It’s Yummy At Smitty’s

Maybe it’s the scarcity of backyards and the desperation of those stuck with little hibachis on their balconies, smoking out their upstairs neighbors. But BBQ restaurants are booming in NYC, as everyone knows. Even Justin Timberlake owns a spot in Manhattan dishing out southern fare. But don’t let the lure of having your face smothered in sauce while scouting for celebs get the best of you. There’s convenient, flavorful BBQ in our own backyard (ahem).

Smitty’s BBQ in Lyndhurst is fairly new - they opened in November - but that doesn’t excuse the fact that it took me this long to discover them. Just a few blocks off Ridge Road, the small place caught my eye with it’s “Pig In” “Pig Out” sign. Cute signage wasn’t relegated to the exterior. All kinds of kitschy quotation signs and other Americana knickknacks surround the walls of this small restaurant. But this shouldn’t be the first thing you notice. In fact, the first thing that caught my eye - or nose rather - was the smoky smell. Also, there was only one other table that was occupied but, thanks to the decor, it felt cozy and not vacant.

The menu is much like other BBQ places you may go to: gumbo, chili, cornbread, wings, ribs, fried pickles,brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, etc. A nice feature, though, are the family values. They offer one for 4 to 5 people that includes ribs, whole chicken, two other choices of meat and fries, corn, baked beans and corn bread for $64.99. A combo with half that amount of food is $34.99, and another for $132.99 offers enough food for 6-10 people that includes wings, 2 racks of ribs, 2 whole chickens, 2 lbs of pulled pork and sides.

The Saint Louis style ribs we ordered had a strong smoky flavor and had a lot of tender meat. The three BBQ sauces on the table were the highlight for me — the spicy was my favorite and the sweet had a very unique flavor. I could not put my finger on what caused the aftertaste, but it was lovely. The regular BBQ had its own great kick, too.

For sides, we ordered smashed potatoes and sweet potato fries, and it came with cornbread as well. I have never had better sweet potato fries. They weren’t all dried out, but fleshy so you could really taste the potato and so tasty! The smashed potatoes had an overwhelming scallion/chive/garlic flavor, so some may find it a bit too much. I liked it.

We also ordered wings since two of my companions order them wherever we go. If I had to compare them to other wings I’ve had, they’d rank in the mediocre spot, but they weren’t bad. I just might skip them to try some of their other appetizers instead.

Final verdict: I would definitely go back and try other meats, sides, and get more of those fries!

Smitty’s Smokehouse and BBQ Joint
440 Valley Brook Ave
Lyndhurst
201-460-3661

— by Donna M.
Both a Jersey native and recent transplant from NYC, Donna M. is obsessed with both good food and grammar.

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