Street, with a ton of parking lots and street parking available. They have the space, with 30+ tables and a long bar as well. They have a great craft beer selection as well. But the big issue here is with the service and the food. First off, the food is very average. I've sampled all kinds of things there, from their wraps to their bison tips and their BBQ plates, and most of it is bland or very average at best. But the kicker here is that in most instances, they charge a few bucks too many for their dishes. An example of such is their appetizers. Some are as cheap as $4.95 but most are $8.95 and more. $9 for a cup of chili? Seems pretty steep to me. Their fried pickles ($5.95) are decent, but few come in the serving. On the upside, most of them are eas to share although their spinach and artichoke dip ($8.95) wasn't all that great when I had it last week. Their entrees aren't much better, and I was not a huge fan of their ribs. Their pulled pork sandwich ($9.95) isn't all that great either, and their Bozeman bison tips ($17.95) were dry and again, bland. Even the sides are average at best. All in all, it just seems like the place strive on serving very average food at a premium. Their service isn't all that attentive either and all in all, it quickly loses it's appeal. Every single time I've seen the bill there I felt like it wasn't a good value at all. So while they have a great craft beer selection, the rest leaves to be desired including the inconsistent service which often times is inattentive and slow. Meh.
(3)
Sean R.

Fantastic beer selection, solid food. The bar is separate from the regular dining area, so if you bring kids you're a-ok. The food is better than average (buffalo shrimp, bison tips, quesadilla's are all good). It's also reasonably inexpensive, so all around great place to get a 7 day a week meal or meet up with friends for a drink!
(4)
Antonio M.

Food is ok, really depends on what you order. The bone in BBQ wings are great. Really decent beer selection and great place to watch a game with friends.
(4)
Jackie B.

My husband and I are big BBQ fans, specifically smoked meats. We've been to Bison County several times already since moving to Waltham in the last 2 months. We usually get the Cowboy and Indians and mix and match sides and meats. It's a great place for sharing food. The beer selection is also good for those who like unique and/or craft. Not just the typical ABI crap. I think their sides could use improvement. Missing Mac and Cheese! Staple BBQ side. Looking forward to our next visit!
(4)
Peter D.

Excellent beer selection (perhaps the best on Moody St), delicious BBQ and very cool atmosphere. Always a favorite "go to" when Im in the area.
(4)
Ash And Dan L.

My husband and I went here for dinner on valentine's day, looking for a casual meal. We enjoyed the feel of the restaurant, and loved the beer selections, but were a bit let down by the food. We ordered the fried pickles (very tasty), pulled chicken sandwich, and brisket sandwich. The pulled chicken sandwich was lacking a bit in the taste department, and the same goes for the brisket. Both just OK. Maybe we're biased because we have always been hard-core Red Bones fans (Somerville), but either way I don't think we'll go back unless we really have a craving for some fried pickles.
(3)
Laura C.

Just go here. That's all you need to know. Great beer selection, great bar, trivia nights, good location, FANTASTIC food. Get the carolina wings, the sauce/rub is absurd. Thought about it for two years while living in the southeast, was one of the first meals I had after moving back home.
(5)
Coralee L.

My Husband and I used to like this place, that's the only reason it gets two stars. But the last time we went (which happened to be for our anniversary) we both ordered bison (of course) My husband got bison I got steak. I know the difference. I can taste my husband's dinner and compare... they were different. When I told the waitress she argued with me, she then walked over to the cook who said, yes, that's bison... seriously no one tasted it. It was not bison and bison is more expensive. I'm not one of those people that believe the customer is always right, I just wanted my bill to reflect steak and not bison because that's what they gave me. We won't bother coming back here I'll save the gas and make bison at home.
(2)
Veronique L.

I came here with boyfriend, boyfriend's brother, and boyfriend's friend for Trivia Night. We ordered a couple of appetizers to share: The Stampede ($10.95), Melted Spinach & Artichoke Dip w/chips ($8.95), Louisiana Fried Catfish Nuggets ($5.95), and Boneless South Carolina Wings ($8.95). I liked all the appetizers but thought there could have been more of the nuggets. The four of us quickly finished the food as we watched the Celtics play the Heat and as we played Trivia. Trivia this past Tuesday night was Halloween themed. I thought we did pretty well considering we're not regular trivia people. It seems like there are a couple of regular Trivia teams and the MC asked whether people planned on coming next Tuesday or not because of the election. I guess enough people expressed interest, and there will be trivia next week!
(4)
Sarah A.

I went here with friends a few weeks ago and the food was great. I love that they have an open kitchen. The menu has a nice selection of BarbQ/ Southwest dishes and the prices are reasonable. I ordered the house salad and we all got the Bisson steak tips which was very tasty and came with a choice of two sides. I got to try the fried pickles also and they were very good. I would definitely go back. The one draw back was that the service was a bit slow but the server was do nice that it was easily overlooked.
(4)
Brian V.

Great Pulled Pork Sandwich! The food was very good. I appreciated that even the fries were freshly cooked when I got my sandwich. The beer list here is huge and they have some taps that rotate on a regular basis. The only reason I give it a 4 is the atmosphere is so-so but still pretty cool. I would definitely recommend this place for a solid meal and a good spot to hang out.
(4)
Steve G.

Where do I start? Arrived just after the kitchen closed, I was SO bummed ... John behind the bar was so great - he went and checked with the kitchen, and came back and offered me one of their in-house smoked pulled pork sandwiches anyway. It was SO good!!!! Flavor was great and so tender. On top of that the staff there (John especially) were so very nice ... and the music was perfect (just my kind of alternative mix between 92.9 and 95.5 90's to now). Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Noah J.

Great food. Smoked wings and ribs are delicious. Nice draught beer selection too. Service at the bar was kind of lame. Dude throws down the wings and walks away. Okay I guess I'll just use the bev naps that I can reach. He drops off my dinner and I have to ask for silverware. Really? I mean I can eat the ribs fine but do you really want me hand feeding myself cole slaw? So I give five stars for food and two for service. The food makes it worth it. Maybe bring your own spork and a towel to the bar. I'm normally a heavy tipper. Not tonight.
(3)
Manny L.

went there sunday with my wife. bar was busy but the tables were empty. I don't think they paid their fuel bill because the place was freezing. even the waitress had her jacket and hat on. we ordered apps and some drinks. took forever for the bartender to serve us. we ordered the Arizona egg rolls, chicken wings and shrimp. the shrimp and wings were very good. the egg rolls had a ton a rice in them, they were ok, wont get them again. I gave it a low score for service and how frigin cold it was in there. ill give it another shot, maybe we will get another bartender who is more attentive.
(2)
Arkangel R.

Food was good but was a bit overdone. The place itself looks shoddy with ducktape seats and such. Service was good. I would skip the half chicken as dry chicken is bad form. No parking either you have to pay.
(3)
Liz D.

We got the baby back ribs and brisket. It tasted like it was cooked on a grill briefly, frozen, thawed and re-heated on a grill again. Neither meats had any smoke lines, and was kind of tough to chew and lacking flavor. The fried pickles were good?
(2)
Chris Z.

Went there for lunch with a friend and sat down at the bar to be greeted by a not-so friendly bartender. I had asked him if they had any drink specials, not uncommon at a bar... I was told sternly "No," and he walked away. One thing I noticed about the bartenders is that they seemed like they shouldn't be behind the bar. Consistently spilling drinks they were attempting to pour out of the tap onto themselves and the floor with pretty much every drink order. The biggest offender for me was when my friend got his beer he picked off food stuck to the outside of the glass. When a bar can't even wash their glasses properly, there's problems. Fairly quickly I was very unimpressed with their lack of friendliness and customer care, we seemed more like an annoyance simply because we were taking our time reading the menu. Upon reading the menu, I noticed another thing: absurd prices on some of their items. $12 for a Caesar salad, $5 for a side of coleslaw - I'm no cheapo but this isn't downtown Boston we're in. Their meat prices seemed on par but I needed a quick lunch. I ended up just getting a plate of sweet potato fries while planning in my head where to go afterwards for food. My friend got a Ruben and a side of coleslaw. Considering the place was dead and it was lunch time the food took your standard dinner service ticket time to come out and we didn't order anything complex. The one thing everything we ordered shared in common: zero seasoning - not even the essentials of salt and pepper. We grabbed salt and pepper from a table and seasoned the food and even then, saying that it was bland would be giving it too much credit. We regrettably ate our food for pure hunger's sake while being ignored by the bartender and when he did come by to collect our plates we just wanted the check. Even though I did not try their meat, the fact that something simple like seasoning with salt and pepper was tossed aside negates any desire for me to pay their prices just to try and find out how the meat is. Overall, there are plenty of better places to get quality meat for better prices, customer service, and a friendly environment. This place is a dump I would never go back to and have warned others to stay away.
(1)
Shera P.

I went here about 2 weeks ago with my boyfriend and his coworker and had one of my worst restaurant experiences in recent memory. The service was awful. 15min to take our drink order and we practically had to hold our waitress down to get a word in. She came by the table 3 times and ran off before we were able to get our food order in. I am generally extremely forgiving when it comes to wait staff but this was beyond terrible. The appetizers were actually quite good but our entrees were mediocre at best. I got the brisket which was slathered in sauce and had the consistency of bologna. My boyfriend got a pasta dish which was just very bland. I'd only come back if friends wanted to meet for drinks at the bar.
(1)
Melissa N.

I met a friend for dinner here since it's halfway between where we each live. Bison has my favorite comfort food, with the best cucumber salad and beans you can make. There is brisket in the beans. The service was amazing. Our food came within 6 minutes. We took most of our food to go since we each ordered a half a chicken. We asked our server for some extra cornbread and he brought us each two loaves with butter in a separate container. LOVE.
(5)
Juan F.

Got the Pulled Pork Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. The food is average at best... I've definitely had better pulled pork sandwiches in my life. What prevents this place from being a decent 3 star is their service. Our waiter was kinda rude and wasn't friendly at all. Crack a smile man...
(2)
Cindy K.

I like this place because it close and bbq is pretty decent. Price are great and portions are pretty big. Things that I have tried here and like are the chicken wings, the pulled pork , ribs and the spicy shrimp. I love the shrimp here.
(4)
EJ K.

Freakin' delicious does not describe this place. Been going for a while and never had a bad meal. Their appetizers are great -- particularly a fan of the corn fritters, fried pickles and Arizona Egg Rolls. Don't let the last one fool you, the only thing egg roll about them is the crusty. Lots of delicious rice, chicken and cheesy goodness in there! The entrees are solid too. Cannot go wrong with the quesadillas, BBQ sandwiches or the enormous Thanksgiving Burrito. They have a couple of different BBQ sauces for different palates which is always appreciated. Additionally, beer. Wicked big selection of different beers and ale. You can definitely go overboard here with the selection. Parking is either street or lot nearby, which is standard for the area. Wish there were better parking but beggars cannot be choosers. They often have coupons in the local Valu-Pak which is nice (who doesnt want $5 off?) and you can make reservations on OpenTable. Definitely a place worth going back to time and time again!
(4)
Jennifer R.

Interesting casual atmosphere. Great beer selection. Good service, though a little too speedy (still eating appetizers when entrees brought out). Food was hit or miss. Bison burger, cucumber salad, fried pickles were definite hits. Arizona egg rolls, turkey tips, garlic mashed potatoes were bland. The corn bread they give you after seating was delicious.
(3)
Connor P.

In complete honesty, it was a good BBQ joint. Absolutely nothing to rant an rave about. Service was nice and fast, food was good. The Carolina BBQ comes out a puke-yellow color so that wasn't too enjoyable. I was a little surprised that the BBQ didn't have strong flavors. Atmosphere was nice but when I went at lunch with two colleagues (one a girl), there was literally no other females in the restaurant. Overall it was just another BBQ place trying to advertise their expertise in BBQ when it was nothing above and beyond.
(3)
Jennie N.

Not what it use to be....Both the food and services were much better a few years ago
(2)
Evan R.

Bison County quenched my sudden meat cravings when I lived in Waltham for a year. I didn't dabble so much in their BBQ because I had a weekly ritual of getting BBQ at Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge (try it.... you'll be going every week). However, Bison County satisfied the steak cravings. I wouldn't call them a BBQ joint as much as they are a grill. I can't think of many places with Bison burgers or tips on the menu, so you've gotta give em credit for that. Making a great BIson burger requires little more than good product w/ a little salt and pepper, which I'm fairly confident was their recipe. The Bison tips are freakin' awesome and will satisfy the sharp fangs of any carnivore like myself. I don't think their sides are a home run, but I wouldn't call them a disappointment. If you go there aiming for the right things on the menu, you'll leave with the intention of returning. It's also a decent bar. A couple times I've met up with people there just to hang our and have some drinks during the Sox game and chow down some fried pickles. I'd normally go for 3 stars when a place only has select items on the menu that I'm particularly satisfied with, but the service has always been very good and I've gotta show some love for the grass fed Bison. Yum!
(4)
M C.

I wasn't really impressed with this place, but I SO wanted to like it. Really cute decor, fantastic location, nice chill feeling when you walk in the door. ...but... I didn't find the food all that good. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing? My boyfriend got the bison burger and just raved about it. Since we were at a BBQ joint (right? in the name?) I got their pulled pork sandwich. I consider the pulled pork the mining canary of good vs bad bbq. It didn't come with any sauce... whut...? And it didn't have much flavor without the sauce. When I asked for sauce, the bartender - we sat at the bar - was very quick to accommodate, but it didn't really improve from there. It was sort of meh. The service was pretty good, though we did have to do the arm-wavey 'can we have the check' dance, which was interesting because we were seated right at the bar. I'd be willing to try them again, but next time I'm ordering the bison burger!
(2)
Robert C.

I've been a fan of Bison County since it opened in 90's. It's my favorite place in Waltham to meet up with a friend or group of friends for a beer and good comfort food.
(4)
Ashley D.

I came in on a saturday evening with two friends just in time before the rush, we were seated as we entered at 5 o'clock and shortly had our drink order taken. Overall the decor fits the theme, decent beer selection, the food is reasonably priced, and the staff is nice. The waiter took our order, we were able to watch it cook in the dining area from the bar as there are windows in a patrician wall. The food arrived warm, not as hot as I would like with my green beans and sweet potato fries crispy yet warm and my bison luke warm yet very dry although I asked for it to be cooked at medium. When ordering medium I am used to having it pink and juicy in the middle while this was fully cooked through with no pink, just dry.... I covered it in ketchup as it lacked seasoning. In terms of establishment it was a bit cold where we were sitting in the bar area and there were cobwebs in the corners of the room. I might visit again but only if a friend of mine really wants to.
(2)
Jon S.

Fried pickles are awesome, and the burgers are good! But the ribs were not so good, they were so tough and dry that I needed a knife to split them apart.
(3)
Lauren O.

Bison County is my boyfriend and I's "go to" spot when we can't decide where we want to grab dinner, or sometimes lunch, as the food is always good and he's slightly addicted to their rattle snake eggs (jalapeno poppers) which are the spiciest I have ever tasted. We tend to grab a seat at the bar and the service has always been prompt. I usually get a beer (they have a wonderful selection!) and my boyfriend tends to get a mixed drink and haven't heard any complaints from him except the one time they didn't have olives for his dirty martini. Often surprised this place isn't busier, though we tend to avoid Friday and Saturday nights, but it's nice to find a bar with good food, tasty drinks, and a calm atmosphere.
(4)
Caitlin C.

Have spent too many Friday nights here. Hands down one of the best burgers around. The bison and sirloin burgers are both great. Thanksgiving burrito is has all the fixings of your favorite thanksgiving meal and could definitely feed two people. Have a huge beer selection and full bar. The service is awesome as well. I'll be back for some more Fridays
(5)
H. G.

Apps: The corn fritters were great (probably because they were served with maple syrup). I was happy to see actual pieces of corn mixed in. They were light and airy. The fried pickles were nothing special, but pretty good. Dinner: I wasn't a fan of the brisket. I wouldn't order that again. It was cut too thin and didn't have much going on. The baby back ribs were ok, but I preferred the rack of ribs. Lot more flavor. I sort of wish I had gotten the steak tips. Sides: The jalapeno rice wasn't very good, but the cucumber salad was surprisingly well done (especially if you like things tart). I was told that the garlic mashed potatoes was the thing to order. Beer: Lots of choices! You won't be disappointed. Fun place to go with a big group.
(3)
Devon H.

Service: 5 - very helpful and attentive without being overly so Beer: 5 Great!!!! Loved the diverse selection and will be going back to try some more... Main course: 3 - The baby back ribs and pulled bbq chicken we had were both on the dry side - they tasted like they had been sitting on a hot plate for a while. We went on a quiet Sunday evening, so we both assumed the circumstances made it dry. Hopefully on a busier day with quicker food turnover the food would be not quite as dry! Side dishes: 5 - The coleslaw and sweet potato fries we had made up for the lackluster main course in our opinion. zomg, the fries were gooooood!!! So we do plan on returning - just maybe not on a Sunday evening if we want some main courses!
(4)
Jennifer A.

The most important part of this place?? The AMAZING BEER SELECTION!! As someone who enjoys trying new brews and trying new food, this place hit both of these on the head. Try the Baxter Brewing Winter Stout. It might be life changing. Sidenote= the salad croutons are made from cornbread. Not a problem for me, but my fiance did not love them.
(5)
Theodore Y.

South Carolina Wings were dope. Grilled to perfection with awesome honey mustard sauce. A must try. Sliced NY Sirloin Steak Sandwich though grilled well, came with lackluster horseradish dijon.
(3)
Mike S.

Amazing bison burgers, steaks, salads, wings, ribs, buffalo shrimp. The selection of beer is fantastic. The staff is friendly. It's got a warm and cosy feeling inside. Love this place and I have been returning regularly for about ten years. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Tom M.

Awesome BBQ. South Carolina wings, ribs, pulled pork, brisket and burgers are all outstanding.
(5)
Caitlin P.

Awesome corn fritters, awesome beer selection. Staff is super nice and helpful. My husband is from North Carolina and he loves the BBQ pulled pork. Absolutely on par with Blue Ribbon BBQ and Red Bones. The only thing that sets the former two apart is they have a variety of sauces. But I'm a beer girl -so this place wins my heart.
(4)
Will S.

I was watching phantom gourmet, and I saw bison county was a decently priced BBQ joint. The bartender was our server so right away should of been a red light. I ordered a cider, that was warm and terribly dry. They made it up to me with angry orchard in can. We started off with buffalo shrimp pretty decent just tasted like a beer battered dip. I ordered the baby back ribs with the sweet Texas sauce. My girl friend got the rib chicken combo. It came out tasting gamey and way overly smoked. The only thing redeeming with garlic mashed potatoes I could have gotten better BBQ at blue ribbon or soul fire. I'm sticking what I know next time and that's the pitstop in mattapan.
(1)
Josh C.

Went here last night in between football game times and figured it would be pretty busy, but to our surprise (and I am assuming the owners dissatisfaction) the place was dead as an Old West Saloon. Was craving BBQ though and this place was right up my alley. Big portions of food, big sides, and good drinks. I didn't imbibe but they have a great selection of brews from nearby local breweries. We got the South Carolina Wings (ordered boneless, but got on-bone, oh well) which were served piping hot with sour cream and a great sauce. A+ for those. Also got a full rack of ribs for the Mrs. and me with a side of slaw and garlic mashed potatoes. The ribs weren't bad. They were more dry than "fall off the bone" style ribs. Good for me, but not for her. The mashed potatoes were also VERY whipped and creamy style and I am pretty sure there was no garlic in them at all. Our waitress was amazing. Pleasant, courteous, talkative but not overbearing. Just what I like in service at a restaurant. Overall the meal was good for the value. There were some things to nitpick at, but they weren't enough to stop me from going back if I am in the area again.
(4)
Razmig M.

The atmosphere was good - a bit loud. My bison burger was good but the ribs were dry. I wish there were different sauces to try. Service was good.
(3)
Jude P.

I must say... there signature wings are damn great!! I mean, get off your seat and go get some wings type great. It was weird at first cause it's mustard based but with that bbq smokey taste & smell and my reaction to them... well, I gotta work some overtime and get me some more :) As for the drinks... I had the PR Punch that didn't have a punch to it, but I forgive them for this.
(4)
Yolanda S.

All I can say is: Thank God my boyfriend had a gift card to this place! The waiter was great, the bar looked like a lot of fun but the food... I got the pulled pork/pulled chicken combo with a side of mixed veggies and cucumber salad. How can this be screwed up? It was! The only thing that was good was the pulled pork. My BF got a full rack of ribs that were really dry... This is not a BBQ place I would go back to for food. I do think I would go back and sit at the bar for a few drinks. Very dissapointing experience. Save your hard earned money and go somewhere else or cook at home!
(2)
Michael D.

Came here with a group of like 18 for lunch... let's just say its a little overpriced for what you get.. Most of my friends got the sandwiches or the burgers, but me being the fat ass i am, I ordered the wagon train, which comes with turkey tips, bison tips, and steak tips for 17.95. Just look at this picture ( yelp.com/biz_photos/X0-4â€¦ ).. WHAT THE HECK BISON COUNTY, I PAID 17.95 FOR THAT? Granted, I had already eaten one single steak tip off the plate before taking a picture, WHAT THE HECK. I swear, I had to stop by a different restaurant on the way back home just so I wouldn't starve to death. I just moved to the northeast from California, so I had no idea what steak "tips" are. Or bison tips or turkey tips. I didn't even know those animals had "tips" on em! But in terms of taste, the food wasn't too bad.. just average for me. But having to pay too much for something that is just average makes this place 2 stars for me. PS PARKING ON MOODY IS TERRIBLE so WALK if you can!
(2)
Hilary T.

Bison County has a ridiculously large selection of beer from all over and it's always being rotated. The food is amazing from the BBQ to burgers to quesadillas and burritos. Even the pickiest of eaters are bound to find something on the two page menu. And the staff is pretty awesome, too:)
(5)
Douglas K.

Although the food is good here. The mgmt however is one that is questionable. I bought a beer at the bar with my out of state license. The manager than said when i sat down to dinner that i could not buy a drink because my license was not from massachusettes. He then suggested i go out and get a new license from MA. I dont understand the hypocrisy of allowing me to buy a drink at the bar but not when i sat down for dinner. There are much better places near here such as watch city which does not discriminate against people from out of state.
(1)
Rachel O.

After reading reviews on Yelp, my husband decided to try Bison County for his birthday dinner. We got reservations (totally unneeded, the place was empty) and were really looking forward to some good BBQ. Unfortunately the best I can say is... meh. For appetizers we had the Catfish Nuggets and the Corn Fritters. The fritters were good (though incredibly greasy) and the catfish was fine, nothing special. My kids split an order of boneless "wings" and fries. They liked both. I had the Pulled Chicken & Pork combo and I'll be honest, the sides (coleslaw and cucumber salad) were better than the meat. I barely touched the pulled pork and only picked at the chicken. My husband had the Cowboys & Indians with baby back ribs and brisket. you should have seen his sad, sad birthday face. He said it was fine. Just fine, but not good. Poor guy. Our waitress was attentive. The food arrived fairly quickly... it just wasn't that good. The disappointment coupled with the $78 bill means we won't be back and wouldn't recommend Bison County to anyone. Bummer. (As an aside to anyone who brings kids here, just an FYI- while children do seem welcome and I saw other kids there, they don't give the kids anything to "do" like crayons, placemats, etc. Not that any restaurant HAS to do this, and not that this was a problem in any way, just an FYI- if you bring kids, and they're kids who are used to coloring or whatever at restaurants, bring something for them to do.)
(2)
Kimberlee B.

YUM! This is good bbq. I have been here many times but this is the first time I tried bison and their wings. Their wings are fantastic. They're grilled, not fried and the sauce is fantastic. It's tangy with tons of flavor. I have had better steak tips but I appreciated the large portion. Normally, I'd give it a higher rating, but for lunch there is no corn bread. The reason to come to this place is for the cornbread. However, the chicken is fantastic and the portions are large enough to get a few meals out of if you do the "cowboys and indians." If you're in Waltham, check it out.
(4)
Rob W.

This place is neck and neck with Redbones in Somerville. Awesome. If you like BBQ, and you don't feel like driving to Alabama, drive to Waltham. I have gotten the Thanksgiving burrito with pulled pork, again with pulled chicken, various sandwiches and tried all the ribs at one point. Great place!
(5)
Felicia M.

I will start by saying that since learning how to cook the world's best pulled pork using a Cook's Illustrated recipe, I should know better than to order it out anywhere. Our group started out with some wings and fried pickles, along with some beverages. The wings were very burned looking and were dry. The dipping sauces were nice, though. For my meal I had the pulled chicken/pork combo. What came out on the plate were two piles of mushy, mealy tasting meat, with gelatinous globs of fat aplenty in the pulled pork. I do realize that pulled pork is not made with a lean cut of meat, but geesh trim a little fat before putting it in my plate. We had to ask for our missing sides and no sauces came out with our food. Also not impressed with the grilled dry hamburger bun - maybe they ran out of corn bread? or maybe I was supposed to make a sandwich out of the meat piles. Not sure. I wasn't going to bother to complain about my meal because everyone else seemed OK with theirs, but one person in our party spoke up on my behalf. And I wasn't even going to yelp about this until the owner made me feel super uncomfortable by coming over to our table and announcing that I was the first person in 16 years to complain about the pulled pork. He did offer to provide another meal and took this one off the check, but by this point I'd filled up on the sides and was ready to leave. Two stars - one for our nice server, and the other for the bartender who drew the requisite shamrock in my Guinness.
(2)
K. E.

Had the bison tips (medium)... now willing to give up beef. The place was almost empty at lunchtime on a Monday, but the food still took about 25 minutes. They need to be more aware of the fact that people need to get back to work. This isn't too much to ask when there are less than 10 customers in the whole restaurant. I'll be back, but probably on a day when I don't need to be back at the office within an hour.
(3)
Seth M.

I too spent a lot of time walking past this place until a few months ago, and I can honestly say I was amazed by this place. First things first: I have never eaten here, just visited the bar. I was told by a friend that the food was quite good but a little on the expensive end (that's on a college budget, mind you) but can't comment from personal experience. Bison County hands down has the greatest beer selection of any bar on Moody St (and there are 17 in the area, by my count). The bar is good-looking and clean, and features a wide variety of beers on tap and a great selection of bottled beer. The staff is quick to serve and refill and the prices are average and reasonable. Overall though, around 10pm this place really isn't too crowded and is sparsely populated. Much better if you're looking for a place that's quieter and more relaxed than places like Margarita's down the street. They have the big sports games on the TVs there and overall it would be extremely difficult to go to this place without leaving pretty satisfied.
(4)
Mary E.

