Barbecue! From ribs to brisket to burgers, these Shore restaurants have what you crave

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·3 min read

Sure you can jump in a pool or the ocean, but there's nothing better than juicy barbecue to beat the summer heat.

Hungry for ribs? Wings? Brisket?

Maybe just chicken or a burger?

These six Jersey Shore joints are sure to satisfy your carnivorous craving.

Harry's Smokin' BBQ, South Toms River

Pulled pork-topped fries at Harry's Smokin' BBQ in South Toms River.
Pulled pork-topped fries at Harry's Smokin' BBQ in South Toms River.

Harry's Smokin BBQ offers BBQ classics like pulled pork, barbecue chicken, ribs and brisket — but they have some pretty out-there specials.

Try bites like chopped cheese sandwiches, ribeye cheesesteaks, smoked chicken street corn tacos, pastrami melts, or egg rolls stuffed with pork belly and macaroni and cheese. There's also fries topped with barbecued meats.

Go: 240 Dover Road; 848-223-9955, harryssmokinbarbecue.com. A restaurant is opening soon at 213 Route 37 in Toms River.

Hot Dogs: From classic to over the top, here are 10 Shore hot dogs to try for National Hot Dog Day

Iron Oak Barbecue Company, Beach Haven

Smoked meats and sides from Iron Oak Smokehouse in Beach Haven.
Smoked meats and sides from Iron Oak Smokehouse in Beach Haven.

Since opening in 2019, this barbecue joint has taken the island by storm. All the sauces — the mayo-based Alabama White (with vinegar and black pepper), Carolina Mustard and KC Classic (traditional sweet barbecue) — are homemade.

Try handhelds, like the smokehouse smash burger with two prime rib grade house-ground patties, American cheese, dill pickles, white onion and homemade sauce on a brioche bun. The platters come with meat like brisket, pulled pork or ribs, and sides like brisket pit beans or Mexican-style corn/elote.

Go: 325 9th St Suite 23; 609-661-2666, ironoakbbqco.com.

Boardwalk bites: Mini pancakes? Korean corn dogs? Here are fun food options on Jersey Shore boardwalks

Jersey Shore BBQ, Point Pleasant Beach

The brisket bowl at Jersey Shore BBQ is made with crispy fried potatoes, chopped brisket, eggs, pickled onions and barbecue aioli.
The brisket bowl at Jersey Shore BBQ is made with crispy fried potatoes, chopped brisket, eggs, pickled onions and barbecue aioli.

This spot is known for smoked cuts of pork shoulder and brisket, but what makes them stand out is the barbecue breakfast.

Try bites like the brisket bowl, served over breakfast potatoes seasoned with dry rub and thyme butter, topped with eggs, pickled onions and barbecue aioli. The Big Country breakfast dish has house made biscuits topped with fried chicken, sausage gravy and eggs.

Go: 710 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach; 732-899-4400, jerseyshorebbq.com.

Local Smoke BBQ, Multiple Locations

A rib platter from Local Smoke BBQ, which has multiple Jersey Shore locations.
A rib platter from Local Smoke BBQ, which has multiple Jersey Shore locations.

Local Smoke BBQ has locations in Red Bank, Neptune City, Sea Girt, Highlands and at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.

Try the smoked wings or the beef brisket sandwich. The smokehouse burger comes with onion rings, cheddar cheese, Applewood bacon, green leaf lettuce, tomato and Sweet BBQ sauce on a toasted brioche. The smokehouse salad comes with choice of pulled chicken, pork or chopped beef brisket with mixed greens, cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, cucumber and red onion.

Platter options feature side dishes like sweet potato fries and redskin potato salad.

Go: localsmokebbq.com/nj-locations.

Mostly Smoked Barbeque Inspired Eatery, Manalapan

Robert Sankovsky, owner of Mostly Smoked BBQ Inspired Eatery, showcases his smoked ribs, brisket and wings and side dishes including onion rings, pickled onions, mac and cheese, parmesan chive mashed potatoes, smoked burnt end baked beans and cornbread.
Robert Sankovsky, owner of Mostly Smoked BBQ Inspired Eatery, showcases his smoked ribs, brisket and wings and side dishes including onion rings, pickled onions, mac and cheese, parmesan chive mashed potatoes, smoked burnt end baked beans and cornbread.

Mostly Smoked has plenty of smoked meats, from pulled pork and chicken to ribs, turkey and brisket.

They also offer platters, with sides like mac and cheese or parmesan chive mashed potatoes. Plus smoked fried wings; egg rolls like the smoked buffalo chicken; and sandwiches like the smoked fried chicken.

Want more? The shop serves smoked brisket chili with house made tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Go: 520 Route 9; 732-792-3636, mostlysmoked-nj.com.

Mutiny BBQ Company, Asbury Park

A barbecue platter from Mutiny BBQ Company in Asbury Park.
A barbecue platter from Mutiny BBQ Company in Asbury Park.

Mutiny is known for Southern-style barbecue, channeling flavors from Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, Louisiana and more.

Try meats like the St. Louis ribs or Texas-style sausage, paired with scratch-made sides like Texas Carolina potato salad made with Russet potatoes, diced egg, relish and pimentos in mustard dressing.

They offer sandwiches served on Martin's potato rolls, like the Bacon Bama Turkey with carved turkey breast, pepper jack cheese, bacon and Alabama White sauce.

Top it off with authentic southern desserts like whoopie pies or bourbon Foster banana pudding.

Go: 808 5th Ave.; 732-366-9985, mutinybbq.com.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected]. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore BBQ: These places serve smoked ribs, chicken, brisket

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next