Route 22 BBQ

10 Reviews
2.50 => 20.00

Phone number: (908) 687-9009

Address: 1607 US Hwy 22 W Union, NJ 07083


Hours of operation

Mon: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Tue: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Wed: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Thu: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Fri: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sat: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sun: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Along the bustling US-22 in Union, New Jersey, Route 22 BBQ stands as a beacon for barbecue enthusiasts seeking authentic, slow-smoked meats and homestyle comfort. This beloved establishment has become a landmark destination where traditional smoking techniques meet modern culinary creativity.

Route 22 BBQ Photos

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About Route 22 BBQ

As a frequent visitor to this smoky paradise, I can attest that their dedication to the craft is evident in every bite. Their custom-built smokers work tirelessly, infusing each cut of meat with the perfect balance of smoke and seasoning. The aroma that greets you at 1607 US-22 West tells you you're in for something special.

The Signature Flavors at Route 22 BBQ Define Excellence

Their brisket has earned legendary status among locals, featuring that coveted pink smoke ring and perfectly rendered fat that melts in your mouth. Each piece is hand-sliced to order, ensuring the optimal texture and temperature. The house-made rubs and sauces complement rather than overwhelm the natural flavors of the meat.

Route 22 BBQ Creates Unforgettable BBQ Experiences

Open seven days a week, with extended hours until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, this barbecue haven caters to both lunch crowds and dinner enthusiasts. The welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even larger celebrations.

The Menu Diversity at Route 22 BBQ Impresses Every Guest

During my visits, I've been consistently amazed by their menu variety. From tender pulled pork to perfectly smoked chicken, each item showcases their smoking expertise. The St. Louis-style ribs, with their perfect bark and gentle pull from the bone, are a must-try for any barbecue enthusiast.

Route 22 BBQ Elevates Classic Side Dishes

The sides here aren't mere afterthoughts – they're carefully crafted companions to the main attractions. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, while the collard greens offer that perfect balance of smoke and tang. Their cornbread, served warm and buttery, perfectly complements any meat selection.

The Hospitality at Route 22 BBQ Makes Everyone Feel at Home

The staff at Route 22 BBQ treats everyone like family, always ready with recommendations or explanations about their smoking process. 

My personal favorites include their burnt ends (when available – they sell out fast!), and their combo platters that let you sample multiple meats in one sitting. The generous portions ensure you'll never leave hungry, and the value for money is exceptional.

Remember to arrive early for popular items like burnt ends and brisket – the best cuts often sell out due to their commitment to smoking fresh batches daily. Your journey to barbecue excellence ends at Route 22 BBQ!

Route 22 BBQ Reviews

Sarah B.
Sarah B.
The food here is absolutely scrumptious and the service is incredibly fast! I love that I can order and have my meal ready in just 5 minutes. It's the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal on-the-go.
Katarina L.
Katarina L.
Who doesn't enjoy a delicious Portuguese BBQ feast? It's a must-try for everyone! My family and I have been indulging in these flavors for as long as I can remember. Recently, instead of cooking, we decided to order a variety of trays from this place for dinner. We opted for the mouthwatering chicken with rice and salad, as well as the flavorful salmon with rice and beans. The chicken was incredibly juicy and tender, bursting with amazing flavors that left me craving for more. The salmon was equally delicious, seasoned to perfection, and even tasted great cold the next day, although it was a tad dry. Nonetheless, everything was scrumptious and definitely worth trying. A little tip for takeout orders - skip the fries as they tend to get cold and soggy quickly. I highly recommend getting extra beans, especially the black beans, as they are simply irresistible. And don't forget to indulge in the fried plantains, they are a must-try! Enjoy every bite of this delectable Portuguese BBQ experience!
Jayne G.
Jayne G.
The staff at this restaurant is incredibly friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. I recently tried the chicken legs, which are not commonly ordered, but they were surprisingly big and very tasty. Even though they only come in a large order, it is definitely worth it! I also highly recommend the chicken garlic, which was amazing. The girl at the front is very nice and welcoming. I have been coming to this restaurant for a year now and have never been disappointed, not even once.
Grace C.
Grace C.
The food here is absolutely amazing, definitely a solid 5 out of 5! The portions are generous, and I highly recommend trying their garlic sauce - it's a game-changer. Not to mention, the prices are very budget-friendly for the quality you're getting. Just remember, this place is strictly for takeout orders, but trust me, it's worth it!
Bob S.
Bob S.
I love this place! The chicken, ribs, and garlic shrimp are all delicious. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. Whenever I'm driving down 22 on my way home, this is my go-to spot. I recommend calling ahead to order because they can get busy and walk-ins might have to wait.
Dai B.
Dai B.
I was thrilled to discover that my go-to Brazilian/Portuguese BBQ spot is now available on Uber Eats! I have been a loyal customer for 20 years and have always left completely satisfied. The food is consistently delicious, fresh, and the portions are generous. While the salad portion seemed smaller than previous orders (now served in a container instead of a tray), the quality is still top-notch and worth every penny. With prices being what they are, we can easily get at least 5 meals out of a $85.04 order, which included a Half Chicken Lunch combo with yellow rice and fries, a whole tray of Beef Ribs with black beans and yellow rice, Garlic Broccoli, Maduros, Salad, extra hot sauce, extra dressing, delivery fees, and a $6 base tip. I prefer to tip cash for those who handle my food with care and respect.
Jillene W.
Jillene W.
I recently tried the ribs and chicken combo from Route 22 BBQ and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! The pork ribs were incredibly tender and flavorful with a perfect char, while the chicken was addictively good. The portion size was generous, with a side of rice and fries that hit the spot. Even when ordering through Uber Eats, everything arrived hot and fresh. I'm already looking forward to coming back for more!
Duane P.
Duane P.
The treatment I received as a Black customer at Route 22 BBQ was incredibly disrespectful and shocking. When I arrived to pick up an UberEats order on 11/6/24 at 2:30 pm, I witnessed two white customers being served in a calm and respectful manner. However, when it was my turn, the man behind the counter began yelling aggressively, demanding that I accept the order immediately. Despite trying to explain UberEats protocol, he continued to raise his voice, causing a scene that even caught the attention of the kitchen staff. The fact that I was treated differently simply because of my race is completely unacceptable. No one should have to endure such humiliation and disrespect, especially while just trying to do their job. It's clear that this establishment lacks basic decency and respect for Black customers and delivery drivers, and I would advise against supporting a business with such unwelcoming behavior.
Robert S.
Robert S.
I stopped by for lunch while in the area and remembered coming here years ago. However, my recent experience was a bit disappointing. The girl at the counter seemed more focused on her phone call than taking my order. After finally placing my order for the half picadinho special priced at 8.99, I was surprised to be charged 11.99 when I paid with my card. When I mentioned the discrepancy, the girl insisted that the price should have been removed from the display. Additionally, I requested beans and rice but received fries instead. Despite the mix-up, the food was delicious, but the overall experience was quite frustrating.
Joe R.
Joe R.
I received my food order from this establishment earlier today and unfortunately, it appeared to be leftover from the previous week. I was very disappointed with the quality and cleanliness of the place. There were visible signs of rodents and filth, which was quite concerning. I would strongly advise avoiding this place if you want to avoid getting sick.

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Phone number: (908) 687-9009

Address: 1607 US Hwy 22 W Union, NJ 07083


Hours of operation

Mon: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Tue: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Wed: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Thu: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Fri: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sat: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sun: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM