Smoke curls into the crisp Vermont air as the scent of slow-cooked ribs drifts across a gravel lot just off Route 91. The blue shell of a school bus, faded by decades of sun and snow, stands parked beneath a canopy of budding trees. Spring has arrived in southern Vermont, not with the fanfare of flowers or festivals, but with the unmistakable aroma of fire-kissed barbecue. Here, at the edge of Putney, Curtis’ All American Bar-B-Q signals the changing season with tender meats, warm picnic benches, and a story as rich as the sauce he slathers on every rack of ribs.
Smoky Skies and Picnic Tables
When the windows swing open in April, the air in Putney shifts. The smoky, savory scent of barbecue spills out from the blue school bus, trailing down the roadside and drawing hungry visitors like moths to a flame. This open-air spot is no ordinary roadside stand – it’s a seasonal tradition where the grill crackles from April through November.
Settle in at one of the many picnic tables scattered across the sunny lot. The setting is simple, but the mood is celebratory. Whether passing through or making a special trip, visitors gather here for more than just a meal – they come for the full, smoky-sweet experience that defines Vermont’s unofficial start to summer.
Barbecue Worth the Drive
As the snow melts and grills emerge from hibernation, the craving for real, honest barbecue sets in – and this school bus kitchen delivers just that. Tucked just minutes from Route 91, this unassuming bus has become a culinary beacon for locals and road-trippers alike. The flavor alone is worth the detour.
Even if the backyard grill stays covered, Curtis’ roadside stand offers a chance to savor expertly smoked ribs and chicken without lifting a finger. The bus may be stationary, but the flavors are anything but stuck in place – they’re bold, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Flavor Born of Simplicity
The menu keeps things uncomplicated – and that’s part of its charm. There are only two choices: chicken or ribs. But each bite tells a story of slow smoke, perfect seasoning, and time-tested technique. This is barbecue done right, without pretense or frills.
Every plate is a feast. Meaty portions of ribs or juicy chicken come paired with classic sides that round out the meal – think tangy coleslaw, tender baked beans, and cornbread that crumbles just so. It’s the kind of food that fills both belly and spirit, best enjoyed outdoors with sauce-sticky fingers and a smile.
The Man Behind the Smoke
Behind every plate of tender ribs stands Curtis, a Georgia-born pitmaster whose journey north began with a job as a fruit picker. More than 50 years ago, a seasonal route brought him to Vermont, and he’s been here ever since – serving up Southern-style barbecue with a side of heart and soul.
Finding Curtis in Putney
To taste this Vermont tradition for yourself, head to 7 Putney Landing Road in Putney, Vermont – just off the highway, but a world away from anything ordinary. Curtis’ All American Bar-B-Q is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. until dusk, April through November. Let the smoke guide you.
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