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    McWhorter BBQ

    4.2 (255 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    McWhorter BBQ Photos

    MCWHORTER BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - McWhorter BBQ

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    Uzma K.

    This place is so delicious! It smells so good with the grill cooking all the meats. They have amazing prices for the portion of food you get and very fresh! The staff is very kind and accommodating we went for lunch table of 5 and it was readily available. The location of this place is it's only downfall since parking can be rough :/ But overall very good and solid lunch spot!!

    Steak sandwich French Fries Roasted Potatoes
    Micah M.

    Everything I ate was good. The French fries were outstanding. I would choose them over the roasted potatoes. I wouldn't recommend the sausage in wine sauce because it just tasted like sausage sitting in wine...too much wine not enough sauce. The sausage itself was tasty. Be sure to ask exactly what kind of steak you are ordering (sirloin, cheesesteak, flank) so you are not surprised when it arrives. I got a steak sandwich and the roll was a delicious wrapper on the sandwich. I also had the beef ribs, which I highly recommend. The staff was friendly and attentive. My one real complaint is that there is no separation between the grill and the dining area, so it got a little smoky at times. Overall, though, I would recommend this place when in the area.

    Open Pit
    Christopher V.

    McWhorter BBQ is the epitome of simple done right. No 30 ingredient rubs. .. just simple meat, seasoning, and rendered fat sizzling over hot coals to create flavorful smoke. The aroma in this place is intoxicating. Many BBQ spots serve overcooked chicken that's been drying out in a warmer. McWhorter is a busy busy place. This allows them to serve hot juicy chicken from open to close. The beef ribs are solid and while the BBQ sauce isn't necessary. ..but could be better. I spent nearly a year in Newark with this place on heavy rotation for good reason. ..the pork ribs. The pork ribs are definitely the way to go. Cooked relatively quickly, yet somehow tender with perfect char. This isn't low and slow BBQ. Not the fanciest restaurant, but the best places usually aren't. Can't beat these prices either for the quality or quantity. I really wish we had something comparable in Chicago.

    Pappas Fritas y Arroz
    Jordan B.

    My friends and I were looking for a place to grab lunch while staying in Newark. After a quick search on that good good Yelp app, we decided to go to McWhorter's BBQ, a local churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ) in the area; furthermore, we were all very satisfied with our lunch. Unlike most churrascarias, this one doesn't serve their meat rodízio style (all you can eat); however, when you order, your food comes out in huge portions, so it's not a big deal. I got a full order of the pechuga empanizada (breaded chicken breast) and there was so much food, that I had enough for lunch, dinner, and then lunch again the next day. With all that fried chicken, rice, and french fries, it was a good thing I didn't come here on a keto diet, haha, but there is an option to sub out the fries and rice with a soup or side salad, and there are various grilled meats for those who are being more health-conscious, but I digress. Overall, the food was just bomb. There are some things to be aware of when dining here. The dining area is a tight space, it's doable, but I prefer roomier spaces when I'm trying to eat. They're a cash-only establishment so make sure you stop at an ATM before coming here (or pay the fee at the one they have on-site). Last but certainly not least, if you ask for water, they'll bring you bottled water and charge you for it, which is the bane of my existence, because it's not hard to tell patrons that water isn't free when they order it. Other than that though, the service was very friendly, and I recommend McWhorter's BBQ as a pretty decent place to grab lunch in Newark.

    Steak & Eggs (back dish) and Steak with peppers & onions (front dish)
    Megan H.

    Ate here for lunch before a 4pm New Jersey Devils game on a Sunday. Was greeted at the door by the cashier & was immediately seated. The dining area was packed & few people were waiting for pick-up orders- looked like a great sign that the food was fresh. There were a few tables of hockey fans eating before the game, looked like a few tables of people eating after going to church (dressed very nicely) and a few casual diners. ordered: Fried banana for an appetizer Steak with peppers & onions (came with fries & yellow rice) My friend ordered the steak & eggs (came with fries & yellow rice) Huge, delicious portions!

    A large metal tray holds French fries, yellow rice, grilled meat, and cauliflower, served at a casual dining restaurant.
    Sebastian H.

    3.75 I've only had McWhorter a few times even though they are a staple down neck. Ate inside for the first time the other day and decided it was time I leave a review. They get very busy at lunch just so you know. The fact they are always busy with tables and takeout assures you get fresh food. We had the Spanish chorizo appetizer which has a nice taste of the red wine. We also had a chicken and beef rib combo. Fresh and delicious. Their prices have gone up a bit, but they are still reasonably priced compared to some other places. If you are in the area I would highly recommend for a casual lunch. ENJOY!!!

