New Jersey boasts a belly-busting array of dining possibilities, and that includes barbecue! Feast your way through this list of restaurants located throughout the state, each promising a menu filled with freshly prepared, lip-smacking specialties.
Big Ed’s BBQ, Old Bridge
“All-u-can-eat ribs all the time?” Yes, please! Begin with starters like hot wings and chili cheese and onion potato skins. Work your way through any must-try dish with sides, including St. Louie ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, fried clams, catfish and Cajun chicken. Big Ed’s also features a full, friendly bar and plenty of TVs for watching sports.
Fink’s BBQ Smokehouse, Dumont
It’s always a rollicking good time at Fink’s, where the dishes are as creative as they are classic. Dig into Texas Lollipops or Porkenfries before taking on Fried-a-Que Chicken or Carnivore for 4 combo platter. Don’t forget a side of the joint’s famous Corn Soufflé or Bourbon Glazed Roots (carrots and parsnips).
The Grub Hut, Manville
Tuck into a four-pound rack of Brontosaurus Beef Ribs or the three-pound O.M.G. Burrito, or maybe something a little lighter, at this spot fusing BBQ and Mexican food. Expand your palate with the mildly smoky Sassafras Chicken Dinner, or have the best of both worlds with the Big Time, a platter piled high with barbecue and Mexican favorites.
Jersey Shore BBQ, Point Pleasant Beach & East Brunswick
The folks at JSBBQ call their straight-out-of-Texas barbecue the result of a lengthy “bespoke process,” the reason for their so-tender meat. Start with the Smoked Pork Belly, then progress to the Monmouth Trifecta—your choice of three meats, including brisket, pulled pork or chicken, kielbasa, or shrimp. No wonder they’ve won a trayful of awards.
Kimchi Smoke Barbecue, Westwood
Help yourself to some South Korean barbecue at this beloved restaurant, where the menu has a sense of humor. From Bad as Texas Brisket, to Not Cho Mama Nachos, to the Ole Dirty Bird sandwich, Kimchi does saucy fusion just right!
Local Smoke BBQ, Cookstown, Neptune City, Red Bank, Sea Girt & Highlands
Having sprung from the barbecue contest circuit, Local Smoke’s no stranger to serving up the award-winning fare. Go ahead and drag your hush puppies through the sauce here, whether you’re digging into the BBQ Chicken entrée or noshing on the Smoked Chicken Wings.
Lumpy's BBQ, Clementon
Enjoy the tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with a side of sweet potatoes, or the house-favorite Lumpy’s Smokin' Chili, slow cooked with brisket, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions and kidney beans. They might make you feel, well, lumpy afterward—but in the moment, it's all worth it!
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Clifton
Southern barbecue by way of NYC, Mighty Quinn’s cool modern setting is the perfect counterpoint to its authentic fare. Try the Brontosaurus Rib, Brisket Sausage or vegetarian offerings for yummy BBQ done just a bit differently.
Oink and Moo BBQ, Somerville & Holmdel
What started out as a traveling food truck became two storefronts starring delectable selections, such as Smothered Pork Fries, Black Bean Tacos, Smoked Brisket Cheesesteak, Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, Oink and Moo Sliders and lots more.
Red White & Que Smokehouse, Kearny
Request your classic southern BBQ meat by the pound at this eatery, where the brisket is smoked for 14 hours and the sides include ham hock-studded collard greens. Another perk: Complement your meal with handcrafted barbecue sauce, hot sauce, pickles, kraut and more, housemade at the owners’ small-batch company, Another Mother Fermentorium.
Smoke BBQ, Audubon
“When heat meets meat, the dance begins!” That's the motto here, where the Tex-Mex twist on the 10-hour smoked brisket is absolute perfection. Order it inside tacos, covering nachos—or stuffing The Merchant Sandwich, alongside sausage, pickled onion, spicy slaw and Cooper Sharp cheese and topped with their espresso BBQ sauce on a long roll.
Barbecue Buffs: Remember to check the official website or social media channels of your destination BEFORE your visit to get the latest hours of operation and any special ordering details, requirements or restrictions.
