I Hit The Backroads Of New Jersey To Try 11 Small-Town Smokehouses (And 6 Were Worth Every Mile)
Nothing beats the smell of hickory smoke drifting through a small New Jersey town on a Saturday afternoon.
I spent weeks crisscrossing the Garden State, hunting down the best BBQ joints tucked away in places you might never think to look.
From shore towns to quiet suburbs, I sampled ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and everything in between at eleven different smokehouses, and while every single one served up something delicious, six of them absolutely blew me away and made the journey unforgettable.
I couldn’t resist licking my fingers after every bite.
By the end of the trip, I had a long list of places I’ll be returning to again and again.
1. Local Smoke BBQ
Red Bank’s downtown strip hides a real gem that locals guard like a secret recipe.
Local Smoke BBQ at 244 W Front St serves up Texas-style brisket that melts on your tongue before you even finish chewing.
The bark on their meat has that perfect balance of crispy char and tender smokiness that tells you someone really knows what they’re doing back in that kitchen.
Walking in, you’ll notice the casual vibe mixed with just enough rustic decor to remind you this place takes smoking seriously.
Their pulled pork sandwich comes piled high with meat that’s been kissed by smoke for hours, and the homemade sauces range from tangy vinegar-based to sweet and sticky.
The mac and cheese side dish deserves its own standing ovation.
What really sets this spot apart is consistency.
Every visit delivers the same quality, whether you’re grabbing lunch on a Tuesday or dinner on a busy weekend.
The staff knows their menu inside out and can guide you toward whatever your taste buds are craving that day.
2. Henri’s Hotts Barbeque
Folsom isn’t exactly a destination town, but Henri’s Hotts Barbeque at 1003 Black Horse Pike gives you every reason to make the trip.
This family-run operation treats BBQ like an art form, and you can taste the passion in every bite.
The ribs fall off the bone without being mushy, which is harder to achieve than most people realize.
One thing that caught me off guard was the variety of heat levels available.
Whether you like your BBQ mild and sweet or fiery enough to make you reach for napkins, Henri’s has options that’ll match your preference.
The brisket burnt ends are particularly addictive, crispy on the outside and juicy inside, seasoned with a rub that hits all the right notes.
The coleslaw here is creamy without being too heavy, providing a nice cool contrast to the smoky meats.
Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to take home leftovers.
Service is friendly and unpretentious, exactly what you want from a small-town smokehouse.
3. 1911 Smoke House Barbeque
Trenton’s capital city status might overshadow its food scene, but 1911 Smoke House Barbeque at 11 W Front St proves there’s serious flavor happening downtown.
The name pays tribute to the building’s history, and walking through the door feels like stepping into a place that respects both tradition and taste.
Their smoked turkey breast surprised me the most because poultry can dry out so easily, but theirs stays moist and flavorful.
I visited on a rainy Wednesday afternoon, and the place was still buzzing with office workers and families.
The pulled chicken gets overlooked on most BBQ menus, but here it shines with a perfect smoke ring and seasoning that doesn’t rely too heavily on sauce.
Cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
The pricing is reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive.
This spot earns its star rating by delivering authentic BBQ in a city that doesn’t always get credit for its food culture.
4. Kimchi Smoke BBQ Shack
Ridgewood’s Kimchi Smoke BBQ Shack at 2 Godwin Ave throws a curveball into the traditional BBQ playbook by blending Korean flavors with American smoking techniques.
The result?
Something completely different that works way better than you’d expect.
Gochujang-glazed ribs bring sweet heat that builds gradually without overwhelming your palate.
The fusion approach might sound gimmicky, but the execution is thoughtful and delicious.
Kimchi slaw replaces standard coleslaw, adding fermented tang and crunch that cuts through rich, fatty meats beautifully.
The brisket tacos topped with pickled vegetables and sesame seeds create flavor combinations that feel both familiar and exciting.
This shack-style spot keeps things simple with counter service and limited seating, but don’t let the casual setup fool you.
The cooking technique is serious, with meats smoked low and slow before getting finished with Korean-inspired glazes and seasonings.
It’s different from classic BBQ, which is exactly why some people absolutely love it while others prefer more traditional options.
5. Red White & Que Smokehouse
Green Brook’s Red White & Que Smokehouse at 150 US-22 wears its patriotic pride on its sleeve, and the BBQ backs up all that red, white, and blue decor.
The moment you smell the smoke from the parking lot, you know you’re in for something special.
Competition-style ribs have won actual awards, and one bite explains why judges keep handing them trophies.
The menu offers all the classics done exceptionally well. Brisket arrives sliced thick with a pink smoke ring that proves patience in the smoking process.
Pulled pork is tender and juicy, requiring minimal sauce because the meat speaks for itself.
The sides rotate seasonally, but the baked beans with bits of burnt ends mixed in remain a permanent favorite.
What really impressed me was the attention to detail in everything from the perfectly toasted buns to the house-made pickles.
The staff genuinely cares about your experience and will happily explain the smoking process if you’re curious.
This place earns every mile of the drive.
6. Big Ed’s BBQ (Original / Matawan)
Matawan’s Big Ed’s BBQ at 305 Route 34 has built a loyal following over the years by keeping things straightforward and delicious.
