Forget everything you thought you knew about comfort food. From the second you step into Pit Stop Barbecue and Restaurant on Central Ave., you're not just in a restaurant--you're transported. The first thing that hits you is the smell, and it is absolutely sensational. It's an intoxicating, soul-stirring aroma of smoke and spice that pours from the heart of the kitchen: massive, glorious brick ovens that burst with more personality and character than most entire city blocks. You aren't even at the counter yet, and your stomach is already shouting with joy. This is the immediate, irresistible promise of authentic, slow-cooked perfection. And the warmth doesn't just come from the ovens. The entire place radiates a comforting, familial energy. The chefs greet you with a warmth that makes you feel less like a customer and more like a cousin who just stopped by for Sunday dinner. This is the very essence of what makes a true Jamaican spot so special--it's all heart. I ordered the jerk chicken, and let me be perfectly clear: it was a masterpiece. This wasn't just chicken; it was a flawless symphony of spices and blends that tasted exactly, precisely, as it's supposed to. It was smoky, fiery, and deeply savory, with that perfect, addictive kick that makes you want more before you've even finished your bite. But the main course is only part of the story. The mac and cheese was a golden, creamy dream that tasted exactly like my own family made it--if my family were award-winning chefs. It was the definition of "food for the soul." To top it all off, the chicken patty was a flaky, savory crown on an already perfect meal, and the entire feast was washed down with the best, most vibrant mango beverage I've ever had. Pit Stop isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a 10/10 knockout of character, comfort, and explosive flavor. Do not walk. Run. read more

See all

During my visit, I experience good customer service; an employee is kind. For the most part, I opt for Vegan options, though go for a tasty high protein bite due to not packing a lunch. The Jerk Chicken is good; the flavor of the seasoning is very present on the skin of the meat, though the order doesn't come with sauce on the side (like I request over the phone) in the bag. The inner portion of the meat is tender though not as juicy as the bone, marrow (which is full plenty with a very very subtle flavor), or skin (which is of a drier spice variety). So, I think having the sauce might add way more to the flavor dynamics of the meatier portion of the meal than its other parts. The Beef Patty is decent; the crust carries a flavor of a brothy-vegetable seasoning flavoring (which may be coming away from the meat) well though the Beef Patty (after the Jerk Chicken) offers a subtle flavor and seems more crust than patty. The establishment has seating for about two and a bit of standing room. The eatery accepts different forms of payment. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Jerk Chicken and Beef Patty - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

Food: The food was okay overall. It was good at first, but my experience changed when I noticed a dead roach on the wall. Service: The service was disappointing. When I walked in, my order was not taken right away, and someone who came in after me had their order taken first. It seemed like preference was given, which didn't feel fair or welcoming. Ambience: The ambience was fine initially, but seeing a dead roach on the wall--and noticing that it was not cleaned up after being killed--was very off-putting and negatively affected the experience. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

I might tell you a joke, but I'll never tell you a lie. This was my first time coming to this restaurant. And it probably will be my last as per usual with the Jamaican restaurants no one is ever really friendly. But you look past that, especially if they have good food. In this particular instance, the food was subpar. I ordered a large jerk chicken with the sauce on the side and a curry goat roti. As soon as I got my order, I opened it up in my car and the chicken was so cold. It's frustrating when you're paying good money for food that doesn't seem to be fresh. I haven't tried the curry dish because it's for my husband, but I don't think I'll be back. The only redeeming factor is that even though the chicken was cold, the chicken did seem like it had good seasoning so that was a positive thing. read more

I've been eating at Pit Stop for years and it still hits the spot every time. They are right on Central Ave in a little shop. There's no seating inside and there's poster boards with the menu and prices on the walls. The customer service at Pit Stop is like any other Caribbean spot that you go to. You can get a full dinner + leftovers for a little over $20. We always enjoy the oxtails, patties, curry chicken with rice and peas + cabbage. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

what can I say this legacy continues to get better & better with every visit. I've been coming here for over 20 years and never never had any faults in the quality of food. Love it love it love it the best authentic Jamaican food I've ever had in my life, coastal coast. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Good meals and my favorite people make me smile - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

whatever you order is already on the stove. It's like walking into your Mother's kitchen when she's cooking your favorite meal! The best mac n cheese I've ever had. Healthy cabbage and choices of meats. The secrets in the sauce. read more

Finger licking Good food this place has been in the community for decades. Definitely gets you that home cooking feeling. read more

See all

The jerk chicken was cold and not as spicy as i would expect. Most of the food was cold and needed to be reheated when I got home.

