Holy crap. I am from KY, and I've had good barbecue. This place makes it to the top 5 BBQ joints I've ever eaten, and the best in either NY or NJ. That dude worked my the register? He's awesome. The food? Yep. The real deal. We were camping at Spruce Run, and we ate both Friday's dinner here and Saturday's lunch. My only complaint? It is 1.5 hours from my house. read more

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Disappointing experience with the Real Deal BBQ. Please note this was the Glen Gardner location, not Clinton. I ordered the jerk chicken along with potato salad, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The potato salad tasted old and had no flavor. The mac and cheese felt like Kraft mac and cheese. The chicken was dry and cold, definitely not worth the price charged for it. They have large outdoor seating, this is not a location with indoor seating. Staff were friendly and kind but unfortunately the food did not meet any standards. read more

The Real Deal Bbq - Jerk Chicken, Mac and Cheese and Potato Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

Been driving by this place for years and finally decided to give it a try on a beautiful Spring Saturday. Fun little layout with a bunch of smokers billowing the sweet smell of bbq along with plenty of picnic tables that is located in the parking lot of the Toyota car dealership. I got the Rib dinner meal with a side of Brisket and the wife got the Chicken dinner meal. Ribs 10 out of 10 (star of the show) Chicken 10 out of 10 Brisket 7 out of 10 (flavorful but wish it was served in slices and not chopped up) Sides 6 out of 10 (baked beans were good but nothing special. Thin B&M right out of the can. Cole Slaw was very good, fresh and not too much mayo, however on a down note, they were out of corn bread) Also, would have preferred they serve the meals with the sauce on the side as their bbq can stand by itself even though the sauce was very tasty. Would definitely eat here again. read more

Advice: if you order catering from Real Deal, even after speaking to the owner on the phone when he gave pricing and what he'd suggest for the party, confirm again and again! Don't be stranded 30 min before the party when you go to pick it up and there is no order or recollection of the conversation! Never again using them for catering or stopping by the roadside establishment for lunch. read more

DELICIOUS!!! Have been waiting to try place. Passed it a few times on my way to work. Great service and lots of outdoor seating, and a big tent!! Will return!! read more

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Real Deal Disappointing BBQ Don't hide behind drenching everything in bbq sauce .. One brisket meal- was pulled brisket drenched in bbq on a bun, not sliced as it should have been bbq sauce on the side .. Jerk chicken meal - again drenched in bbq sauce, defeating the purpose of tasting the jerk seasoning.. 3.00$ bucks extra for a small portion of undercooked corn bread and small side portions.. Real Bad BBQ don't waste your money here . read more

This is really the real deal barbecue place. Foods are delicious as well as competitive price. Staffs are pleasant, polite, friendly, courteous and very helpful. Gerry , the cashier is a wonderful staff as well as the others. Nice ambiance, clean and orderly. First time customer but for surely will be coming back to this food truck, The Real Deal BBQ. read more

The BBQ was bland no flavor at all and most of what we got, which was pricy, was burnt. We to the good to go and wanted it for dinner. Dumped food in the trash and went out for something else to eat. Disappointed. Would not recommend. read more

good afternoon My Buddies and i went around the area fishing for trout We decided to stop and get a bite at this Bbq spot we got online we order the food two pork ribs Entrees with two side and a side of corn bread $3.00 each ,it took forever to get the food they forgot my coleslaw ,The ribs were a little cold. I thought they were gonna be St. Louis ribs or baby back but they were different pork Ribs ,They were OK ,the baked beans and the cornbread were very good.also pulled pork sandwich was sitting in bbq sauce i was only able to eat top of bun only with pulled pork . I will never go back again read more

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Delicious bbq! I had a brisket sandwich with macaroni and cheese and coleslaw slaw. Macaroni was creamy and cheesy, coleslaw was sweet, just how I like it. Food was served very quickly, and there were nice picnic tables with umbrellas to sit down in some shade. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because it seemed a bit pricy. read more

So my Texas family, being BBQ snobs, thought we would try the above establishment. We dove by and stopped to order a rack and a half of ribs, we all agreed these were dam good for these parts! The ribs were meaty and smoked to perfection. The sauce was sweet and sticky...that's how we like our ribs. One sour note, though, we wanted to order sliced brisket also to go along with the ribs, but they only have shredded brisket, which, in our opinion, is only good for Yankees. Thus we gave them 4 stars rather than 5 stars. read more

Visited for the first time and I'll definitely be a repeat customer. I ordered the 6 ribs with 2 sides (Mac and cheese and beans). The Mac and cheese and beans were outstanding. Max was cheesy and the sweet beans paired well with the BBQ ribs. They had ran out of corn born but hope to they that soon. Parking is ample as it's next to Toyota dealership. Glad I found a BBQ place that I can check out year round. read more

Stopped at the real Deal BBq for the first time, looking forward to bbq, first question, card or cash? Not how I would introduce my company Ordered a rib meal and a brisket meal, since when is a brisket meal, a brisket sandwich. Brisket should be pieces of meat, not on a hamburger bun. If I wanted a brisket sandwich, that is what would have ordered. Also small portions of sides, expected more. As the saying goes, one and done. Very disappointed!!! Would not recommend. read more

