Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Hackensack area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Hackensack based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Hackensack were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

Yook92

1 / 30

#30. Yook92

- Rating: 4.1/5 (38 reviews)
- Address: 425 Grand Ave. Palisades Park, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

The Pit

2 / 30

#29. The Pit

- Rating: 4.1/5 (134 reviews)
- Address: 33 NJ-5 Edgewater, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

3 / 30

#28. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

- Rating: 4.1/5 (125 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 230-240 Passaic Ave. Unit 3 & 4 Kearny, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp

So Good

4 / 30

#27. So Good

- Rating: 4.1/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 190 Closter Dock Road Closter, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Brazeiro Churrascaria

5 / 30

#26. Brazeiro Churrascaria

- Rating: 4.1/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 103 60th St. West New York, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Brazilian, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp

The Cast Iron Pot Signature

6 / 30

#25. The Cast Iron Pot Signature

- Rating: 4.1/5 (187 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 260 Bergen Turnpike Little Ferry, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

7 / 30

#24. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

- Rating: 4.1/5 (224 reviews)
- Address: 45 Nathaniel Place Englewood, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp

Honey Pig

8 / 30

#23. Honey Pig

- Rating: 4.2/5 (39 reviews)
- Address: 344 Broad Ave. Leonia, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Jeong Yook

9 / 30

#22. Jeong Yook

- Rating: 4.2/5 (283 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 329 Bergen Blvd. Palisades Park, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp

O2 BBQ

10 / 30

#21. O2 BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7000 Kennedy Blvd. East Guttenberg, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp

OISO BBQ PIT

11 / 30

#20. OISO BBQ PIT

- Rating: 4.2/5 (215 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 124 Main St. Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Venues & Event Spaces
- Read more on Yelp

The Cast Iron Pot

12 / 30

#19. The Cast Iron Pot

- Rating: 4.2/5 (948 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 356 Bergen Blvd. Fairview, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Kimchi Smoke Barbecue

13 / 30

#18. Kimchi Smoke Barbecue

- Rating: 4.2/5 (542 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2 Godwin Ave. Ridgewood, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Myung Ga Tofu and BBQ

14 / 30

#17. Myung Ga Tofu and BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 570 Piermont Road Ste C8 Closter, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp

Choripan Rodizio Too

15 / 30

#16. Choripan Rodizio Too

- Rating: 4.2/5 (504 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10 Sussex St. Hackensack, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Argentine, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

16 / 30

#15. Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

- Rating: 4.3/5 (136 reviews)
- Address: One Garden State Plaza Blvd. Paramus, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Tacos, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

Buffalo's Chicken Shack

17 / 30

#14. Buffalo's Chicken Shack

- Rating: 4.3/5 (321 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 261 Hackensack St. Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
- Categories: Chicken Wings, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

Smoked Bites

18 / 30

#13. Smoked Bites

- Rating: 4.3/5 (54 reviews)
- Address: 190 West Englewood Ave. Teaneck, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Pizza, Kosher
- Read more on Yelp

The Moon

19 / 30

#12. The Moon

- Rating: 4.3/5 (80 reviews)
- Address: 450 Hackensack Ave. Hackensack, New Jersey
- Categories: Hot Pot, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Anytime Kitchen Fort Lee

20 / 30

#11. Anytime Kitchen Fort Lee

- Rating: 4.3/5 (146 reviews)
- Address: 2025 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Categories: Sushi Bars, Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp

Mel's Butcher Box

21 / 30

#10. Mel's Butcher Box

- Rating: 4.3/5 (66 reviews)
- Address: 10 West Railroad Ave. Tenafly, New Jersey
- Categories: Burgers, Barbecue, Hot Dogs
- Read more on Yelp

Wooga

22 / 30

#9. Wooga

- Rating: 4.3/5 (399 reviews)
- Price level: $$$$
- Address: 1296 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Karden

23 / 30

#8. Karden

- Rating: 4.4/5 (65 reviews)
- Address: 630 Broad Ave. Ridgefield, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Cocktail Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Ryan's BBQ

24 / 30

#7. Ryan's BBQ

- Rating: 4.4/5 (102 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 239 Stuyvesant Ave. Lyndhurst, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Modern European, Mediterranean
- Read more on Yelp

Chic King BBQ Restaurant

25 / 30

#6. Chic King BBQ Restaurant

- Rating: 4.5/5 (87 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4205 Bergenline Ave. Ste 2 Union City, New Jersey
- Categories: Barbecue, Peruvian
- Read more on Yelp

Obaltan

26 / 30

#5. Obaltan

- Rating: 4.5/5 (521 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 799 Abbot Blvd. Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp

Q Grill

27 / 30

#4. Q Grill

- Rating: 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
- Address: 1645 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Categories: Seafood, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Carlito's Barbecue Taqueria

28 / 30

#3. Carlito's Barbecue Taqueria

- Rating: 4.5/5 (104 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 119 Valley Brook Ave. Lyndhurst, New Jersey
- Categories: Tacos, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

The Kalbi

29 / 30

#2. The Kalbi

- Rating: 4.7/5 (36 reviews)
- Address: 150 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

Moo and Oink

30 / 30

#1. Moo and Oink

- Rating: 4.8/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 314 Commercial Ave. Palisades Park, New Jersey
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.