    Outside
    Nephthalie E.

    There are many barbecue options in the Ironbound area and I have been to a few but this has to be one of my favorites now! I ordered the half order of grilled chicken breast with rice and a side salad. When I arrived to order takeout there was a long wait for the people who wanted to dine in but there was also a long wait for people who were getting food to take out. I waited about 15 to 20 minutes for my order but it was well worth it. When I first bit into the chicken it was the juiciest chicken breast I have ever had! They are very generous with their portions and the price of my order was only $7! You cannot beat the price and the quality of food. You can see them cooking the meats in an Open pit, which I love. The staff members are friendly and work quickly so it's best to know what you want to order before you get in there. I can easily see myself being a regular here!

    Platter for two

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    1 year ago

    Food was great. Ordered a few bbq chicken and ribs trays. Lots of food! Everything was good and not over cooked.

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    1 year ago

    Started coming back recently and hands down the best! Not sure what changed but keep it up!!

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    2 years ago

    It's inexpensive & BYOB. Awesome food & good service. Owner is down to earth. What more can you want.

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    5 years ago

    Unfortunately, this place is *Cash Only*, but on the bright side, there is an ATM on premises & the ATM surcharge is just $2.09.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food for a great price. I've been coming here for years. Bets BBQ in NJ!!!!!!!!

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    McWhorter BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - McWhorter BBQ

    How is the food here and what's ur specialty?

    Hello, I personally like the food. The food Is cooked on an open pit. I have eaten their pork ribs, Spanish sausages, yellow with and without garlic sauce, grilled chicken and salad. If you like the outdoors barbecue taste without the work is the… Read more

    Can I bring my own beer/wine?

    Yeah, you can

    I tried to call 5 times to make arrangements for bringing a group of 50 from California and they were rude and hang up the first time and the following times they just pick up and hang up after the 2nd ring. Their loss for being jerks?

    This is a neighborhood restaurant that would have to shut down to accommodate 50 people. Please don't judge them for hanging up on you - they are just slammed busy during lunch and early afternoon. The food is great and sometimes the service might… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I never visited this place but went here for a book club meetup. Nothing fancy at all, definitely…read morebar vibes and it was a Sunday so the sports elevated the volume immensely. Although it was a bit crowded at the bar, service wasn't too bad. However, one of the book club members specifically asked for a drink without alcohol and ended up receiving a frozen lemonade with alcohol. So she left upset. As far as food: super mid. I was actually surprised when I cut into my fried chicken sandwich and it was a bit pink. The chef himself assured me the food was cooked but it just had that color because of the brine. Idk sounds like they should change the brine then. Loaded waffle fries were also kind of gross because there was so much oil. Seems like it's a place locals enjoy, I'm glad I'm not a local.

    Loved this place!…read more Located in what used to be an old train station, this spot is as cool on the outside as it is on the inside. The vibe is fun and family-friendly, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Inside, there are games for kids, making it a great hangout for all ages. I ordered the Pineapple Express cocktail, super tasty and strong! For food, I went with the half order of beef brisket, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The fried chicken was stellar, juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Everything was solid, but that chicken really stood out. It's located in Lackawanna Plaza, which has a trendy, up-and-coming feel with several other eateries to explore. I'll definitely be back to try more from the menu and maybe check out the rest of the plaza while I'm at it!

    The Yard - Newark - Black Joy (Watermelon) Salad

    The Yard - Newark

    (230 reviews)

    $$

    We were looking for a quick dinner before watching a show at the NJPAC and the chef/owner…read moregraciously acquired us a table - by chance! Chef Kai was super welcoming and engaged in convo with us, including with our 8yo daughter - he set the tone for a cozy dining experience that felt like we had entered his home. Everything was fresh, quality, and obviously made with TLC. The dipping sauces were each characteristically delish and I loved that they gave all of them at once so we could try them all. Best ground chicken burger I've had - juicy and worked well with the brioche bun. The oxtail burger was super flavorful and tender. Next time I need to try the shrimp burger. I went with the side of sweet potato tots and oxtail gravy, and it was the best tots I've had especially in the gravy - again, quality and fresh. The pink lemonade was perfection - fresh lemons, real sugar, and not overly sweet at all and check out the container it comes in! Plus lollipops with the check - such a cute added touch. The location is in a park, walking distance from the NJ Pac and train stop. If we had more time (and could take a to go bag with us) we would've absolutely ordered wings and tried another burger - so that'll be for next time! Love having this kind of dining experience in NJ and supporting a community gem like Chef Kai!