Food is good just need plantain they never have any use to have plenty I don't know why they don't order them anymore. Staff is very friendly read more

The oxtails was nothing but fat and bones, when I called to inform them that there was no meat on the oxtails. They said that's how it comes I will not be purchasing any oxtails from this establishment in the near future. read more

It had been a while since I came through, it's pretty much just as i had remembered it. I moved and I'm not in the area much anymore. Maybe I came at good times, but I've never had a rude experience. Maybe a little curt or brief when they were busy line out the door on a hot humid summer evening. But never out right rude and usually polite. I don't talk or look like them at all and try to be very polite myself. It's not a Michelin star restaurant. It's a hole in the wall Haitian BBQ with protector glass on the border of East Orange. The price and portion is good. I got a "large" BBQ jerk chicken lunch box with 2 sides for only $13!!! If you can imagine it, the price and portion size used to be even better. But they've weathered inflation best they can. A lot better than the vast majority of places I've been. And the food is good too. Really wish I it was closer. All the BBQ by me is over priced and over hyped. A place that did match the extra hype and price moved too far for me. Red White and Q if you're even in Middlesex. But if you're ever in Orange make a Pit Stop. read more

I love this place. Love it!! Don't be intimidated by the staff. It's hot in there and they are probably exhausted. They work hard!!! Just be patient and speak up. Promise you they want you there. And the food?!?? Best jerk pork in the tri-state!! Ask for extra sauce on top. And I looooove the mac & cheese and cabbage. Patties and soup next trip & the stew chicken. Show these folks (& their customers) some love!! It's always crowded, which tells you it's worth the wait. Great experience!! I'll be back. read more

See all

Food is great. Anything Jerk, oxtail are all yummy, well seasoned and cooked the Jamaican way

This place is amazing! I wish my wife and I were in town longer. We would stop in here twice a day. The stew chicken is cooked to perfection. The beef patties are the best I've had in decades! It reminds me of being back in Jamaica! read more

Delicious food. I saw some comments about the people working there, but everyone was really nice when we went. I just wish that they put a little bit more sauce on my food because that sauce is so good! They should bottle it and sell it at the supermarket. read more

The food is good. I especially enjoyed the rice. My spouse said jerk chicken was very good. Curry chicken was okay. It's a takeout and the smell of the grill is everywhere. The customer service is fine. They were polite. I recommend. read more

GREAT FOOD! Cant front. They take card which is good but the customer service needs improvement. I had called in to order & when I got there my food wasnt ready. I came in 1 hr later only to see that my plate wasnt even prepared. I had to wait for them to make my plate after calling a whole hour ago?? I should be in & out when I get there not waiting another 20 minutes. If it wasnt for that I would give the food 5 stars but your customer service is just as important, Jamaican spot or nor read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Jerk Chicken Mac & Cabbage. Yumm! - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

Their curry goat and jerk pork are so good. The goat taste fresh, and the jerk sauce with the pork is good. I don't really like to eat pork but theirs is very good. Their prices have gone up but I don't mind where it's at currently. read more

Hey Mon! What's better than good Jamaican food? Not much! Don't come here expecting a nice restaurant because you won't find it! Want to sit down at a table and eat? You can't do it here! Love great customer service?! Well, you won't find that here either! But what you WILL find is some of the best darn oxtail around! Listen up, this place is worse than a hole in the wall. Everything there is an eyesore...EVERYTHING! But cover your eyes like the lady from Bird Box and order your food and run out! You won't be disappointed and your taste buds will thank you! Here are some deets: The restaurant is take out only! There's street parking which can be a challenge because it's located on a main road. You can easily pass this restaurant because it's so small (it's right across the street from Orange Park FYI.) They have all of the Jamaican favorites- oxtail, jerk chicken, curry goat- just to name a few! Everything I ordered during my visit was seasoned to perfection and reasonably priced. They also offer a few desserts but I didn't partake. Again, the location and condition of this restaurant is nothing to write home about! But the food here is everything to write home about and so much MORE! *they take cash and all major credit cards! read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Small order of oxtail, Mac & cheese and peas & rice - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

Smiles or no smiles, the jerk is damned good and that can not be denied! Jerk pork and Jerk chicken always on point and that's all that matters. They are a bit more friendly now though. So, that's improvement enough. read more

