Best BBQ in Cranford, NJ

Cranford, NJ, has some seriously amazing BBQ spots that I just can’t wait to share with you! I’ve tasted my way through the area, and I’m excited to tell you all about the best places to grab some delicious barbecue. Trust me, you’re going to want to know where to find the tastiest ribs and brisket around!

So, what’s the best BBQ in Cranford, NJ? Well, there are several fantastic restaurants that serve up mouthwatering dishes, from smoky meats to zesty sauces. Each place has its own special vibe and flavors, making it a fun adventure for anyone who loves BBQ. You’ll find something for everyone, whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned pro.

Stick around, and I’ll take you through my favorite BBQ joints in Cranford. You’ll get the scoop on what to order, the atmosphere, and why each spot is worth a visit. Get ready for a tasty journey!

Top 10 BBQ in Cranford, NJ

1. CRAVEN BBQ
2. Don Chicken
3. Clark Bar B Que
4. Magic Grill
5. Backyard Bar & Grill
6. Jersey Joe’s Barbecue & Grill
7. Chop Spot BBQ
8. Cranford Station House
9. River and Rail Cantina
10. El Paso Tex-Mex Grill restaurant

1. CRAVEN BBQ

Craven BBQ is such a cool spot, and it’s not too far from Cranford, in Linden, NJ. When I walked in, the smell of all that delicious smoked meat hit me right away! It felt so cozy inside, and I loved that I could sit outside too. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or just enjoy some yummy food.

What makes Craven BBQ really special is how they care about every dish. Everything is made with love, and you can really taste it! I tried their brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender and smoky. The ribs were super tasty too, just falling off the bone!

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork sandwich. It’s juicy and full of flavor! And don’t forget the mac and cheese on the side—it’s creamy and so comforting. Craven BBQ is definitely a place I can’t stop thinking about!

2. Don Chicken

Don Chicken is one of my favorite spots right in Cranford, NJ! When I walked in, the smell of grilled chicken was so yummy, it made my tummy rumble. The place has a really friendly vibe, and I love that I can sit inside or outside, especially when the weather is nice.

What makes Don Chicken super special is their chicken. It’s always juicy and full of flavor! I tried their grilled chicken, and wow, it was so tender! The seasoning was just right—not too spicy, but really tasty.

If you go, you have to get the chicken platter with rice and veggies. It’s a perfect way to enjoy all the yummy flavors they have. Don Chicken is definitely a place I can’t wait to visit again!

3. Clark Bar B Que

Clark Bar B Que is such a cool place to eat, and it’s not too far from Cranford, in Clark, NJ! When I walked in, the yummy smell of grilled meats filled the air, and I felt right at home. The vibe is super chill, and I could pick to sit inside or outside, which is awesome when the sun is shining.

What really makes Clark Bar B Que special is their tasty Portuguese-style BBQ. I tried their picadinho, which is cubed pork, and wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! The ribs were also super good, with a nice smoky taste that made me want to eat more.

If you go, you have to get the picadinho with rice. It’s a delicious dish that really shows off their unique style. I can’t wait to go back to Clark Bar B Que!

4. Magic Grill

Magic Grill is such a fun place to eat, and it’s just a short drive from Cranford in Garwood, NJ! When I walked in, the smell of fresh veggies and sizzling meats made my mouth water. The atmosphere is super casual, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside, which is perfect for a nice day.

What really makes Magic Grill stand out is how you can customize your own Mongolian BBQ. I got to pick all my favorite veggies and meats, and then they cooked it right in front of me! It was so cool to watch, and the flavors were just amazing.

If you go, you have to try the beef with mixed veggies. It’s such a tasty combo that really shows off what they do best. I can’t wait to go back to Magic Grill for more yummy food!

5. Backyard Bar & Grill

Backyard Bar & Grill is such a cozy place, and it’s not too far from Cranford, in Kenilworth, NJ! When I walked in, the yummy smell of BBQ made me feel right at home. The vibe is super chill, and I really liked that I could sit outside and enjoy the nice weather while eating.

What makes Backyard Bar & Grill really special is their awesome mix of Portuguese and American dishes. I tried their BBQ chicken sandwich, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! The spices they used were just perfect, making every bite super tasty.

If you go, you have to get the BBQ chicken with fries. It’s such a yummy combo that really shows off what they do best. I can’t wait to go back to Backyard Bar & Grill for more delicious food!

6. Jersey Joe’s Barbecue & Grill

Jersey Joe’s Barbecue & Grill is such a great place, and it’s just a short drive from Cranford in Garwood, NJ! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoky meats and tasty sauces made my stomach growl. The vibe is super friendly, and I really liked that I could sit inside or outside, which is perfect for a sunny day.

