These Hole-In-The-Wall New Jersey BBQ Joints That Locals Say Outshine The Big Names
New Jersey might be famous for diners and pizza, but the real treasure hiding in plain sight is its BBQ scene.
Forget the flashy chain restaurants with their giant billboards—the best smoky flavors come from tiny joints tucked away in strip malls and small-town corners.
Locals know these spots serve up tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and pulled pork that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about barbecue.
1. Embark Smoked Meats
Nestled on Main Street in Boonton, this gem has been quietly winning over BBQ lovers one perfectly smoked brisket at a time.
The casual setting makes you feel like you’re at a backyard cookout, except the pitmaster here knows exactly how to coax maximum flavor from every cut of meat.
Slow-smoked ribs glisten with a beautiful bark, while the pulled pork practically melts on your tongue.
Burnt ends here are the stuff of local legend—crispy, smoky, and downright addictive.
Address: 811 Main St, Boonton, NJ 07005.
2. Mutiny BBQ Company
Down at the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, rebellion never tasted so good.
Mutiny BBQ Company lives up to its name by refusing to serve anything less than bold, in-your-face smoke flavor that demands your attention.
Classic BBQ plates arrive loaded with juicy meats that have spent hours in the smoker, developing deep mahogany crusts.
The atmosphere feels laid-back yet buzzing with energy, perfect after a day at the beach.
Shore locals swear by this spot for a reason—it delivers authentic barbecue without pretense.
Address: 808 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.
3. Harry’s Smokin’ BBQ
Tucked into a strip mall on Route 37 in Toms River, Harry’s proves that extraordinary food doesn’t need a fancy facade.
Authentic Southern-style smoked meats are the stars here, with brisket so tender it practically falls apart when you look at it.
Ribs come off the smoker with that perfect pink smoke ring, telling you immediately that Harry knows his craft.
The highly-rated spot has earned its reputation through consistency and flavor that transports you straight to a Texas smokehouse.
Address: 213 NJ-37 Unit 6, Toms River, NJ 08753.
4. Monty’s BBQ
Atlantic Highlands hides this backyard-style BBQ treasure on First Avenue, where the vibe feels like your neighbor invited you over for the cookout of the century.
Smoked brisket comes out with a gorgeous smoke ring and flavor that lingers long after your last bite.
Pulled pork gets the low-and-slow treatment it deserves, resulting in tender strands soaked in smoky goodness.
The unpretentious atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and trust us, it’s saying all the right things.
Address: 71 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.
5. Christine’s House of Kingfish Barbecue
Way out in Shamong on Route 206, Christine’s has been a South Jersey BBQ pilgrimage site for those in the know.
Smoky ribs practically fall off the bone before you even pick them up, glazed to perfection with a sauce that balances sweet and tangy.
The chicken here gets the same royal treatment—smoked until the skin crisps up and the meat stays juicy.
Beloved by locals for good reason, this spot feels like a secret you want to keep but can’t help sharing.
Address: 926 US-206, Shamong, NJ 08088.
6. Blowin’ Smoque
Camden’s BBQ scene gets a serious boost from this Haddon Avenue hotspot that’s blowing minds along with smoke.
Smoked brisket here develops that coveted bark on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside.
Ribs come lacquered with sauce or dry-rubbed, depending on your preference, but either way they’re spectacular.
The sides deserve their own standing ovation, complementing the meats perfectly.
This spot proves that great barbecue can thrive anywhere, even in unexpected urban corners.
Address: 1222 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103.
7. Mostly Smoked
Hidden along Route 9 in Manalapan Township, this eatery flies under the radar while serving up some seriously well-seasoned smoked plates.
Every bite reveals layers of flavor built through careful spice rubs and patient smoking.
Brisket slices showcase that telltale pink ring, and the texture hits that sweet spot between tender and toothsome.
The name says it all—mostly smoked, completely delicious, and totally worth seeking out.
Locals guard this secret jealously, but the word is spreading for good reason.
Address: 520 State Rte 9, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726.
8. Minas BBQ
Cliffwood’s smaller BBQ stop on Route 35 packs massive flavor into every plate, proving size doesn’t matter when you’ve got serious smoking skills.
Locals praise the flavor-packed smoked meats that arrive glistening and aromatic, with smoke that penetrates deep into every fiber.
The intimate setting means you’re never far from the action, and you can often catch whiffs of mesquite or hickory drifting through.
Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the quality consistently exceeds expectations.
Address: 111 NJ-35, Cliffwood, NJ 07721.