Burlington barbecue pioneer Bluebird closes after 15 years

Bluebird Barbecue at 317 Riverside Avenue will close its doors permanently on Saturday, October 31. The restaurant, known for smoked brisket and pulled pork, will serve its final meals through curbside pickup only.

Owner Sue Bette announced the closure in a press release issued Thursday afternoon. Bette stated, “It’s time for Bluebird to say goodbye.” She explained that while she wished the business could continue, the current conditions no longer supported the operation.

Bette opened the original Bluebird Tavern in 2009 in the former Tortilla Flat location. She rebranded the spot as Bluebird Barbecue in 2012 after the gastropub moved downtown. The restaurant gained national attention when Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” featured it in January 2020. The episode showcased menu items such as pulled-pork poutine and barbecue sauce doused in maple syrup.

Burlton’s principal planner and zoning division manager, Scott Gustin, confirmed that the closure is unrelated to nearby Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation grant buyouts. Gustin noted that the only pending buyout on that stretch of Riverside Avenue is at 505 Riverside Avenue, the current location of Kismayo Kitchen.

The restaurant remains open Thursday through Saturday, October 29 to 31. Service hours for the final weekend are 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Customers must arrange for curbside pickup to receive their final orders of Pitmaster wings and other smoked-meat dishes.

Bette described the final days as a short farewell tour. She added that this method allows the staff to say goodbye effectively at this time. A PR representative confirmed Bette had no further comment on the decision.