Food and service are great, not much ambience because it's a food truck however, the best food around is if you want southern barbecue, it's run by a family who take great pride in the food, efforts and attention to detail. read more

So disappointed. Came here years ago and remembered it being much better. Maybe it's because I moved back to Texas and was reacquainted with good BBQ. The brisket was pretty dry and had virtually no bark on it. They tried to mask it with some pretty ketchuppy sauce. The mac & cheese was the best thing, which is a pretty sad statement. It wasn't great but at least it appeared to be house made. The beans, on the other hand, seemed to be straight out of the can. Just a ho=hum experience all around. Needs to be a lot better to be a food truck on a gravel lot with a couple of picnic tables for a "dining area". read more

The Real Deal Bbq - Dry brisket with an attempt to mask that dryness with some sweet sauce, beans straight out of a can, and OK mac & cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

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Pricey and pretty boring BBQ. Not very flavorful. Pulled pork and brisket were just ok. Cole slaw and baked beans were basic. Have been wanting to try this place but it will be a one and done. read more

The Real deal is the best We love it. The food is great the service was quick and sometimes u get to meet the owner who's there checking up on things. I hear they do a great catering service. read more

1000% recommend the brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken thighs...you name it. The mac & cheese...take it home, add a little shredded Parmagiana and sprinkle some panko...put it under the broiler and just get ready to be happy. read more

Pathetic. Ordered 2 BbQ chicken meals at $15. Got small amount of side and two tiny drumsticks. 15 dollars for 2 drumsticks. Joke. DONT waste you time or money on this place. read more

The name says it all. Dont waste your time with any of the other bbq places in this area. This place has everything i want in a bbq place: off the highway and outdoor picnic tables next to several smokers. Its a little hard to find but look for the smoke and let your nose guide you. Make sure to call ahead before you visit because they may not be open that day. So far ive tried the beef brisket and pulled pork. Both are totally phenomenal. the light bbq sauce they put on the pork is excellent but you dont even need it because the pork alone has enough flavor. All of their sides are amazing too. Also it seems to be cash only so try to have at least $10-15 cash read more

The Real Deal Bbq - Heavenly pulled pork sammy - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

Food is good but I've ordered the ribs on several occasions and they were served cold.

Best barbecue I have had in NJ the food is outstanding definitely recommended Will come back again and again read more

The BBQ here is phenomenal. These guys know southern BBQ. Their pulled pork is incredible. It is tender,very flavorful! Their sauce on the pork has a bit of sweet and a touch of vinegar in it. This is the closet to southern BBQ that I have had. I highly recommend these guys for true southern BBQ. I will be back to try their whole menu!! read more

Good bbq. Not the best one we 've had but it's pretty good. Brisket is the best. Ribs are good. Pulled pork is great. Sides are pretty good. Mac and cheese and beans are good. Corn on n the cob? Flavorless. The hang up is the parking. If it's busy, just keep on driving. Personally, I feel the portion size is small for the price. But to each is own. To pretend that a price point for food isn't important is just dumb . read more

The best BBQ tastes, packaged into the "real deal" in NJ may not be served in fancy restaurants, but on a roadside rest area on a rural road in Clinton. I even missed the turn into the parking lot since I was expecting a building! We ordered the brisket, which turned out to be expertly basted and BBQd to perfection. The jerk chicken was also a masterpiece that blended well with the sweet baked beans without being overwhelmed by BBQ sauces. The crunchy-skinned sausage was complementary of the other meals ordered. The saliva-inducing smoke and the sun gave the whole thing a giant picnic feel, with cars buzzing by in front of the diverse set of visitors who all seem to (rightfully) enjoy their meals. The portions were generous and prices are more than reasonable -- 6 people were graciously fulfilled at about $40 worth of meal. Social distancing was followed and every visitor while I was there respectfully wore masks. We even ate on the trunk of my car and it did not make this any less fulfilling experience! Note: We arrived on a sunny autumn Saturday at noontime and orders were flying fast. They were served by equally friendly and efficient staff -- I think at that pace some selections may be already out if you're coming in later during the day so I would call in first if you want specific meals. read more

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All the Covid procedures IN PLACE and being followed! An, of course the food is as amazing as ever! We are doing KETO and got brisket and chicken with no sauce and it was absolutely amazing... even without the wonderful sauces. Best BBQ in the true state area. Low key, family atmosphere, convenient location ( and worth the trip, if you are far! ), and great value for a fair price. The people are as wonderful as the food! read more

The Real Deal Bbq - All homemade amazing sides! - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