    I really wanted to support this restaurant, but unfortunately our experience left us feeling…read moreuncomfortable. When we arrived, the owner/chef told us the wait would be about 10-15 minutes. Shortly after, another couple came in and were told about 20 minutes. We were the only two parties waiting. When a table opened, the waitress began seating us, and the chef stopped her and asked the other (AA) couple if they were there first. He then told the gentleman, "I see you with family, and I'm not trying to start any problems." This was said while we were literally being seated, and nothing was said to us. It put us in an awkward and embarrassing position, as we would never intentionally skip ahead of anyone. As a Hispanic couple, the interaction also left us wondering if we were being treated differently, even if that wasn't the intention. Then the drink order added to the frustration. I ordered a hibiscus lemonade and my boyfriend ordered a regular lemonade. The waitress repeated it back incorrectly as strawberry, and I corrected her. About 10 minutes later she brought a strawberry lemonade anyway. When I said that wasn't what I ordered, the chef took the drink and handed it to the other couple who had just ordered a strawberry lemonade , saying it was freshly made and "they didn't want it." That was uncomfortable because I never ordered strawberry to begin with. Overall, the interaction felt dismissive and awkward. Mistakes happen, but the way this was handled -- especially the comments made -- left us feeling unwelcome. I hope this feedback helps improve communication and customer experience moving forward.

    Kanoon - Medium mixed grill platter served with multiple different sauces on the side, a salad, and rice.

    Kanoon

    (127 reviews)

    $$

    We went to Kanoon for my mom's birthday and we had a wonderful time. They did a little show in the…read morekitchen area which was really fun. The presentation of the food was excellent as well with a smoke show. The food was incredible too. I followed the reviews and got the smoked chicken which was a great choice. We also got the ribs and brisket. I definitely liked the brisket more than the ribs in case you are looking to make a choice. I got their special fries and I absolutely loved them. They were so lemony and garlicky. They have sauces that they serve with the food and some that are on the table as well. I think the sauces are definitely necessary. The meat is delicious but mildly seasoned. I live a bit far and I loved the food so much that I got brisket and smoked chicken to go as well. The brisket makes such an amazing sandwich with some sriracha aioli and cheese. The service was excellent throughout. We were seated immediately and everything was taken care of efficiently.

    We have been dying to make it here and so glad we did finally! There is a small parking lot to the…read moreside of the restaurant otherwise it's street parking (all free parking). We arrived on a Saturday the place was absolutely packed but we were seated within about 5 minutes. We were seated right near the smokers and it was so cool to watch them prepare each dish. The presentation here is phenomenal as is the quality of all the meat here. A fresh salad with oil was brought complimentary to the table and it was delicious. We ordered the Buffalo smoked chicken wings and Baba-Ghanoj for appetizers. The chicken wings were so tender that as you picked them up the meat literally fell off the bone! The sauce was subtle but had a nice Buffalo kick at the end. The baba-ghanoj was served cold and was perfect with a little sprinkle of salt. The fresh pitas paired perfectly with it. I'm glad I did my research on this spot as everyone recommended the fresh mint lemonade. Wow amazing and refreshing I love that it came out as a slushy like consistency. I could easily drink them all day and they're probably amazing to eat outside in the warmer months and enjoy. We each ordered the meat platters in 1lb portions which are served with fresh smoked rice that is so good and filling. I wanted the beef shank but sadly they were out and ordered the smoked beef short rib. They served everything on a platter for us which the presentation I must say is outstanding . My boyfriend ordered the smoked brisket and it was so tender and flavorful he kept saying "it's terrible you won't like it because he didn't want to share it at all LOL". We had no room for dessert but I cannot wait to return for our next dinner date night! I would definitely give it 4/5 stars. Nothing was terrible the only complaints I had is once we were seated and our order was taken our server asked if we want appetizers first which we said yes and everything came out at once. Which is fine not terrible just our table was packed and hard to eat. Additionally once our food came out it was hard to get anyone's attention for more drinks but it was no too much of an issue that it ruined the night as they were definitely way too busy and seemed to be short staffed. I definitely want to return and check out the rest of their menu. I highly recommend making the trip to Kanoon!

    McWhorter BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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