Maple Tree BBQ Sheds 'Deli' Label, Adds Restaurant Seating

Long gone is the "Maple Tree Delicatessen" sign that long hung atop the storefront at 820 W. Main St.

In, is a smaller sign out front, but more space inside.

A few months settled into a renovated space at Maple Tree BBQ, the Judge family is looking forward to the upcoming tourist season after renovating the space they have been running for the past 11 years.

Purchased as Maple Tree Delicatessan, Judge still remembers the inspiration he felt eight years ago during a trip down to Maryland after having some Baltimore pit beef. Since then, the family has gradually added more BBQ into its menu, up to the point now where it offers barbecue pies.

Though Kevin Judge is quick to note that the menu extends beyond meat, pointing to the upside-down cannoli cake desserts, homemade iced tea options and more.

"We're focused on the food," he said. "We've shed the lottery, the cigarettes, the cards and all the rest of those things."

The new space seats up to 16 people, said Sean Judge, Kevin's son. They plan on offering dinner this season, though with an application to serve alcohol still in limbo, an exact date remains up in the air.

Maple Tree's eat-in or take-out catering operations – which serve the annual North Fork Craft Beer, BBQ and Wine festival and the Oktoberfest at Martha Clara Vineyard – will remain in tact.