Borderline one-star rating. We tried a variety of menu options, but the ribs were really the only item that was noteworthy and worth ordering again. Service was excessively slow, a huge factor when dining with kids. People were friendly, but meal missed the mark.
The chicken wings are fantastic... A must try.
Best BBQ in NJ. The sweet and spicy wings were some of the best I've ever had. The new location is awesome and a lot bigger. It was nice to see the owner walking around talking to the tables, taking pride in his establishment. They also have a great craft beer selection. A+ I will be back again and again.
Bacon wrapped smoked burnt ends was a good appetizer. Why an Outback Bloomin' Onion style dipping sauce? No need for that.
It went downhill quickly. The brisket was the worst piece of beef I've ever had. The pulled pork was watery. Even the ribs -- the other side of the burnt ends -- was disappointing.
The beer was good, but if you like Bar-B-Que go elsewhere.
Hot Rods has a fun flavorful menu but more importantly a very good selection of beers and wines. Sometimes it can get a bit crowded, but the servers have always been excellent in my visits. They're attentive and courteous. I know it's a little much to ask of a BBQ place, but I'd like to see more veggie options on the menu. The side and some main vegetable dishes I've had have been amazing, so I'd like to see more of those featured. One of my favorite local spots for sure.
We have been wanting to go to Hot Rods for some time, but finally made it over the Christmas break. Let me start with the wings, they do a special process which makes them come out with a great amount of smokey goodness without being too much. The signature sauce was great although the spicy version was fairly mild. Had naked sandwich so I could taste the pulled pork by itself. It was top notch and my wife had the Brisket dip which was also awesome.
The restaurant itself is in tough shape. We ate at the bar and every stool had a bunch of Duct tape on them to attempt to mend ripped stools. I understand they are moving soon, so that could be the reason they are letting this happen. Bartender, (Kelly) was excellent and kept up with everybodys' needs in a timely fashion. Can't wait to see the new location just down the road!!
This place has good food pretty consistently. Occasionally the chicken or pulled pork is a little too dry for my taste, but overall it's worth going back time and again when we want something less typical. The beer list doesn't change often enough and the tap selection could be improved but these are minor complaints. Servers are friendly and helpful, though the restaurant pushes their "rewards club" a little too hard for the little value it provides. Oh well, another minor complaint.
One of the better BBQ places we have been to . Great appetizers and a varied menu. Great beer list.
We thought this was a great find with all the positive ratings however it was really bad, bad food bad service. Really don't waste your money on this poor excuse of a restaurant.
If there's better BBQ around, I haven't found it yet. The tap beer selection could be slightly more inspired sometimes, but they make up for it with bottle variety.
Great Bbq and they have great specials. Really enjoyed the sliders combo which gives you a taste of everything - love the french fries and peanut butter pie!!!
Amazing beer list, and selected craft beers are only $/bottle on Friday nights! Appetizer wings were big and flavorful. Entrees were OK. I think we caught them on an 'off' night - brisket was a bit tough and dry (and not very hot), and the pulled pork was a bit dry. Not the best BBQ place I've been to, but certainly not the worst either. Desserts were great. Service was really friendly and helpful.
This restaurant provided hands down the best service that I've ever had in NJ and easily the best BBQ as well. I can't recommend Hot Rod's enough.
If you like BBQ then you have to go here. The Ribs are fantastic, They have pulled pork chicken brisket a little of everything and when they have specials come early they sell out quick.
Try the BBQ clams if they have them or the smoked turkey sandwiches. they also have a really good beer list. On Friday they have $4 craft beer night. See the website for more. Its worth the trip.
No better BBQ around! Love coming to Hot Rods and always looking forward to my next visit. I had the ribs this time and they were spectacular! Loved the Bourbon BBQ sauce. Don't miss the wings when you come. They also have a great craft beer list and specials on beer. Get the bucket and share with your friends!
Great BBQ. Both St. Louis and baby backs. Try the burnt tip Caesar salad!
I drove 45 minutes to taste the food and was not disappointed. We had the ribs, chicken and bucket sampler. Everything was great. I highly recommend this restaurant .
This was our first visit and it won't be our last. My husband, who is a very picky eater wasn't sure he was going to like it. Well, he ate his food and picked on mine as well. On our way out he asked when were were going back!
From the time we arrived to the time we left we felt right at home. We were great by a friendly hostess who asked us our preference on where we wanted to sit. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and explained the items on the menu very well. The food came out in a timely manner and we never felt rushed. Everything we ordered was excellent. We could tell by the way the other dinner were interacting with the staff that many were frequent visitors. Soon we will be too.
Had the burnt ends appy this time - weren't burnt but they were delicious, wrapped in bacon too; not as much a fan of the pulled pork egg rolls as everyone else, but everything else was top shelf; i could eat 4 dozen of the bbq clams; so many menu choices - 3rd visit won't be long now.
Just a good food place, not outstanding.
Ribs the best of the tot; pulled pork and brisket just fair.
Disappointed.
This was my 3rd time coming here, and it has always been a pleasurable dining experience. Food and service are always great. Mike, who I believe is the manager, is really a nice and funny guy and he does make for a great dining experience. I recommend their signature wings, ribs and nachos.
I had been looking for a good BBQ place in NJ for a long time. I finally found a place that will satisfy my craving for great BBQ. Since I found this place a week ago, I have been there twice. I will continue to return. :)
Rods serves some of the best BBQ I've ever had, including the places I've visited in the Carolinas, Georgia and Texas.
Their Sunday drink and food specials are great. 10 of the best wings I've ever had (big, moist, numerous sauces) for $5!
It looks like a little bar from the street, but it's so much more when you get inside.
If you like BBQ this is the place you want to go to.
Food was delicious...my son had the ribs which he said were as good as the ones he had at a bbq place in the mid-west. My husband had the brisket and I had the chicken... and all were terrific! The maple butter for the cornbread and hush puppies was a real treat! It was also fun to try the specialty beers. We want to go back soon with friends and family for a fun evening!
Although our table was ready a half-hour after our reserved time, the wait with one of their signature margaritas was worth it. The aroma of the outdoor cooking process was pleasant. The cornbread and hush puppies with the maple butter were a hit. Two combos of ribs and darkened chicken were ordered; one with Baby Back Ribs and the other with St. Louis style ribs. Both were pleased with their selections. I went with the pulled pork which was very tasty and tender. I also enjoyed the tangy cole slaw. We would definately return again to enjoy authentic Yankee BBQ!