If Starlight came here, it'd be Furry St Barbecue.
Tip: Chicken w/Fries n Rice, or Ribs.
How to improve: Fix the service issues, customers should be treated with respect and appreciation.
Dear other reviewers: For anyone that says "this isn't real BBQ", please understand it's *Portuguese BBQ*. It's not supposed to be like American food. It's authentic Portuguese (similar to Brazilian). It's not supposed to be slathered in sugary red sauce. That wouldn't be "real" Portuguese/Brazilian food. It's fire-broiled in salt. That's how it's done in these countries. Now that we've cleared that up.
I'm Ferry Ferry disappointed with the service here. It has ranged from gruff-but-friendly (the owner, I think), to cold and mechanical (generally), to absolutely out of line. Which is when a heavy-set woman literally snatched money out of my hand, threw change down on the counter, and said very derogatory things about me in Portuguese (I speak a little from my time in both Portugal and Braseeeel). The worst part came when I remembered it was chilly outside and I didn't want to eat my to go food in the car, which was parked 5 minutes away, by which time the food would have cooled down. So I asked her if it was okay to sit and eat the food in house.
"No" she barked. "You say to go, I make it to go, you go." I said, I'd tip the waitresses and everything, but I'd changed my mind. "No, sorry. You have to take it out of here." I'm not sure if this is a policy or if she was just the meanest server in Newark (and there are plenty of others) (probably both), but it's the kind of customer service nightmare that Yelp was made for.
She needs some ferry dust sprinkled on her.
Still, I can't give them less than 5 stars, because Ferry St BBQ is - despite those awful issues - one of the best, and best-value, meals in New Jersey. Perhaps the best Portuguese rotisserie chicken in the US. Right up there with the amazing stuff I had in Montreal. This is the reason why sometimes the lines here will be out the door. And speaking of long lines, waiting in Ferry St traffic (and Ironbound traffic in general) to get here in the evenings is going to give you a headache. But not as much as that thing you did with your boyfriend last night, did.
What to get: 1/4 portion chicken with rice and fries.
What else: 1/4 portion of my heart. The other three quarters belong to others.
Anything else: I thought that woman was going to hang, draw, and 1/4 me.
What else: A girl stole my chicken, but we ran after her and we 1/4.
And: Well you're supposed to be in court, so are you going to 1/4 what?
What will you wear: Maybe some denim or some 1/4roy.
And what about the crime scene: Oh it's been 1/4ned off.
And where is the next World Cup: 2018 is in Russia, and then 2022 is in 1/4.
For way under $10 you get what feels like the grandaddy of chickens (not that it tastes old, it's just huge), along with a mountain of yummy yellow rice and surprisingly excellent french fries. The only problem is, the meal is a bit dry. They should have a range of awesome sauces (such as awesomesauce), like the Argentinians, Puerto Ricans, and all the other "ans" seem to. But in Portugal you tend not to do it that way. Frangu, it's called over there. And Frangu, my dear, I don't give a damn. It's so good I don't care about the sauce.
And if you invent electricity while eating here, it's Faraday St BBQ.
The chicken itself is extremely salty, but that's how the Ports and the Brazzers do it. And I happen to love salt, and it happens to make this amazing tender dreamy chicken ever bettererer. Ferry St BBQ is a place I'd take people - despite the heinous attitudes I've dealt with. It's a place I'd detour to Newark for (along with the Portuguese Custard Tarts aka Pasteis De Nata from Teixeira Bakery). If you're not in the mood for chicken, or FSBBQ is closed, then try Altas Horas nearby, a 24 hour Brazilian diner with some great X-Tudos and drinks.
And if you're looking for a super cute little toy, then go to Furbie St BBQ instead.
I've also tried the ribs, because one of the girls I brought here (who adored the chicken) is a rib fanatic. They're extremely good! Not on the level of the best ribs of Memphis or Houston, but extremely good nevertheless. Well worth a try. Scrumptious and affordable!
And if J-Woww leaves Jersey Shore, and comes here, then it's Farley St BBQ.
So in summary (and in wintery too): One of the best places to eat in the state, and perhaps the country - and some of the worst customer service I've ever dealt with. But they can yell at me all they want, and kick me out of their place time and again... as long as they keep making chicken this damn good.
And if the meal makes us a little randy, then it's Foreplay St BBQ. read more