I really wanted to love this place, especially since it is so close to home. I had a ribs craving last week so my husband and I found ourselves at this establishment. We started off with a cheesy fries and bacon appetizer, which was tasty and hit the spot. The ribs, however, left little to be desired. We got the Memphis style ribs, and they were dry, tough and chewy. They had a bit of a burned taste as well, with an almost charcoal-like aftertaste that was quite off-putting. I am no ribs aficionado, but since I am from the South, I've had my fair share of ribs, so I think I can be level headed in my review of these things. They say the tell-tale sign of good ribs is if they fall off the bone. These ribs were a challenge to eat due to their toughness, and had a really bad taste. I think I could have been satisfied had they at least tasted good, notwithstanding the chewyness. We also got the sweet potato fries, which were a bust. They were drenched in oil and were not crispy at all. I could understand the ribs not being cooked properly, as they are difficult to master for some places, but fries should be a no-brainer. A side note - as someone else pointed out here on Yelp, it would be nice to have Mac and Cheese on the menu, as it is a classic side for ribs. On the positive side of things, our waitress was super sweet and the other workers there did seem quite nice as well. Unfortunately, I don't think we will be coming back.
(1)
Gina R.

We've been going to Bison County at least once a week for a couple of years. It's a good spot to watch a game or grab dinner and drinks. There's a full section in the back for dinner seating, but we usually just grab a high-top in the bar. The food is excellent - the buffalo burger, chili cheese quesadilla and brisket are always great choices. The apps are good too - campfire nachos and Arizona spring rolls are my favorite. The bar is always stocked with everything from your typical drafts to local craft beers, and we've caught brewers there doing promotions a few time with specials and giveaways.
(5)
Mike R.

I have lived in Waltham all my life...Bison County is by far the best BBQ food hands down in a 25 mile radius surrounding Waltham.The South Carolina wings with bone are HUGE!! Cant go wrong with bone or boneless,the sweet and tangy sauce is AWEOME! I typically go for the Wagon train or the ribs and both are great portions and the meat on the ribs is "FALL OFF THE BONE DELICIOUS"!! The Bison meat is a nice touch for those who want to try something outside the box so to say...Love the feel and setup of this place! Plenty of TV's to watch all your favorite sports as well as enough room to sit back and relax..the open grill is a neat touch as well where you can watch your food being cooked right in front of you! "Adam" the owner and his employees will make you feel right at home...try Bison county out,you wont be disappointed !!
(5)
Jessie C.

I have a big soft spot for Bison County. Watched many many football games sitting at that bar. Love that they have the PBR in the can and love the pulled chicken! The cornbread is pretty decent as well. Great neighborhood bar. Who am I kidding, I love this place...
(4)
SD J.

We love BBQ. My husband is from North Carolina/Tennessee, and I have lived in Kansas City and Texas. We enjoy all kinds of BBQ, and we are always looking for a new place to eat around the Boston area. We came here last Friday night, craving some wings and ribs. I can't tell you how underwhelmed we were. But I'll try. The ribs were almost burnt on the outside. There was hardly any depth of flavor. The red ring that properly cooked ribs are supposed to have around the bone? Didn't exist. When you took a bite, they were tough enough that way too much meat pulled off of the bone. It was obvious that they were hardly trimmed before they were tossed in the smoker, if they were even trimmed at all. I don't know what kind of smoker they use there, but I'm thinking they probably cooked those poor ribs a little too long and a little too hot. They weren't sauced properly. And the sauce wasn't anything to write home about. The chicken wings? Wow. Where do we start. We got the boneless chicken wings, at the request of my husband who wanted to be able to feed them to our one year old without worrying about bones. I don't know where in the world these would actually pass as wings! They looked like McDonald's chicken fingers, and they were served with equally underwhelming and totally boring mustard sauce. They were edible and decent... but they just weren't... chicken wings. We also got sweet potato fries, which even though they were just regular run of the mill sweet potato fries, were probably the best part of the meal. They were actually what we expected, unlike the ribs or the wings. I do have to say that the server was very nice and attentive, and our food came out promptly. The busser was very helpful, even offering me a plastic bag for our to-go containers (yes, we took it to go, even though it wasn't awesome. We still paid for it!) The restaurant was clean and not too noisy. The high chair they gave us was clean and stable. I do appreciate all of these things, and that's why this place gets 2 stars. Food alone, I'd have a hard time giving it more than 1 star. All said and done, this night out cost us $50. It was maybe worth $15. Bummer. Bottom line: If you're looking for solid BBQ, make the trek to West Newton for Blue Ribbon BBQ. It's just really not worth the price or your time. I've had better BBQ at an Applebee's or a Cheesecake Factory. If you're looking for a fun bar with nice TV's for a game, a few beers and a mediocre BBQ experience, this place would probably do just fine for you.
(2)
Brian M.

Bison has one of the best beer selections around. If you are an IPA fan, this place is for you. A lot of good micro brews like Clown Shoes, 21st Ammendment, Pretty Things, etc. A lot of other rare beers that are hard to find. The BBQ is good but probably a step down from Blue Ribbon and RedBones. However, I was craving a good piece of of Bison meat to slide down my throat, and let me tell you, these guys make a good Bison burger. You can add pretty much whatever you want to it too - bacon, sauteed onions, etc. An added bonus was the graffiti in the men's room. Absolutely hysterical. I like to sit on the toilet and just look at all the random comments and laugh. Hahaha!!
(4)
Adam B.

Hands down, the best restaurant in Waltham! I've literally tried every single item on the menu and nothing disappoints. From their extensive BBQ menu that is all freshly smoked in house, to the items that are cooked on the grill and in the kitchen, you really can't go wrong here. Highlights include Arizona Egg Rolls, South Carolina Smoked Wings, Chili, Steak Tips, Buffalo Burgers, Baby Backs, and surprisingly enough they have the greatest Chile Relleno I've had in my entire life! On top of all the great food, the bar is a great place to hang. Tons of big TV's and by far the best beer selection in town. I've probably eaten at this place more than any other restaurant and I highly recommend that you get their quickly if you haven't tried it.
(5)
Can E.

Fire wings baby!
(4)
Kerri Y.

You know a place is good if you have to call your friends on the way home to tell them about it. I was def. on the phone when I left Bison County; they have surprisingly great food. I had heard great things about this place, but was a bit skeptical at first glance. There are so many great places on Moody street that I would often pass right by. I should say that the inside is much more inviting than it appears from the outside. Started with some Sweet Corn Fritters, which had maple syrup for dipping. Anything that has maple syrup for dipping must be good, and these were no exception. There was not a crumb of this appetizer left- we even considered getting a second order! Also had some yummy tacos and tried my friend's Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Cucumber Salad. The Cucumber Salad was amazing. Completely different than I expected. Friend had the BBQ Smoked Brisket and she definitely had good things to say about it. The service was pretty good for a Saturday night. There is on street parking, or there are a number of lots around Waltham where you can easily find parking.You will not find fancy or pretty food presentations here. This is a place to go to find casual BBQ in a friendly atmosphere (along the line of Wild Willy's Burgers).
(4)
Kate S.

Great location in the heart of Moody Street, and you will NOT be disappointed by the sweet potato fries or the corn bread with cinnamon butter. I recommend the Bison Burger, a great lower-fat option that tastes even better than a beef burger. The only reason that I give this place 3 stars instead of 4 is that the services is completely sub-par. Even when it's not busy, the waitstaff is slow and food orders take forever. If you need anything extra like a side of sauce or a refill on your drink, you better as when they bring you your food because it will be your last chance!
(3)
Christopher C.

One of my favorite BBQ places. I even think this is light years better than Red Bones in Davis Square. Their burgers are the best, and I also highly enjoy their Fire Shrimp, Carolina wings, and Arizona Egg Rolls.
(5)
Tony W.

The bison burger is amazing. I get it almost every time I go. The beer selection is outstanding. There is also plenty of parking in the area and a great place to get a healthier burger and a few drinks.
(4)
Dan M.

We selected this place for all the positive Yelp reviews and for the menu variety. I went with three friends on a Wednesday night. We arrived around 8 pm and were seated immediately. We liked the atmosphere and it was busy when we arrived. We were greeted by one of the bartenders at our table and ordered drinks. When she returned with the drinks, we weren't ready to order so she came back in about 10 minutes. That was no problem, we weren't in a hurry. We ordered a Wagon Train combo, a burger topped with spinach dip, ribs, and bison tips. We were all hungry so we dug in. Unfortunately, the bison tips were inedible- tough and overcooked burger was a D+, lacking flavor and had obviously sat in the window for a long time before being brought out. The ribs are better at any chain restaurant and the Wagon Train got a C+. What was most problematic was the waitress/bartender never checked on us after the food arrived and we couldn't see her anywhere. When she returned at the end of the meal, she asked how our meals were. Obviously, we were less than impressed and said so as politely as we could. What she did next is the reason for an upgrade from 1 to 2 stars. She took the bison tips off the bill (which is customary when only one bite is taken) but she also gave us a $20 gift certificate to come back to give them another chance. We got the impression that our experience was not typical and the waitress was genuinely apologetic. We decided it was probably because we arrived at the "rush". We will go back soon to redeem our gift certificate and to hopefully experience a 4 or 5 star experience like so many fellow Yelpers.
(2)
Johnny C.

3.0 / 5 - Wagon Train: The bison was tender and a tad overcooked, the steak was a bit chewy, and the turkey was standard. They were cut before they were cooked, unfortunately 2.0 / 5 - Fries: Tasty breading, decent flavor.
(3)
Andrzrej K.

I didn't expect much my first night out on Moody Mile. All I really wanted was to get my buddy drunk for his birthday and hopefully interact with some of the Watch City folk along the way. Did both of those here at Bison Country. Good food, good friends and a vaguely accurate map of Texas above us while we ate. Me being a map lover (yes it sounds weird, but its true) I was slightly taken aback by said maps imaginary lake north of Pecos and supposed reservoir in the vicinity of Lubbock, but I digress. Food The wings, tasty, but in my opinion, need to differentiate the flavors a bit. We got both types of ribs too, for Mass., very good. Back back were superior though. Overall- lots of fun and great staff- Owners daughter came over throughout the meal to ensure our debauchery was sufficient.
(3)
Valerie V.

Meh. Went once for lunch and the bartender was waiting on the whole restaurant. Impressive for sure but made for a slow service. The food was good. I had the bison tips which were nicely cooked with a little of that charred meat flavor that makes bbq so great. Other meals ordered were the burgers, catfish, and fried chicken strips; all were good but nothing special. The prices are a little too high for the portions, taste, and quality. Interior dÃ©cor is stellar, however. I loved the license plates on the walls and the open kitchen area. For flavor, I'll stick with SoulFire in Allston.
(3)
Sara M.

Husby and I just moved to Watertown so we wanted to see what kind of restaurants are out here in the suburbs. I found this on Yelp and saw all the great reviews - dinner was decided! We were seated right away in the back by the smoker but not too close. Our server was attentive but not super friendly but that could have been because he was busy. I ordered some fried pickles to start, along with a Guiness. To be honest, I was expecting spears or thick slices but these looked like slices from the jar that had been battered and fried. The cornbread was more like cake but it was pretty yummy. Our food arrives in a timely fashion - southern ribs, brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans for me; Husby had baby back ribs, pulled pork, garlic mashed potatoes, and baked beans. The brisket was juicy and not too fatty but not very flavorful. The potatoes were full of garlic (yay!) and creamy, while the green beans tasted as if they were thrown in nicely salted water until al dente and then give a nice ice water bath before being nicely dressed. I really liked them but as Husby said, how good can green beans be? The pulled pork was also quite tender but was different than other places we have had it. Unfortunately, the worst part of the meal were the ribs. Both were extremely dry and not smoky at all. I had an end piece that was so tough, I thought I had bitten into a bone but it was just dried out. I was very disappointed since the whole reason we went was for the ribs. Ugh. The atmosphere was rather interesting. You had your suits, older women dressed in outfits that were more appropriate for someone 15 years their junior (in the 90s), younger couples on awkward double dates, townies, and I think I even saw a hipster/alternateen. Quite the eclectic mix at a BBQ joint... So three stars total since they had a good beer selection and I enjoyed my Glenmorangie on the rocks. As a previous Yelper stated, we probably should stick with the bison if we ever go back.
(3)
Nicole B.

Made a pickup order, coworker picked it up. Unfortunately they forgot my cole slaw, but the pulled pork sandwich was good. Texas style sauce definitely made it more delicious than your average.
(3)
Matt P.

I always get the pulled pork / pulled chicken combo, and I haven't been disappointed yet. They have a huge beer selection and the staff are pretty amiable.
(4)
Emily S.

This place has awesome BBQ! You have to try the corn fritters and the thai peanut wings. I've tried several of their entrees here from the caesar salad to the half chicken to the pulled pork and it's all been good. I've never had a problem with the service. It looks like they have a lot of beer options but there is a full bar, too. The atmosphere is like a pub but I have not seen it get too loud is nice if you want to talk with friends over dinner.
(4)
Eric R.

The Week Previous at work: Brutal. The Day of going at work: Crazy How many craps I gave after: None. I went here after a particularly nasty week wrangling electrons, with the sole intention of getting my "wings and beer" on. In that, it was perfect. The beer was cold, and served by a large man with a big smile, a dry sense of humor, and a willingness to dispense it. The ambiance is exactly what you would expect from "beer and wings" place. A tad roadhouse, but not so much as to offend the yuppies from waltham. Ok, now that we've gotten that stuff out of the way, let's spend a paragraph and change on the wings. Since they are, ya know, the main draw. The wings are first and foremost full wings. Drumstick and leg all in one. They come 6 to a plate, so you get the same as you would if you ordered a dozen wings elsewhere. The wings are clearly smoked, doused in sauce, grilled real quick, then plated. The smoking is nice, you don't find well smoked wings around here. Usually they are fried and grilled, or just fried. The rub or spicing they use as a base is tasty, and I really enjoyed the wing itself as a piece of flavored food. There ends the good parts. Now, for me bitching. I ordered the FIre Wings, or whatever nonsense they called it. I specifically remember seeing "(crazily hot)" on the menu. They were not. I was very disappointed. I was more disappointed when I asked for more heat, and was handed some habanero tabasco sauce. Now, I'll say that I am a stupid crazy chili head, but I am also able to objectively rate spice levels regardless if they peaked my interest. These wings were not crazily spicy. They were tasty. They were subtle. They were effing delicious. They were not spicy. So, long story short, go here for the taste, don't expect anything resembling heat, and enjoy the hell out of it. It's really a great bbq/beer joint.
(4)
Marcy K.

Disappointed that our casual, good salad-bar go-to place is no longer in business, we decided to give Bison County a try. We made reservations for 7:30, but because of the horrendous parking situation in Waltham (i.e., tons of snow taking up half the street and parking lots), we didn't get there til 7:50--a no-no if you want to keep your slot of 7:30. We had to wait a while longer and finally ended up taking a bar table. It didn't matter that the other people in our party arrived on time, BTW. Still had to wait. This very casual and noisy restaurant features fire-grilled steaks, burgers and tips, grilled and blackened seafood, wood smoked BBQ, and southwestern fare and a wide variety of bottled beer and craft-brewed beer. We ordered a NY sirloin steak burger, southern ribs, pulled chicken sandwich, and a wagon train (4 oz bison tips, 5 oz steak tips, 5 oz turkey tips). Sides included sweet potato fries, regular fries, and garlic mashed potatoes. People were sharing their food, which is a good sign: They wouldn't say, "Try these tips. They taste like garbage." My hamburger was tasty, and they didn't put mayo or other such stuff on it. Aside from the parking and the noise, we had an enjoyable evening and a decent meal. Not saying that this will be our go-to place from now on, but it will be our go-to place sometime in the future, once the snow clears. Note to busboy: When you want to remove our plates, just don't stand at the foot of the table and then look at us for three minutes. We had no idea who you were, as you were in a regular shirt and slacks. Just come right out and say, "Can I take your plates?"
(3)
Melissa S.

Love this place. After living in Waltham for a few months, we have made it our mission to hit every bar/restaurant in the Main/Moody area...and this one REALLY was a pleasant surprise! The menu was a little scary to me at first, with items like Rattlesnake Eggs and Fried Catfish Nuggets, but everything was delicious! They also have your bar food stanbys, wings, quesedillas...that sort of thing...and a really great beer selection as well. This place seems to kind of "fly under the radar", as far as Moody Street restaurants go- never really too busy (we have been there a few times now, and have never had to wait for a table). But the atmosphere is great, the waitstaff is friendly and attentive, and the food is creative, and REALLY good. Fave Moody Street bar/restaurant...thus far. Try it!
(5)
Joanna F.

I came here over the weekend for my boyfriend's birthday. I ordered the pulled chicken and pulled pork combo with two sides (garlic mashed potatoes and cucumber salad). Although the pulled meats were kind of dry, I liked them enough. Not the best barbecue I've ever had, but decent. The sides were delectable. I had a bite of my boyfriend's Southern Style Ribs which were delicious. The cornbread to start was also very good. Although I didn't partake, the beer selection seemed pretty good. Service was kind of slow, but pleasant.
(4)
Xtina R.

I have driven by this place many times and heard good things but was sadly disappointed. We had bonless wings, carolina wings, baked beans, green beans etc. and all were just OK. My wings came out practically charred to death...was definitely not expecting this style of wings...never seen them like this in a restaurant, only from my grill..maybe that's what "carolina wings" are? They should put a disclaimer on the menu...I wanted to send them back but I picked around them...they came with a kind of mustard sauce...they were not good...baked beans and green beans were just OK as well...sorry Bison County but Soulfire in Allston has WAY WAY WAY better wings, the best baked beans and sooo many sauces...I won't ever be back here....
(2)
Dmitriy A.

This is a truly amazing place. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. I love the beer selection, which changes often as the head bartender loves to add new and exiting beers to the list. They have a ton of local favorites from Sam to Blue Hills and Pretty Things. They also serve delicious cocktails. Food is to die for. Bison County as the name suggests serves unbelievable bison. Tips as well as steak are mouthwatering. All the food is amazing even if you don't go for the tips. Everyone is the Waltham area must visit Bison County.
(5)
Melanie T.

We enjoyed it here. Everyone's food got good reviews. Good portions, good beer selection, good price, good view of TVs. We liked that the meat had good flavor and they didn't rely on their sauces to carry them. The sauces, actually were the only down side. They really only offer 2 (a traditional bbq and a mustard based bbq). I'm a condiment girl, so I like sauces and I was hoping for a vinegar based sauce. Regardless, everyone left full and happy. Waiter was very accommodating to our large party with many odd requests (like one person who is allergic to pork, so needed the tongs wiped in between and split checks, etc.). We hope to return.
(3)
Melissa B.

I'm from the Midwest, so the whole "what's the best type of BBQ" concept is new, and quite frankly lost, to me. But what i can say about Bison County is the Sweet Corn Fritters are ridiculously amazing. Seriously, you will be craving these amazing little fried nuggets dipped in maple syrup every waking moment of every day for the rest of your existence. You may think I'm being a bit dramatic. This must mean you have not tried the sweet corn fritters, you poor unfortunate soul. Drinks ain't cheap and they always seem busy, but it's totally worth it. I'd eat here over Blue Ribbon, Smokin Joes, or Red Bones...just for these sweet nuggets sent down from God himself.
(4)
Steve K.

I can honestly say that I am a pretty huge fan of this place. Drinks: The beer selection is pretty awesome. They have a lot on tap, plenty of bottles/cans and a full liquor bar. My favorite part is their seasonal beer menu. I'm not one for pairing drinks with my food. I like my food and I like my beer, but I don't necessarily give a damn about them matching up. If you do, Bison County does have a pretty good range of items for you and have a good wait staff making great suggestions. Food: They have a pretty awesome menu with BBQ style stuff all over the place. Their appetizers are awesome. I'm a huge fan of the Rattlesnake Bites (poppers), Southern Fried Pickles (had my first here and loved them), chili (both veggie and regular), and the grilled fire or buffalo shrimp. The only thing I am missing now is the buffalo calamari. They used to have it, but removed it from the menu. That was originally the biggest thing that kept me coming back. Burgers burgers burgers! Yes, they have a lot of other great stuff, of which I've had a lot... but the burgers are definitely why I keep coming back. The sirloin burgers are very juicy, always cooked to your liking and leave you well past full when you head out of the place. The buffalo burgers are really good too. If you haven't had one before, I recommend checking it out. The only thing that gets me at all is the ridiculous pricing on burger toppings. I'm sorry, but considering I can go buy an entire package of bacon for 3 bucks, $1.50 is a bit much for 2-3 slices. $0.75 for a slice of cheese is also a bit ridiculous if you ask me. Either way, I'm trying not to complain here, but they really could conform to the burger price norm and not charge an arm and a leg for each topping. Pulled pork=awesome hot dogs=awesome brisket, steak, tips, ribs, salads - all = awesome The prices are for the most part fair, the food comes quick and you always leave with a smile on your face. Check it out!
(4)
Lex R.

Bison County has the largest selection of beer on Moody Street - and the bartender is knowledgeable enough to give suggestions. Service can sometimes be slow, but the amazing food and great portion sizes more than make up for it. If you've never had bison tips, you need to try them!
(5)
Ave H.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this restaurant. I moved to the Waltham area after having lived ion the Carolinas for several years. Imagine my joy to see a BBQ place that offers SC-style BBQ! My favorite dish here is the pulled chicken and pork plate with their seasonal veggies. Their portions are HUGE. I usually can make 2-3 meals out of it. They also have a very decent bar selection, all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is authentic - very casual and low key. The chairs and tables are nothing fancy, but fitting for the food. Their sweet potato fries are also an excellent choice. Service has always been good and friendly, and food has always been consistent. I knew it would be good simply due to how often it has been featured on Phantom Gourmet - and I was not disappointed.
(5)
TK W.

They are just ok if you are in the neighborhood. Wings are meaty. Don't like their sauces.
(3)
Steve L.

How did I miss the BBQ Burritos? Seriously, who order's a burrito at a BBQ joint? I do! Their sliced steak sandwich with horseradish sauce is nice, and comes out cooked as ordered (rare please, thank you!). Monday's is Trivia (stump), and the bar area fills up fast, but the staff does a good job keeping up.
(4)
Pj M.

The best steak tips around! A little bit pricey but very good food. Service is always great too.
(4)
Gregg Y.

For some reason, I spent years walking past Bison County on my way to other places on Moody Street. The reason must be that I'm an idiot. I've come to my senses and for the last two years Bison County has been my go-to neighborhood bar/restaurant. The burgers are the best around, with excellent beefy flavor (the steak burger, not the dry bison burger). My only gripe is that they're one of those places that doesn't throw in a slice or two of raw onion anymore along with the lettuce and tomato. C'mon guys, that's just wrong. I like that you have your pick of a wide variety of sides. You aren't stuck with just fries here. The baked beans are very good, as are the green beans. BBQ is also mostly very worthwhile and has obviously spent real time in an actual smoker. I like the southern-style ribs and the pulled pork. The brisket isn't the best, rather dry and lacking flavor. One of the sauces is a mustardy South Carolina style, rare in these parts. The menu has a wide variety of other things, including a pasta I really like in an ancho chili sauce, and very good spicy grilled shrimp. They also pay attention to their beer selection, with lots of good choices on the regular list plus frequently rotating specials. Atmosphere is thoroughly comfortable and welcoming and always lively.
(4)
Lisa P.

I have been here a few times over the past few months and each time my experience has been a little bit different but the food always fills my tummy and makes me smile. I spent a year living down south during college and became a big fan of down home southern cooking and have an occasional craving for the real thing. It is hard to find that around here, but after stumbling upon this Moody Street gem I don't have to look any further than my new home town. Ok the fact that when you walk in you get AMAZING cornbread just makes you feel like you are home in the south. The sweet cornbread and the homemade butter melt in your mouth especially because it comes you your table nice and warm. The MUST-HAVE appetizer is the Southern Fried Pickles. My boyfriend and I LOVE pickles and honestly what doesn't taste better deep fried? Certainly NOT pickles...plus they two dipping sauces that come with it just add that extra zing you are looking for. For the entree I have had the BBQ Smoked Brisket, the Wagon Train and the Pulled Chicken Quesadilla. My favorite was by far the Wagon Trail! The bison tips, turkey tips and steak tips are all fantastic. If you have never had bison tips, I HIGHLY recommend them. They are also VERY healthy compared to most other meat products you typically eat. My favorite side is definitely the sweet potato fries! They are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. As far as drinks go I am not overly impressed with their beer selection but I had a mixed drink the last time I was there called the Jamaican Punch and it was not light handed on the liquor at all! Finally a place that give you the amount of alcohol that you pay for! The atmosphere is laid back with the bar on one side when you first walk in and the sitting area in the back. The open kitchen is nice and surprisingly doesn't create too much smoke, but does give you all the right smells as they waft through the dining room. If you are looking for a nice down home southern meal this is just the place to get it!
(4)
Brittany C.

Bison is solid. The hot dog makes my mind happy and my body miserable, yet I continue to order it. It's that good! Trivia night is always fun, but get there early. Someone with marketing smarts realized if there were free booze nights, people would come to trivia. Now it's always packed and there are fewer free booze nights. Recommended!
(4)
Sumeet D.

No coincidence.. Second time at this place for satisfying a burger craving and not disappointed at all! Awesome Buffalo Burgers done right - done your way. Their Buffalo burgers are lean, meaty and done fresh on order. I had mine with some sautÃ©ed mushrooms and a side of sweet potato fries! Wow Cow Chow !! My colleague had a Catfish sandwich with a side of spicy chipotle rice and he was thrilled too. Very casual atmosphere for some good bar food and great burgers!
(4)
Catherine G.

Are you hungry? Like, REALLY fricken hungry? Then go to Bison county and order the pulled pork plate. Delicious, comes with a bunch of sides, and incredibly filling. Also a great burger place. Not so vegetarian friendly, but hey, it's called BISON COUNTY. I would recommend going during off-hours, though, as it can get very busy. Service has always been quick for my friends and I. One of the better places on Moody St, definitely the better alternative to Watch City.
(5)
G C.