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This BBQ place is on point, easy to drive past and miss, I did this many times. We finally stopped this year and then kept going back every 2 weeks till they shut down for the season on November. They open up in March. The new years count down is on. Their ace dish is the pulled pork. The meat has been slowly smoked and all the greasy fat has been rendered out. All flavor no grease. Their home made bbq sauce has a strong vinegar base. It's good but I also add North Shore goodies grand mas bbq sauce. They make a nice duet. All the items are really good. Our favorite sides are the mac n cheese and the baked beans. The corn would be better if it were steamed on the cob, like Popeyes does. If I were to get the corn bread again I'd pre-whip up some mable butter at home before doing so, it needed a little pizaz and that would shmeer nicely. They were out of sausage on our last visit, its the one thing left to try. We will be back in March! read more

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The barbecue here is really great. I've had ribs in the past which were excellent. Recently I tried the jerk chicken. Usually I avoid it because most places make it too dry. Not here. It was very nicely sauced and not dry at all. The sides of macaroni & cheese and smoked rice were delicious also. The prices are more than fair. I only wish they were open every day so I could walk across the street to get it more often. read more

The Real Deal Bbq - Ribs cooking - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

Had no plans to stop here, but driving by, the smell was so intoxicating that we turned around to stop. The place is located in basically an industrial stores parking lot. There was quite a line on a Saturday when we went. Prices were reasonable and the food hit the spot. Would definitely recommend. Would like to try the ribs next time. read more

This place really does serve up amazing barbecue, but you have to be there at the right time to get it. The guys that run it and know what they're doing and everything comes out exactly as expected. The prices are great, and the portions are just more than almost anybody can eat. read more

Over-rated. Fine if you are passing by and have some time to sit at their tables, but it is certainly not worth a long drive. Not sure how they cultivated this "best BBQ in 50 miles" following, perhaps it's just the location and the fact it's a food truck and is a part of that stupid trend. There are additional local places with equal BBQ. I will say this -- they are making a killing as food for two approaches $50 bucks for the pleasure of eating out of Styrofoam on hard picnic benches. You be the judge... read more

The name says it all. Had the jerk chicken with double mac. The chicken was two ample tender thighs, could be spicier. The macaroni and cheese is the best I've had. For all that have mac and cheese on your menu, take note. Macaroni and Cheese, equal billing. Most places make mac and put some cheese on it. read more

The Real Deal Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

Food was great. I got pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and both were great tasting will go the again for sure.

Went tonight for first time, never got to them when they were further down 31, not easy in and out. So very happy we went. Tried the pulled pork, brisket and half a rack. Sides of mac and cheese, beans and slaw. Everything was so good, friendly people, very reasonable. Really really good food! Will definitely be back. read more

Yummy! Was out For a leisurely drive. I didn't even see the place but I smelled it. I followed my nose. My nose KNOWS. Great food great people. There's nowhere to sit so plan on bringing it home-if it makes it that long. read more

Real Deal is seasonal but worth the wait. It is indeed the Real Deal!! Chicken, ribs, potato salad, Mac and cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Can't wait until they're back! I saw them opening up a couple of weekends ago, it's on!! read more

Been *DYING* to try this place for the longest and we're so glad we did! It's absolutely delicious! I must forewarn you though, this review is based solely on my bf's comments as he's there one who picked up the order. He went early so the only thing ready was the pulled pork. It was sooo yummy. Not overly sauced so you could really taste the luscious, juicy meat. The mac & cheese was tasty as well, not at all mushy. The baked beans were equally as good. Price was right. Service was friendly and that in itself makes a place stand out! Will definitely be back to this delightful side-of-the-road spot! read more

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I don't normally stop at road side food trucks but when you smell the bbq you can't resist. Loved the pulled pork, ribs and brisket. Have not tried the chicken yet. Sides are good. Prices are on point. I can taste it already! The only thing missing are the collard greens. read more

Oh man am I glad I finally stopped! I must've driven by on Rt 31 a hundred times, there're always people and cars and delicious smells emanating from this bbq pit. So I stopped. I was greeted by the affable proprietor, Big Kev. It was clear Big Kev runs a tight ship. Three cooks preparing for a busy catering weekend, a bbq technician returning from a bbq pit drop off, and Big Kev taking orders, names and keeping track. He recommended a variety of sides with my pulled pork but I chose the Cole Slaw, for both of my sides. Because I'm now on a ketogenic diet, this was easy! Though I was drawn to the corn bread and the Mac and cheese I stuck with a low carb choice. How was it? Insane! Amazing, flavorful, and tender. Kevin also gave me a rib to sample. HOLY SMOKES! THE RIBS ARE AMAZING TOO! I almost forgot to mention the Coleslaw...it's decadent and delicious. I don't think I'd choose another side after all! Take a minute, stop and get some food, you won't be disappointed. I'm going back maybe as soon as tomorrow. Interestingly, there was a guy there who had come back for his dinner after having had his lunch there! read more

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Absolutely amazing bbq. Had the pulled pork and Mac and cheese and coleslaw. Everything perfectly flavored and exactly what you need when you have that deep down craving for bbq. They know what they're doing. There was a bunch of people here for lunch, and they don't even have a sign. You will absolutely miss this place if you drive too fast (it's right next to the Toyota dealership). Prices are right what you'd expect for some really solid bbq. And I can't say enough about how delicious everything is. I'm absolutely coming back. read more