New York's BBQ Bonanza: A Critic's Guide to the City's Smokiest Spots

2024-03-02

Join us on a sizzling tour of New York's smokiest BBQ joints, where the meats are slow-cooked to perfection and the vibes are as hearty as the portions.

1. Mighty Quinn's Barbeque

Mighty Quinn's Barbeque has revolutionized the New York BBQ scene with an impressive array of slow-cooked meats and comforting sides. The Pulled Pork Sandwich Combo, blanketed with their signature tangy BBQ sauce, and delectable sides like Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Burnt End Baked Beans make it clear: this place understands comfort food. Their Mac & Cheese Fritters, in particular, are a standout, and the kid-friendly options ensure a smile on every diner's face. With prices that promise not to strain your budget and service that keeps customers raving about the exceptional attention to care, it's undoubtedly a spot you'll visit time and again. For that authentic BBQ flavor coupled with a convivial atmosphere, Mighty Quinn's tops the list.

Location: 225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281

2. Daddy O's BBQ & Sports Bar

Over in Staten Island, Daddy O's BBQ & Sports Bar offers a sanctuary for meat enthusiasts, delivering an experience brimming with sincerity that consistently earns it a four-star rating. The 'Feast' remains a crowd-pleaser, satisfying all BBQ desires in an environment that effortlessly transitions from a family-friendly venue to a spirited sports bar animated by game-day cheers. While they once faced a slight unevenness in food quality and staffing levels, Daddy O's resiliently showcases its commitment to convivial service and a relaxed ambiance. Despite the occasional need for patience with your french fries, the overall experience is one that BBQ lovers should eagerly sample, most certainly if your game-day rituals include succulent ribs and an energetic atmosphere.

Location: 185 Bricktown Way, Staten Island, NY 10309

3. The Pit

Discover a hidden gem with The Pit in Bloomfield, where the Portuguese flair infuses the BBQ tradition, mesmerizing devotees of smoky flavors. The beef combo and chicken with rice are perpetual favorites, although it's worth noting the minor inconvenience of an online ordering glitch. Putting that aside, the ample free parking sweetens the deal profoundly. When I visited, however, the standout was the succulent BBQ pork ribs complemented by the attentive staff. With its energetic ambiance and a menu dominated by straightforward but masterful meat and seafood dishes, The Pit effortlessly earns a spot on any BBQ aficionado's go-to list. Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss lunch or catering for a large gathering, this is a place that won't disappoint.

Location: 178 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

4. Fire Pit BBQ

The search for delectable, smoky BBQ ends at Fire Pit BBQ in Hackensack where the meats are cooked to smoky perfection and the homemade sides are nothing short of a flavor fiesta. The Portuguese-style BBQ shines, with the chicken soup and steak with chimichurri sauce receiving high praise. Expect generous portions that are reminiscent of a comforting family-style dinner. Do be prepared to tackle the parking challenge, as finding a spot can prove elusive. Additionally, the automatic 18% tip may raise eyebrows, but don't let that distract you from the quality of the meal. For those huge, satisfying bites, a return visit is a foregone conclusion—just ready your coins for parking and keep an eye on your bill for the unanticipated tip.

Location: 357 Essex St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

5. Mighty Quinn's Barbeque

In the bustling heart of Manhattan, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque stands out as a hip haven for BBQ purists. The staff, particularly Stan and Brandon, go above and beyond with their service and communication, ensuring that even minor policy changes don't interfere with the overall dining satisfaction. While parking can be a typical Manhattan nightmare and vegetarian options may be limited, the establishment's lively ambiance compensates. Though the music volume and the rare occurrence of a lukewarm dish might be divisive, the ambiance remains accommodating and crowd-pleasing. For those willing to spend $20–30 for authentic Southern comfort tucked away in an urban setting, it's an undeniable hotspot worthy of repeat visits.

Location: 75 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014