Each spring, as the snow recedes and the maple trees start to bud, a familiar scent returns to the air in southern Vermont – smoky barbecue, curling through the breeze in the small town of Putney. Just off Route 91, a bright-blue converted school bus marks the seasonal return of Curtis’ All American BBQ, a beloved roadside stand that has been serving up savory ribs and chicken for decades. This is not your typical Vermont dining experience – it’s open air, highly casual, and full of character. With a simple menu cooked over open flame and a loyal local following, Curtis’ is a warm-weather ritual that’s as flavorful as it is fun.
The Iconic Blue Bus Experience
As you pull off the highway into Putney, it’s hard to miss the bold blue school bus that signals Curtis’ All American BBQ. This isn’t just an eye-catching roadside curiosity – it’s the beating heart of a beloved outdoor eatery where rich, smoky aromas glide through the trees and tempt travelers to stop and stay awhile.
Located just a few minutes from Route 91, this quirky BBQ stand has become a must-visit for both long-distance drivers and locals eager for sunny-day comfort food. Picnic tables spread across the grassy lawn offer plenty of space to dig in while basking in Vermont’s green seasons. Drop by Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. until dusk, anytime between April and November.
A Quirky Springtime Tradition
Once winter bids farewell, there’s a special kind of anticipation that takes hold in this pocket of New England. It smells like tangy sauce, hickory smoke, and sizzling meat on the grill. For many in Vermont, the start of barbecue season means one thing – Curtis’ is open for business. Even if the backyard grill hasn’t been dusted off yet, this roadside spot offers the perfect springtime indulgence without any cooking required.
As the temperatures creep up and the snow melts away, the windows of the vintage blue bus swing open, serving up hot plates of ribs and chicken through the lingering scent of oak and spice. From April through November, the promise of smoky, slow-roasted flavor turns any afternoon into a pop-up picnic.
Simple Menu, Big Flavor
Don’t expect a dozen options here – just two main dishes, done with absolute care. Curtis sticks to what he knows best: tender chicken and meaty ribs, grilled low and slow over a barbecue pit that radiates rich, Southern-style flavor. Each bite carries the subtle char of firewood, layered with a house-made sauce that’s just the right blend of sweet, tangy, and heat.
Arrive hungry, because these generous plates are filled with the kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort that lingers long after the picnic is over. Alongside the main course, you’ll find classic sides – think baked beans, slaw, and perhaps a slice of white bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce. It’s straightforward, soulful food that satisfies without fuss.
The Man Behind the Grill
The flavor and charm of Curtis’ BBQ owes everything to its founder. Originally from Georgia, Curtis Tuff came to Vermont more than 50 years ago after traveling the East Coast as a seasonal fruit picker. Eventually, he planted roots in Putney – and with them, a reputation for one of the best roadside barbecue joints in the Northeast.
Today, Curtis’ story lives on in the sizzle of the grill, the coziness of a picnic table under the trees, and the community that gathers each year to enjoy a simple-yet-memorable meal. It’s not just a stop along the road – it’s a slice of Vermont summer, crafted by hand and served with a side of history.
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