Surf BBQ
| Address: | 132 E River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760, USA |
| Phone: | +1 732-530-6590 |
| Site: | surfbbq.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 12–11PM 12–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
RA
Rachel Vidal
My family and I had a dual kids party at sea bright beach yesterday. We were all drained from the sun, and my cousin Albert (master foodie of the fam) said this was on his radar for awhile. We all decided to give it a shot. When you first walk in the place is super cozy, had some awesome different woods as interior design pieces. The process of ordering was super simple, and the staff was more than happy to answer any questions about the food. I ended up ordering the spare rib, as the rest of my family ordered..well everything else on the menu. We picked and prodded at each others food, and it was a unaminous decision: this place was the BOMB. Each dish was made with the utmost time, love, and care; this showed vibrantly in all their food. To make this bomb experience, even more explosive.. The head chef decided to give us three dishes on the house. Each more amazing than the next: smoked pastrami (cooked for either 14 hours), fish tacos, and the oaxctl chicken (w. green sauce and onions). When the chef brought each one out, i suppose he didnt anticipate our 16 person party to erupt with joy. Were clearly grateful for any amazing food that we can get our hands on, but this was the nicest thing any place has ever done for us. It was seriously happy tear inducing, this food was so good. SO GOOD. YOU GUYS, are the best.
RY
Ryan Helbig
This place had a lot of potential. A BBQ place with collards, thick cut belly bacon, and Mac n cheese as possible sides... What could go wrong? Well, a lot sadly. The "Mac n cheese" is literally just buttered noodles with a cheese sauce that is better served as cheese fries topping(its on the menu so I assume they use them for both) The brisket was cut too thick, possibly to hide that it was slightly overdone. Nothing major and most wont notice, but a KCBS judge would. It was about 50% fat on both the point and flat cuts. Usually you trim off a bit, but to each his own. Speaking of brisket, the ribs were seasoned nearly as heavily as the brisket, which is a big BBQ no no... Rubs cant handle the amount of rub a big cut like brisket or pork butt/shoulder can. The beans are pretty good, the collards were actually on point, but this didnt make up for the Mac n cheese, ribs, and the overly fatty brisket. To the owner: if you can rework your rib rub, make an actual sauce from a nice roux and mixing it in with the Mac, and have better quality control at the meat station this place will be more than just your average meh NJ BBQ joint. I was REALLY excited to see your menu and left wanting to see the better execution.
TE
Ted Devin
Get there early as they run out of the prime selections later in the evenings and when it is gone it is gone. The pulled pork and cornbread was good and even though the atmosphere follows a proper BBQ joint from the south I would take points off for the seating. Maybe it is just me but we have more winter than summer and indoor picnic tables make this a rare visit vs a regular haunt. Maybe next time they will not be out of brisket by 7:30pm and we can have some brisket to try. One last note, the service is a bit confusing. First you get in line for the meats to place your order and pay there. Some of it is given to you right away the rest is brought to the table. Drinks are done separately with another bill. The service was great but the two bills is confusing. Still all in all a nice place and good food. I will hold judgement on the overall BBQ experience until we have sampled all the cuts but for a northern BBQ place I will eat there again.
SP
spmpop75
Ate here tonight around 9.Great atmosphere and good place to drink with some nice out of the ordinary house cocktails. The desserts were pretty good, banana pudding and key lime had great authentic flavors. Corn bread was good, hush puppies acceptable, collard greens nothing but salt. The BBQ is very sub par. Brisket is not trimmed, not cooked long enough at the correct temp, no smoke ring. The bark although looks good is mush, not crispy, fat through out each cut, not rendered, no meaty texture or chew. There is no hardwood smoking going on here or patience, just kitchen shortcuts and it shows in the product. Pulled pork was just a lump of fatty stringy fatty mess. Please Surf BBQ get better fast, maybe visit the Rendezvous in Memphis? We are pulling for you (no pun intended).
BI
Bigs Daddsy
Fake BBQ, They use a gas rotisserie, (research on google) not full wood. Wood burning for a hint of flavor but does not do. Same guy owns overpriced pizza place undici11? and another over priced place in red bank. Do not waste your money here, overpriced fake BS. Real shame. Was hoping for a new and real local bar and grill at this location after the dismal attempt from the last owners. Will just have to wait for a real place, as I do not give the surf bbq a long existence. please heed my warning, and save your money.
BA
Barbara radest pertchik
We went to Surf Bbq with great expectations. We love barbecue. We ordered chicken, ribs and brisket. The meats had no taste. Absolutely none! The green sauce on the chicken had a Mexican flair -not American barbecue. The 2 different Cole slaws were equally tasteless. The beans - so so. It cost us 59.00 plus tip. It was not worth $10.00. What a disappointment!! For sure, we will never go back and will advise others of our experience. By the way, I have never written a negative review before this.
DI
Dillon Wu
Great BBQ place in Rumson, NJ. Good for families. Food is excellently prepared. Beers and cocktails for all tastes. Wouldve given five stars but for the false advertising on a couple of items. The Italian sausage was more Polish than Italian and the Vietnamese hot wings were plain old Texas BBQ (not that theres anything wrong with it). Also, no dessert on the menu.
SE
sean crifasi
The food is so excellently and carefully cooked Im anxious to go back very soon. I was told by a friend the meat is even marinated for 48 hours before smoking! The pulled pork sandwich is absolutely amazing but the Mac and cheese was also dangerously good. Great cocktails are available as well and well made.
PA
Pamela Miller
We just recently discovered Surf BBQ about two months ago and have been back four times!! It is by far the best weve ever had!! The food is fabulous as well as the drinks! We took our friends there and when our kids found out we went without them they were really jealous!! Definitely one of our favorites!
RA
Rachel Posavetz
Great food, great service! Best BBQ pulled chicken Ive ever had and tasty sea salt french fries! I appreciated that their outdoor seating was dog friendly. Less than 10 min drive from the beach. Would have given 5 stars if their sides were as good as their entrees.
TO
Tom Fahey
Frequent guest at Surf. Draft beer selection never disappoints and has something for everyone!! Food is amazing and since we go often can say is consistently good, from salad to chicken to b-que to amazing burgers. Such a treat to have a place like this so close.
TI
Tim Keegan
Ive been all over the state of NJ looking for good barbecue. Now the best is only 10 minutes from my house. The Pastrami Short Rib and brisket are both must haves. Slow smoked and delicious. And I know its only a side, but THE BEST collard greens Ive ever had.
