Mostly Smoked Barbeque Inspired Eatery — Restaurant in Manalapan Township

So....A friend of mine who I go back and fourth with in terms of food (always good) hits up at the end of March and says "Yo....You gotta go to this spot. Best BBQ I've ever had at a restaurant that's not our two favorites (Local Smoke and Q BBQ, when it was still run by Tuffy). . Now, it's over an hour ride for us, but I took my son there last night because my buddy wouldn't shut the hell up about this Alabama White Sauce....so we went. . Almost drove right by it, but we quick pulled in when we saw the sign. Got out of the car, and you could smell the smoker from the parking lot. . Walk in, and LOVED the esthetic. Grateful Dead was playing, made me feel like I was eating my buddy Nate's BBQ (KCBS Phoenix BBQ out of PA). They had guitars on the wall, picture of the Foo Fighters Drummer (RIP), and little Grateful Dead Dancing Bears with your table number on it. . I tried to get the best photos I could of the menu board. Some are staples, some are limited time when we went. . The kid got the smoke fried chicken sandwich, with pickles and slaw on the side, in the Alabama White Sauce. He loved it. HUGE piece of chicken and we both thought the Alabama White sauce was delicious. His sandwich was about $17 I think . I got the two meat platter, ribs and brisket (sliced) with Burnt End Baked Beans and Mac and Cheese for the sides. I also got an order of 6 Smoke Fried Wings with the Alabama White Sauce.. This two meat platter with the upcharge for brisket was about $30, not sure because the receipt I had printed out (instead of emailed or texted) didn't have prices on it. . Lets start with the 6 wings for $11. They were smoke fried wings. They had a bunch of sauces, but on Chuck's recommendation, had to get the Alabama White Sauce. When the wings came out, it looked like the sauce was "drizzled" on, and I was hoping for Big Bob Gibson syle of just dunking them all in the sauce. After sitting at the table, the sauce thinned out a bit and kinda covered the wings more, and yes, the Manager asked us if we needed anything, asked us if we wanted any more sauces (no sauce on the tables, no Salt and Pepper on the tables, no napkins). So while we said we were fine, we wish we would've asked for more in hindsight. Chuck told me the sauce was available for purchase, so I know for next time. . Ribs were meaty and delicious. Adequate smoke and sauce and they were perfect just they way they came. They were St. Louis Cut. . Brisket was good. The slices were extremely uneven (see photo). One piece was over 1/8" thick (which is how we expect it), while other slices were lunchmeat thin. Can't get a good feel for tenderness of the brisket with the thin slices. The thin slices were covering the two large slices, so we didn't even realize they were under there. Regardless, I have no complaints at all on the Brisket. . Burnt End Baked Beans were delicious, with HUNKS of Brisket on top. The Mac and cheese was also delicious, kid inhaled it, im glad I got a bite. . The staff was super friendly and helpful. Bottled drinks only, but did they have Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea and Unsweet Tea. That was $3.75 a glass, plastic glass filled with ice, no refills. Thought that was a little unfortunate. We like places that have soda fountains, or at least offer refills on Tea. Even if you charged like a buck for refills or something, but full price was not cool, but we did have a long ride so we just got another one for him. . Great spot, great atmosphere, food worth the price, great staff. Wish we...

Happy to report that since my first experience and review in 2022, Mostly Smoked has cemented its well-deserved status as the go-to source for the kind of high-caliber smoked meat/BBQ craft that you simply won't find anywhere else in the area. Reason being that every single visit since the first has been a testament to the consistently delicious fare and feel-good vibes one is treated to here. On my initial visits I couldn't help but praise such staples as the ribs, the wings with Alabama white sauce, and the parmesan mashed potatoes. But the menu is one that undergoes continuous creative evolution and I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention other taste-bud favorites among the many outstanding offerings, such as the terrific Free Bird sandwich and any of the uniquely flavorful egg roll offerings (pulled rib mac-n-cheese, smoked buffalo chicken, smoked brisket cheesesteak)...very happy eating indeed!!!

ORIGINAL REVIEW (11/19/2022) : The local dining landscape has just improved by leaps and bounds with the addition of Mostly Smoked to the neighborhood. Everything we ordered had the kind of unmistakable flavorful quality that could only be attributed to the pursuit of smoking/BBQ as a passionate craft. But the ribs, the wings with Alabama white sauce (good heavens!), and the parmesan mashed potatoes deserve special mention. The fine balance between textures, temperatures, seasonings, and sauces gives one the sense that nothing about the dining experience here is left to chance. Indeed, while we were sitting there enjoying the waves of taste bud euphoria, we couldn't help but notice that everything about the place—the warm and friendly staff...the nearby conversations amongst fellow customers about the display of electric guitars (nice touch)...the sound of Stevie Ray Vaughan in the air...the wonderful aroma of whatever BBQ magic was taking place behind the counter—felt like part of a holistic vision that gave this eatery its distinctive vibe. And if you get a chance to chat with the wonderful owner, Rob, it then becomes immediately obvious who the craftsman behind all of this is. Kudos to you sir for giving us a place where we can escape the everyday. If you're a BBQ person, you would be remiss not to check this place out. If you're not a BBQ person, I daresay you may well become one once you visit...

Wow!

I am stoked to announce that I have hands down found my go to barbecue restaurant after all these years of being on this earth.

Let me just start by saying that I have had barbecue in Fort Worth TX, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York City, Jacksonville NC, and all over New Jersey, naturally. This restaurant and caterer is by far the best I have ever had in my life, literally. Also has some amazing menu options which you don’t see at barbecue restaurants.

Let’s start when you walk thru the front door. Upon arriving to the counter, I was greeted by a friendly young lady who is related to the owner. Beyond pleasant, eager to answer questions, and extremely helpful and patient. Hard to find this type front of house help in most restaurants. I asked her if this was a wood fired pit, and she said yes. Upon returning to the dining area, the owner had given me a sample taste of the beans and mash potatoes!! Oh……my…….gosh!!! The beans have smoked brisket ends in them and have a nice light smokey flavor!! Intense!! Mash potatoes were silky and beyond tasty and topped with a few scallions! Utterly amazing!!! I proceeded to place my order which consisted of the two meet platter which came with two sides. I took the Mac & Cheese, and Baked Beans. Mac & Cheese is kid friendly, and delicious!! Cheesy to say the least.

I did not have to wait that long and the food came out nicely plated and hot!! My immediate first impression was, man this is gonna be good!! Portions were spot on and I couldn’t finish it!! Again, very nice size portions. The brisket was intense! Tender, extremely flavorful with a light smoke. You have the option of regular or juicy! Either way is beyond good!!

The ribs!! Oh those ribs!! Hot, beyond flavorful, light smoke with a smoke ring, and a slight bite. No mush here!! Myron Mixon would be so proud!!

Now for the constructive part of the review. I’m thinking the restaurant should be offering merch like T-shirts.

I have to say that this restaurant by far has been the best barbecue experience of my life in New Jersey. The attention to detail, and respect for the customer is bar none the best around. I literally feel I have made a friend with the owner as well! That’s how nice the owner is!!

I will certainly be back next weekend for sure!! Hats off to Mostly Smoked BBQ,...