One of the things that I miss most about living in Waltham is being close to Bison County. Their food is amazing and they have an excellent beer selection as well. It had been a couple of years since we'd been to Bison County, but since we were in the area recently, my husband and I decided to stop in for lunch. The food was delicious as always (my personal favorite is the Carolina-style pulled pork with a side of sweet potato fries)! The only reason I am giving Bison County 4 stars instead of 5 is that the service was a bit iffy. It was pretty busy for lunchtime and it seemed like only one person was waiting all of the tables, so it's understandable. That said, the waiter kind of seemed like there was no place he'd rather not be. It kinda stinks to feel like you're bothering someone when you're ordering lunch. But, we all have off days, so I wouldn't let that deter you from enjoying a nice meal there!
(4)
Kristina S.

Love the buffalo burger, less fat than beef. And they give you nice green lettuce for the burger. The fries are tasty, not too small and nicely crisp. Unfortunately, the salad is just iceberg lettuce, so only 4 stars here.
(4)
Zoe L.

Service - Average at best. Waitress was not rude but not attentive. Food - Burger was average, but quesadilla was horrible. Setting - It was cold and had to keep jacket on. Uncomfortable seating. Not really a place you'd want to sit for lengthy time.
(2)
Kyle R.

For waltham, best BBQ around. tons of beers on the menu pair wonderful with tons of great options. Pulled Pork is very good. Get the sweet potato fries! bison burgers are great option too big and juicy! nice high tops around the bar serve full menu with tv views Service is great and attentive
(4)
Lon T.

Who knew Waltham had such a great spot for BBQ? This place is terrific with friendly service. I ordered the bison tips with sides of baked beans and mashed potatoes and the meal came out quickly while I was watching some hoops up at the bar. Will be back for sure next time I'm in the Route 128 area.
(4)
K. H.

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE ..........I got the buffalo burger with sautÃ©ed mushrooms and Swiss sounds good right it would have been if the mushrooms weren't out of a can ,you know that Taste if you have ever had them f ing canned mushrooms ... They can suck it
(1)
Brian W.

Ever since Jake Earl's closed down we've been looking for a plan B that serves delicious gluten-free barbecue. Bison County claimed to have a gluten-free menu, but all we ended up finding were confused waitresses and very limited options. The food isn't bad, but it's nowhere close to blue ribbon barbecue. The bison tips were extremely dry, the cole slaw didn't have that homemade taste to it, and the prices were a little steep for a Moody St restaurant. Also disappointing was the fact that we sat at a table way in the back next to the grill and literally we had a cloud of smoke over us the entire time.
(2)
Hayley M.

I knew it was going to be good before we even walked in. Walking in from an off street lot, we were downwind of the restaurant and the smell was intoxicating. The restaurant is cozy and familiar. It feels authentic; you aren't sitting in downtown Waltham, you are sitting in a BBQ joint on Route 66. The exposed grill is awesome. It smells fantastic and watching the guy brush globs of BBQ sauce on the meat made my mouth water. Two of us ordered the bison burger with sauteed onions and the third ordered the Southern Style Ribs. All three of us opted for sweet potato fries. The burgers were thick, juicy, and filled with a fantastic flavor. It was my first time trying bison and I was very pleased. I inhaled it like I was afraid someone would take it away from me. The Southern Style Ribs went over very well too, they looked like something out of The Flintstones! Oh yeah, they also serve Abita, the best beer ever and a tough one to find in Boston! They didn't just have Purple Haze, either, they also had Abita Amber AND Abita Turbo!
(4)
Nathan M.

This place is my favorite Waltham find. I was looking for a taste of South Dakota out here, and Bison County did not disappoint! True to the name they offer bison steaks, tips, and burgers along with other BBQ standards. The tips were excellent - though be advised, with bison you will want to have the meat cooked less than normal to avoid it drying out. They have some delicious sides too - I found the sweet potato fries tasty and my friend raved about her garlic mashed potatoes. Didn't have a beer here but it looked like they have a great selection. Bison County has a nice cozy and rustic atmosphere, and didn't seem too crowded despite it being the weekend. And being right on Moody St. it's easy to get to with plenty of nearby parking. This place is perfect for anything from a family outing to a casual date.
(5)
Sarah C.

I have to preface this by saying that I'm a vegetarian, so a BBQ place is not the most natural location for my dining pleasures. BUT I love this place. I go for the corn fritters, fried pickles, and strong drinks. The corn fritters kill me. I die. They're so good. And any place that has fried pickles should get a Michelin star as far as I'm concerned. Staff is only mildly interested in being there, which really adds to the experience. As long as they keep the fritters coming, I'm cool. My meat-eating husband likes this place, too, and always liked it better than Jake's Dixie BBQ, which used to be across the street.
(4)
Katrina C.

Bison County is definitely a go to when we are unsure of where to go. All of the food is delicious, but my personal favorite are the arizona egg rolls, they never disappoint! Great staff & a huge beer list!
(5)
Caroline D.

place was pretty empty (aside from 2 other tables occupied) at 430pm on a saturday. we were greeted & seated (we chose our own table) right away. our waiter Mike, (i believe was his name) got our drinks right away. (he was knowedgeable about the menu & answered our q's without hesitation). i ordered root beer which came in a bottle. i asked for a cup of ice & i got an empty glass.... a dirty one. so i asked for clean glass of ice & got it right away. we got cornbread & butter while waiting for our appetizer. i wasnt a fan. i took one bite & shoved my plate aside. my bf loved the cornbread (i never have been a fan of cornbread - i only eat cornbread if he makes it) for our appetizer we ordered the carolina style wings (the ones that were NOT spicy) & they were delicious. they came quick & were perfectly cooked & perfectly satisfying. best food of the night were the wings. finger licking good. for our meals we ordered the full rack of baby back ribs w/sweet potato fries ($1 extra) & coleslaw. & the pulled pork sandwich w/baked beans. both meats were carolina style (mustard based honey bbq). i found the ribs to be tasty but a little dry. i was expecting my ribs to have that "fall of the bone, finger-licking, moistness" type of ribs taste. i was a little disappointed but not by much. the pulled pork was perfect & extremelt moist & tender. tied for the best pulled pork weve had in a while. the sides.... well the baked beans were good. i wondered if they came from a can & the kitchen just added some extra flavor to them. they had pork & brisket in the beans.. not bad, not great. not worth remembering. coleslaw was good. i couldnt eat much of it. after eating most of the meats i had little room for anything else.. again no wow factor to the slaw. i liked it but wasnt the best slaw ive eaten. lastly the sweet potato fries. they too were good. lacking some spice or flavor but couldbt pin point what spice or flavor it was. they shouldnt charge an extra $1 for them. i was looking for them to be crispier. however thy were one of the better sweet potato fries ive eaten.... not good w/ketchup, i was hoping i had something to dip them in, but they can stand alone. all in all a great place to eat. service & staff were friendly & food came quick. we would definitely recommend & eat here again. ps: ribs tasted better the day after, for a midnight snack after a 30 second go around in the microwave.
(3)
Chris C.

Have been here a ton of times, but just went again recently. Great selection of BBQ although I wouldn't call it traditional. The ribs are pretty good, but not spectacular. Stick with what they named themselves after, the bison. My favorite is the wagon train which gives you steak, bison and turkey tips. As I'm sure most of the other reviews will tell you the sweet potato fries are awesome. Other highlights are the sweet corn fritters (although the ones at Redbones are still better) and pulled meats. They have a good beer selection, but definetly have the best bourbon & whiskey selection around. So even just an evening at the bar is very enjoyable there.
(4)
Charlie L.

NOTE: this is a review of purely Bison County's BBQ offering A bunch of us Texans have taken it upon ourselves to systematically sample all of the BBQ joints within a 10 mile radius of Boston. We're engineers? No! How can you tell? One member has even kept a map and scorecard spreadsheet which detailed comprehensive tastings of the establishments - each with a minimum of three visits (at various times of the day) and at least two BBQ dishes and "southern sides" per visit. 'Cause, obviously, you got to work out the variations and calculate the beta. Uh, yeah. Glad only one of us was that geeky, and the rest of us just enjoyed the findings. Basically it comes down to this, Blue Ribbon is good, but Bison County definitely won hands down. I didn't believe it at first, Waltham... what the heck? But I traveled to Bison country and had their pulled pork sandwich, and nearly fell out of my chair. It was so good that it competes with Goodie's (Goode Company in Houston). I have no clue whether it's a good eatery otherwise, but definitely go for it if you are in the mood for BBQ!
(5)
Beth R.

Husband and went here on a Saturday night about 7 and only had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. The hostess was friendly and seated us right by the open kitchen, which I loved! We got warm cornbread with what I think was a honey butter which was so yummy! We ordered corn fritters for an app which neither of us liked. They were over cooked on the outside and too doughy on the inside. I ordered the catfish tacos with sweet/spicy slaw and avocado crema. They were fantastic! I had never had catfish before and I really loved it. My husband got marinated steak tips with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. He was in steak heaven! Cooked perfectly and melt in your mouth tender he said. He also loved the mashed potatoes but the beans were way under cooked for his liking. Oh yeah...the cucumber salad has a great flavor, but they should really peel them and cut them thinner. The waxy skin was a turn off. Over all a great meal.
(4)
Gwen S.

A fantastic location to take visitors, as its cornbread, ribs, pulled pork and burgers are undoubtedly above average. I was recommended here by Grechen W. from yelp and loved my experience here, it was definitely worth the visit.
(5)
Nancy M.

I've eaten the southern ribs many times. Sometimes they are good sometimes they are dry and burnt, but they are never gluten free. I get sick every time i eat there - when will i learn! I offered to help them sort out their cross contamination problems, but the management was hostel to the suggestion. Must stay strong and stay out of there!
(2)
John C.

Hands down my favorite BBQ joint. The pulled pork sandwich is unbelievably good and the beer selection is awesome. Service is not always amazing but I can get over that for the food.
(5)
Kelsey M.

Being a native Texan and reading the glowing reviews, we drove over 40 minutes to try Bison County. Let me tell you this - If I return to this place, it will be to cover over the state of TX they have painted on the wall! Boston would blow a hemorrhoid if the area ever got a true representation of Texan or southern BBQ! We both ordered the "Wagon Train" plates, which consisted of "Bison Tips, Turkey Tips and Beef Tips." What in the hell is a "tip" and where does it come from? This was the toughest and crappiest meat I have ever had! We both had to cut our meat to the size of sugar cubes in order chew the meaty by-products they served us and to keep from choking while swallowing! For $18+ per plate, we expected something that would be dissolved in our bellies and absorbed. It has been over an hour since I consumed the "meat tips" and it feels like I have indigestible chunks of terracotta sitting in my gut. I dread to think of what the end-product is going to do to my plumbing! To be fair, the baked beans tasted good and the green beans which cost a buck-something extra, were of microwave quality. To all the folks that posted the glowing reviews: I am sorry for whatever it is you are used to eating!
(1)
David L.

Wonderful BBQ that's so soft and tender it's like nothings there...but sweet sweet goodness. They go light on the sauce (and I'm a sauce guy) but it wasn't needed. There was still plenty of flavor on the pork and the sweet potato fries were to die for. Oh, and did I mention their ginormous assortment of brews?! A+++
(5)
Pavel L.

This is hands-down the worst BBQ I've ever eaten in my entire life. In fact, I created this account to make a point of how bad it was. I've lived in Florida, New Orleans, Virginia, and MA (none of which are BBQ havens) but I have never had BBQ as bad as this. Upon recommendation by the waiter I got the ribs. Rib meat should be moist, soft, falling off the bone. My experience was more akin to eating a tire. It was like eating ribs that were overcooked, tough, and tasteless. The only reason I gave this place two stars instead of one was that the service was very good and my friend, who ordered a chili dog, enjoyed her meal. The side dishes were also disappointing. I judge a BBQ place by four items: their signature meat (in this case ribs), cole slaw, baked beans and corn bread. I found the corn bread to be the only food worth eating. Very disappointed, will not go back again.
(2)
Stephanie S.

Have been going to Bison County for years - it's our place of choice before or after a movie in Waltham. My menu favorites are the garlic green beans, the sweet potato fries, the catfish sandwich and the fire shrimp. It's nice to go to a bar and be able to eat healthy if you choose. The beer list is great - much prefer it to Watch City across the street for food, beer and atmosphere. Service is exceptional. I also really like the good smokey smell of good BBQ while dining.
(4)
Nathan B.

We've been there twice, and I think I have to separate the food from the service. The first time we tried Bison County, it was a Saturday afternoon, and the two of us sat at the bar. I think there was one other person in the entire restaurant. I had the catfish sandwich, and it was spot on. The fries were excellent too. The bartender was nice, and we really had a good time. This weekend we went back with another couple and sat in the bar area. Because I liked it so much the last time, we got catfish bites as an appetizer, and again, they were really nice. I had a buffalo burger, which was excellent. The only difference between this time and last was the waiter. The guy never cracked a smile and acted as if he legitimately hated us. I thought he was doing some kind of Dick's Last Resort gimmick, but no. I think he just really hated what he was doing. The bottom line is that Bison County is really good pub food, and has a nice atmosphere. Don't expect gourmet food, don't expect the waiter to smile at you. Expect to have good food at a good price and a good bar vibe.
(3)
David B.

The bison burger is lean and tasty. Great bar and good atmosphere for late-night dining. There were some problems with my order; I asked for no ice in my water and got ice... I asked for cucumber salad and received fries. But all in all the wait staff was friendly and courteous.
(3)
Aubri L.

Oh man, I live on Moody Street and really could eat here everyday and not get tired. Favorite apps are the Arizona Eggrolls and Fried Pickles. The boneless Peanut Thai Chicken wings work as an awesome app too. Entrees, pretty much everyone needs to try their juicy steak tips (cooked medium) with the garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed veggies. Booze is pretty decently priced too. We go in at early evening, sometimes on weekends and it's never so packed that you can't hear your buddies talk to you. OH and the butter they serve with the cornbread should probably be worshiped. :)
(4)
Nicole G.

So good. I've never had a bad meal here. My favorites are the sweet potato fries and the catfish bites.
(4)
Ronald T.

Did not like this place. Worst service I have ever had dinning. Food was not all that tasteful. Pulled pork sandwich was only edible after a asked 2 or 3 time for some extra sauce. Corn bread tasted like lasts weeks (butter was odd). Uncomfortable seating. My sisters pulled chicken plate actually looked like Alpo (NO PRESENTATION). When first entering the establishment I noticed the Phantom Gourmet awards so my expectation elevated (of course on furtherer review you will notice they are from the early 2000s) r0n............
(1)
Alexandra D.

I don't know where to start. The place is dirty, the service is ok, and the drinks are nice, and the food is just downright nasty. I mean dry, bad tasting, bland, poor BBQ, even blue ribbon (which I don't like), is better than this.
(1)
Laura G.

Hmm still waiting for my 8 dollars change back for the $20 I gave you on a 12 dollar check last Saturday night BRO....
(1)
Alexis J.

Nice, relaxed neighborhood restaurant. Although the decor is a little much for me (I admit, it does fit the theme), all in all you instantly feel comfortable and relaxed when you grab a seat at a table or at the bar. Expansive menu, even little ol' vegetarians like me can find something to eat with their meat loving friends. And I appreciate that! I usually dine on the rancharo salad and the vegetarian quesadillas (way better than your average quesadillas, too). I also liked the sweet potato fries but would skip the calories in the friend corn nuggets. Great beer selection, even Narragansett Beer, my favorite from RI. I must specifically point out the extremely helpful and friendly staff. They make the experience that much better. All in all, great place to hang and grab a bite.
(4)
chris j.

This is my favorite place on Moody St. I've never had to wait in line to be seated, and they have a huge selection of beers/single malt scotches. For appetizers, I've had the nachos, spinach/artichoke dip, chicken quesadillas, southwest egg rolls, and boneless (south carolina) wings. They are all good, and would get them again. For entrees, I have had the bison burger, south carolina pulled pork sandwiches, and various types of ribs. I have really enjoyed everything I ate. For those who aren't BBQ aficionados, south carolina style refers to when the dish (ribs/wings/pork) is cooked in or served with a mustard/vinegar based BBQ sauce, that tends to be tangy and sweet. Good stuff. My overall experience has been extremely positive, but as others have said, if you sit in the back, your clothes can get sort of smokey, and sometimes it seems like there is only 1 waitress for the entire place, so it can be tough to get an off-schedule drink. This is only sometimes, though.
(5)
Colleen B.

You want some BBQ? 'Round up the gang and get on the "Wagon Train" This entree is a meat fiesta complete with steak and turkey tips for the less adventurous and bison tips for those who want to give it a try. Bison meat is tender and perfectly cooked. Don't be chicken...go for it. There's nothing greasy, sticky or over-sauced on the entire menu. My husband and I sat right near the open grill to watch the action. We also ordered another other fab entree...baby back ribs. Hello. At one point we looked over at the grill and saw so much meat we laughed thinking-- there must be some poor saps who ordered a whole pig. Uh yeah that was us. You will not leave here hungry or thirsty...the beer selection is the bomb. Finally some other items not to miss : Sweet corn fritters Cornbread stuffed pork loin Wings, wings...go with the crazy hot. Service is always friendly and they do go over the top to work with a larger crowd.
(4)
Carleton W.

Great find! Being new to the area, we were looking for a cool hang-out, good beer selection and a great burger. FOUND IT! The buffalo burger is amazing. My son had a bbq sampler platter...pulled pork and chix. He is still in a food coma. Loved it! Try the chili cheese fries too. If you're not hungry, just get beer, then get the food. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Deb K.

The veggies are still a little crispy and not overcooked or doused in butter. It may be a weird first statement for a BBQ joint, but seriously, with meat this good, you gotta get the sides right too. And there is nothing worse than soggy veggies that taste like they have been boiled in butter. The "Delicious Green Beans" really are delicious. Everything I have had here is awesome. The pulled pork and chicken meal is huge and enough to yield at least another meal or two out of. The steak tips were deliciously marinated and cooked to perfection. The mashed potatoes are perfectly seasoned. Sit in the dining room side and you get warm cornbread to start your meal off with. The drinks are extensive, from the whiskey lists, to the beers on tap that you don't find everywhere, to the hard alcohol pour that does not let down.
(4)
Ben E.

Never a bad meal. I always get the same thing, the steak tips with a side of french fries and jalapeno rice. It is always cooked perfectly with amazing sauce and the sides are just as good. For appetizers the buffalo shrimp are amazing. The shrimp are giant and the spice is perfect. For an easy but fun night bison county is perfect.
(5)
Sarah M.

Not impressed with there BBQ. Especially for the price. Brisket was dry. Will not be coming back.
(2)
Alyson G.

I love BBQ and was really jonesing for some pulled pork and cole slaw. OF course, I headed to Yelp to see where to go in Waltham to get my fix. Bison Country BBQ sounded like a plan. Headed there with some coworkers on a sunny afternoon. I ordered a pulled pork sammy with cole slaw. And even though I also wanted to order sweet potato fries too, I really didn't need to consume all my daily calories at lunch and I figured someone may have some to spare. The pulled pork was delish, and with some extra bbq sauce on the side I was in BBQ heaven. Oh and the cole slaw was really good too. Luckily, my coworker ordered sweet potato fries, and shared with me. They were fab and I ate so many next time I may have to order my own!
(4)
Ariel G.

bison county is right place for you to go if you like BBQ meat, tasty beers on draft ( and in bottles) and good service. I loved their BBQ beef brisket. it was sooo good. i also liked the sweet potato fires. the two people i was eating with liked their foods as well. one had the fried catfish sandwich and one the pulled pork and pulled chicken. ALL the food was liked very much. The waiter was also very nice and on point. The food came quickly as well.
(4)
Laura B.

Solid BBQ. I like the pulled pork although I prefer it a bit saucier. Sweet potato fries are awesome. My friends have raved about the tacos and the burgers. Good beer selection as well. Table service is average.
(3)
Heather O.

Awesome - Pulled chicken sandwich Intoxicating - Glenlivet's on the rocks Hilarious - Deb ordering her side of green beans as the "delicious green beans" Convenient - The Skellig right across the street WTF? - Having to pay an extra dollar for the soggy potato fries as my side
(4)
Emily H.

Went here for some grub with some old high school pals. Like some others have said, the service was a bit slow, but very cordial. We went on a Friday night and it was pretty packed, but they were still able to sit our group of 6 pretty quick. To start, we all split the "Stampede!" Nachos. Very tasty and had a little bit of everything. Our only complaint was that they didn't yell "Stampede!!" while brining them out to our table as we had hoped :-P Our entrees included burgers, steaks, and bison tips. All were very juicy, and everything was cooked exactly as we had asked. I had a steak, with sides of green beans and mashed potatoes. It's weird to say about a BBQ joint, but those green beans made the meal! They were so addictive and yummmmy. Really everything here was good. The beer selection is good, not great. All the classics, but nothing remarkable really.
(3)
E K.

Good food! Our entire party had the bison burger and it was juicy and flavorful, much more so than any beef burger I've had. Definitely will come back for its bison burgers ($9.95). We had the egg roll and corn fritters for sides, and they were good too. :)
(4)
Grains P.

Came here with a group of 8 and more than half of us got the buffalo burger. I thought it was pretty decent, though nothing particularly special about it that makes me want to eat it again. I chose the side of fries, which came as a fairly generous pile cushioning my burger. Service was good, lighting was dim, and atmosphere was pleasant. Overall, I had a decent experience here, but no WOW factor that makes me want to come back.
(3)
Jessica F.

Let's just get this out of the way. If you don't like meat, don't eat meat, don't eat things flavored like meat, this is not the restaurant for you. If you think you will find something on the menu that is untouched by meat, you won't. But if you love marinated, grilled meat products then you have reached meatopia. I've eaten here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The pulled pork and chicken are good, the steak tips are good, the burgers are good. Honestly, I haven't been disappointed by anything I've ordered here. The side dishes have all been excellent as well. The vegetables are always perfectly cooked and crispy, the garlic mashed potatoes are divine, and they have one of my favorite cole slaws. Just the right amount of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Oh, and try the Southwest Spring Rolls! Would you like a beer with your meat? Of course you would! It's a good thing they have a decent amount of tasty beers on tap and even more in bottles. Mmmm...meat and beer...what more can a girl ask for?
(5)
Ilya E.

Best pulled pork I've had in Mass. Better than Bubs out at Amherst.
(4)
Hanley R.

Came for drinks a few times and had a nice night. Plenty of tvs. Dont sit in the back area as the smoke from the grill will kill you. When I made the long drive to eat, it was well worth it. Steak stips, buffalo tips and turkey tips, with sweet potato fries. UMMMMMM!!! When you have a craving for steak and/or turkey, order the Wagon Train, I think it is called, and you will leave full and happy.
(4)
Chris C.

My brother and I hunted this place down using Yelp and it would be a travesty to neglect returning the favor! The menu is decidedly barbecue oriented. You might think I'm crazy for stating that knowing what the name of this establishment is. However, mentioning that orientation is worthwhile because there aren't a significant number of options for those of you stuck here without a cause. That said, I am a seasoned BBQ veteran and thought Bison County was well worth the trip from Newton to Waltham (a marathon, I know). Draft beer is quite good here and the list compact enough not to feel overwhelmed. Even more impressive is the bottled beer selection; I had trouble deciding what to order. After much deliberation, I settled on Abita's Purple Haze as my first choice, and Boulder Brewery's Mojo IPA as my second choice. I had tried Purple Haze elsewhere and knew what to expect. The Mojo was a pleasant surprise of hops, bite, and aroma. Try it. Of course, beer isn't the focus and I made sure that my belly was kept open and ready for the main course: barbecue. The menu is sizeable and contains a number of delectable items. Given the soft spot in my heart for seafood, I initially experience a bout of tunnel vision over the cat fish entree. That said, few things are harder to deny than brisket. Ultimately, my love for that particular cut could not be broken and I placed my order, along with sides of garlic mashed potatoes and sautÃ©ed vegetables. After taking a few bites of brisket, my thoughts were the following: the caramelized sauce (Texas style) on top was nearly perfect and charred just enough, and the meat was very slightly overcooked. The latter of these two points surprised me but did not detract significantly from the overall experience. The brisket also showed up pre-sliced; this was another aspect of the meal I did not expect. While I do not expect to find full pieces of brisket at restaurants, the menu description didn't lead me to think the meat would come pre-sliced. I definitely recommend Bison County!
(4)
Ted B.

Enjoyed the pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Our waitress was ok but I felt bad for her because she was very busy. It was neat to see the open grill around where everyone was eating. I would come here again maybe if I was in Waltham and hungry for some BBQ but those events might only line up once in a life time.
(4)
John O.

This place has a lot going for it. Located on popular Moody St in Waltham, unique menu items like bison burgers, tasty apps like fried pickles, and a good beer selection including Lone Star from the great state of Texas. It's a great place to chill after a day of work. I will definately be back here.
(4)
Steve G.

Where do I start? Arrived just after the kitchen closed, I was SO bummed ... John behind the bar was so great - he went and checked with the kitchen, and came back and offered me one of their in-house smoked pulled pork sandwiches anyway. It was SO good!!!! Flavor was great and so tender. On top of that the staff there (John especially) were so very nice ... and the music was perfect (just my kind of alternative mix between 92.9 and 95.5 90's to now). Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Bill O.

Neither great nor horrible, just quietly disappointing. The baby backs were tasty; the brisket dry and rubbery. Cole slaw and baked beans plentiful if also a bit too sweet. I didn't leave angry, but I wouldn't return.
(2)
Andreas L.

The Bison bar is not usually what I would think is my favorite spot - but it is. The bartender (Scott) prides himself in a great selection of craft beers and maintains a great relation with his beer-loving patrons. He knows about the brewing, the ingredients, the taste of course and the history of the brewing company to each of the beers he is serving. At first I felt overwhelmed with getting such a detailed recommendation on what beer to order, but now my first question to the bartender is for his recommendation. The food is southern BBQ style. They offer ribs and other typical items and I had not yet had any complaints. My favorite snack is the South Carolina smoked wings (on the bone) which are addictive! They offer bison burger with a meat with less fat than regular sirloin. All in all I am happy to go there. I have to mention that the owner appears to have a lucky hand in picking his crew!
(5)
Gina S.