Food is great! The service is good as well. Nice little restaurant no seating. I recommend the jerk chicken or the jerk pork . The sauce for those two dishes is delicious. read more

today I was very disappointed in my stew peas. I called from 11am this morning and ordered 4 because they go vey fast and when I got there at 1pm it was not ready! That's when they shared it and you can tell I got what's left . I was very upset and so were my coworkers. There was non and hardly any pigtail. I told the cashier before I left when I opened and looked which is the reason I called And ordered. Other peoples food was shared And not mines. I called at five twenty eight this afternoon and I spoke to 1 of the employees who was a male Ask him to speak with the owner and he told me if I didn't Like the food to bring it back Or call back at seven pm To speak with the owner. I called back at eight thirty I was treated Poorly and Was told that The owner did not want to speak to me.I should bring the Food back if I don't like it. I am very upset with the way I was spoke to on the phone. read more

This is a very authentic Caribbean food spot in the area. There are bunch of places to choose from on central ave (especially Caribbean food) but what gets me coming back every time is the JERK PORK! And sometimes they have festival! (Win win ) Another bonus is that every time I go they never say "I'm out of this or that.." ! Like others mentioned it's a hole in the wall. And common to hole n the the walls they usually produce the best food lol A lot of people ordered the soup when I went last might have to try it next time... read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Jerk potk - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

When The bbq tongs reach out and touch the hem of Jesus' cloth you end up with the jerk pork here at the Pit Stop (((praises up))). Now before I go in- this is a straight up hole in the wall mom-N-pops spot. Do not go in there looking for anything close to fancy- it's not a date spot. The prices are between 8 and 14 dollars depending on what you are going to get. I got the curry chicken, rice and peas and cabbage. The food was flavorful, chicken was not dry, and they did not steam the life out of the cabbage (more praises). The staff was friendly but if you're looking for red carpet treatment you may be disappointed lol. But lemme tell you about this jerk pork that just melts on the carving board! Before it enters your mouth you can smell the Smokey goodness and you just enjoy the flavor. I opted not to get the sauce and to be frank, I didn't need it. Can you tell I'll be back?! Give it a chance if you are in the area. It looks intimidating if you are not accustomed to the neighborhood but you will be fine and it's complete worth the trip:-) read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - What's left of the jerk pork... omggggg!! - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

The jerk chicken and the stew chicken are my favs and they are simply amazing. I read review on this establishment and I made a b line to find out what all the fuss was about. It's true their food is the business. read more

Let me start by saying I finally found my chicken Patty spot. My greedy azz brought 3 and lawd have mercy!! read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Chicken Patty - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

See all

This place is definitely a hole on the wall! But it turns out some good food. It may take a minute to get your food but chances are you will be happy. We tried: Jerk pork Jerk chicken Both were very good. However am not a fan of the mustard based jerk sauce. You may want to get that on the side. read more

DO NOT!!!!! I repeat: DO NOT SLEEP THIS PLACE YALL!!!!! Oh.My.God. Did I have a truly spiritual culinary experience from this place! Came here on a whim. I live a few blocks from this place and always hesitant to go in, dive-y and Kinda sketchy and hood up around this piece but "I ain't fraid of no ghosts!" But all I ordered was JERK PORK, no sides, no rice, no cabbage, no macaroni...JUST PORK, and man oh man was I more than satisfied.! The pork was so tender and succulent and cooked perfectly! Perfectly seasoned perfectly charred. Oooooh and THAT SAUCE! I just needed some hardough bread to sop all that up! Decent prices, service was ok, I wasn't greeted w the rude everyone is talking bout. But DEF a rotational spot! And idc if I don't try other things, THAT PORK can stand alone in its fabulosity! read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Juicy Jerk Pork! - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

i love this place... i love their oxtail!! jerk pork!! jerk chicken is good also!! remember to ask for their sauce (if you like it all over your meat!!!) you can also ask to put on the side, but i think it's better to be all over!! if you want a little kick, ask for the onion/pepper... it add a little kick to it... it's so good... :) it is a very small place on the street, so if you don't pay attention, you will miss it, but with the price you pay, and the food you get, it's worth every penny of it... :) read more

The food is good. They always run out of jerk pork early. The Custormer service not good .They give you a nasty attitude, if you don't sound like them, ridiculous. Need to be professional towards all people. read more

