New Jerseyans love barbecue just as much as we love our Jersey Shore summers. Whether it’s a char-grilled cheeseburger, a hot dog with all the fixings, or melt-in-your-mouth ribs, everyone craves delicious barbecue. It’s an unspoken truth that warm weather and BBQ go hand in hand. Bergen County is home to a fantastic selection of barbecue restaurants — ideal for those who love BBQ but don’t want to leave the confines of Northern New Jersey. Read on to discover the best barbecue spots in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Brother’s Smokehouse | 900 NJ-17 Suite 2, Ramsey
After years of spending summers in the Outer Banks and returning home without the comfort of chopped BBQ or sweet tea, the Farella brothers decided to bring their love of Southern cuisine to the North. Brother’s Smokehouse in Ramsey has a vast selection of BBQ dishes, from burgers and grilled meat platters to shrimp and grits, and salads for those who prefer a lighter option. BG pro tip: The BBQ sauce at Brother’s is gluten-free.
Buffalo’s | 261 Hackensack Street, Wood-Ridge
Buffalo’s, located in Woodridge, presents a taste of South Carolina through the dishes. The Buffalo’s team takes pride in serving non-processed chicken, ground beef, sauces, ribs, and more. With a menu brimming with options, there’s something for everyone. BG recommends trying the home-style chili.
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Cast Iron Pot | 356 Bergen Boulevard, Fairview
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The Cast Iron Pot in Fairview is an AYCE Korean BBQ restaurant. The menu features an extensive selection, including pork, chicken, seafood, and beef, accompanied by a variety of vegetables, noodles, and other sides. BG suggests trying the cast iron steak as part of your meat selection.
Cubby’s BBQ | 249 South River Street, Hackensack
Cubby’s BBQ restaurant in Hackensack has been delighting the community with top-notch home-style BBQ cuisine for 34 years. When dining at Cubby’s BBQ, guests should expect to be seated on a first-come, first-served basis, as the restaurant does not take reservations. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially on weekends. Don’t miss out on their famous rack of ribs — it’s a must-try.
Jim Dandy’s | 102 Park Avenue, Rutherford
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Jim Dandy’s proclaims itself as “The Home of the Killer Ribs” and has been a staple in Northern New Jersey since 1986. BG highly recommends trying the Special Dandy Dog, featuring cheese, chili, and onion — a crowd favorite. For a lighter option, the restaurant also has a selection of salads to enjoy.
Kimchi Smoke BBQ | 2 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood
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Kimchi Smoke revolutionizes the traditional BBQ experience with its unprecedented twist. Kimchi Smoke has a ton of flavor profiles from Texas, Kansas City, the Carolinas, Hong Kong, Manila, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and, notably, Korea — it caters to every palate. While the menu exhibits many choices, it’s the sandwiches that stand out. BG suggests trying the Austin Cho 1.0 Sandwich.
The Mason Jar | 219 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah
The Mason Jar in Mahwah has been a prominent fixture in Bergen County since 1977, noted for serving some of the finest BBQ around. Its menu exhibits an array of tempting “smokin” options. A local favorite is the moo sandwich. With numerous TVs throughout, The Mason Jar is a cool spot to catch a game while delving into some savory BBQ.
Oiso BBQ Pit | 124 Main Street, Fort Lee
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Oiso BBQ Pit is a hidden gem tucked away in Fort Lee, at the end of Main Street. Stepping into its rustic interior recalls a sense of familiarity. While the menu boasts an array of options, BG suggests opting for the Oiso Sampler, which is ideal for sharing and trying a few options all at once.
The Pit | 33 NJ-5, Edgewater
The Pit, nestled in Edgewater, is a hidden gem for BBQ lovers. Each bite features top-notch ingredients, ensuring a flavorful BBQ experience. Despite its small interior, the cozy atmosphere feels just like home. During the warmer seasons, the restaurant brings comfort outdoors, firing up the grill for an authentic “backyard” vibe.
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Smoked Bites | 190 West Englewood Avenue, Teaneck
Smoked Bites, located in Teaneck, is a BBQ restaurant that caters to kosher dietary needs and brings award-winning meats from Bergen County. The website proudly declares that the restaurant’s pit master is an award-winning brisket expert. Smoked Bites also possesses some standout sides such as coleslaw, mac and cheese, and BG’s favorite — the cornbread muffins. BG pro tip: Smoked Bites has a gluten-free/gluten-friendly menu.
Wooga | 1296 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee
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Wooga, located in Fort Lee, stands out as one of the top Korean BBQ destinations in Bergen County. Wooga has a collection of USDA Prime and American Wagyu meats, promising customers top-notch quality. To guarantee the highest grade of beef, the team carefully selects the steaks. Due to its popularity, there’s often a wait to be seated, so be patient upon arrival.