By Melissa Pingeton

What smells, tastes, and feels like summer more than BBQ? Nothing!

Woodfire BBQ, owned by Scott Tefft and Franny Morin, brings authentic southern BBQ to Worcester using wood cookers to loving prepare slow-cooked meats slathered in homemade sauce.

Building on the success of the original (and still going strong) location at 250 Webster St., this latest venture at Castellana’s at 90 Harding St. in Worcester provides slightly different menu options, but one thing is certain: you’re guaranteed lots of flavor and the highest quality. Using homemade rubs and sauces developed over many years and many travels to the Southern states, the Woodside BBQ provides tasty meals at very reasonable prices.

The atmosphere is very casual and features outside tables with umbrella seating. For those who want to sit inside, The Cellar ~ Castellena’s wine bar ~ allows you to order from both the main restaurant and from Woodfire’s menus. Sandwiches include the pulled pork, brisket, ham, and sausage with peppers and onions. Smoke entrees are BBQ chicken (leg and thigh), pulled pork, sausage with peppers and onions ~ all these served over rice ~ and wings (buffalo or teriyaki bourbon sauce). You can choose your side, too ~ rice pilaf, macaroni salad, and cole slaw.

My choice for the standout meal? The pulled pork ~ and that’s coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of pork. But this sandwich is amazing. The thin pork was soaked in a smoky BBQ sauce that smelled and tasted delicious. Another amazing selection? The sausage with peppers and onions ~ all overflowing from the bowl. With the sides to round off your meal, you’ll leave more than satisfied and with a big smile on your face.

It’s so easy for a restaurant to throw some BBQ sauce onto meat and call it a meal, but with Woodfire BBQ you smell, taste, and savor the difference. As the eatery says, “BBQ doesn’t lie… it’s either real or it isn’t.” And this is very real: taste it for yourself.

Woodfire BBQ is open 7 days a week. Hours for the BBQ are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sundays, the restaurant hosts a car show (sponsored by Oldies 98.9). from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(508) 752-2221

Photo:  Owner Scott Tefft and son