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According to folk etymologists, the term barbecue is derived from the French barbe coup, referring to the annual pig picking commemorating the infamous Barbers’ Rebellion. Today's Groupon gets you in on the hallowed and delicious tradition: $15 for $30 worth of authentic down-home eats at Redbones. Redbones is a juicy barbecue joint in Somerville that serves wings, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and other southern specialties.

At Redbones, a pitmaster trained in the traditional craft of barbecue and unarmed pit-combat oversees the smoking, preparation, and finishing of delicious smokehouse specialties. The menu has five types of ribs ($11.99–$20.99), hushpuppies ($2.99), wood-grilled jerk chicken ($8.99), fried catfish ($6.49 sandwich, $13.99 dinner), and brisket ($11.99). Choose from mild, sweet, vinegar, and hot sauces to the grease appetizing axles of pulled pork or chicken sandwiches ($6.49), fried okra ($3.99), and Texas chili ($5.99). A 16-ounce T-bone steak comes with fries and slaw ($16.99), and the portobello mushroom burger ($7.99) is served with onion merlot jam and was famously the inspiration for the 16-bit video game Lojam and Merle.

Redbones' dining room is a rustic romp through barbecue's days-gone-by, with nostalgic photos of when life used to be in black and white, homemade menus and signs, and autographed photos of R & B artists that will occasionally whisper your name in dulcet tones when your back is turned. Diners can sit at the counter to witness first-hand the work of Redbones' pitmaster and his team of barbecue bandits. The bar boasts a 24-tap system with a rotating selection of beers, many of which are rare finds from distant microbreweries (click here to see what's currently on tap). Service is always fast, friendly, and as soft and cuddlesome as a fresh puppy wrapped in a jacket made out of an old Tempur-Pedic mattress.

Reviews

Redbones has been reviewed in Gayot, Boston Globe, Frommer's, and The Harbus:

• Our sampling of the city's fried pickles turned up a mess of limp, lackluster spears sheathed in oil- and brine-sodden coatings -an absolute dill-breaker. We finally speared two worthy versions at Cambridge Common and Redbones. Both kitchens mastered the cuke-to-coating ratio, their crispy batters adding just the right layer of crunch to the pickles' snap. – Elizabeth Bomze, Boston Globe
• Well before Davis Square was a magnet for hipsters, artists and the coffeehouses they favor, it was a mecca for fans of down-home barbecue and beer connoisseurs. Redbones still packs ’em in with its versatile menu... The come-one-come-all ambience emanates equally from the blue-collar bar with buzzing neon signs; the raucous, cramped, paint-scrawled dining room; and the moody basement space known as Underbones. – Gayot
• Geographically, this raucous restaurant is in Somerville, but in spirit it's on a Southern back road where the sun is hot, the beer is cold, and a slab of meat is done to a turn. – Frommer's
• In Davis Square, the one block radius surrounding Redbones is permeated with the enticing aroma of barbeque. The well-loved restaurant, which opened in 1987, serves a steady stream of diners seeking humble Southern food... The selection and quality of food at Redbones is the greatest draw of the restaurant. Krista Brenberg, The Harbus

More than 60 Citysearchers give Redbones a four-star rating, more than 500 Yelpers give it 3.5, and Insider Pagers give it four stars:

• If you love BBQ food this is the place for you. They serve huge portions, meat and more meat. Love it!! Staff are friendly and the service are good. Awesome place to eat. – Anthony W., Insider Pages
• The Best BBQ in Boston! – BostonDiner, Citysearch
• Love Redbones. The ribs, pulled pork, buffalo wings & okra are excellent! A can't miss! The food arrives at your table quickly...so eat fast or it will pile up in front of you. Excellent beer selection. Tremendous value for your dollar. – jkboston1050, Citysearch