First time here. Hostess/waitress asked us to pick a table without a menu on it as they are saving these tables for groups of 3 or more.... Place was empty. Started on kindness level on wrong foot....almost left but gave food a try. Ordered baby back ribs with garlic mashed potatoes, hubby got brisket with coleslaw. Baby backs not smoky and overdone on grill as all I tasted was burnt char. Gave them to hubby who will eat anything. Potatoes were like porridge , runny, not seasoned. Hubby's brisket was very juicy, tender, but no smoked flavor. Felt like I was tasting pot roast. Baked beans....really? They were out of a can and I know my beans! The coleslaw I did not taste but hubby said" nah", ..... With all the competing places for eats on Moody Street, they should look at places like Moody's Deli that packs the house Will not be returning for quality, let alone price of 48.00 for 2 people with one ice tea
(2)
Elisha M.

Bison County is always a go to place on Moody for great beer choices and good bar bites and BBQ. Came here today for a quick bite, the bartender was great, always friendly. Ordered a burger with sweet potato fries which are awesome.
(4)
John C.

Came here for dinner recently when we couldn't get a table at The Gaff. We were just looking for beers and a sandwich and we found the right spot! Great selection of beers both on tap and bottles. I had a pulled pork sandwich with South Carolina style sauce. It was awesome! Sweet potato fries were hot and crispy, the beer was cold and the service was great. What more can you ask for? Glad to have another local spot to turn to.
(4)
Nick M.

I got take out here when I first moved to Waltham last winter and was disappointed. Their steak tips weren't to my liking, not very flavorful and the portions were smaller than I'd expected as well. I may need to give them another chance to redeem themselves but I was turned off by my initial experience.
(2)
Roger M.

I really like Bison County and have for years. It has been around for a long time on a street where restaurants come and go. Longevity is a good sign. It is consistently good food, nice selection of drinks and friendly service. It is my go-to place on Moody Street, when I am not looking for an ethnic adventure. (I often do look for an adventure -- but not always.) The star of this restaurant is the 8 foot long grill and BBQ pit. Even in the middle of winter, I feel as if I am eating out doors on a nice day. My favorite main dishes are the ribs, pulled pork and the turkey tips. The brisket is tender, but the sauce is a little overpowering. (I had to scrape some off.) On the other hand, while I enjoy the blackened salmon, but would like it a little spicier. The pulled chicken is not as good. The dinner portions are large. I usually have items to take home. BTW, they really do sell bison. I did try the bison burger a while back. It was not my favorite meat. But, at least I can now say that I have tried it. My wife often tells me that the true test of a restaurant is how well it prepares its vegetables. The string beans are always cooked to perfection. They are the right level of crisp and fresh. I personally love the cucumber salad -- which is not too sweet. Yay. The spicy rice and the mashed potatoes are also delicious. While I lead with the food, I want to point out that this restaurant has cider on tap! Yup, not just something like 18 beers on tap --- cider too! Since I am gluten-free, it makes a big difference. If you are gluten-free, this place is a great option with lots of choices. If you want to keep down your carb consumption, this is a great place too. I recommend Bison Country all the time and I recommend it to you, too.
(4)
Esther J.

I went there on Memorial Day at 11am when they first opened for the day, and I was the only one. Perhaps it was early for BBQ... I tried their half rack in their house and honey sauce and rice on the side. The food was good, a little dry, but I was full! Although I was the only customer and the waitress was right in front of me, it was hard to get their attention. Yes, there was two, and they were too busy talking to each other a bout their nights before. I'd definitely come back. It was good.
(3)
Thanh H.

"Taste the meat, not the heat." - Hank Hill. This does not apply to Bison County. I ordered the South Carolina Wings and The Southern Ribs. They stated the meat would be smoke, but I didn't expect it to be that intense. I ate a piece of chicken and a rib, both tasted exactly the same - smoked and charred. The meat had very little say in the matter. The chili-cheese fries with bacon was great. The waiter was great. Explained all the dishes in detail when asked. What I really liked was the music they play, modern songs with a country twist. It's not a bad place, but it's not a place I would go raving about either.
(3)
Autumn V.

Amazing simple amazing! Didn't thk we'd find good bbq in Massachusetts but a local pointed us in this direction & the baby back ribs were juicy & tasty the pulled pork sandwich was .... Well reminded me of being in Oklahoma! It's not pricey either.
(5)
Lindsey M.

I've been to Bison Country for lunch and for dinner and always find myself ordering the same thing: Boneless South Carolina Wings and the Bison Burger Quesadilla. The South Carolina wings are excellent, the sauce is a vinegar honey mustard sauce that is very tangy. They give you extra sauce on the side which is very nice. Get these wings with this sauce, they are a solid choice! The bison burger quesadilla is my favorite item on the menu, it is huge! Although a little pricey for a quesadilla ($13.95) I can never finish this and always have it for lunch the next day. Bison Country is a small space with a large bar area and a variety of tables and booths in the back. The bar is great to watch a game at or enjoy a few drinks and food with friends. It can get quite loud in the restaurant so be prepared. They have a full bar and an excellent selection of craft beer. Staff is very warm and friendly. The bartenders seem to run the entire restaurant during lunch and do an excellent job. They are now open for lunch 7 days a week, make sure to stop in and give it a try!
(3)
Ari P.

There are so many signs for when they won awards for best BBQ in Boston. Between 2003-2005. I highly doubt the same cook/management is at this restaurant now. I decided to just go for the wedge salad rather than brave the meat. Not bad at all, but it's a salad in BBQ restaurant. My fellow diner went for the pulled pork which from my taste was passable. The worst thing about the meal was the mashed potatoes. Gerber baby food status. Not particularly memorable, or my first choice on Moody, but hey it's one of the stalwarts.
(3)
Doug M.

I am visiting for my daughter soccer tourney. I was looking for some wings close to out hotel and yelp led us here. I past on the wings and got the brisket, and a great choice it was. My wife got the burger ans loved it, my daughter boneless wings and very happy. The service was awesome I will come again
(4)
Ethan C.

I just went here for the first time, and I would say that this place is good for a causal dinner. The waitress was very friendly and polite to my family and I. The food it self tasted pretty good. The mashed potatoes side was a little chunky for my tastes. But overall I think that the food was worth the cost, and I enjoyed my dinner.
(4)
Peter D.

Excellent beer selection (perhaps the best on Moody St), delicious BBQ and very cool atmosphere. Always a favorite "go to" when Im in the area.
(4)
Deena S.

Service was fine and good beer selection but I have to say this restaurant was not very clean at all. From bathrooms to floors to tables..not sure id eat here.
(3)
Miss M.

Had a hankering for BBQ and pulled chicken...so I ordered a sandwich, and it was very good with cole slaw...downside is most of the sandwiches don't come with toppings and you are only allowed one side...unless it's SWP-FF and a vegetable, to where you have to pay more... The sweet potato fries and regular fries weren't that good. They were the type which were deep fried and reconstituted. I wish I got mashed potatoes instead. The server we had was passive aggressively rude just because I had a question about the sides...sorry but I think it's kind of greedy of them to charge for toppings on a burger or sandwich...not the servers fault but he was kind of cocky and treated me like an idiot...(the menu and website layout isn't exactly the clearest). Also I had to go get silverware myself...never got refills on drinks (non-alcoholic of course)...and it was just kind of a disappointment, and I felt insulted by the side comments our server made. I was uncomfortable most of the time and you could cut the awkwardness like a knife to warm butter... The layouts and atmosphere is good...the owner was going around trying to people please, but I wish he actually noticed some of his customers needs. Oh well...
(3)
David B.

Our trips down Moody Street have brought us past this place. Finally, craving good old red meat, we gave it a try. We enjoyed the food for BBQ can be hard to find in New England, especially in the suburbs. The ribs were messy and delicious and the brisket had a wonderful crust and meaty tasty. Brisket has a tendency to be dry and chewy but this was good stuff. Also appreciated that they provided different sauces, depending upon your taste and desire for sweet or sour. The service was good as was their beer selection. The interior was little worn but appropriate....it was clean. We enjoy the dining options Moody Street has to offer. We will add this to our list of places worthy of a repeat visit.
(3)
Samuel H.

Yum. Try the bison burger it's a personal favorite, but know the place can get crowded which means service can be a bit slow.
(4)
Jeromie J.

So, considering I've been here every day since I've been in the area I think says it all. Great beer list, friendly people, smokin' meats low and slow. Nicely done Bison County!
(4)
George B.

Pretty good place for casual dining. We really liked the ribs and the pulled combo. The bison tips were so&so and the fries were pretty greasy. The open grill is pretty cool although very smoky...
(4)
Jessica B.

This is my second visit for lunch and while it probably wouldn't occur to me to suggest going, it was quite good. The bartender was both manning the bar and serving the lunch guests and did an impressive job staying on top of everything. I had pulled chicken which I LOVED. I was looking for a healthy side and they actually had two different vegetable selections not counting the salad. I was impressed. Overall, I quite like the place for a casual lunch.
(3)
Kate R.

I was not super impressed with the food here. Overall it's average. There is a open grill in the back of he restaurant which we sat near. We split a boneless chicken appetizer which all of the chicken were thin pieces and nothing to rave about. The cornbread was the best thing of the meal. I tried a bison burger with cheese cooked medium. It was just not right. The outside seemed really crispy in the inside a little pinker then I would of liked. I've had bison before and I can be cooked better. My friend watched his meal being made as the cook took out his phone in between cooking. He was rather shocked and the guy was not wearing any food prep gloves. The atmosphere was also average. I don't think phantom gourmet will give the same reviews now as they did in previous years.
(3)
Paul G.

I grew up in South Carolina but now call myself a New Englander. In South Carolina, the best BBQ was always at the places that were closed Wed and Sun for church and did not serve alcohol. Luckily, the best BBQ place in the Boston area is open 7 days per week and has a great selection of beer. This place is a real gem - fine Italian, authentic Chinese, and trendy upscale restaurants are easy to find in the Boston area. What is tough to find is decent BBQ. Other BBQ places in the area tend not to have as good flavor and re pretty greasy (BBQ should never be greasy). I moved away from the Boston area about 2 months ago, but I liked this place enough that I used to come here with my wife and rambunctious toddler almost every Friday night. When in-laws were in town, this is where we took them out. This place is great to go out with friends, take someone (not a vegetarian) on a casual date, or take the whole family. Oh, and the beer -Craft beer lovers out there will appreciate the selection. They have a menu of craft beers that always has good stuff on it, including some difficult to get limited release beers. I highly recommend the Cowboys and Indians with pulled pork and brisket Carolina style. Wash it down with something on tap.
(5)
Rob D.

I've been going here for lunch about once a month for 2 years now. I love it. Southwestern food is always good and plentiful. Haven't had a meal I didn't like, and the bar manager Scotty is good people serving great beer.
(5)
Jimmy S.

Stopped in for lunch recently. I was shocked to learn that the place has been there for 19 years and I'd never heard of it. I get to Waltham every once in a while but have never even noticed the sign... But I then thought I probably would've heard of it by its food rep, which I had not. I found out why. It's a BBQ joint that features Bison meat. I have to admit, we don't know how to BBQ up north. Blue Ribbon? meh. Everything tastes the same to me. Where da real BBQ at? Tennesee's? it's "Aight". Bison County? Nope. I ordered what I thought was a classic - the beef brisket BBQ sandwich. Well I got that - 4-5 slices of dry brisket on a kaiser roll. It was not great, in fact it kind of sucked and was fatty too. Tried a taste of a Bison burger - If you're looking for a huge burger that tastes gamey - this is your sandwich! Plus's - Bar, Bartender was great, friendly and helpful, beer selection very good.
(2)
Paul M.

My wife and I were craving barbeque last night, so we thought we'd stop in. I had been there once for lunch and noted a generous selection of craft beers on draught, so things looked promising. My wife's chicken wings were meaty and tender, and the accompanying Caesar salad crisp and fresh. My Pasta Bowl, however, was another matter. The sausage, listed as "chorizo", was really just sliced kielbasa. The pasta looked like it might have been homemade, but it seemed to be overcooked. The real killer was the fact that the dish was drenched in barbeque sauce. After picking through the sausage, I couldn't eat more than a few bites of the drowning pasta. Granted, I probably should have gone with BBQ, but I wouldn't have expected this to be so challenging. Given the explosion of competing restaurants along Moody Street, I'm not likely to return.
(2)
Megan M.

I was born and raised in Texas so I know good bbq! I have been to all the "best places" around Boston and everything I have tried tastes nothing like what BBQ should taste like. Bison County knows what they are doing!!! I tried their pulled chicken and pork Texas style and I actually felt like I was at Rudy's bbq in Texas! It has the right amount of spice and flavor and you can tell it was slow cooked, like it should be! The service is prompt and the people there are always friendly. I will definitely keep coming back here!
(5)
Emily K.

Went here specifically for bison burgers and I wasn't disappointed. Both our burgers were cooked to order and very tasty. Side note, they seemed to have a surprisingly good beer selection as well. I'd definitely come back for a bison-burger fix.
(4)
Jamie L.

Excellent beer choice of over 70 craft beers to choose from.. always on rotation and the food is always on point
(5)
Sean R.

Fantastic beer selection, solid food. The bar is separate from the regular dining area, so if you bring kids you're a-ok. The food is better than average (buffalo shrimp, bison tips, quesadilla's are all good). It's also reasonably inexpensive, so all around great place to get a 7 day a week meal or meet up with friends for a drink!
(4)
Antonio M.

Food is ok, really depends on what you order. The bone in BBQ wings are great. Really decent beer selection and great place to watch a game with friends.
(4)
Jackie B.

My husband and I are big BBQ fans, specifically smoked meats. We've been to Bison County several times already since moving to Waltham in the last 2 months. We usually get the Cowboy and Indians and mix and match sides and meats. It's a great place for sharing food. The beer selection is also good for those who like unique and/or craft. Not just the typical ABI crap. I think their sides could use improvement. Missing Mac and Cheese! Staple BBQ side. Looking forward to our next visit!
(4)
John O.

This place has a lot going for it. Located on popular Moody St in Waltham, unique menu items like bison burgers, tasty apps like fried pickles, and a good beer selection including Lone Star from the great state of Texas. It's a great place to chill after a day of work. I will definately be back here.
(4)
Paul D.

Great beer and Bourbon list. The BBQ isn't half bad either and the portions are gigantic. The bar has many TV's and you can usually find the game you are looking for. If its not on you can ask the bartender and they'll change the TV for you. Its a great place to catch an NFL game featuring your favorite non Patriots team.
(4)
Stephanie S.

Have been going to Bison County for years - it's our place of choice before or after a movie in Waltham. My menu favorites are the garlic green beans, the sweet potato fries, the catfish sandwich and the fire shrimp. It's nice to go to a bar and be able to eat healthy if you choose. The beer list is great - much prefer it to Watch City across the street for food, beer and atmosphere. Service is exceptional. I also really like the good smokey smell of good BBQ while dining.
(4)
Melanie T.

We enjoyed it here. Everyone's food got good reviews. Good portions, good beer selection, good price, good view of TVs. We liked that the meat had good flavor and they didn't rely on their sauces to carry them. The sauces, actually were the only down side. They really only offer 2 (a traditional bbq and a mustard based bbq). I'm a condiment girl, so I like sauces and I was hoping for a vinegar based sauce. Regardless, everyone left full and happy. Waiter was very accommodating to our large party with many odd requests (like one person who is allergic to pork, so needed the tongs wiped in between and split checks, etc.). We hope to return.
(3)
Mitch E.

The service was good. We were seated right away and the food came out quickly, however, it wasn't that good. We started off with an order of the south carolina boneless wings. They were decent, but it was basically just chicken fingers with honey mustard drizzled over it with a side of honey mustard to dip them into. I ordered a buffalo burger and my girlfriend got the turkey burger. Hers was decent. She got garlic mashed on the side. They tasted ok but were pretty runny. I had ordered my burger medium well. It came out pretty rare. i had to have them throw it back on the grill for a few minutes. The grill is in an open area of the dining room, and at one point we saw the cook chatting away on his cell phone as he was cooking the food. They had a decent beer list but they were out of a few of them, and it just so happened that they were out of the ones that we wanted. i wont be rushing back but if a group of people from work were going out for drinks and a bite to eat i wouldnt necessarily avoid it either.
(2)
Sam M.

A really good steakhouse with some excellent sweet potato fries. I know it says "BBQ" on the sign, but there's as much grilled meat as there is barbecue (maybe more) on the menu and it doesn't have that "BBQ shack" feel that Redbones and Blue Ribbon do. Despite that, we had a really good dinner. The hubby ordered the deep-fried pickles as an appetizer, which were surprisingly good. They came with sauces on the side but really didn't need any. We both got the bison tips -- chewy, but that was not surprising as there was no fat on them, and very flavorful. What I liked best was that the meat tasted like meat, not some over-seasoned, soaked in tenderizer crud that certain chain restaurants serve to customers and tell them that's what meat is supposed to taste like. The sides -- as I said, the sweet potato fries are the best I've had yet. Cucumber salad was light and a nice complement to the heavier meal. My husband did not like the rice at all, though, so I'd say skip that. Service was good. We went on a Friday night and were seated right away, our orders were taken & food was on the table quickly. There was a little lag between finishing our meal and getting the check, but not too bad and we were in and out in about an hour. Despite being surrounded by families with kids and big groups of pals out for dinner. I liked the layout of the bar area as well, big and up front, and the selection is acceptable. I may just park myself there a few evenings this summer. Oh, yeah -- almost forgot about the cornbread! It's different, sure -- sweet and cakey, not light and crumbly. I wouldn't say it's "not Southern," I've had similar in regions down south, especially north Florida/south Georgia and in eastern Texas. Don't eat more than a slice or two or you'll be too filled up to eat dinner.
(4)
Daphne M.

I ate here for the first time last night and I had to say that I enjoyed myself. I was meeting my brother in Waltham to catch a movie at the theater. He suggested this place. I am not a huge BBQ or meat eater, but I definitely love a good burger. I had a steak burger which was quite tasty and perfectly done. They also offer turkey and buffalo burgers which is a nice touch. They had a pretty extensive list of beers both in bottles and draft. What I really liked was the ambiance. It was so chill and relaxed. The best part though was that it St. Patrick's day it was not at all apparent in this place. They no that they are a BBQ place and did not try to make everything fake irish, which I totally hate. Service was excellent. Only bad thing was that the fries were not so great. Their sweet potato fries are supposed to be good though. Maybe I'll try them. Who knows?
(4)
Dan B.

I love Bison County! First off, they're one of the few places on Moody St. with a decent beer list, and most of it is on tap. The bar area is well-suited to watching the game as they have more than enough large screen TV's so there's hardly a poor seat in the bar. The restaurant area is slightly bigger where you can see the cooks putting on a show. The food is fantastic especially when it comes to their beef. I've had their steak, steak tips, bison tips, pulled pork, bbq chicken, and even the ribs. All were excellent. The sides are also tasty and I always seem to have leftovers to take home. I took my parents here when they were visiting from out of town and my Dad, who loves ribs, said their baby back ribs were the best he's ever had, period. This place is pretty busy on Friday nights, but most of the time I can walk in with my girlfriend and just sit in the bar no problem.
(5)
Christian C.

When my friend lived close to this restaurant, we went quite often. I love any place that has bison burgers and bison steak tips. The wings here are insanely good and the owner is from South Carolina, so you know that this place is legit. The wait staff is always on point. My only criticism is that I never get enough fries. What's up with that? There's nothing better than vinegar-soaked sweet potato fries with a bison burger.
(4)
Joanna C.

Great beer list, t.v.'s on the bar wall to catch the score for the latest game, an "exhibition cooking" station in the back (pretty much a big grill that has meat grilling)... It's not amazing, lick your fingers barbecue, but it's pretty good, and their portions are GIANT. Like where I had enough pulled pork and pulled chicken leftover for 2 additional meals. And let me tell you - I can eat! A pretty laid back establishment (which can get annoying if you want to get out of there quickly), but great for just sitting back, leisurely eating while watching the crowd, and drinking beer.
(3)
Jonathan A.

Was really looking forward to some gluten free BBQ, but didn't get past the drinks. Gave my name for a table and took a seat at the bar. Noticed that it was cluttered behind the bar, but also noticed a pretty good looking signature drink menu. My buddy and I ordered Dark and Stormys from their drink menu...no ginger beer. So we ordered Mojitos...no mint. Well we aren't that picky so we were good with vodka tonics. My girlfriend ordered a margarita with sauza instead of house tequila. Bartender pulls out house tequila, empties the bottle into a 16 oz glass,(which amounted to a 1/2 inch of tequila) and filled the glass with sour mix. Undrinkable even for me. Cancelled our reservation and went up the street to Tempo which has GREAT drinks and a gluten free menu.
(1)
Monica R.

3.5 stars fun place to grab a beer or a burger at the bar. good beer list. good turkey burger. The outside screams - come and visit!! i'd do it again but am in no rush.
(3)
Vanilla P.

I placed a huge order for my office (12 meals) and asked for a couple extra cornbread loaves to be throw in: "We have to charge you for the loaves." Seriously? After dropping $180+, you won't throw in some cornbread? Whatever. I ordered some extra loaves. Everyone liked their meals, and asked to order from Bison Country again during our next lunchtime meeting.... BUT THEY FORGOT THE CORNBREAD. When I place an order next time, I'll let them know that. My Western Salad was very good, filling, and fresh. The blackened chicken was flavorful, and the veggies were crispy. Bison Country got 90% of the orders right, which is a little above average, I suppose. Dressings were forgotten, regular fries instead of sweet potato, etc. Nothing major. Everyone ate, was happy, and requested it again. Just double check your order before leaving.
(4)
Jef S.

Not that great. It's a convivial enough environment to stop and get nachos and beers after work, but the food and service are simply not good here. The exceptions are any offering that comes drowned in barbecue sauce...for example, they have a very good pulled pork sandwich on the lunch menu. If you're looking to share a few with the boys, might as well, but otherwise I'd just head out to Blue Ribbon.
(2)
pete k.

This would be a 2 star review if this were only about the food. Fortunately for Bison County, someone knows how to pick beers. Atmosphere is decent - spacious, rustic, open, etc. Waitresses are fairly attentive. Menu is obviously focused on BBQ and other meat - alot of which is cooked on a grill in an open kitchen area at the back of the restaurant. The grilled meat looked fine - most things seem to marinate in their own little bag, which is dumped onto the grill at cooking time. I suspect the grilled items would be decent. But we're here for BBQ. My table had a variety of BBQ'd meats - pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and brisket. All claimed to be "mesquite smoked". For the record, Mesquite is not a smoke wood that you should ever use - its best use is artificially on "bbq" potato chips. So I'm hesitant to even start off. Lets start with presentation.. when you order your pulled pork/chicken they ask what kind of sauce you want - "regular" or "honey bbq". Not very impressive selections! Now, if you select honey bbq, your pork arrives in what the table agreed as "pea soup" colored. Really odd appearance. And seriously, there should be no need to mix the sauce IN for us - keep it in a cup on the side. Good BBQ does NOT NEED SAUCE. Then there's the mound of pulled chicken - which is not pulled. This stuff is.. smushed. Its appearance is that of tuna salad. No real meat character here, just a pasty mush of something that used to be chicken. The brisket had a dab of sauce, as did the ribs. Good - these should not come sauced up. The brisket did not look smoked, but it was thin sliced and very tender. The "southern ribs" - spares - were very good sized and meaty. Now, on to the flavor. Out of the 4 types of meat - the only one with ANY smoky flavor was the chicken paste. Unfortunately it was a strangely dry pile of meat substance - kind of sucked the moisture out of your mouth. Slathered in sauce, it could have been edible but in no way was this true BBQ. The "pea soup" pulled pork - while I found a couple little pieces of "bark" - did not have any smoke or spice. The bark had some color from smoking, but the outer edge did not have the crust that good BBQ should have - no rub on this meat. The honey bbq did not come out tasting like BBQ - it was just a saucey pile of meat. Did not taste bad but did not taste like BBQ. It was at least moist, unlike the chicken mash. The brisket - which had a nice texture - again totally lacked smoke. In fact it tasted like brisket that was cooked in an oven - the kind you'll find in a good deli. Not BBQ brisket. It was nice meat but again, not BBQ. At all. And the "sauce" on it was not a very tasty BBQ sauce unfortunately. The ribs were very meaty - and very tender. The meat came off the bone fairly well - however once again.. NO SMOKE! And no rub - the meat was just.. meat. I was really disappointed in the ribs and brisket - these ones didn't seem to have ever made it into a smoker. The slaw was very.. wet.. pretty plain and lacking any real flavor. Would have covered up the lack of smoke on a pulled pork sandwich I suppose, or added moisture to the chicken paste on a bun. The sweet potato fries were good - nice and crispy. The baked beans were probably the best item on the table to be honest - bacon and brisket were cooked in the beans to add some nice flavor. Mmm beans. Apps - forgot about those - we had the calamari, corn fritters and these "fire!!!" shrimp. The calamari was fine - very large rings with some kinda ranchy sauce. The fritters were tasty.. really what fried batter isnt good? The sauce it was served with was odd - I think its the house BBQ sauce? Or maybe honey mustard, was hard to tell. And then there's the "fire!!!" shrimp. Tender shrimps that were likely marinated, grilled and topped with a slash of hot sauce. Not exactly "fire!!!" and since there are only 5 or 6 on the plate.. eh. The cornbread was good, forgot to mention that. So the extra star - some good beers on tap - Smuttynose, Old Speckled Hen, and a few other decent micro brews. Overall, you can fill your belly and still have leftovers - but if you go here looking for BBQ - turn around - actually just go across the street to Jake/Earls Dixie BBQ.. or drive 3 miles to Blue Ribbon which will blow Bison out of the water. Oh and lets go over parking - trying to find a spot near Moody is always a disaster - so be ready for some aggravation if you haven't had the pleasure of trying to park in the area. If you are lucky, your friends will have a beer waiting for you wherever you eat.
(3)
Joel A.

53 Reviews! This place doesn't need another one. But I must add my $.02. Bison County is one of our favorite places in Waltham because it has no pretentions. It is what it is. Down to the dented salt shakers, pile a napkins on the table (you'll need them), catsup bottles you can park upside down, waitstaff without uniforms, carvings on the tables. And good value. Refreshing. Why "only" 4 stars? They need to upgrade the bread/rolls and update their vegetable offerings. (Or maybe they don't need to because *everyone* gets the sweet potatoe fries and the string beans anyway?) Also I think there is only one dessert -- ice cream on a brownie with chocolate sauce. Big enough to share.
(4)
Mike D.