I went there to get their Cow Foot Soup, they only sell it on Wednesdays. As you can see it was missing the Cow Foot and the dumplings that make it so good. I called ahead to make sure everything was in the soup. I had been there and bought the Soup two other times and it didn't have much Cow Foot, so I wanted to make sure they put enough in this time. We'll, there was literally one very small piece of Cow Foot, I got broth Soup. The woman who sold me the broth was very, very, nasty. The woman tried to give me my broth without a bag, while she gave the gentleman in front of me a bag. I literally could not hold the container because it was too hot. When, I asked for a bag, she went off on me, telling me that she has to buy her bags from Dollar Tree. Ok, add the cost of the bag in the price, the customer would be none the wiser. I understand that they are not allowed to provide plastic bags in NJ anymore BUT we are talking about a restaurant with hot food, can we say law suit if someone gets burnt from their food provide cloth bags add tothe priceof the food. That being said, their food is usually not hot but they had just finished making the soup. When, I got home and saw my broth, I called back and the woman told me that they didn't put much Cow Foot in the soup and they had to make sure that everyone got some, WTH. She also got smart and said that, "ok we will give you all the Cow Foot, no one else needs any." I don't want all, I want some, and what I paid for. This was my go to restaurant, NEVER AGAIN. Beware they have roaches. As I left I saw a Roach, so I wasn't going to eat that nasty broth away. read more

There food is good. Unfortunately like many jamaican places their prices are goung up. While haitian food is still $9. Greed. I stoppef coming here because some employees are rude and stingy as mentioned in my tip. That created a lasting negative effect on me. How can you be so mean to your customers ... the people that pay ur bills. Ill continue to take my money elsewhere unless im hungry with no transportation to go elsewhere. Bottom line jerk chicken n a lot of other items us great. But dont expect a smile and stellar service from all employees. Just great food. Bad service. read more

I come here at least once a week for the jerk pork. The prices are reasonable and the potions are large. Coming from someone who travels in the Caribbean I always come home and have this jerk pork. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Jerk Pork is always on point - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

ZERO STARTS! Entire staff is RUDE. Completely ignored me ordering and kept taking the orders of the people BEHIND ME! & When I tried ordering she started cursing me out and calling me all types of rude names in patois not knowing I could understand every last word she said! DO NOT COME HERE. Very unprofessional, i've never experienced something like this before. EVER. read more

The chicken is good. Do NOT get the jerk sauce! All jerk sauce is not made the same. I made the mistake of telling them to put it on the chicken, got home, tasted it and trashed the whole thing. I'm not sure what is in the sauce but it tasted so bad I wanted to drop kick a baby turtle. The only thing I come for is the chicken. I'm kind of wary about trying other food especially considering the area is probably not the cleanest. The chicken comes straight from the pit so I can deal with that. read more

I live about 15 minutes away from this place and the drive is worth it ... Been eating here for years it's a tiny take out restaurant.... No tables/ seats in there .... I would give it 5 stars but I won't because the owner who also takes the order is a tad rude , he never smiles or greets the customers even when Hello comes out of my mouth , he just stares and doesn't say hi back (odd) he's lucky his wife I'm guess is the cook, Cooks DELICIOUS or else I would take my money elsewhere.. I usually order the jerk chicken or oxtails with rice and peas , Mac n cheese, and the cabbage... I've never been disappointed the food always taste fresh and although the restaurant itself is kind of scary is clean... I want to add that being that I live 15 minutes away and live literally 5 minutes away from 3 Jamaican restaurants (Dev's, Tropics, and taste it again)I don't like the customer service here but the food here is way better than those 3 restaurants and for $14 u could feed a family of 3 unlike all the Jamaican restaurants in Bloomfield. Just wished the owner would smile so 4 could be a 5. read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - 1 lb of oxtails, rice n peas, mac n cheese and cabbage $14 - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey

Awesome food! Great price! To those complaining about customer service, the place still has protective glass up around the counter... pretty sure they don't care about customer service. read more

This is a nice authentic hideaway for some Caribbean cooking. Friendly staff and the jerk pork to die for.

The worst curry I ever had...more like boiled flavorless chicken. Rice was mushy! Jerk chicken was cold and no flavor, if it wasn't for their jerk sauce it would be horrile as well. NEVER AGAIN! read more

Pit Stop Barbecue & Restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Orange, New Jersey