I Never Visit Red Bank, New Jersey Without Stopping at Local Smoke for Barbecue

I travel all around my home state of New Jersey, but one of my favorite spots to spend a day is Red Bank. Located on the Navesink River, it's the perfect bridge between central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore. You can hike along the water or fish, but a thriving downtown is only minutes away. I was in town recently to see a show at the storied Count Basie Theater, and I had the day to explore the town, visit some of my favorite stores and attractions, and have a meal or two. And I knew one of them would be in my favorite spot in the town: Local Smoke BBQ, a small chain of shore smokehouses that came to Red Bank in 2016.

Hidden a little back from the town's antique store section, Local Smoke BBQ is a laid-back old-school BBQ joint that serves some of the best barbecue in New Jersey. That includes a unique specialty that once I tried, I knew I would get it every time I was in town.

I'll never get tired of visiting Red Bank, New Jersey. From the moment I disembark the train at the old-school station, this town is brimming with great things to see, do, buy—and eat. My favorite spot in the town is only a five-minute walk from the train station, but many people don't see it down the side street it's hiding on.

Local Smoke's Red Bank option, the third from this mini-chain, is a great fusion of old and new. It's a casual place, like a classic Texas butcher's market, and you order at the counter. But the menu here is a lot larger than you'd expect, including both classic carved barbecue meats and specialty sandwiches, plus a huge selection of sides.

The attention to detail is impressive. On every table, you'll find three bottles of in-house barbecue sauce—sweet, spicy, and vinegar-based Carolina BBQ sauce. Each one nicely complements different meats, and all can be purchased in bottles at the front.

The meats are all excellent. My go-to is the sliced brisket, which is lean and tender and incredibly flavorful. But they were out on my last visit, so I tried the smoked turkey—and this might be the best turkey I've ever tried. It's packed with flavor, incredibly tender, and perfectly complemented by a light squirt of sweet BBQ sauce.

Have you sampled the barbecue at Local Smoke BBQ in Red Bank? If not, make sure to tell a friend about this article and see for yourself! You can explore the whole menu on the Local Smoke BBQ website, and make sure to follow the Red Bank location's Facebook page for updates on specials and hours. While you're in town, make sure to sample the delicious dairy-free ice cream at Fable Creamery, and if you need a place to stay, the Molly Pitcher Inn is an amazing boutique hotel that feels like stepping back in time.

Need some more ideas to fill out your day in Red Bank? Check out Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner for your own customized itinerary!