Buffalo shrimp fried in a tempura batter with delicious hot sauce drizzles over the top of each shrimp and it comes with an amazing horseradish dipping sauce. Also a bison burger with Monterrey Jack cheese (medium rare of course!) and sweet potato fries, and a Harpoon on draft to wash it all down!! I think if I was going to the chair this would be my last meal request!!
(5)
Jason H.

This place is probably my favorite in town to grab a beer and get dinner. First off they have an excellent beer selection for a bar in the dirty dirty Waltham and that goes a long way with me. Second, the BBQ here is very good and the portions are generous. Many of my dinners will end up being finished the next day for lunch, as left overs. Its also a nice place to watch the game and they play pretty cool music most nights... Service is hit or miss, but overall this is a very worthy place to hit up, especially if in the area.
(4)
Sharon K.

At first I wasn't a fan of this place because the selection is very much the same. All their plates are almost like the same thing spun in a different way. And I had gotten many cuts of meat that were more fat than meat. I stopped going for a while... But after many many weeks of my boyfriend going there every Tuesday night for Trivia night, and me feeling bad about not being social with his friends... I decided to give it another try, cuz they all loved it so much. The waiter guy was super nice to our table because my boyfriend and his friends were "regulars". (Before I had felt very ignored on busy nights, but my boyfriend explained to me that it was just that one guy running all the tables and the bar at the same time... but since, they have added more servers, there's another girl there now too.) I found that I like the ribs. I still don't like that they charge a whole extra dollar for sweet potato fries. But I do like that they will make you a brownie sundae dessert if you ask for dessert even if it's not on the menu.
(4)
Stace M.

Went here on a sunday. It was nice and quiet. Food and service was GREAT! Looks like it could be a fun afterwork scene for the 20's and 30's crowd. The only reason I have 4 stars is because for bar type food it is a tad pricey. MUST order the chili chese fries! Soooooo gooooood!
(4)
JJ H.

Our first time in last night...we sat at the bar...the bartender was nice, but quite. We order the watermelon beer they had on tap...it was delicious..but on the warm side...perhaps if the glasses where chilled or something. We ordered the chicken wings, spicy southern style, and they were very good. Then we went all out and got the pulled chix and pork combo, and the "cowboys and Indians" (choose any two meats) with baby-back ribs and brisket...for sides we had the cole slaw, cucumber salad, rice and fries (we ordered swt potatoes but got regular). The rice was pretty bad, but everything else was great! We will come back...thanks!
(4)
James S.

The only good thing about this place is the wings... if you're having dinner and own a car, you're better off going to Redbones or Lesters
(2)
Anna B.

I took a group of 40 people from work to Bison County. Mostly men - corporate types but not the types who'd be bothered eating with their hands - and this definitely beat our last group dinner which was at Skipjacks (more formal and quiet). Bison County was loud and casual but still appropriate for a work event. I was on the road the week before so I didn't have time to spend on this and didn't pick a menu like I have for dinners in the past. Basically I chatted with the owner about the type of stuff we wanted and he planned it to stay in our budget. The food was well-priced and delicious. Beers came quickly which is important after all-day meetings. If you go in a big group I recommend family style (people loved that) and the favorite items were the steak and turkey tips, ribs, and sweet potato fries. I should mention they need advance notice for a group that size. Parking in the area can be tough - everyone found a spot but be prepared to check 1 or 2 parking lots before finding one. I ended up parking on the street. Allow an extra 10 minutes and you'll be fine.
(5)
Kathleen G.

My favorite place to have a burger in Waltham! This place has a great atmosphere and really good food. It doesn't leap out at you from the street - I'd lived here almost a year before I wandered in, but one meal and I was hooked. Highly recommend.
(5)
Nancy L.

If you are seeking good BBQ, then Bison County is it. If you are seeking great BBQ then go hit up Red Bones or Blue Ribbon instead. Bison County offers traditional BBQ fare such as ribs, pulled pork, and smoked brisket but it's not as yummy as the aformentioned resturants. It does have a decent beer selection (which Blue Ribbon does not but Red Bones trumps that with a wheel of beer) and has more space since less people tend to venture out to Waltham. A good local joint due to its atmosphere but not out of the world BBQ.
(3)
Lisa W.

I just went to Bison County yesterday for dinner and it was great. Their beer list is excellent - they have a lot of good stuff on tap. I had a Blue Moon with a lemon wedge on the rim. The food was fantastic. Really interesting meat is served there. My boyfriend got bison tips and I opted for a buffalo burger. These meals were both named literally. I actually had a burger that was made of buffalo and he had actual bison. The reason I find myself clarifying this is I had trouble believing it when I saw it on the menu and I figure someone else would too. Everything was flavorful and well-marinated. I even had one of the tips and it was really good. Oh, and I forgot that for starters we got the spinach and artichoke dip. That was to DIE for. It was so good that I almost wanted more tortilla chips so I could get more dip. The waiter was knowledgeable and good-humored. He wasn't afraid to make a joke here and there. The atmosphere was fun. Good times can be had at Bison County, that's for sure.
(4)
Alyssa O.

The hubs and I went to Bison County today for lunch. I loved the feel of the restaurant and it felt authentically Texas. I got the pulled pork, which was delicious. Sweet potato fries were also nice. Hub's tea tasted great and had a bit of a fruity kick at the end. This is better than Blue Ribbon BBQ!
(4)
Jeremy K.

meh, i went here maybe twice, both times it was fair, the wifey is a veggie so no point coming to a place like this for our dinner out.\ the food and sauces were fair too, i guess its only getting 3 stars out of ambiguity.
(3)
matt m.

I don't judge on whether the food at a BBQ place is "authentic" since I really have no idea what that means. However, I can tell you everything I've had so far has been great, from burgers to sandwiches to their larger plates. Decent beer selection, good bartenders.
(4)
Pat L.

I guess you can't go wrong at a place that has a giant stuffed animal head over the bar...you know you're going to get what you came for (meat - if you're here, I sure hope that's what you came for). Started off with some drinks - they had Steel Rail! I haven't had a Steel Rail since my Amherst days, so that was a great start. The beer and booze menu was great in general, with a listing of all their liquor and a fairly large selection of bottled beers (and prices for almost everything - pretty rare). Apps were fried catfish and some sort of spicy chicken wing (hardly the "extremely spicy" promised on the menu, but very tasty). I went with a burger, which was great. Buddies had baby-back ribs (thumbs up, huge portion, great taste - highly recommended) and the wagon train (bison, beef, and turkey tips - mixed reviews). The cornbread was as good as we hoped, but stay away from the sweet potato fries...they were cold, with a soggy exterior and an uncooked center - bummer. So go here, have a Steel Rail (Berkshire's finest), eat meat, and take home a lot of leftovers. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Sean S.

This place is freaking amazing! Excellent beer selection. The boneless spicy thai peanut wings are great. I had the NY sirloin steak sandwich with sweet potato fries. Amazing stuff! The sweet potato fries are ridiculous in how good they taste. I could eat them all night. I highly suggest you go check this place out and get some damn good meat and beer.
(5)
Meaghan B.

This barbecue was pretty good. To start you off they bring you a brick of cornbread, and that is surely the way to my heart. I got the beef ribs half rack, and to my dissmay they were a little dry. My own fault for not asking for a side of bbq sauce, but sometimes I don't want to insult the pit master. My husband couldn't have been more happy with his pulled chicken/pork combo, and my dad was psyched about his pork rib/brisket combo. I also got a side of sweet potato fries, and they were melt in your mouth good. The waitstaff was very friendly and not over attentive, which I love. Nice atmosphere and overall I'd say it was a good bbq experience.
(3)
Elliot K.

Bison County is everything you'd expect from a typical barbecue joint, plus a little bit extra that gives it a little edge over the competition. The meat selection is typical, and the quality is better than average. What really distinguishes the place for me is the extras - the large selection of tasty sides, awesome barbecue burritos, corn fritters, and turkey chili are all worth checking out. You'll also get a cute little loaf of cornbread to munch on while you're waiting for your meal. The beer selection is also a cut above the rest. They almost always have Victory Brewery's delicious Hopdevil, and often something from Berkshire Brewing Company like their Steel Rail Ale.
(4)
Jeffrey E.

I was told that the South Carolina wings are amazing. I think they are delicious but they aren't anything special or unique. However, their Bison burgers are the bomb. Make sure you order Rare if you like Medium and Medium if you like Well done because the meat cooks faster than beef. In fact, it continues to cook as it sits waiting to be delivered to your table. If you really want Rare (which I recommend), you have to look them dead in the eye and say "I want this rare and I'm serious". They will do it! Sweet potato fries are good but not crispy. Garlic mashed potatoes are heavy with butter. The cucumber salad is very sweet and sour, almost like a gourmet sweet relish. It's NOT the same as what Europeans or non-Americans would think of when you say "cucumber salad".
(4)
Eric S.

Service is usually slow...I always have to chase the waitstaff. BUT the food here is pretty good. My favorite: The Bison Burger with Sweet Potato fries! The nachos are also pretty good. Overall one of the better places to eat and drink on Moody street.
(4)
Adam B.

I absolutely love this bar. They have excellent burgers, the Pearl Hot Dog is very tasty and the steak tips are very good. My friend had the ribs last time we went and he said they were some of the best they've had. I like to go here to watch a Sox or Bruins game also. The employees there are very friendly and the prices are reasonable. I'm a big fan of bars that I can just hang out with friends without loud blaring music. This fits the bill perfectly.
(5)
Burgundy G.

I love going to this place...Luckily, its one of my husbands favorite places EVER... We go at least once a month.. I almost always have the stuffed pork tenderloin with the julienne vegetables.I can only eat about half of it, but it re-heats perfectly (usually later that night at home).... We like all the appetizers (the southwestern egg rolls are very good) The corn fritters, yum... the burgers are SOO good!!! I am not a fan of the smoked stuff, but my family all loves it, the ribs and the pulled pork is very good.. i have had a few bites of the beef brisket and LOVED it!! Moody Street has lots to offer-- and this place should NOT be missed!!!!
(5)
Forrest G.

Stellar... best place in waltham for smoked BBQ. I could name better places around boston, but definitely one of Moody St's best restaurants. Suburb beer selection as well.
(4)
Gil F.

Come here hungry and wanting meat! You won't be disappointed. I hope to post some pics up soon
(4)
Olusegun B.

after eating at this place again and again and again, its only fair that I write a review about the place. its possibly the best barbecue joint in the whole of waltham, if not boston (I have been to redbones, its ok) its the only place I know in the boston area that does the south carolina style mustard venegar barbecue. I love the spicy south carolina wings. another favorite of mine is the southern ribs which could be done either texan style or south carolina style. their selection of beer is also a cut above, and they are the only one that serve the palm belgian ale. I am still looking for a place in cambridge that serves this beer, either in bottle or draught. other notable items on the menu are the fries either sweet potatoes or regular fries which are golden brown and crispy, along with the green beans. obviously I love the place and they will always have a loyal costumer in me.
(5)
Tom F.

Went there yesterday for lunch. The service was super slow (an hour and 15 minutes in a fairly empty restaurant) and the food was "okay". We sat near the chef and one thing that turned me off is the fact that they don't use gloves when they prepare the food. The dining area was also kind of dirty, and they had literally just opened for lunch. We enjoyed our app- the Arizona Egg Rolls, but the main meals were nothing special at all.
(2)
Chelsea B.

I am pleased to offer an update to my previous review because they have switched the poppers to cream cheese AND their brisket has improved. It may not "fall apart" upon fork pressure yet, but it's definitely an improvement. Service continues to be great, and the beer selection as well. Hooray! I have also been very pleased with their chicken lately. I usually don't even try BBQ chicken when there is beef and ribs to be had, but theirs is delicious. Bison County makes me happy to live in Waltham.
(4)
Lalin A.

Not very special but food is better if you go during the day and at off peak hours than busy nights. During weekends, it is hard to find seating and since the service is not apt to take care of the crowd, the food quality goes down. Interesting, yes. Their fries are good. Meat can be dry. It is OK for college kids in Waltham to go to Bison county for a change from their cafeterias, but if you are looking for some tasty barbecue, don't waste your gas, time or appetite.
(3)
Jj D.

The beer selection is great here. The seating is nice you can hang out and not feel stuffed in. But best of all the food is really good. I have had the bison tips several times and they are worth trying. The fried calamari has this spicy batter that almost is a new spin on a classic.
(4)
Danny M.

Went in on Saturday night.....Went in around 9pm and wait was only a few minutes. If you like Martini's I would not reccommend this place as they were ok.(No bloody Mary's) The food.....AMAZING! I got the Wagon Train (4 oz bison tips, 5 oz steak tips, 5 oz turkey tips).....Delecious!!!!! The Cucumber Salad is one that I have never tasted in my life so good at this place! Service was friendly. Overall got to go to this place for the food!!!
(4)
Ali B.

My friend and I went here on a Saturday night in mid-November around 8:30pm. We wanted to sit at the bar and get something to eat. The bar was a bit crowded but it was not a problem to find two seats together. I was glad we were at the bar, far away from the grill area, where it gets rather smoky. The food was delicious! I got steak tips and sweet potato fries. The steak was cooked perfectly but it didn't have as much flavor as I would have liked. A little bit of sauce would have helped. The sweet potato fries were really yummy! I was surprised how many families with younger children were there later on a Saturday evening. It wasn't really a problem, though, since we were at the bar.
(4)
Doris K.

I would not go back to this place unless it was for alcohol and the sweet potato fries. It's a fun place but the food is not worth it. My brisket was dry and it didn't seem like it was smoked at all, more like baked. If you are looking for good bbq I would suggest Blue Ribbon instead. Our service was good, quick and courteous, but like I said I will only go back for the drinks and sweet potato fries.
(2)
Evan G.

I've been going to Bison County for almost a decade. This fact makes me feel really old. Maybe that's why it has taken me so long to review it, because it puts me face to face with my own mortality. Luckily, if I was going to bite the bullet tomorrow, I'd probably want my last meal to be the Buffalo Steak with an extra large loaf of Bison County's amazing cornbread. The steak is worth the splurge, and since it's by far the most expensive thing on the menu at $25, you really can't go wrong with anything you order. The buffalo tips are a good alternative if you don't want to fork out the money for the steak. It's safe to say that since the Clinton administration (oh the good times), I've tried just about everything on the menu, and I've not been disappointed with anything they serve. The ribs, brisket, and burgers are all fantastic. I've ordered my food medium rare each of the maybe 50 times I've been there, and it's always been perfectly cooked. Bison County also has a great beer selection, with 10ish beers on tap and another slew of bottled beers. It is one of the few restaurants that I can say has been consistently great for a really really long time, so make the drive out to waltham and give it a try.
(5)
Steve R.

The food was awesome! The Buffalo burger was juicy and cooked perfectly. There are so many great items on the menu, that I can not wait to go back and try some other items. My friend had the ribs and said that they were fantastic.
(4)
Rebecca Y.

Had lunch here today. Both my friend and I had pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Lunch was $25 for both of us. (beverages were non-alcoholic). The food was good and nice to do something different, but $25 for lunch for 2 people is a bit much for this type of place. Plenty of tvs with various sports channels on and the service was average.
(4)
Meredith P.

This was a lucky find as we happened to get a parking spot on Moody St, it was raining, and this was the first place we happened on. Yum! I got the catfish tacos and my companion got the chili cheese dog. O happy day! Excellent. The ribs smelled fabulous and we'll definitely try those next. Wish there were hush puppies on the menu--a southern staple--but glad to see fried pickles. Service could have been a little better but it appeared that it was the bartender running the whole show in the front room and he did have his hands full. We'll be back.
(4)
Natasha A.

This place is subpar compared to your chains like Fridays and Uno's. They do have some good appetizers like the rattlesnake eggs, but I would avoid it for burgers and steaks.
(2)
Kevin W.

After only one visit, I can't say I'm impressed. The South Carolina pulled pork BBQ was made from the best cut of meat. The fries were pretty good, and a friend said the burgers were good, but overall it was disappointing.
(2)
Sarah H.

Bison County is a great barbecue/rib place. Their appetizers are great (my favorites are the spinach/asparagus dip, the sweet corn fritters, and the sweet potato fries) and they have an impressive list of beer, wine, and hard liquors. This is a fun place to bring a group, but they do fill up fast, and the place tends to get loud.
(4)
stephen s.

Went to Bison County BBQ.on a Sat afternoon... It is more of a"bar" Atmosphere than I expected but that was okay with me.. Great "Beer" selection.... I tried the corn fritters which were nice and crispy but nothing great...I also had the spicy Wings which were excellent...The meat fell off the bone and the sauce was different than your usual wing sauce...At first I did not think they were hot...But the "heat" sneaks up on you and by the time I finished eating I needed another cold beer... Service was good... I would go back for sure... Great place to watch sports have some beers and eat....
(4)
Laura M.

Sooo, I don't really think of Bison County as "barbecue." They serve up some decently barbecue-ish things, but I know better than to order, say, ribs or pulled pork. They're just not up to this southern girl's standards (for that, try Blue Ribbon, as others have mentioned). Mostly I just go here when friends want to go. I typically get a buffalo burger, which is nice and lean and tasty, and try different sides. Everyone loves the "delicious green beans" (that's how they're listed on the menu!), which are indeed pretty delicious. They also sometimes have pretty good beer on tap (Hop Devil!). I have nothing really bad to say about them, but no raves either.
(3)
Robert L.

Had the nacho plate appetizer and a half-rack of baby back ribs. The nachos were great. Most places you get a pile of chips with toppings only on the top of the pile, so after you eat the top layer there's nothing left but a pile of plain chips. These had globs of chili and cheese throughout and fresh halepenos on top. The ribs were good, very tasty, although just a tiny bit on the dry side. The service was exceptional! I will certainly be back there to try the brisket and would definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Bill M.

Great place to eat! Owner/manager Adam knows about gluten free eating. Even went so far as to read the ingredients of his BBQ sauce and got me one of the ingredients to look at. I had the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and string beans. They even have gluten free beer.
(5)
Z P.

Now this is a great place. Been here maybe 4 or 5 times. Every time the food was dead- on good. Enever anything bad to say- the portions are great, the prices are fair, and it is great- tasting BBQ. Period. I had brisket today, and the wife had ribs- both plates awesome. The sides were great, and even the Ceasar salad was surprisingly good. The waitress was exactly what I needed too- there whenever I needed her, fast and efficient, and never bothering us to get into tedious conversations with her. Wish I could get there more often- def the better choice for BBQ in the area.
(5)
Jen J.

I was expecting more from this restaurant after seeing it featured on Phantom Gourmet. I was sadly disappointed the first time, and was not pleased the second either. The only reason I went back for a second time was because Watch City Brew (located across the street) was closed for a private party. There was no one to seat us when we first walked in, so we kind of stood there confused, thinking whether we should seat ourselves or wait for a hostess. I went on a weeknight and it wasn't that busy, so there should have been someone to greet us and seat us immediately. When we were finally seated, we realized the hostess was also a waitress handling the bar area and dining area along with only one other waitress. We started off with the Buffalo Shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were large, but weren't de-veined which grossed us out. It seemed like they boiled the shrimp and then just tossed them in some supermarket brand hot sauce. Not a good start! I opted for the buffalo pulled chicken sandwich, which was very dry. There was barely any bbq sauce in the chicken. I had to ask for extra. The french fries were good...of course, I am a sucker for anything that is deep fried. My friend had the fried catfish, which he hardly ate because it tasted that bad to him. He said it was bland and wasn't made with cornmeal. It was battered and deep fried, so I thought it was edible. ha! Then again, I've never had true southern fried catfish, so I wouldn't know what it is supposed to taste like. His sides weren't tasty either -- the beans tasted like they came out of a can and the cole slaw was just OK. Overall, the food wasn't good and the service was worse. At one point, the waitress noticed that our drinks were empty and didn't bother to bring us re-fills. We had to ask after several attempts to get her attention. The atmosphere wasn't very inviting either. We were the only people of color there and we just got this vibe that people were staring at us. (I know that some people of color can get over sensitive about situations like that and react when there really isn't an issue, but once in a while, you get that feeling and you know it's not you. This was one of those occurrences.) I would recommend Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton as an alternative.
(2)
Stephanie W.

What a disappointment. I really wanted to like it. The only positive thing I have to say is the bartender was excellent!! Very overworked but excellent. They need a service bartender. The food was lackluster.
(1)
Mike D.

I'll admit that I don't remember this place that well. I remember tasty bison tips served with really good baked beans and decent french fries. I remember a decent beer selection and a nice, tolerant server who put up with our large and by this time fairly boisterous bar crawl crew. I remember that it felt like it was time to go home, rest of the crawl be damned, after we finished our meal, so that's what I did.
(4)
S G.

I would travel back to Bison County again. My friend and I went for dinner the other night. We sat at the bar, and had pretty good service. One bartender was pretty attentive, getting us beers and menus right away, but once he stepped outside for a while, we did sit there for a fair amount of time before the other bartender came to check on us. But, really, overall, no complaints. Both my friend and I got the turkey burger, which, really was flat-out delicious. I got the sweet potato fries, which were decent, and she got mashed potatoes, which got her thumbs-up. In the seating area out back, the grill is front and center (ok, actually off to the side). None of this sketchy behind-closed-doors cooking for the Bison, oh no. BUT the BEST part of the joint is their beer list and bourbon list. Not only do they have a wide selection of varied beers, they were GOOD beers. I, of course, now no longer remember any of the names of the ones I tried, but they were all really good, high-quality stuff. (They also have the good cheap stuff, like Pabst - they even make a Black and Blue). If you ask, the bartender will let you try those on draft before you order, as well, which to me, is always a sign of a friendly establishment. And BONUS, he gave us a few free beers. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Young K.

Ok so my brother came here for a visit from New York City, and was yearning for barbaque. I was telling myself there was a great collection of restaurants in Waltham Ma known as "Moody Street". We went there and I ordered the Buffalo burger because it was reasonable price and lower calorie compared to the beef burger. I must say I really enjoyed it along with some coleslaw. My brother had the pulled pork sandwhich and he was very satisfied with that as well. One drawback was that service was very slow but definatly recomended.
(3)
Lynda M.

We dined here last night with friends. It was crowded, but we managed to score a nice table near the bar in about 10 minutes. The menu is large and diverse. It isnt just for meat eaters! My turkey tips were amazing--very tender---not dry, and so were my sides of green beans and grilled veggies. The cornbread was warm with a honey butter spread. My fiance had the half chicken (huge) and the cucumber salad. Our friends also enjoyed the tips and sweet potato fries. The wine and beer selection is very good. All and all we left with full bellies and will definitely be back!
(4)
Sarah P.

Bison County is a great BBQ place. The menu has a moderate amount of items and although most of the entrees are meats (it IS a BBQ restraunt) Bison County also offers salads, quesadillas and pasta dishes. There is a large beer selection, and they have many beers on tap. I had the pulled pork sandwhich with sweet potato fries. The pulled pork was great, and the fries were good (I have had better sweet potato fries elsewhere). My sweetheart had the blackened chicken quesadilla, and he thought it was underseasoned, but still good enough to eat the whole thing. The service was great--our waiter was very nice and really attentive. Bison County is definitely worth a try!
(4)
Jeff B.

Typical barbeque fare and nothing remarkable about the coleslaw or fries. I think they use Kraft BBQ sauce. We waited to be seated even though it wasn't very busy, they may have been short-staffed because we didn't see a lot of our waitress either. I don't plan on returning.
(2)
S W.

I like the burgers, steak tips, green beans, and fries(regular and sweet). My one complaint is about the delicious caesar salad. They offer their awesome caesar salad in dinner form and the name is something like " big caesar salad" or something but great big it is not. And I am not just talking about the meat portion. I mean how expensive is it to throw on another cup or two of lettuce and another handful of the delectable cornbread croutons? I got it with steak and payed close to 15 bucks for it and was starving after the meal-- Come on, Bison County! You have a great product- Don't be greedy- If you increased portion size on this one, I would come at least once a week!
(4)
Cyndy K.

Absolutely LOVE this place! The atmosphere, the food, the staff, everything! Best nachos ("The Stampede") I've had in a very long time! YUM!!!!!
(5)
Keith B.

I love this place! The atmosphere is relaxed and the bar is a great place to hang out with some friends. They specialize in awesome beers and even more awesome BBQ. Definitely have the baby back ribs, they were the best I ever had. The smoke was sweet and not overpowering and best of all I didn't taste it for 3 days afterward. According to our waitress (who was friendly AND fast which is rare) all of the sauces are homemade and it showed. I have been to every BBQ place in the state and this place is right up at the top. And for a real authentic southern flavor be sure to try the mustard based South Carolina sauce, I think I'd like to drown in it some day!
(5)
Seth M.

Solid barbecue - they make good chicken and ribs, and a pretty mean burger. Not quite as authentic as the Village Smokehouse or Redbones, but it's a solid offering, especially in Waltham.
(3)
Irene F.

Yup, it's just not that great. However, the bartender, maggie, is awesome :) The food is just sub par, and there's no two ways about it. Get some apps and drinks, skip the burgers and what have you. Watch City has a much better burger anyway!
(3)
Elie M.

This has been my all time fave for a while now. My favorite meal in the whole world always is a turkey burger with grilled green beans and a side of sweet potatoe fries at this joint! Beer( and booze) selection is exceptional. The music they play has me singing and tapping my toes as soon as I sit( tonight a few goodies were clash,ziggy marley,and the police). My favorite table is under the bison in the corner on the bar side where I can watch the riff raff wander down busy Moody street, and the speaker is right there so if it gets jammin I can still groove!! Turkey burger here is a homemade patty-simple- not seasoned-just flame broiled. You can add whatever fixins you want as extras. As for the rest of the stuff on the menu-looks good,but I havent really tried much. Their chili dog actually looked pretty damn good-maybe someday...the texas/southwestern stuff had some good sauces. Meat portions are decent. Open grill on the resteraunt side so if you sit you can watch him work his magic.
(4)
yo s.

Nice looking restaurant. The atmosphere is 'ite. Food is decent but not too cheap. Are we talking bbq?
(3)
Donna H.

