Bonney's BBQ — Restaurant in Metuchen

A lovely addition to Metuchen’s food scene

It was fascinating to see how creative the owners were in blending two different cultures into the food.

Lumpia with curry beef - 5/5: delicious + rich curry flavor. The lumpia itself is not spicy (toddler approved). The pepper jelly that accompanies this dish is unreal- a nice kick of heat with sweetness. It’s so good I wish I could buy a pint of it to go.

Beef pares with rice + pickled cabbage - 4/5: I appreciate the use of smoked brisket chunks for this dish. As a beef dish, it was tasty and very well made. Besides the sprinkling of fried garlic bits on top, nothing else was reminiscent of the beef pares that’s well known in Manila. (In Tagalog, ‘pares’ means the beef dish on rice was paired with something else - traditionally, a soup)

Sorrel + Calamansi drink - 5/5:

Interesting combo, considering they’re both naturally tangy and tart. Somehow they made this combo work. Very refreshing aesthetically pleasing.

Ube sweet corn pudding - 5/5 Must try. Rich, delicious, sweet. The corn part presents itself clearly in the dessert. The $10 pint is great to share with a few other people

Salted eggplant garlic dip - 5/5 On paper, it sounds like a babaghanoush or a hummus-like dip. The garlic chips are light (rice or corn starch puffed chips ? - very Asian). Once you bite into it, you realize the eggplant was charred on the fire , reminiscent of a tortang talong. Amazing.

Overall, a great experience.

I would come back a few times more just to try everything...

Came all the way from Mount Vernon NY where there is no shortage of good Jerk and I am telling you when I say this was worth the 2 hour drive it was absolutely worth the two hour drive (in traffic too). You know it’s good when the titas are there. Damion was the best and the service was amazing! He even gave us free drinks to go after he heard about how far we came just to try their food. That sorrel calamansi was too gooood. Ordered the half & half and the jerk chicken was on point, the pork was tender and the flavor was there!! They use the same cut of pork as Filipino bbq so you definitely get that familiar feeling with the fusion of both cultures. That curry beef lumpia was so good and I’m actually glad that it’s beef because my friend who can’t eat pork gets to finally try some lumpia lol. But that lumpia dipping sauce is insane and highly addictive, warning you in advance. Would gladly drive in that traffic again just to come and eat here. There’s nothing I love more than eating amazing food in a comfortable and cozy environment and with the family pictures on the wall you feel right at home. Looking forward to trying that jerk salmon and curry crab next and hopefully getting lucky and being able to try that adobo oxtail special that I’ve been hearing so much about. Wishing these guys nothing but the best!!! Will definitely...

Truly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time! I’m not from the area, but the moment I walked in, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The owners and staff made me feel right at home — such kind, attentive people who clearly care about every guest that walks through the door.

I ordered the ½ jerk chicken and pork combo, the curry lumpia, and the hibiscus kalamansi juice — every bite and sip was a perfect 10/10. The flavors were rich, balanced, and made with love. Toward the end of my meal, one of the owners even offered me some pickled eggs to try and surprised me with a grape lassi for the ride home (I had been eyeing it earlier!). That small gesture just summed up how thoughtful and generous they are.

The atmosphere was casual yet cozy, filled with comforting energy and great conversation. The music playlist was spot-on — the kind that makes your meal even better and your heart lighter. It’s the kind of place you could bring family or friends, enjoy incredible food, and lose track of time just soaking in the good vibes.

The portions were generous, the prices fair, and the hospitality unmatched. I’ll absolutely be coming back soon to explore more of the menu. If you find yourself anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by — this gem deserves all the...