No fancy fusion experiments here, just honest-to-goodness smoked meats prepared the way BBQ was meant to be.
The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with picnic-style tables and walls covered in BBQ memorabilia.
Signature sauce hits that sweet spot between tangy and sweet without being cloying.
The chicken quarters come out with crispy skin and meat that pulls away from the bone easily.
Ribs are meaty and well-seasoned, though they lean more toward the tender side than fall-off-the-bone, which some purists actually prefer.
The potato salad is creamy and mustard-forward, a nice change from the mayo-heavy versions you find elsewhere.
Prices are fair, and portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
While Big Ed’s might not reinvent BBQ, it delivers solid, satisfying food that keeps people coming back.
Sometimes you don’t need fireworks, just consistently good cooking.
7. Mutiny BBQ Company
Asbury Park’s Mutiny BBQ Company at 808 5th Ave brings a coastal twist to traditional smokehouse fare, and the combination works beautifully.
Located just blocks from the beach, this spot captures the laid-back shore vibe while serving seriously good smoked meats.
The brisket here ranks among the best I tasted on this entire journey, with a peppery bark and tender interior that practically dissolves in your mouth.
I stopped by on a sunny Saturday, and the outdoor seating area was packed with people fresh off the boardwalk.
The pulled pork nachos make a perfect shareable appetizer, loaded with cheese, pickled jalapenos, and drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce.
Smoked wings come tossed in various sauces, offering something different from the standard rib-and-brisket routine.
The sides menu includes creative options like smoked corn salad alongside traditional favorites.
Service is quick despite the crowds, and the music playlist matches the beachy, rebellious vibe the name suggests.
This place absolutely deserves its star rating.
8. Mostly Smoked
Manalapan Township’s Mostly Smoked at 520 US-9 takes a modern approach to BBQ without losing sight of traditional techniques.
The clean, contemporary interior contrasts with the rustic, smoky flavors coming out of the kitchen.
The menu emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on a smaller selection of meats done really well rather than trying to offer everything under the sun.
The brisket sandwich comes on a soft brioche bun that somehow doesn’t get soggy despite all the juicy meat and sauce.
Smoked chicken breast stays moist and flavorful, proving they’ve mastered temperature control in their smokers.
The collard greens side dish has a subtle smokiness that complements rather than competes with the main proteins.
Prices run slightly higher than some other spots on this list, but the portion sizes and quality justify the cost.
The restaurant keeps things clean and modern, appealing to diners who want great BBQ in a more polished setting.
While good, it didn’t quite reach the memorable heights of the starred locations.
9. KB’s BBQ Smokehouse
Irvington’s KB’s BBQ Smokehouse at 1077 Stuyvesant Ave serves up soul-satisfying BBQ in a neighborhood setting that feels authentic and welcoming.
The owners clearly put love into their cooking, and regulars treat this place like their personal dining room.
The rib tips are a standout menu item, offering more bark and seasoning than traditional rib cuts, perfect for people who love that crispy, charred exterior.
During my visit, I chatted with the owner who explained their smoking process and spice blend philosophy.
That personal connection makes the experience feel special, like you’re eating at a friend’s house rather than just another restaurant.
The hot links pack serious flavor and heat, snapping when you bite into them and releasing smoky, spicy juices.
Sides lean toward traditional soul food preparations, with candied yams and greens cooked long and slow.
The portions are generous, and prices remain affordable even as food costs rise everywhere else.
KB’s delivers solid neighborhood BBQ that satisfies without pretension.
10. TST BBQ
Hazlet’s TST BBQ at 2870 NJ-35 sits along a busy highway strip, easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
The unassuming exterior doesn’t hint at the quality waiting inside, which is part of its charm.
Their pulled pork has that perfect texture where it’s shredded but still has some substance, not mushy or overcooked like you find at lesser establishments.
The sauce selection includes several house-made varieties, each with distinct flavor profiles ranging from Carolina-style vinegar to thick Kansas City sweet.
Brisket comes sliced to order, and you can request fatty or lean cuts depending on your preference.
The mac and cheese arrives bubbling hot with a crispy top layer that adds textural contrast.
Service is straightforward and efficient, perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or taking food to go.
While everything tastes good and the prices are reasonable, TST BBQ didn’t quite deliver that wow factor that makes you immediately plan your return visit.
Still, it’s a solid option for satisfying BBQ cravings in the Hazlet area.
11. Big Barlow’s BBQ & Catering
Barnegat’s Big Barlow’s BBQ & Catering at 21 S Main St wraps up this BBQ journey with small-town hospitality and flavors that remind you why simple, well-executed food never goes out of style.
The restaurant feels like the kind of place where everybody knows your name after a few visits.
Smoked sausage has a nice snap and smoky depth that pairs perfectly with their tangy mustard-based sauce.
The real star here might be the burnt ends, those crispy, caramelized nuggets of brisket that BBQ enthusiasts go crazy for.
Big Barlow’s doesn’t always have them available since they’re made from trimmings, so when you see them on the board, order them immediately.
The cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly, exactly how it should be.
What earns Big Barlow’s its star is the overall experience.
The food is excellent, the service warm and genuine, and the prices fair.
This place captures everything great about small-town BBQ joints, making you feel welcome while serving food worth traveling for.