Having spent a fair amount of time in the South, I know BBQ and this was just okay, certainly nothing to write home about. I was told that this was a great place for ribs. It was a disappointing experience. Granted the ribs were not fatty, had some flavor and not dry, but would I bother going back to have them again -- definitely not. The beans were soupy, flavorless and had large chunks of meat. The corn bread and sweet potato fries were also a let down. Sigh. Where can a Southern transplant go for some decent BBQ? Don't tell me Blue Ribbon...
(2)
Greg S.

I've been here twice for BBQ and thought that it was ok, I guess I just always go to Blue Ribbon BBQ when I'm looking to eat BBQ so I forget to drive out to Bison County in Waltham to try more of what they have to offer. Anyway, I've gotten the combo a few times and thought that the BBQ was good but always needed more BBQ sauce, That and they could use some more side offerings, I usually go with the mashed potatoes and the green beans or baked beans though. They do have some unique beer offerings as well if I remember correctly.
(3)
Jim S.

I'm a pretty big BBQ lover. We were originally going to go to Blue Ribbon in Arlington but decided to go here so we could see a movie at the Embassy Theater. So long story short, my wife and I went. I got the {stupidly named] Cowboys and Indians which is two meats, two sides. In addition to baby back ribs the menu said they had "Southern Ribs." We didn't know what those were either so we asked the waiter. He sort of explained it but I don't know that he knew. In any event I got the Southern ribs and brisket. First he brought us - slid towards us really - some cornbread and some very sketchy-looking butter. Then when the rib platter came, I first tried the "brisket." I put it in quotes because I don't know what it was. It reminded me of meat you'd get from a frozen dinner. Whatever it was it was NOT brisket. You can tell as much - or more - about a BBQ place by its brisket. The ribs? Covered with BBQ sauce, indifferent, ok. My wife's baby backs were tough and overcooked. Ribs should be tender, meaty, fall off the bone. None of those things was true here. Bottom line - the chef here has no idea how to make BBQ nor does he much care about what he's cooking. He comes in, punches the clock, leaves. The only good thing here was the beer. It may well be the everything else on the menu is great. I'll never know because I'll never go back, at least not while this short order cook is there. If I can make a meal better myself at home, what's the point? If you want good BBQ in this area, avoid this place like the plague. Trust me. I've eaten tons of it and this ain't good BBQ. It's not the point of the place, it's an afterthought. Instead go to Redbones, Sweet Cheeks, Blue Ribbon, or in Sturbridge, BT's BBQ.
(2)
Jeremy K.

While I really want to like this place, especially since my favorite Waltham joint, Jake Dixie's Roadhouse closed 2+ years ago, I can't help but expect and want more out of this place. And I'm not alone either, as my significant other and my friends had the same comments based on our visits there. And it's a shame really, especially considering how little competition they have in the area, Blue Ribbon aside. They have a great location, right near the top of Moody Street, with a ton of parking lots and street parking available. They have the space, with 30+ tables and a long bar as well. They have a great craft beer selection as well. But the big issue here is with the service and the food. First off, the food is very average. I've sampled all kinds of things there, from their wraps to their bison tips and their BBQ plates, and most of it is bland or very average at best. But the kicker here is that in most instances, they charge a few bucks too many for their dishes. An example of such is their appetizers. Some are as cheap as $4.95 but most are $8.95 and more. $9 for a cup of chili? Seems pretty steep to me. Their fried pickles ($5.95) are decent, but few come in the serving. On the upside, most of them are eas to share although their spinach and artichoke dip ($8.95) wasn't all that great when I had it last week. Their entrees aren't much better, and I was not a huge fan of their ribs. Their pulled pork sandwich ($9.95) isn't all that great either, and their Bozeman bison tips ($17.95) were dry and again, bland. Even the sides are average at best. All in all, it just seems like the place strive on serving very average food at a premium. Their service isn't all that attentive either and all in all, it quickly loses it's appeal. Every single time I've seen the bill there I felt like it wasn't a good value at all. So while they have a great craft beer selection, the rest leaves to be desired including the inconsistent service which often times is inattentive and slow. Meh.
(3)
Ash And Dan L.

My husband and I went here for dinner on valentine's day, looking for a casual meal. We enjoyed the feel of the restaurant, and loved the beer selections, but were a bit let down by the food. We ordered the fried pickles (very tasty), pulled chicken sandwich, and brisket sandwich. The pulled chicken sandwich was lacking a bit in the taste department, and the same goes for the brisket. Both just OK. Maybe we're biased because we have always been hard-core Red Bones fans (Somerville), but either way I don't think we'll go back unless we really have a craving for some fried pickles.
(3)
Laura C.

Just go here. That's all you need to know. Great beer selection, great bar, trivia nights, good location, FANTASTIC food. Get the carolina wings, the sauce/rub is absurd. Thought about it for two years while living in the southeast, was one of the first meals I had after moving back home.
(5)
Coralee L.

My Husband and I used to like this place, that's the only reason it gets two stars. But the last time we went (which happened to be for our anniversary) we both ordered bison (of course) My husband got bison I got steak. I know the difference. I can taste my husband's dinner and compare... they were different. When I told the waitress she argued with me, she then walked over to the cook who said, yes, that's bison... seriously no one tasted it. It was not bison and bison is more expensive. I'm not one of those people that believe the customer is always right, I just wanted my bill to reflect steak and not bison because that's what they gave me. We won't bother coming back here I'll save the gas and make bison at home.
(2)
Veronique L.

I came here with boyfriend, boyfriend's brother, and boyfriend's friend for Trivia Night. We ordered a couple of appetizers to share: The Stampede ($10.95), Melted Spinach & Artichoke Dip w/chips ($8.95), Louisiana Fried Catfish Nuggets ($5.95), and Boneless South Carolina Wings ($8.95). I liked all the appetizers but thought there could have been more of the nuggets. The four of us quickly finished the food as we watched the Celtics play the Heat and as we played Trivia. Trivia this past Tuesday night was Halloween themed. I thought we did pretty well considering we're not regular trivia people. It seems like there are a couple of regular Trivia teams and the MC asked whether people planned on coming next Tuesday or not because of the election. I guess enough people expressed interest, and there will be trivia next week!
(4)
Noah J.

Great food. Smoked wings and ribs are delicious. Nice draught beer selection too. Service at the bar was kind of lame. Dude throws down the wings and walks away. Okay I guess I'll just use the bev naps that I can reach. He drops off my dinner and I have to ask for silverware. Really? I mean I can eat the ribs fine but do you really want me hand feeding myself cole slaw? So I give five stars for food and two for service. The food makes it worth it. Maybe bring your own spork and a towel to the bar. I'm normally a heavy tipper. Not tonight.
(3)
Brian V.

Great Pulled Pork Sandwich! The food was very good. I appreciated that even the fries were freshly cooked when I got my sandwich. The beer list here is huge and they have some taps that rotate on a regular basis. The only reason I give it a 4 is the atmosphere is so-so but still pretty cool. I would definitely recommend this place for a solid meal and a good spot to hang out.
(4)
Sarah A.

I went here with friends a few weeks ago and the food was great. I love that they have an open kitchen. The menu has a nice selection of BarbQ/ Southwest dishes and the prices are reasonable. I ordered the house salad and we all got the Bisson steak tips which was very tasty and came with a choice of two sides. I got to try the fried pickles also and they were very good. I would definitely go back. The one draw back was that the service was a bit slow but the server was do nice that it was easily overlooked.
(4)
Manny L.

went there sunday with my wife. bar was busy but the tables were empty. I don't think they paid their fuel bill because the place was freezing. even the waitress had her jacket and hat on. we ordered apps and some drinks. took forever for the bartender to serve us. we ordered the Arizona egg rolls, chicken wings and shrimp. the shrimp and wings were very good. the egg rolls had a ton a rice in them, they were ok, wont get them again. I gave it a low score for service and how frigin cold it was in there. ill give it another shot, maybe we will get another bartender who is more attentive.
(2)
Arkangel R.

Food was good but was a bit overdone. The place itself looks shoddy with ducktape seats and such. Service was good. I would skip the half chicken as dry chicken is bad form. No parking either you have to pay.
(3)
Liz D.

We got the baby back ribs and brisket. It tasted like it was cooked on a grill briefly, frozen, thawed and re-heated on a grill again. Neither meats had any smoke lines, and was kind of tough to chew and lacking flavor. The fried pickles were good?
(2)
Juan F.

Got the Pulled Pork Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. The food is average at best... I've definitely had better pulled pork sandwiches in my life. What prevents this place from being a decent 3 star is their service. Our waiter was kinda rude and wasn't friendly at all. Crack a smile man...
(2)
Cindy K.

I like this place because it close and bbq is pretty decent. Price are great and portions are pretty big. Things that I have tried here and like are the chicken wings, the pulled pork , ribs and the spicy shrimp. I love the shrimp here.
(4)
Chris Z.

Went there for lunch with a friend and sat down at the bar to be greeted by a not-so friendly bartender. I had asked him if they had any drink specials, not uncommon at a bar... I was told sternly "No," and he walked away. One thing I noticed about the bartenders is that they seemed like they shouldn't be behind the bar. Consistently spilling drinks they were attempting to pour out of the tap onto themselves and the floor with pretty much every drink order. The biggest offender for me was when my friend got his beer he picked off food stuck to the outside of the glass. When a bar can't even wash their glasses properly, there's problems. Fairly quickly I was very unimpressed with their lack of friendliness and customer care, we seemed more like an annoyance simply because we were taking our time reading the menu. Upon reading the menu, I noticed another thing: absurd prices on some of their items. $12 for a Caesar salad, $5 for a side of coleslaw - I'm no cheapo but this isn't downtown Boston we're in. Their meat prices seemed on par but I needed a quick lunch. I ended up just getting a plate of sweet potato fries while planning in my head where to go afterwards for food. My friend got a Ruben and a side of coleslaw. Considering the place was dead and it was lunch time the food took your standard dinner service ticket time to come out and we didn't order anything complex. The one thing everything we ordered shared in common: zero seasoning - not even the essentials of salt and pepper. We grabbed salt and pepper from a table and seasoned the food and even then, saying that it was bland would be giving it too much credit. We regrettably ate our food for pure hunger's sake while being ignored by the bartender and when he did come by to collect our plates we just wanted the check. Even though I did not try their meat, the fact that something simple like seasoning with salt and pepper was tossed aside negates any desire for me to pay their prices just to try and find out how the meat is. Overall, there are plenty of better places to get quality meat for better prices, customer service, and a friendly environment. This place is a dump I would never go back to and have warned others to stay away.
(1)
Shera P.

I went here about 2 weeks ago with my boyfriend and his coworker and had one of my worst restaurant experiences in recent memory. The service was awful. 15min to take our drink order and we practically had to hold our waitress down to get a word in. She came by the table 3 times and ran off before we were able to get our food order in. I am generally extremely forgiving when it comes to wait staff but this was beyond terrible. The appetizers were actually quite good but our entrees were mediocre at best. I got the brisket which was slathered in sauce and had the consistency of bologna. My boyfriend got a pasta dish which was just very bland. I'd only come back if friends wanted to meet for drinks at the bar.
(1)
Melissa N.

I met a friend for dinner here since it's halfway between where we each live. Bison has my favorite comfort food, with the best cucumber salad and beans you can make. There is brisket in the beans. The service was amazing. Our food came within 6 minutes. We took most of our food to go since we each ordered a half a chicken. We asked our server for some extra cornbread and he brought us each two loaves with butter in a separate container. LOVE.
(5)
EJ K.

Freakin' delicious does not describe this place. Been going for a while and never had a bad meal. Their appetizers are great -- particularly a fan of the corn fritters, fried pickles and Arizona Egg Rolls. Don't let the last one fool you, the only thing egg roll about them is the crusty. Lots of delicious rice, chicken and cheesy goodness in there! The entrees are solid too. Cannot go wrong with the quesadillas, BBQ sandwiches or the enormous Thanksgiving Burrito. They have a couple of different BBQ sauces for different palates which is always appreciated. Additionally, beer. Wicked big selection of different beers and ale. You can definitely go overboard here with the selection. Parking is either street or lot nearby, which is standard for the area. Wish there were better parking but beggars cannot be choosers. They often have coupons in the local Valu-Pak which is nice (who doesnt want $5 off?) and you can make reservations on OpenTable. Definitely a place worth going back to time and time again!
(4)
Jennifer R.

Interesting casual atmosphere. Great beer selection. Good service, though a little too speedy (still eating appetizers when entrees brought out). Food was hit or miss. Bison burger, cucumber salad, fried pickles were definite hits. Arizona egg rolls, turkey tips, garlic mashed potatoes were bland. The corn bread they give you after seating was delicious.
(3)
Connor P.

In complete honesty, it was a good BBQ joint. Absolutely nothing to rant an rave about. Service was nice and fast, food was good. The Carolina BBQ comes out a puke-yellow color so that wasn't too enjoyable. I was a little surprised that the BBQ didn't have strong flavors. Atmosphere was nice but when I went at lunch with two colleagues (one a girl), there was literally no other females in the restaurant. Overall it was just another BBQ place trying to advertise their expertise in BBQ when it was nothing above and beyond.
(3)
Jennie N.

Not what it use to be....Both the food and services were much better a few years ago
(2)
Evan R.

Bison County quenched my sudden meat cravings when I lived in Waltham for a year. I didn't dabble so much in their BBQ because I had a weekly ritual of getting BBQ at Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge (try it.... you'll be going every week). However, Bison County satisfied the steak cravings. I wouldn't call them a BBQ joint as much as they are a grill. I can't think of many places with Bison burgers or tips on the menu, so you've gotta give em credit for that. Making a great BIson burger requires little more than good product w/ a little salt and pepper, which I'm fairly confident was their recipe. The Bison tips are freakin' awesome and will satisfy the sharp fangs of any carnivore like myself. I don't think their sides are a home run, but I wouldn't call them a disappointment. If you go there aiming for the right things on the menu, you'll leave with the intention of returning. It's also a decent bar. A couple times I've met up with people there just to hang our and have some drinks during the Sox game and chow down some fried pickles. I'd normally go for 3 stars when a place only has select items on the menu that I'm particularly satisfied with, but the service has always been very good and I've gotta show some love for the grass fed Bison. Yum!
(4)
M C.

I wasn't really impressed with this place, but I SO wanted to like it. Really cute decor, fantastic location, nice chill feeling when you walk in the door. ...but... I didn't find the food all that good. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing? My boyfriend got the bison burger and just raved about it. Since we were at a BBQ joint (right? in the name?) I got their pulled pork sandwich. I consider the pulled pork the mining canary of good vs bad bbq. It didn't come with any sauce... whut...? And it didn't have much flavor without the sauce. When I asked for sauce, the bartender - we sat at the bar - was very quick to accommodate, but it didn't really improve from there. It was sort of meh. The service was pretty good, though we did have to do the arm-wavey 'can we have the check' dance, which was interesting because we were seated right at the bar. I'd be willing to try them again, but next time I'm ordering the bison burger!
(2)
Robert C.

I've been a fan of Bison County since it opened in 90's. It's my favorite place in Waltham to meet up with a friend or group of friends for a beer and good comfort food.
(4)
Ashley D.

I came in on a saturday evening with two friends just in time before the rush, we were seated as we entered at 5 o'clock and shortly had our drink order taken. Overall the decor fits the theme, decent beer selection, the food is reasonably priced, and the staff is nice. The waiter took our order, we were able to watch it cook in the dining area from the bar as there are windows in a patrician wall. The food arrived warm, not as hot as I would like with my green beans and sweet potato fries crispy yet warm and my bison luke warm yet very dry although I asked for it to be cooked at medium. When ordering medium I am used to having it pink and juicy in the middle while this was fully cooked through with no pink, just dry.... I covered it in ketchup as it lacked seasoning. In terms of establishment it was a bit cold where we were sitting in the bar area and there were cobwebs in the corners of the room. I might visit again but only if a friend of mine really wants to.
(2)
Jon S.

Fried pickles are awesome, and the burgers are good! But the ribs were not so good, they were so tough and dry that I needed a knife to split them apart.
(3)
Lauren O.

Bison County is my boyfriend and I's "go to" spot when we can't decide where we want to grab dinner, or sometimes lunch, as the food is always good and he's slightly addicted to their rattle snake eggs (jalapeno poppers) which are the spiciest I have ever tasted. We tend to grab a seat at the bar and the service has always been prompt. I usually get a beer (they have a wonderful selection!) and my boyfriend tends to get a mixed drink and haven't heard any complaints from him except the one time they didn't have olives for his dirty martini. Often surprised this place isn't busier, though we tend to avoid Friday and Saturday nights, but it's nice to find a bar with good food, tasty drinks, and a calm atmosphere.
(4)
Caitlin C.

Have spent too many Friday nights here. Hands down one of the best burgers around. The bison and sirloin burgers are both great. Thanksgiving burrito is has all the fixings of your favorite thanksgiving meal and could definitely feed two people. Have a huge beer selection and full bar. The service is awesome as well. I'll be back for some more Fridays
(5)
H. G.

Apps: The corn fritters were great (probably because they were served with maple syrup). I was happy to see actual pieces of corn mixed in. They were light and airy. The fried pickles were nothing special, but pretty good. Dinner: I wasn't a fan of the brisket. I wouldn't order that again. It was cut too thin and didn't have much going on. The baby back ribs were ok, but I preferred the rack of ribs. Lot more flavor. I sort of wish I had gotten the steak tips. Sides: The jalapeno rice wasn't very good, but the cucumber salad was surprisingly well done (especially if you like things tart). I was told that the garlic mashed potatoes was the thing to order. Beer: Lots of choices! You won't be disappointed. Fun place to go with a big group.
(3)
Devon H.

Service: 5 - very helpful and attentive without being overly so Beer: 5 Great!!!! Loved the diverse selection and will be going back to try some more... Main course: 3 - The baby back ribs and pulled bbq chicken we had were both on the dry side - they tasted like they had been sitting on a hot plate for a while. We went on a quiet Sunday evening, so we both assumed the circumstances made it dry. Hopefully on a busier day with quicker food turnover the food would be not quite as dry! Side dishes: 5 - The coleslaw and sweet potato fries we had made up for the lackluster main course in our opinion. zomg, the fries were gooooood!!! So we do plan on returning - just maybe not on a Sunday evening if we want some main courses!
(4)
Jennifer A.

The most important part of this place?? The AMAZING BEER SELECTION!! As someone who enjoys trying new brews and trying new food, this place hit both of these on the head. Try the Baxter Brewing Winter Stout. It might be life changing. Sidenote= the salad croutons are made from cornbread. Not a problem for me, but my fiance did not love them.
(5)
Theodore Y.

South Carolina Wings were dope. Grilled to perfection with awesome honey mustard sauce. A must try. Sliced NY Sirloin Steak Sandwich though grilled well, came with lackluster horseradish dijon.
(3)
Mike S.

Amazing bison burgers, steaks, salads, wings, ribs, buffalo shrimp. The selection of beer is fantastic. The staff is friendly. It's got a warm and cosy feeling inside. Love this place and I have been returning regularly for about ten years. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Tom M.

Awesome BBQ. South Carolina wings, ribs, pulled pork, brisket and burgers are all outstanding.
(5)
Caitlin P.

Awesome corn fritters, awesome beer selection. Staff is super nice and helpful. My husband is from North Carolina and he loves the BBQ pulled pork. Absolutely on par with Blue Ribbon BBQ and Red Bones. The only thing that sets the former two apart is they have a variety of sauces. But I'm a beer girl -so this place wins my heart.
(4)
Will S.

I was watching phantom gourmet, and I saw bison county was a decently priced BBQ joint. The bartender was our server so right away should of been a red light. I ordered a cider, that was warm and terribly dry. They made it up to me with angry orchard in can. We started off with buffalo shrimp pretty decent just tasted like a beer battered dip. I ordered the baby back ribs with the sweet Texas sauce. My girl friend got the rib chicken combo. It came out tasting gamey and way overly smoked. The only thing redeeming with garlic mashed potatoes I could have gotten better BBQ at blue ribbon or soul fire. I'm sticking what I know next time and that's the pitstop in mattapan.
(1)
Josh C.

Went here last night in between football game times and figured it would be pretty busy, but to our surprise (and I am assuming the owners dissatisfaction) the place was dead as an Old West Saloon. Was craving BBQ though and this place was right up my alley. Big portions of food, big sides, and good drinks. I didn't imbibe but they have a great selection of brews from nearby local breweries. We got the South Carolina Wings (ordered boneless, but got on-bone, oh well) which were served piping hot with sour cream and a great sauce. A+ for those. Also got a full rack of ribs for the Mrs. and me with a side of slaw and garlic mashed potatoes. The ribs weren't bad. They were more dry than "fall off the bone" style ribs. Good for me, but not for her. The mashed potatoes were also VERY whipped and creamy style and I am pretty sure there was no garlic in them at all. Our waitress was amazing. Pleasant, courteous, talkative but not overbearing. Just what I like in service at a restaurant. Overall the meal was good for the value. There were some things to nitpick at, but they weren't enough to stop me from going back if I am in the area again.
(4)
Razmig M.

The atmosphere was good - a bit loud. My bison burger was good but the ribs were dry. I wish there were different sauces to try. Service was good.
(3)
Jude P.

I must say... there signature wings are damn great!! I mean, get off your seat and go get some wings type great. It was weird at first cause it's mustard based but with that bbq smokey taste & smell and my reaction to them... well, I gotta work some overtime and get me some more :) As for the drinks... I had the PR Punch that didn't have a punch to it, but I forgive them for this.
(4)
Yolanda S.

All I can say is: Thank God my boyfriend had a gift card to this place! The waiter was great, the bar looked like a lot of fun but the food... I got the pulled pork/pulled chicken combo with a side of mixed veggies and cucumber salad. How can this be screwed up? It was! The only thing that was good was the pulled pork. My BF got a full rack of ribs that were really dry... This is not a BBQ place I would go back to for food. I do think I would go back and sit at the bar for a few drinks. Very dissapointing experience. Save your hard earned money and go somewhere else or cook at home!
(2)
Michael D.

Came here with a group of like 18 for lunch... let's just say its a little overpriced for what you get.. Most of my friends got the sandwiches or the burgers, but me being the fat ass i am, I ordered the wagon train, which comes with turkey tips, bison tips, and steak tips for 17.95. Just look at this picture ( yelp.com/biz_photos/X0-4â€¦ ).. WHAT THE HECK BISON COUNTY, I PAID 17.95 FOR THAT? Granted, I had already eaten one single steak tip off the plate before taking a picture, WHAT THE HECK. I swear, I had to stop by a different restaurant on the way back home just so I wouldn't starve to death. I just moved to the northeast from California, so I had no idea what steak "tips" are. Or bison tips or turkey tips. I didn't even know those animals had "tips" on em! But in terms of taste, the food wasn't too bad.. just average for me. But having to pay too much for something that is just average makes this place 2 stars for me. PS PARKING ON MOODY IS TERRIBLE so WALK if you can!
(2)
Hilary T.

Bison County has a ridiculously large selection of beer from all over and it's always being rotated. The food is amazing from the BBQ to burgers to quesadillas and burritos. Even the pickiest of eaters are bound to find something on the two page menu. And the staff is pretty awesome, too:)
(5)
Douglas K.

Although the food is good here. The mgmt however is one that is questionable. I bought a beer at the bar with my out of state license. The manager than said when i sat down to dinner that i could not buy a drink because my license was not from massachusettes. He then suggested i go out and get a new license from MA. I dont understand the hypocrisy of allowing me to buy a drink at the bar but not when i sat down for dinner. There are much better places near here such as watch city which does not discriminate against people from out of state.
(1)
Catherine G.

Are you hungry? Like, REALLY fricken hungry? Then go to Bison county and order the pulled pork plate. Delicious, comes with a bunch of sides, and incredibly filling. Also a great burger place. Not so vegetarian friendly, but hey, it's called BISON COUNTY. I would recommend going during off-hours, though, as it can get very busy. Service has always been quick for my friends and I. One of the better places on Moody St, definitely the better alternative to Watch City.
(5)
Rachel O.

After reading reviews on Yelp, my husband decided to try Bison County for his birthday dinner. We got reservations (totally unneeded, the place was empty) and were really looking forward to some good BBQ. Unfortunately the best I can say is... meh. For appetizers we had the Catfish Nuggets and the Corn Fritters. The fritters were good (though incredibly greasy) and the catfish was fine, nothing special. My kids split an order of boneless "wings" and fries. They liked both. I had the Pulled Chicken & Pork combo and I'll be honest, the sides (coleslaw and cucumber salad) were better than the meat. I barely touched the pulled pork and only picked at the chicken. My husband had the Cowboys & Indians with baby back ribs and brisket. you should have seen his sad, sad birthday face. He said it was fine. Just fine, but not good. Poor guy. Our waitress was attentive. The food arrived fairly quickly... it just wasn't that good. The disappointment coupled with the $78 bill means we won't be back and wouldn't recommend Bison County to anyone. Bummer. (As an aside to anyone who brings kids here, just an FYI- while children do seem welcome and I saw other kids there, they don't give the kids anything to "do" like crayons, placemats, etc. Not that any restaurant HAS to do this, and not that this was a problem in any way, just an FYI- if you bring kids, and they're kids who are used to coloring or whatever at restaurants, bring something for them to do.)
(2)
Felicia M.

I will start by saying that since learning how to cook the world's best pulled pork using a Cook's Illustrated recipe, I should know better than to order it out anywhere. Our group started out with some wings and fried pickles, along with some beverages. The wings were very burned looking and were dry. The dipping sauces were nice, though. For my meal I had the pulled chicken/pork combo. What came out on the plate were two piles of mushy, mealy tasting meat, with gelatinous globs of fat aplenty in the pulled pork. I do realize that pulled pork is not made with a lean cut of meat, but geesh trim a little fat before putting it in my plate. We had to ask for our missing sides and no sauces came out with our food. Also not impressed with the grilled dry hamburger bun - maybe they ran out of corn bread? or maybe I was supposed to make a sandwich out of the meat piles. Not sure. I wasn't going to bother to complain about my meal because everyone else seemed OK with theirs, but one person in our party spoke up on my behalf. And I wasn't even going to yelp about this until the owner made me feel super uncomfortable by coming over to our table and announcing that I was the first person in 16 years to complain about the pulled pork. He did offer to provide another meal and took this one off the check, but by this point I'd filled up on the sides and was ready to leave. Two stars - one for our nice server, and the other for the bartender who drew the requisite shamrock in my Guinness.
(2)
K. E.