What makes Jersey Joe’s really special is their amazing BBQ flavors. I tried their pulled pork, and oh my gosh, it was so tender and juicy! The sauce was sweet and tangy, making every bite so delicious.

If you go, you have to get the brisket sandwich with coleslaw. It’s such a yummy combo that really shows off their BBQ style. I can’t wait to go back to Jersey Joe’s for more tasty food!

7. Chop Spot BBQ

Chop Spot BBQ is such a fun place to eat, and it’s in Linden, NJ, not too far from Cranford! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoky meats hit me right away, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The vibe is super chill, and I really liked that I could sit inside or outside, which is perfect for hanging out with friends.

What makes Chop Spot BBQ really special is their awesome variety of BBQ dishes. I tried their smoked brisket, and oh wow, it was so tender and juicy! The flavor was just right, and you could tell they really know how to cook their meats.

If you go, you have to get the BBQ chicken with cornbread. It’s such a tasty combo that really shows off their BBQ style. I can’t wait to go back to Chop Spot BBQ for more yummy food!

8. Cranford Station House

Cranford Station House is such a cozy place right in Cranford, NJ! When I walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere and the yummy smell of food made me feel right at home. I loved that I could sit inside or outside, which is perfect for relaxing with family or friends on a nice day.

What makes Cranford Station House really special is their menu, which has something for everyone! I tried their burger, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! And let me tell you, their milkshakes are super creamy and sweet, just the way I like them.

If you go, you have to get the classic cheeseburger with fries. It’s such a yummy combo that really shows off what they do best. I can’t wait to go back to Cranford Station House for more delicious food!

9. River and Rail Cantina

River and Rail Cantina is such a fun place to eat right in Cranford, NJ! When I walked in, the colorful decorations and the yummy smell of Mexican food made me super excited. The vibe is really festive, and I loved that I could sit outside on the patio, especially when the weather is nice and sunny.

What makes River and Rail Cantina really special is their tasty Mexican dishes and delicious margaritas. I tried their tacos, and oh my gosh, they were so flavorful and packed with goodies! You could really taste the fresh ingredients, and it made every bite so good.

If you go, you have to order the fish tacos with a side of guacamole. It’s such a yummy combo that really shows off their style. I can’t wait to go back to River and Rail Cantina for more tasty food!

10. El Paso Tex-Mex Grill restaurant

El Paso Tex-Mex Grill is such a fun place right in Cranford, NJ! When I walked in, the bright colors and the yummy smell of Tex-Mex food made me feel super happy. The vibe is really friendly, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside, which is perfect for enjoying a nice day with friends.

What makes El Paso Tex-Mex Grill really special is their tasty dishes that mix Mexican and American flavors. I tried their chicken fajitas, and oh wow, they were so juicy and full of flavor! The fresh veggies made it even better, and I loved how colorful my plate looked.

If you go, you have to order the chicken fajitas with rice and beans. It’s such a yummy combo that really shows off their style. I can’t wait to go back to El Paso Tex-Mex Grill for more delicious food!

Map of BBQ in Cranford, NJ

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant	Price	Seating	Takeout	Delivery	Wheelchair	Reservation
CRAVEN BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Don Chicken	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–
Clark Bar B Que	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Magic Grill	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Backyard Bar & Grill	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Jersey Joe’s Barbecue & Grill	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–
Chop Spot BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Cranford Station House	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	No
River and Rail Cantina	Moderate	Yes	Yes	–	Accessible	Yes
El Paso Tex-Mex Grill restaurant	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Cranford, NJ?
There are some really great BBQ spots in Cranford, like Craven BBQ, Don Chicken, and Jersey Joe’s Barbecue & Grill. Each place has its own yummy flavors and styles, so there’s something for everyone!

2. Do these BBQ places offer takeout or delivery?
Yes! Most BBQ restaurants in Cranford, like Craven BBQ and El Paso Tex-Mex Grill, have takeout and delivery options. It’s super easy to enjoy tasty BBQ at home or wherever you want!

3. Are there vegetarian options available at BBQ restaurants?
Even though BBQ places focus on meat, many of them have vegetarian options like salads and sides. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff for what they have!

4. Can I make reservations at these BBQ spots?
Yes, some BBQ restaurants in Cranford, like Backyard Bar & Grill and Clark Bar B Que, let you make reservations. It’s smart to call ahead, especially on busy days, so you can get a table!

5. What is the price range for BBQ in Cranford, NJ?
The prices for BBQ in Cranford are pretty good! Most places have moderate to inexpensive options, so you can find yummy meals that fit your budget.