Enjoy some of the best foods in New Jersey, which includes barbecue! Review this list of restaurant locations throughout the state for fresh BBQ, courtesy of the NJ Department of Tourism.
Big Harlie’s BBQ, Sayreville
If you were in a Groundhog’s Day-type dream where you could only eat one thing on repeat, go for the juicy beef brisket burnt ends.
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 before taking on pulled pork and turkey with a side of the joint’s famous Corn Soufflé.
The Grub Hut, Manville
Tuck into a rack of Baby Back Ribs along with guacamole and empanadas at this fusion of BBQ-and-Mexican food spot. 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, Belmar
The folks at JSBQQ call their straight-out-of Texas barbecue the result of a lengthy “bespoke process,” which is why their meat is so tender. Start with the BBQ Rib Appetizer and the Fried Pickles, then progress to the Chopped Brisket Sandwich and Dry-Rubbed ribs. It’s no wonder JSBQQ has won a platter of awards.
Kimchi Smoke BBQ shack, Westwood
Help yourself to a little Southern Korean barbecue at this beloved restaurant, where the menu has a sense of humor. From Bad as Texas Brisket to Korean Redneck Tacos, Kimchi does saucy fusion just right!
Local Smoke BBQ, Neptune City
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
The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat on the dry-rub ribs with a side of sweet potatoes and smokin’ chili with brisket, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions and kidney beans may make you feel lumpy afterward — but in the moment, it’s all worth it!
Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, 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, Burnt Ends or the Smoked Veggie Burger for yummy BBQ done a little differently.
Oink and Moo BBQ, Voorhees and Hampton
What started out as a traveling food truck became two storefronts where the star of the show is the brisket and pork sliders.
Red White & Que Smokehouse, Kearny and Scotch Plains
This little smokehouse and unassuming eatery where the brisket is smoked for 14 hours and the sides include ham hock-studded collard greens, locally-made sausage and Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread, Red White & Que’s two locations make it easy to get your mitts on some serious Southern BBQ.
Smoke, Audubon
When heat meets meat, the dance begins. That’s the tagline at this Audubon find, where the Tex-Mex twist on the 10-hour smoked brisket is absolute perfection.