Had the bison tips (medium)... now willing to give up beef. The place was almost empty at lunchtime on a Monday, but the food still took about 25 minutes. They need to be more aware of the fact that people need to get back to work. This isn't too much to ask when there are less than 10 customers in the whole restaurant. I'll be back, but probably on a day when I don't need to be back at the office within an hour.
(3)
Seth M.

I too spent a lot of time walking past this place until a few months ago, and I can honestly say I was amazed by this place. First things first: I have never eaten here, just visited the bar. I was told by a friend that the food was quite good but a little on the expensive end (that's on a college budget, mind you) but can't comment from personal experience. Bison County hands down has the greatest beer selection of any bar on Moody St (and there are 17 in the area, by my count). The bar is good-looking and clean, and features a wide variety of beers on tap and a great selection of bottled beer. The staff is quick to serve and refill and the prices are average and reasonable. Overall though, around 10pm this place really isn't too crowded and is sparsely populated. Much better if you're looking for a place that's quieter and more relaxed than places like Margarita's down the street. They have the big sports games on the TVs there and overall it would be extremely difficult to go to this place without leaving pretty satisfied.
(4)
Mary E.

I really wanted to love this place, especially since it is so close to home. I had a ribs craving last week so my husband and I found ourselves at this establishment. We started off with a cheesy fries and bacon appetizer, which was tasty and hit the spot. The ribs, however, left little to be desired. We got the Memphis style ribs, and they were dry, tough and chewy. They had a bit of a burned taste as well, with an almost charcoal-like aftertaste that was quite off-putting. I am no ribs aficionado, but since I am from the South, I've had my fair share of ribs, so I think I can be level headed in my review of these things. They say the tell-tale sign of good ribs is if they fall off the bone. These ribs were a challenge to eat due to their toughness, and had a really bad taste. I think I could have been satisfied had they at least tasted good, notwithstanding the chewyness. We also got the sweet potato fries, which were a bust. They were drenched in oil and were not crispy at all. I could understand the ribs not being cooked properly, as they are difficult to master for some places, but fries should be a no-brainer. A side note - as someone else pointed out here on Yelp, it would be nice to have Mac and Cheese on the menu, as it is a classic side for ribs. On the positive side of things, our waitress was super sweet and the other workers there did seem quite nice as well. Unfortunately, I don't think we will be coming back.
(1)
Gina R.

We've been going to Bison County at least once a week for a couple of years. It's a good spot to watch a game or grab dinner and drinks. There's a full section in the back for dinner seating, but we usually just grab a high-top in the bar. The food is excellent - the buffalo burger, chili cheese quesadilla and brisket are always great choices. The apps are good too - campfire nachos and Arizona spring rolls are my favorite. The bar is always stocked with everything from your typical drafts to local craft beers, and we've caught brewers there doing promotions a few time with specials and giveaways.
(5)
Mike R.

I have lived in Waltham all my life...Bison County is by far the best BBQ food hands down in a 25 mile radius surrounding Waltham.The South Carolina wings with bone are HUGE!! Cant go wrong with bone or boneless,the sweet and tangy sauce is AWEOME! I typically go for the Wagon train or the ribs and both are great portions and the meat on the ribs is "FALL OFF THE BONE DELICIOUS"!! The Bison meat is a nice touch for those who want to try something outside the box so to say...Love the feel and setup of this place! Plenty of TV's to watch all your favorite sports as well as enough room to sit back and relax..the open grill is a neat touch as well where you can watch your food being cooked right in front of you! "Adam" the owner and his employees will make you feel right at home...try Bison county out,you wont be disappointed !!
(5)
Jessie C.

I have a big soft spot for Bison County. Watched many many football games sitting at that bar. Love that they have the PBR in the can and love the pulled chicken! The cornbread is pretty decent as well. Great neighborhood bar. Who am I kidding, I love this place...
(4)
Adam B.

Hands down, the best restaurant in Waltham! I've literally tried every single item on the menu and nothing disappoints. From their extensive BBQ menu that is all freshly smoked in house, to the items that are cooked on the grill and in the kitchen, you really can't go wrong here. Highlights include Arizona Egg Rolls, South Carolina Smoked Wings, Chili, Steak Tips, Buffalo Burgers, Baby Backs, and surprisingly enough they have the greatest Chile Relleno I've had in my entire life! On top of all the great food, the bar is a great place to hang. Tons of big TV's and by far the best beer selection in town. I've probably eaten at this place more than any other restaurant and I highly recommend that you get their quickly if you haven't tried it.
(5)
Can E.

Fire wings baby!
(4)
Kerri Y.

You know a place is good if you have to call your friends on the way home to tell them about it. I was def. on the phone when I left Bison County; they have surprisingly great food. I had heard great things about this place, but was a bit skeptical at first glance. There are so many great places on Moody street that I would often pass right by. I should say that the inside is much more inviting than it appears from the outside. Started with some Sweet Corn Fritters, which had maple syrup for dipping. Anything that has maple syrup for dipping must be good, and these were no exception. There was not a crumb of this appetizer left- we even considered getting a second order! Also had some yummy tacos and tried my friend's Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Cucumber Salad. The Cucumber Salad was amazing. Completely different than I expected. Friend had the BBQ Smoked Brisket and she definitely had good things to say about it. The service was pretty good for a Saturday night. There is on street parking, or there are a number of lots around Waltham where you can easily find parking.You will not find fancy or pretty food presentations here. This is a place to go to find casual BBQ in a friendly atmosphere (along the line of Wild Willy's Burgers).
(4)
SD J.

We love BBQ. My husband is from North Carolina/Tennessee, and I have lived in Kansas City and Texas. We enjoy all kinds of BBQ, and we are always looking for a new place to eat around the Boston area. We came here last Friday night, craving some wings and ribs. I can't tell you how underwhelmed we were. But I'll try. The ribs were almost burnt on the outside. There was hardly any depth of flavor. The red ring that properly cooked ribs are supposed to have around the bone? Didn't exist. When you took a bite, they were tough enough that way too much meat pulled off of the bone. It was obvious that they were hardly trimmed before they were tossed in the smoker, if they were even trimmed at all. I don't know what kind of smoker they use there, but I'm thinking they probably cooked those poor ribs a little too long and a little too hot. They weren't sauced properly. And the sauce wasn't anything to write home about. The chicken wings? Wow. Where do we start. We got the boneless chicken wings, at the request of my husband who wanted to be able to feed them to our one year old without worrying about bones. I don't know where in the world these would actually pass as wings! They looked like McDonald's chicken fingers, and they were served with equally underwhelming and totally boring mustard sauce. They were edible and decent... but they just weren't... chicken wings. We also got sweet potato fries, which even though they were just regular run of the mill sweet potato fries, were probably the best part of the meal. They were actually what we expected, unlike the ribs or the wings. I do have to say that the server was very nice and attentive, and our food came out promptly. The busser was very helpful, even offering me a plastic bag for our to-go containers (yes, we took it to go, even though it wasn't awesome. We still paid for it!) The restaurant was clean and not too noisy. The high chair they gave us was clean and stable. I do appreciate all of these things, and that's why this place gets 2 stars. Food alone, I'd have a hard time giving it more than 1 star. All said and done, this night out cost us $50. It was maybe worth $15. Bummer. Bottom line: If you're looking for solid BBQ, make the trek to West Newton for Blue Ribbon BBQ. It's just really not worth the price or your time. I've had better BBQ at an Applebee's or a Cheesecake Factory. If you're looking for a fun bar with nice TV's for a game, a few beers and a mediocre BBQ experience, this place would probably do just fine for you.
(2)
Brian M.

Bison has one of the best beer selections around. If you are an IPA fan, this place is for you. A lot of good micro brews like Clown Shoes, 21st Ammendment, Pretty Things, etc. A lot of other rare beers that are hard to find. The BBQ is good but probably a step down from Blue Ribbon and RedBones. However, I was craving a good piece of of Bison meat to slide down my throat, and let me tell you, these guys make a good Bison burger. You can add pretty much whatever you want to it too - bacon, sauteed onions, etc. An added bonus was the graffiti in the men's room. Absolutely hysterical. I like to sit on the toilet and just look at all the random comments and laugh. Hahaha!!
(4)
Dan M.

We selected this place for all the positive Yelp reviews and for the menu variety. I went with three friends on a Wednesday night. We arrived around 8 pm and were seated immediately. We liked the atmosphere and it was busy when we arrived. We were greeted by one of the bartenders at our table and ordered drinks. When she returned with the drinks, we weren't ready to order so she came back in about 10 minutes. That was no problem, we weren't in a hurry. We ordered a Wagon Train combo, a burger topped with spinach dip, ribs, and bison tips. We were all hungry so we dug in. Unfortunately, the bison tips were inedible- tough and overcooked burger was a D+, lacking flavor and had obviously sat in the window for a long time before being brought out. The ribs are better at any chain restaurant and the Wagon Train got a C+. What was most problematic was the waitress/bartender never checked on us after the food arrived and we couldn't see her anywhere. When she returned at the end of the meal, she asked how our meals were. Obviously, we were less than impressed and said so as politely as we could. What she did next is the reason for an upgrade from 1 to 2 stars. She took the bison tips off the bill (which is customary when only one bite is taken) but she also gave us a $20 gift certificate to come back to give them another chance. We got the impression that our experience was not typical and the waitress was genuinely apologetic. We decided it was probably because we arrived at the "rush". We will go back soon to redeem our gift certificate and to hopefully experience a 4 or 5 star experience like so many fellow Yelpers.
(2)
Johnny C.

3.0 / 5 - Wagon Train: The bison was tender and a tad overcooked, the steak was a bit chewy, and the turkey was standard. They were cut before they were cooked, unfortunately 2.0 / 5 - Fries: Tasty breading, decent flavor.
(3)
Andrzrej K.

I didn't expect much my first night out on Moody Mile. All I really wanted was to get my buddy drunk for his birthday and hopefully interact with some of the Watch City folk along the way. Did both of those here at Bison Country. Good food, good friends and a vaguely accurate map of Texas above us while we ate. Me being a map lover (yes it sounds weird, but its true) I was slightly taken aback by said maps imaginary lake north of Pecos and supposed reservoir in the vicinity of Lubbock, but I digress. Food The wings, tasty, but in my opinion, need to differentiate the flavors a bit. We got both types of ribs too, for Mass., very good. Back back were superior though. Overall- lots of fun and great staff- Owners daughter came over throughout the meal to ensure our debauchery was sufficient.
(3)
Valerie V.

Meh. Went once for lunch and the bartender was waiting on the whole restaurant. Impressive for sure but made for a slow service. The food was good. I had the bison tips which were nicely cooked with a little of that charred meat flavor that makes bbq so great. Other meals ordered were the burgers, catfish, and fried chicken strips; all were good but nothing special. The prices are a little too high for the portions, taste, and quality. Interior dÃ©cor is stellar, however. I loved the license plates on the walls and the open kitchen area. For flavor, I'll stick with SoulFire in Allston.
(3)
Sara M.

Husby and I just moved to Watertown so we wanted to see what kind of restaurants are out here in the suburbs. I found this on Yelp and saw all the great reviews - dinner was decided! We were seated right away in the back by the smoker but not too close. Our server was attentive but not super friendly but that could have been because he was busy. I ordered some fried pickles to start, along with a Guiness. To be honest, I was expecting spears or thick slices but these looked like slices from the jar that had been battered and fried. The cornbread was more like cake but it was pretty yummy. Our food arrives in a timely fashion - southern ribs, brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans for me; Husby had baby back ribs, pulled pork, garlic mashed potatoes, and baked beans. The brisket was juicy and not too fatty but not very flavorful. The potatoes were full of garlic (yay!) and creamy, while the green beans tasted as if they were thrown in nicely salted water until al dente and then give a nice ice water bath before being nicely dressed. I really liked them but as Husby said, how good can green beans be? The pulled pork was also quite tender but was different than other places we have had it. Unfortunately, the worst part of the meal were the ribs. Both were extremely dry and not smoky at all. I had an end piece that was so tough, I thought I had bitten into a bone but it was just dried out. I was very disappointed since the whole reason we went was for the ribs. Ugh. The atmosphere was rather interesting. You had your suits, older women dressed in outfits that were more appropriate for someone 15 years their junior (in the 90s), younger couples on awkward double dates, townies, and I think I even saw a hipster/alternateen. Quite the eclectic mix at a BBQ joint... So three stars total since they had a good beer selection and I enjoyed my Glenmorangie on the rocks. As a previous Yelper stated, we probably should stick with the bison if we ever go back.
(3)
Nicole B.

Made a pickup order, coworker picked it up. Unfortunately they forgot my cole slaw, but the pulled pork sandwich was good. Texas style sauce definitely made it more delicious than your average.
(3)
Matt P.

I always get the pulled pork / pulled chicken combo, and I haven't been disappointed yet. They have a huge beer selection and the staff are pretty amiable.
(4)
Emily S.

This place has awesome BBQ! You have to try the corn fritters and the thai peanut wings. I've tried several of their entrees here from the caesar salad to the half chicken to the pulled pork and it's all been good. I've never had a problem with the service. It looks like they have a lot of beer options but there is a full bar, too. The atmosphere is like a pub but I have not seen it get too loud is nice if you want to talk with friends over dinner.
(4)
Eric R.

The Week Previous at work: Brutal. The Day of going at work: Crazy How many craps I gave after: None. I went here after a particularly nasty week wrangling electrons, with the sole intention of getting my "wings and beer" on. In that, it was perfect. The beer was cold, and served by a large man with a big smile, a dry sense of humor, and a willingness to dispense it. The ambiance is exactly what you would expect from "beer and wings" place. A tad roadhouse, but not so much as to offend the yuppies from waltham. Ok, now that we've gotten that stuff out of the way, let's spend a paragraph and change on the wings. Since they are, ya know, the main draw. The wings are first and foremost full wings. Drumstick and leg all in one. They come 6 to a plate, so you get the same as you would if you ordered a dozen wings elsewhere. The wings are clearly smoked, doused in sauce, grilled real quick, then plated. The smoking is nice, you don't find well smoked wings around here. Usually they are fried and grilled, or just fried. The rub or spicing they use as a base is tasty, and I really enjoyed the wing itself as a piece of flavored food. There ends the good parts. Now, for me bitching. I ordered the FIre Wings, or whatever nonsense they called it. I specifically remember seeing "(crazily hot)" on the menu. They were not. I was very disappointed. I was more disappointed when I asked for more heat, and was handed some habanero tabasco sauce. Now, I'll say that I am a stupid crazy chili head, but I am also able to objectively rate spice levels regardless if they peaked my interest. These wings were not crazily spicy. They were tasty. They were subtle. They were effing delicious. They were not spicy. So, long story short, go here for the taste, don't expect anything resembling heat, and enjoy the hell out of it. It's really a great bbq/beer joint.
(4)
Marcy K.

Disappointed that our casual, good salad-bar go-to place is no longer in business, we decided to give Bison County a try. We made reservations for 7:30, but because of the horrendous parking situation in Waltham (i.e., tons of snow taking up half the street and parking lots), we didn't get there til 7:50--a no-no if you want to keep your slot of 7:30. We had to wait a while longer and finally ended up taking a bar table. It didn't matter that the other people in our party arrived on time, BTW. Still had to wait. This very casual and noisy restaurant features fire-grilled steaks, burgers and tips, grilled and blackened seafood, wood smoked BBQ, and southwestern fare and a wide variety of bottled beer and craft-brewed beer. We ordered a NY sirloin steak burger, southern ribs, pulled chicken sandwich, and a wagon train (4 oz bison tips, 5 oz steak tips, 5 oz turkey tips). Sides included sweet potato fries, regular fries, and garlic mashed potatoes. People were sharing their food, which is a good sign: They wouldn't say, "Try these tips. They taste like garbage." My hamburger was tasty, and they didn't put mayo or other such stuff on it. Aside from the parking and the noise, we had an enjoyable evening and a decent meal. Not saying that this will be our go-to place from now on, but it will be our go-to place sometime in the future, once the snow clears. Note to busboy: When you want to remove our plates, just don't stand at the foot of the table and then look at us for three minutes. We had no idea who you were, as you were in a regular shirt and slacks. Just come right out and say, "Can I take your plates?"
(3)
Melissa S.

Love this place. After living in Waltham for a few months, we have made it our mission to hit every bar/restaurant in the Main/Moody area...and this one REALLY was a pleasant surprise! The menu was a little scary to me at first, with items like Rattlesnake Eggs and Fried Catfish Nuggets, but everything was delicious! They also have your bar food stanbys, wings, quesedillas...that sort of thing...and a really great beer selection as well. This place seems to kind of "fly under the radar", as far as Moody Street restaurants go- never really too busy (we have been there a few times now, and have never had to wait for a table). But the atmosphere is great, the waitstaff is friendly and attentive, and the food is creative, and REALLY good. Fave Moody Street bar/restaurant...thus far. Try it!
(5)
Joanna F.

I came here over the weekend for my boyfriend's birthday. I ordered the pulled chicken and pulled pork combo with two sides (garlic mashed potatoes and cucumber salad). Although the pulled meats were kind of dry, I liked them enough. Not the best barbecue I've ever had, but decent. The sides were delectable. I had a bite of my boyfriend's Southern Style Ribs which were delicious. The cornbread to start was also very good. Although I didn't partake, the beer selection seemed pretty good. Service was kind of slow, but pleasant.
(4)
Xtina R.

I have driven by this place many times and heard good things but was sadly disappointed. We had bonless wings, carolina wings, baked beans, green beans etc. and all were just OK. My wings came out practically charred to death...was definitely not expecting this style of wings...never seen them like this in a restaurant, only from my grill..maybe that's what "carolina wings" are? They should put a disclaimer on the menu...I wanted to send them back but I picked around them...they came with a kind of mustard sauce...they were not good...baked beans and green beans were just OK as well...sorry Bison County but Soulfire in Allston has WAY WAY WAY better wings, the best baked beans and sooo many sauces...I won't ever be back here....
(2)
Dmitriy A.

This is a truly amazing place. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. I love the beer selection, which changes often as the head bartender loves to add new and exiting beers to the list. They have a ton of local favorites from Sam to Blue Hills and Pretty Things. They also serve delicious cocktails. Food is to die for. Bison County as the name suggests serves unbelievable bison. Tips as well as steak are mouthwatering. All the food is amazing even if you don't go for the tips. Everyone is the Waltham area must visit Bison County.
(5)
Sumeet D.

No coincidence.. Second time at this place for satisfying a burger craving and not disappointed at all! Awesome Buffalo Burgers done right - done your way. Their Buffalo burgers are lean, meaty and done fresh on order. I had mine with some sautÃ©ed mushrooms and a side of sweet potato fries! Wow Cow Chow !! My colleague had a Catfish sandwich with a side of spicy chipotle rice and he was thrilled too. Very casual atmosphere for some good bar food and great burgers!
(4)
Melissa B.

I'm from the Midwest, so the whole "what's the best type of BBQ" concept is new, and quite frankly lost, to me. But what i can say about Bison County is the Sweet Corn Fritters are ridiculously amazing. Seriously, you will be craving these amazing little fried nuggets dipped in maple syrup every waking moment of every day for the rest of your existence. You may think I'm being a bit dramatic. This must mean you have not tried the sweet corn fritters, you poor unfortunate soul. Drinks ain't cheap and they always seem busy, but it's totally worth it. I'd eat here over Blue Ribbon, Smokin Joes, or Red Bones...just for these sweet nuggets sent down from God himself.
(4)
Steve K.

I can honestly say that I am a pretty huge fan of this place. Drinks: The beer selection is pretty awesome. They have a lot on tap, plenty of bottles/cans and a full liquor bar. My favorite part is their seasonal beer menu. I'm not one for pairing drinks with my food. I like my food and I like my beer, but I don't necessarily give a damn about them matching up. If you do, Bison County does have a pretty good range of items for you and have a good wait staff making great suggestions. Food: They have a pretty awesome menu with BBQ style stuff all over the place. Their appetizers are awesome. I'm a huge fan of the Rattlesnake Bites (poppers), Southern Fried Pickles (had my first here and loved them), chili (both veggie and regular), and the grilled fire or buffalo shrimp. The only thing I am missing now is the buffalo calamari. They used to have it, but removed it from the menu. That was originally the biggest thing that kept me coming back. Burgers burgers burgers! Yes, they have a lot of other great stuff, of which I've had a lot... but the burgers are definitely why I keep coming back. The sirloin burgers are very juicy, always cooked to your liking and leave you well past full when you head out of the place. The buffalo burgers are really good too. If you haven't had one before, I recommend checking it out. The only thing that gets me at all is the ridiculous pricing on burger toppings. I'm sorry, but considering I can go buy an entire package of bacon for 3 bucks, $1.50 is a bit much for 2-3 slices. $0.75 for a slice of cheese is also a bit ridiculous if you ask me. Either way, I'm trying not to complain here, but they really could conform to the burger price norm and not charge an arm and a leg for each topping. Pulled pork=awesome hot dogs=awesome brisket, steak, tips, ribs, salads - all = awesome The prices are for the most part fair, the food comes quick and you always leave with a smile on your face. Check it out!
(4)
Lex R.

Bison County has the largest selection of beer on Moody Street - and the bartender is knowledgeable enough to give suggestions. Service can sometimes be slow, but the amazing food and great portion sizes more than make up for it. If you've never had bison tips, you need to try them!
(5)
Ave H.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this restaurant. I moved to the Waltham area after having lived ion the Carolinas for several years. Imagine my joy to see a BBQ place that offers SC-style BBQ! My favorite dish here is the pulled chicken and pork plate with their seasonal veggies. Their portions are HUGE. I usually can make 2-3 meals out of it. They also have a very decent bar selection, all reasonably priced. The atmosphere is authentic - very casual and low key. The chairs and tables are nothing fancy, but fitting for the food. Their sweet potato fries are also an excellent choice. Service has always been good and friendly, and food has always been consistent. I knew it would be good simply due to how often it has been featured on Phantom Gourmet - and I was not disappointed.
(5)
TK W.

They are just ok if you are in the neighborhood. Wings are meaty. Don't like their sauces.
(3)
Steve L.

How did I miss the BBQ Burritos? Seriously, who order's a burrito at a BBQ joint? I do! Their sliced steak sandwich with horseradish sauce is nice, and comes out cooked as ordered (rare please, thank you!). Monday's is Trivia (stump), and the bar area fills up fast, but the staff does a good job keeping up.
(4)
Pj M.

The best steak tips around! A little bit pricey but very good food. Service is always great too.
(4)
Gregg Y.

For some reason, I spent years walking past Bison County on my way to other places on Moody Street. The reason must be that I'm an idiot. I've come to my senses and for the last two years Bison County has been my go-to neighborhood bar/restaurant. The burgers are the best around, with excellent beefy flavor (the steak burger, not the dry bison burger). My only gripe is that they're one of those places that doesn't throw in a slice or two of raw onion anymore along with the lettuce and tomato. C'mon guys, that's just wrong. I like that you have your pick of a wide variety of sides. You aren't stuck with just fries here. The baked beans are very good, as are the green beans. BBQ is also mostly very worthwhile and has obviously spent real time in an actual smoker. I like the southern-style ribs and the pulled pork. The brisket isn't the best, rather dry and lacking flavor. One of the sauces is a mustardy South Carolina style, rare in these parts. The menu has a wide variety of other things, including a pasta I really like in an ancho chili sauce, and very good spicy grilled shrimp. They also pay attention to their beer selection, with lots of good choices on the regular list plus frequently rotating specials. Atmosphere is thoroughly comfortable and welcoming and always lively.
(4)
Lisa P.

I have been here a few times over the past few months and each time my experience has been a little bit different but the food always fills my tummy and makes me smile. I spent a year living down south during college and became a big fan of down home southern cooking and have an occasional craving for the real thing. It is hard to find that around here, but after stumbling upon this Moody Street gem I don't have to look any further than my new home town. Ok the fact that when you walk in you get AMAZING cornbread just makes you feel like you are home in the south. The sweet cornbread and the homemade butter melt in your mouth especially because it comes you your table nice and warm. The MUST-HAVE appetizer is the Southern Fried Pickles. My boyfriend and I LOVE pickles and honestly what doesn't taste better deep fried? Certainly NOT pickles...plus they two dipping sauces that come with it just add that extra zing you are looking for. For the entree I have had the BBQ Smoked Brisket, the Wagon Train and the Pulled Chicken Quesadilla. My favorite was by far the Wagon Trail! The bison tips, turkey tips and steak tips are all fantastic. If you have never had bison tips, I HIGHLY recommend them. They are also VERY healthy compared to most other meat products you typically eat. My favorite side is definitely the sweet potato fries! They are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. As far as drinks go I am not overly impressed with their beer selection but I had a mixed drink the last time I was there called the Jamaican Punch and it was not light handed on the liquor at all! Finally a place that give you the amount of alcohol that you pay for! The atmosphere is laid back with the bar on one side when you first walk in and the sitting area in the back. The open kitchen is nice and surprisingly doesn't create too much smoke, but does give you all the right smells as they waft through the dining room. If you are looking for a nice down home southern meal this is just the place to get it!
(4)
Brittany C.

Bison is solid. The hot dog makes my mind happy and my body miserable, yet I continue to order it. It's that good! Trivia night is always fun, but get there early. Someone with marketing smarts realized if there were free booze nights, people would come to trivia. Now it's always packed and there are fewer free booze nights. Recommended!
(4)
Kate S.

Great location in the heart of Moody Street, and you will NOT be disappointed by the sweet potato fries or the corn bread with cinnamon butter. I recommend the Bison Burger, a great lower-fat option that tastes even better than a beef burger. The only reason that I give this place 3 stars instead of 4 is that the services is completely sub-par. Even when it's not busy, the waitstaff is slow and food orders take forever. If you need anything extra like a side of sauce or a refill on your drink, you better as when they bring you your food because it will be your last chance!
(3)
G C.

One of the things that I miss most about living in Waltham is being close to Bison County. Their food is amazing and they have an excellent beer selection as well. It had been a couple of years since we'd been to Bison County, but since we were in the area recently, my husband and I decided to stop in for lunch. The food was delicious as always (my personal favorite is the Carolina-style pulled pork with a side of sweet potato fries)! The only reason I am giving Bison County 4 stars instead of 5 is that the service was a bit iffy. It was pretty busy for lunchtime and it seemed like only one person was waiting all of the tables, so it's understandable. That said, the waiter kind of seemed like there was no place he'd rather not be. It kinda stinks to feel like you're bothering someone when you're ordering lunch. But, we all have off days, so I wouldn't let that deter you from enjoying a nice meal there!
(4)
Kristina S.

