Inside Jersey City’s McGinley Square, there lies an open-pit BBQ joint that gives a backyard feeling without the mowing or maintenance. Carvao BBQ, located at 686 Bergen Avenue, is more than a typical BBQ joint. The menu has all the traditional favorites, plus a creative streak of Portuguese influence, courtesy of the chef and owner’s background. Between the creative menu and the laid-back vibes, there’s something for everyone at this hidden gem. Read on to learn more about Carvao BBQ located at 686 Bergen Avenue in Jersey City.
About Carvao BBQ
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Since 2015, Carvao BBQ has offered up so much more than drinks and bbq meats. The eatery hosts weekly karaoke nights, Super Bowl parties, Halloween events, and other festivities throughout the year, all in a rustic setting that makes guests feel like they’re far away from Hudson County.
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There are flat-screen TVs, an exposed brick wall, wooden tables and chairs, and cottage-country accouterments that make the entire space feel perfectly cozy. There’s also a patio so guests can experience BBQ dishes as they were originally designed to be enjoyed, in the great outdoors.
The Menu
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On the menu are classic BBQ dishes like chicken, short ribs, and pork ribs, as well as combo options that allow patrons to taste a little bit of everything. Some combo options feature caesar salads, soups, and pitas with tzatziki dip, among other things.
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For vegetarians, there’s a Beyond Beef burger loaded with all the fixings. For those who like to wash down their BBQ with a drink, the eatery offers six packs of beer alongside white and red wines and bottled beer, and a cocktail program known for its absolutely delicious and refreshing margarita.
What sets Carvao apart from other BBQ joints, though, is the infusion of Portuguese cuisine in many of the menu items, including the beef burger, which is made with Portuguese linguica, a pork sausage that’s smoked with garlic, paprika, and red wine. Opt for one of the plates for generous portions of both French fries and yellow rice, a common ingredient in Portuguese cuisine.
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The menu also offers a variety of appetizers and side dishes including wings and quesadillas. Desserts like cakes and cookies are also available, and just as reasonably priced as the entire menu.
Community
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Carvao BBQ is actively involved in the community too and, when the pandemic hit, donated food to first responders and medical professionals across the state.
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Locally owned and operated, Carvao BBQ is a part of a trio of sister restaurants, including ITA Italian Kitchen at 682 Bergen Avenue and Taco Bar at 684 Bergen Avenue all of which are in McGinley Square, in a line on the same side of the street, so events can even cross between the three spaces and cuisines.
Carvao BBQ is open from Tuesday + Wednesday from 4PM to 12AM, Thursdays 4PM – 2AM, and Fridays through Sundays 12PM to 12AM. Its delicious eats are available for dine-in and takeout, as well as on third-party delivery services like UberEats and GrubHub.