Love the buffalo burger, less fat than beef. And they give you nice green lettuce for the burger. The fries are tasty, not too small and nicely crisp. Unfortunately, the salad is just iceberg lettuce, so only 4 stars here.
(4)
Zoe L.

Service - Average at best. Waitress was not rude but not attentive. Food - Burger was average, but quesadilla was horrible. Setting - It was cold and had to keep jacket on. Uncomfortable seating. Not really a place you'd want to sit for lengthy time.
(2)
Kyle R.

For waltham, best BBQ around. tons of beers on the menu pair wonderful with tons of great options. Pulled Pork is very good. Get the sweet potato fries! bison burgers are great option too big and juicy! nice high tops around the bar serve full menu with tv views Service is great and attentive
(4)
Lon T.

Who knew Waltham had such a great spot for BBQ? This place is terrific with friendly service. I ordered the bison tips with sides of baked beans and mashed potatoes and the meal came out quickly while I was watching some hoops up at the bar. Will be back for sure next time I'm in the Route 128 area.
(4)
K. H.

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE ..........I got the buffalo burger with sautÃ©ed mushrooms and Swiss sounds good right it would have been if the mushrooms weren't out of a can ,you know that Taste if you have ever had them f ing canned mushrooms ... They can suck it
(1)
Brian W.

Ever since Jake Earl's closed down we've been looking for a plan B that serves delicious gluten-free barbecue. Bison County claimed to have a gluten-free menu, but all we ended up finding were confused waitresses and very limited options. The food isn't bad, but it's nowhere close to blue ribbon barbecue. The bison tips were extremely dry, the cole slaw didn't have that homemade taste to it, and the prices were a little steep for a Moody St restaurant. Also disappointing was the fact that we sat at a table way in the back next to the grill and literally we had a cloud of smoke over us the entire time.
(2)
Hayley M.

I knew it was going to be good before we even walked in. Walking in from an off street lot, we were downwind of the restaurant and the smell was intoxicating. The restaurant is cozy and familiar. It feels authentic; you aren't sitting in downtown Waltham, you are sitting in a BBQ joint on Route 66. The exposed grill is awesome. It smells fantastic and watching the guy brush globs of BBQ sauce on the meat made my mouth water. Two of us ordered the bison burger with sauteed onions and the third ordered the Southern Style Ribs. All three of us opted for sweet potato fries. The burgers were thick, juicy, and filled with a fantastic flavor. It was my first time trying bison and I was very pleased. I inhaled it like I was afraid someone would take it away from me. The Southern Style Ribs went over very well too, they looked like something out of The Flintstones! Oh yeah, they also serve Abita, the best beer ever and a tough one to find in Boston! They didn't just have Purple Haze, either, they also had Abita Amber AND Abita Turbo!
(4)
Nathan M.

This place is my favorite Waltham find. I was looking for a taste of South Dakota out here, and Bison County did not disappoint! True to the name they offer bison steaks, tips, and burgers along with other BBQ standards. The tips were excellent - though be advised, with bison you will want to have the meat cooked less than normal to avoid it drying out. They have some delicious sides too - I found the sweet potato fries tasty and my friend raved about her garlic mashed potatoes. Didn't have a beer here but it looked like they have a great selection. Bison County has a nice cozy and rustic atmosphere, and didn't seem too crowded despite it being the weekend. And being right on Moody St. it's easy to get to with plenty of nearby parking. This place is perfect for anything from a family outing to a casual date.
(5)
Sarah C.

I have to preface this by saying that I'm a vegetarian, so a BBQ place is not the most natural location for my dining pleasures. BUT I love this place. I go for the corn fritters, fried pickles, and strong drinks. The corn fritters kill me. I die. They're so good. And any place that has fried pickles should get a Michelin star as far as I'm concerned. Staff is only mildly interested in being there, which really adds to the experience. As long as they keep the fritters coming, I'm cool. My meat-eating husband likes this place, too, and always liked it better than Jake's Dixie BBQ, which used to be across the street.
(4)
Katrina C.

Bison County is definitely a go to when we are unsure of where to go. All of the food is delicious, but my personal favorite are the arizona egg rolls, they never disappoint! Great staff & a huge beer list!
(5)
Caroline D.

place was pretty empty (aside from 2 other tables occupied) at 430pm on a saturday. we were greeted & seated (we chose our own table) right away. our waiter Mike, (i believe was his name) got our drinks right away. (he was knowedgeable about the menu & answered our q's without hesitation). i ordered root beer which came in a bottle. i asked for a cup of ice & i got an empty glass.... a dirty one. so i asked for clean glass of ice & got it right away. we got cornbread & butter while waiting for our appetizer. i wasnt a fan. i took one bite & shoved my plate aside. my bf loved the cornbread (i never have been a fan of cornbread - i only eat cornbread if he makes it) for our appetizer we ordered the carolina style wings (the ones that were NOT spicy) & they were delicious. they came quick & were perfectly cooked & perfectly satisfying. best food of the night were the wings. finger licking good. for our meals we ordered the full rack of baby back ribs w/sweet potato fries ($1 extra) & coleslaw. & the pulled pork sandwich w/baked beans. both meats were carolina style (mustard based honey bbq). i found the ribs to be tasty but a little dry. i was expecting my ribs to have that "fall of the bone, finger-licking, moistness" type of ribs taste. i was a little disappointed but not by much. the pulled pork was perfect & extremelt moist & tender. tied for the best pulled pork weve had in a while. the sides.... well the baked beans were good. i wondered if they came from a can & the kitchen just added some extra flavor to them. they had pork & brisket in the beans.. not bad, not great. not worth remembering. coleslaw was good. i couldnt eat much of it. after eating most of the meats i had little room for anything else.. again no wow factor to the slaw. i liked it but wasnt the best slaw ive eaten. lastly the sweet potato fries. they too were good. lacking some spice or flavor but couldbt pin point what spice or flavor it was. they shouldnt charge an extra $1 for them. i was looking for them to be crispier. however thy were one of the better sweet potato fries ive eaten.... not good w/ketchup, i was hoping i had something to dip them in, but they can stand alone. all in all a great place to eat. service & staff were friendly & food came quick. we would definitely recommend & eat here again. ps: ribs tasted better the day after, for a midnight snack after a 30 second go around in the microwave.
(3)
Chris C.

Have been here a ton of times, but just went again recently. Great selection of BBQ although I wouldn't call it traditional. The ribs are pretty good, but not spectacular. Stick with what they named themselves after, the bison. My favorite is the wagon train which gives you steak, bison and turkey tips. As I'm sure most of the other reviews will tell you the sweet potato fries are awesome. Other highlights are the sweet corn fritters (although the ones at Redbones are still better) and pulled meats. They have a good beer selection, but definetly have the best bourbon & whiskey selection around. So even just an evening at the bar is very enjoyable there.
(4)
Charlie L.

NOTE: this is a review of purely Bison County's BBQ offering A bunch of us Texans have taken it upon ourselves to systematically sample all of the BBQ joints within a 10 mile radius of Boston. We're engineers? No! How can you tell? One member has even kept a map and scorecard spreadsheet which detailed comprehensive tastings of the establishments - each with a minimum of three visits (at various times of the day) and at least two BBQ dishes and "southern sides" per visit. 'Cause, obviously, you got to work out the variations and calculate the beta. Uh, yeah. Glad only one of us was that geeky, and the rest of us just enjoyed the findings. Basically it comes down to this, Blue Ribbon is good, but Bison County definitely won hands down. I didn't believe it at first, Waltham... what the heck? But I traveled to Bison country and had their pulled pork sandwich, and nearly fell out of my chair. It was so good that it competes with Goodie's (Goode Company in Houston). I have no clue whether it's a good eatery otherwise, but definitely go for it if you are in the mood for BBQ!
(5)
Beth R.

Husband and went here on a Saturday night about 7 and only had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. The hostess was friendly and seated us right by the open kitchen, which I loved! We got warm cornbread with what I think was a honey butter which was so yummy! We ordered corn fritters for an app which neither of us liked. They were over cooked on the outside and too doughy on the inside. I ordered the catfish tacos with sweet/spicy slaw and avocado crema. They were fantastic! I had never had catfish before and I really loved it. My husband got marinated steak tips with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. He was in steak heaven! Cooked perfectly and melt in your mouth tender he said. He also loved the mashed potatoes but the beans were way under cooked for his liking. Oh yeah...the cucumber salad has a great flavor, but they should really peel them and cut them thinner. The waxy skin was a turn off. Over all a great meal.
(4)
Gwen S.

A fantastic location to take visitors, as its cornbread, ribs, pulled pork and burgers are undoubtedly above average. I was recommended here by Grechen W. from yelp and loved my experience here, it was definitely worth the visit.
(5)
Nancy M.

I've eaten the southern ribs many times. Sometimes they are good sometimes they are dry and burnt, but they are never gluten free. I get sick every time i eat there - when will i learn! I offered to help them sort out their cross contamination problems, but the management was hostel to the suggestion. Must stay strong and stay out of there!
(2)
John C.

Hands down my favorite BBQ joint. The pulled pork sandwich is unbelievably good and the beer selection is awesome. Service is not always amazing but I can get over that for the food.
(5)
Kelsey M.

Being a native Texan and reading the glowing reviews, we drove over 40 minutes to try Bison County. Let me tell you this - If I return to this place, it will be to cover over the state of TX they have painted on the wall! Boston would blow a hemorrhoid if the area ever got a true representation of Texan or southern BBQ! We both ordered the "Wagon Train" plates, which consisted of "Bison Tips, Turkey Tips and Beef Tips." What in the hell is a "tip" and where does it come from? This was the toughest and crappiest meat I have ever had! We both had to cut our meat to the size of sugar cubes in order chew the meaty by-products they served us and to keep from choking while swallowing! For $18+ per plate, we expected something that would be dissolved in our bellies and absorbed. It has been over an hour since I consumed the "meat tips" and it feels like I have indigestible chunks of terracotta sitting in my gut. I dread to think of what the end-product is going to do to my plumbing! To be fair, the baked beans tasted good and the green beans which cost a buck-something extra, were of microwave quality. To all the folks that posted the glowing reviews: I am sorry for whatever it is you are used to eating!
(1)
David L.

Wonderful BBQ that's so soft and tender it's like nothings there...but sweet sweet goodness. They go light on the sauce (and I'm a sauce guy) but it wasn't needed. There was still plenty of flavor on the pork and the sweet potato fries were to die for. Oh, and did I mention their ginormous assortment of brews?! A+++
(5)
Pavel L.

This is hands-down the worst BBQ I've ever eaten in my entire life. In fact, I created this account to make a point of how bad it was. I've lived in Florida, New Orleans, Virginia, and MA (none of which are BBQ havens) but I have never had BBQ as bad as this. Upon recommendation by the waiter I got the ribs. Rib meat should be moist, soft, falling off the bone. My experience was more akin to eating a tire. It was like eating ribs that were overcooked, tough, and tasteless. The only reason I gave this place two stars instead of one was that the service was very good and my friend, who ordered a chili dog, enjoyed her meal. The side dishes were also disappointing. I judge a BBQ place by four items: their signature meat (in this case ribs), cole slaw, baked beans and corn bread. I found the corn bread to be the only food worth eating. Very disappointed, will not go back again.
(2)
Carleton W.

Great find! Being new to the area, we were looking for a cool hang-out, good beer selection and a great burger. FOUND IT! The buffalo burger is amazing. My son had a bbq sampler platter...pulled pork and chix. He is still in a food coma. Loved it! Try the chili cheese fries too. If you're not hungry, just get beer, then get the food. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Nathan B.

We've been there twice, and I think I have to separate the food from the service. The first time we tried Bison County, it was a Saturday afternoon, and the two of us sat at the bar. I think there was one other person in the entire restaurant. I had the catfish sandwich, and it was spot on. The fries were excellent too. The bartender was nice, and we really had a good time. This weekend we went back with another couple and sat in the bar area. Because I liked it so much the last time, we got catfish bites as an appetizer, and again, they were really nice. I had a buffalo burger, which was excellent. The only difference between this time and last was the waiter. The guy never cracked a smile and acted as if he legitimately hated us. I thought he was doing some kind of Dick's Last Resort gimmick, but no. I think he just really hated what he was doing. The bottom line is that Bison County is really good pub food, and has a nice atmosphere. Don't expect gourmet food, don't expect the waiter to smile at you. Expect to have good food at a good price and a good bar vibe.
(3)
David B.

The bison burger is lean and tasty. Great bar and good atmosphere for late-night dining. There were some problems with my order; I asked for no ice in my water and got ice... I asked for cucumber salad and received fries. But all in all the wait staff was friendly and courteous.
(3)
Aubri L.

Oh man, I live on Moody Street and really could eat here everyday and not get tired. Favorite apps are the Arizona Eggrolls and Fried Pickles. The boneless Peanut Thai Chicken wings work as an awesome app too. Entrees, pretty much everyone needs to try their juicy steak tips (cooked medium) with the garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed veggies. Booze is pretty decently priced too. We go in at early evening, sometimes on weekends and it's never so packed that you can't hear your buddies talk to you. OH and the butter they serve with the cornbread should probably be worshiped. :)
(4)
Nicole G.

So good. I've never had a bad meal here. My favorites are the sweet potato fries and the catfish bites.
(4)
Ronald T.

Did not like this place. Worst service I have ever had dinning. Food was not all that tasteful. Pulled pork sandwich was only edible after a asked 2 or 3 time for some extra sauce. Corn bread tasted like lasts weeks (butter was odd). Uncomfortable seating. My sisters pulled chicken plate actually looked like Alpo (NO PRESENTATION). When first entering the establishment I noticed the Phantom Gourmet awards so my expectation elevated (of course on furtherer review you will notice they are from the early 2000s) r0n............
(1)
Alexandra D.

I don't know where to start. The place is dirty, the service is ok, and the drinks are nice, and the food is just downright nasty. I mean dry, bad tasting, bland, poor BBQ, even blue ribbon (which I don't like), is better than this.
(1)
Laura G.

Hmm still waiting for my 8 dollars change back for the $20 I gave you on a 12 dollar check last Saturday night BRO....
(1)
Alexis J.

Nice, relaxed neighborhood restaurant. Although the decor is a little much for me (I admit, it does fit the theme), all in all you instantly feel comfortable and relaxed when you grab a seat at a table or at the bar. Expansive menu, even little ol' vegetarians like me can find something to eat with their meat loving friends. And I appreciate that! I usually dine on the rancharo salad and the vegetarian quesadillas (way better than your average quesadillas, too). I also liked the sweet potato fries but would skip the calories in the friend corn nuggets. Great beer selection, even Narragansett Beer, my favorite from RI. I must specifically point out the extremely helpful and friendly staff. They make the experience that much better. All in all, great place to hang and grab a bite.
(4)
chris j.

This is my favorite place on Moody St. I've never had to wait in line to be seated, and they have a huge selection of beers/single malt scotches. For appetizers, I've had the nachos, spinach/artichoke dip, chicken quesadillas, southwest egg rolls, and boneless (south carolina) wings. They are all good, and would get them again. For entrees, I have had the bison burger, south carolina pulled pork sandwiches, and various types of ribs. I have really enjoyed everything I ate. For those who aren't BBQ aficionados, south carolina style refers to when the dish (ribs/wings/pork) is cooked in or served with a mustard/vinegar based BBQ sauce, that tends to be tangy and sweet. Good stuff. My overall experience has been extremely positive, but as others have said, if you sit in the back, your clothes can get sort of smokey, and sometimes it seems like there is only 1 waitress for the entire place, so it can be tough to get an off-schedule drink. This is only sometimes, though.
(5)
Colleen B.

You want some BBQ? 'Round up the gang and get on the "Wagon Train" This entree is a meat fiesta complete with steak and turkey tips for the less adventurous and bison tips for those who want to give it a try. Bison meat is tender and perfectly cooked. Don't be chicken...go for it. There's nothing greasy, sticky or over-sauced on the entire menu. My husband and I sat right near the open grill to watch the action. We also ordered another other fab entree...baby back ribs. Hello. At one point we looked over at the grill and saw so much meat we laughed thinking-- there must be some poor saps who ordered a whole pig. Uh yeah that was us. You will not leave here hungry or thirsty...the beer selection is the bomb. Finally some other items not to miss : Sweet corn fritters Cornbread stuffed pork loin Wings, wings...go with the crazy hot. Service is always friendly and they do go over the top to work with a larger crowd.
(4)
Christopher C.

One of my favorite BBQ places. I even think this is light years better than Red Bones in Davis Square. Their burgers are the best, and I also highly enjoy their Fire Shrimp, Carolina wings, and Arizona Egg Rolls.
(5)
Tony W.

The bison burger is amazing. I get it almost every time I go. The beer selection is outstanding. There is also plenty of parking in the area and a great place to get a healthier burger and a few drinks.
(4)
Deb K.

The veggies are still a little crispy and not overcooked or doused in butter. It may be a weird first statement for a BBQ joint, but seriously, with meat this good, you gotta get the sides right too. And there is nothing worse than soggy veggies that taste like they have been boiled in butter. The "Delicious Green Beans" really are delicious. Everything I have had here is awesome. The pulled pork and chicken meal is huge and enough to yield at least another meal or two out of. The steak tips were deliciously marinated and cooked to perfection. The mashed potatoes are perfectly seasoned. Sit in the dining room side and you get warm cornbread to start your meal off with. The drinks are extensive, from the whiskey lists, to the beers on tap that you don't find everywhere, to the hard alcohol pour that does not let down.
(4)
Ben E.

Never a bad meal. I always get the same thing, the steak tips with a side of french fries and jalapeno rice. It is always cooked perfectly with amazing sauce and the sides are just as good. For appetizers the buffalo shrimp are amazing. The shrimp are giant and the spice is perfect. For an easy but fun night bison county is perfect.
(5)
Sarah M.

Not impressed with there BBQ. Especially for the price. Brisket was dry. Will not be coming back.
(2)
Alyson G.

I love BBQ and was really jonesing for some pulled pork and cole slaw. OF course, I headed to Yelp to see where to go in Waltham to get my fix. Bison Country BBQ sounded like a plan. Headed there with some coworkers on a sunny afternoon. I ordered a pulled pork sammy with cole slaw. And even though I also wanted to order sweet potato fries too, I really didn't need to consume all my daily calories at lunch and I figured someone may have some to spare. The pulled pork was delish, and with some extra bbq sauce on the side I was in BBQ heaven. Oh and the cole slaw was really good too. Luckily, my coworker ordered sweet potato fries, and shared with me. They were fab and I ate so many next time I may have to order my own!
(4)
Ariel G.

bison county is right place for you to go if you like BBQ meat, tasty beers on draft ( and in bottles) and good service. I loved their BBQ beef brisket. it was sooo good. i also liked the sweet potato fires. the two people i was eating with liked their foods as well. one had the fried catfish sandwich and one the pulled pork and pulled chicken. ALL the food was liked very much. The waiter was also very nice and on point. The food came quickly as well.
(4)
Laura B.

Solid BBQ. I like the pulled pork although I prefer it a bit saucier. Sweet potato fries are awesome. My friends have raved about the tacos and the burgers. Good beer selection as well. Table service is average.
(3)
Heather O.

Awesome - Pulled chicken sandwich Intoxicating - Glenlivet's on the rocks Hilarious - Deb ordering her side of green beans as the "delicious green beans" Convenient - The Skellig right across the street WTF? - Having to pay an extra dollar for the soggy potato fries as my side
(4)
Emily H.

Went here for some grub with some old high school pals. Like some others have said, the service was a bit slow, but very cordial. We went on a Friday night and it was pretty packed, but they were still able to sit our group of 6 pretty quick. To start, we all split the "Stampede!" Nachos. Very tasty and had a little bit of everything. Our only complaint was that they didn't yell "Stampede!!" while brining them out to our table as we had hoped :-P Our entrees included burgers, steaks, and bison tips. All were very juicy, and everything was cooked exactly as we had asked. I had a steak, with sides of green beans and mashed potatoes. It's weird to say about a BBQ joint, but those green beans made the meal! They were so addictive and yummmmy. Really everything here was good. The beer selection is good, not great. All the classics, but nothing remarkable really.
(3)
E K.

Good food! Our entire party had the bison burger and it was juicy and flavorful, much more so than any beef burger I've had. Definitely will come back for its bison burgers ($9.95). We had the egg roll and corn fritters for sides, and they were good too. :)
(4)
Grains P.

Came here with a group of 8 and more than half of us got the buffalo burger. I thought it was pretty decent, though nothing particularly special about it that makes me want to eat it again. I chose the side of fries, which came as a fairly generous pile cushioning my burger. Service was good, lighting was dim, and atmosphere was pleasant. Overall, I had a decent experience here, but no WOW factor that makes me want to come back.
(3)
Jessica F.

Let's just get this out of the way. If you don't like meat, don't eat meat, don't eat things flavored like meat, this is not the restaurant for you. If you think you will find something on the menu that is untouched by meat, you won't. But if you love marinated, grilled meat products then you have reached meatopia. I've eaten here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The pulled pork and chicken are good, the steak tips are good, the burgers are good. Honestly, I haven't been disappointed by anything I've ordered here. The side dishes have all been excellent as well. The vegetables are always perfectly cooked and crispy, the garlic mashed potatoes are divine, and they have one of my favorite cole slaws. Just the right amount of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Oh, and try the Southwest Spring Rolls! Would you like a beer with your meat? Of course you would! It's a good thing they have a decent amount of tasty beers on tap and even more in bottles. Mmmm...meat and beer...what more can a girl ask for?
(5)
Ilya E.

Best pulled pork I've had in Mass. Better than Bubs out at Amherst.
(4)
Hanley R.

Came for drinks a few times and had a nice night. Plenty of tvs. Dont sit in the back area as the smoke from the grill will kill you. When I made the long drive to eat, it was well worth it. Steak stips, buffalo tips and turkey tips, with sweet potato fries. UMMMMMM!!! When you have a craving for steak and/or turkey, order the Wagon Train, I think it is called, and you will leave full and happy.
(4)
Kimberlee B.

YUM! This is good bbq. I have been here many times but this is the first time I tried bison and their wings. Their wings are fantastic. They're grilled, not fried and the sauce is fantastic. It's tangy with tons of flavor. I have had better steak tips but I appreciated the large portion. Normally, I'd give it a higher rating, but for lunch there is no corn bread. The reason to come to this place is for the cornbread. However, the chicken is fantastic and the portions are large enough to get a few meals out of if you do the "cowboys and indians." If you're in Waltham, check it out.
(4)
Rob W.

This place is neck and neck with Redbones in Somerville. Awesome. If you like BBQ, and you don't feel like driving to Alabama, drive to Waltham. I have gotten the Thanksgiving burrito with pulled pork, again with pulled chicken, various sandwiches and tried all the ribs at one point. Great place!
(5)
Chris C.

My brother and I hunted this place down using Yelp and it would be a travesty to neglect returning the favor! The menu is decidedly barbecue oriented. You might think I'm crazy for stating that knowing what the name of this establishment is. However, mentioning that orientation is worthwhile because there aren't a significant number of options for those of you stuck here without a cause. That said, I am a seasoned BBQ veteran and thought Bison County was well worth the trip from Newton to Waltham (a marathon, I know). Draft beer is quite good here and the list compact enough not to feel overwhelmed. Even more impressive is the bottled beer selection; I had trouble deciding what to order. After much deliberation, I settled on Abita's Purple Haze as my first choice, and Boulder Brewery's Mojo IPA as my second choice. I had tried Purple Haze elsewhere and knew what to expect. The Mojo was a pleasant surprise of hops, bite, and aroma. Try it. Of course, beer isn't the focus and I made sure that my belly was kept open and ready for the main course: barbecue. The menu is sizeable and contains a number of delectable items. Given the soft spot in my heart for seafood, I initially experience a bout of tunnel vision over the cat fish entree. That said, few things are harder to deny than brisket. Ultimately, my love for that particular cut could not be broken and I placed my order, along with sides of garlic mashed potatoes and sautÃ©ed vegetables. After taking a few bites of brisket, my thoughts were the following: the caramelized sauce (Texas style) on top was nearly perfect and charred just enough, and the meat was very slightly overcooked. The latter of these two points surprised me but did not detract significantly from the overall experience. The brisket also showed up pre-sliced; this was another aspect of the meal I did not expect. While I do not expect to find full pieces of brisket at restaurants, the menu description didn't lead me to think the meat would come pre-sliced. I definitely recommend Bison County!
(4)
Ted B.

Enjoyed the pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Our waitress was ok but I felt bad for her because she was very busy. It was neat to see the open grill around where everyone was eating. I would come here again maybe if I was in Waltham and hungry for some BBQ but those events might only line up once in a life time.
(4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 275 Moody St
Waltham, MA, 02453
Phone (781) 642-9720
Website https://www.bisoncounty.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 12

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille

275 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille Menu

Appetizers & Vittles

Salads

Sandwiches

Quesadillas Burritos Wraps

Smoked Jumbo Wings

Boneless Wings

Sides

Burgers

Smokin Dry Rubbed Apple/cherry Wood Smoked

The Big Grill

More Great Stuff

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bison County BBQ Bar & Grille

Appetizers & Vittles

Salads

Sandwiches

Quesadillas Burritos Wraps

Smoked Jumbo Wings

Boneless Wings

Sides

Burgers

Smokin Dry Rubbed Apple/cherry Wood Smoked

The Big Grill

More Great Stuff

Elliot K.

Jeffrey E.

Eric S.

Adam B.

Burgundy G.

Forrest G.

Gil F.

Olusegun B.

Tom F.

Chelsea B.

Lalin A.

Jj D.

Danny M.

Ali B.

Doris K.

Evan G.

Steve R.

Rebecca Y.

Meredith P.

Natasha A.

Kevin W.

Sarah H.

stephen s.

Laura M.

Robert L.

Jen J.

Stephanie W.

Mike D.

S G.

Young K.

Lynda M.

Sarah P.

Bill M.

Z P.

Jeff B.

S W.

Cyndy K.

Keith B.

Seth M.

Irene F.

Elie M.

yo s.

Donna H.

Greg S.

Andreas L.

Gina S.

Roger M.

Esther J.

Thanh H.

Autumn V.

Lindsey M.

Ari P.

Doug M.