The Ultimate Bergen County BBQ & Burger Guide: 8 Local Favorites You Need to Try
photo Cubby’s BBQ
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, When it comes to comfort food, North Jersey doesn’t mess around. From the smoky, slow-cooked pits of authentic Southern barbecue to the sizzling, lacy-edged perfection of a classic smashburger, Bergen County is low-key a foodie paradise.
We asked our readers to send in their absolute favorite, go-to joints for burgers and BBQ in the area. Whether you are looking for a historic roadside shack praised by Anthony Bourdain or a modern butcher-shop-to-table masterpiece, add these 8 local spots to your dining bucket list.
🔥 The Best BBQ in Bergen County
Cubby’s BBQ – Hackensack
While regional barbecue has exploded across New Jersey recently, Cubby’s has been pioneering the local scene for over thirty years. Beyond their flawlessly tangy ribs and pulled pork, this Hackensack staple is famous for its legendary Hackensack Steak—an open-faced sandwich piled high with thin-sliced steak, mushrooms, sautéed onions, and melted cheddar cheese.
Brothers Smokehouse BBQ & Soul – Ramsey
Run by the Farella brothers, this spot serves up deep heritage alongside its incredible menu. Descendants of the historic Davis family of the Outer Banks, the brothers bring generations of family reunion recipes to Ramsey. Come for the smoky ribs, brisket, and pulled pork; stay for Great Aunt Edna’s legendary fried chicken and Mama Cheryll’s shrimp and grits.
🍔 The Best Burgers in Bergen County
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| BURGER STYLE QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Restaurant | Town | Specialty Style |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| 130 Shop | Tenafly | Elevated Steakhouse |
| White Manna | Hackensack | Historic Slider |
| Steve's Burgers | Garfield | Custom 6oz Chuck |
| Westwood Prime Meats | Westwood | Custom Butcher Blends |
| Burgerstrasse | Clifton / E.Rutherford| Lacy Smash-Style |
| Eighty Twenty | Westwood | Modern Smash & Sauce |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
130 Shop – Tenafly
What happens when one of New Jersey’s best steakhouses opens a fast-casual sandwich spot? You get the 130 Burger. This masterpiece features two house-blend patties, American cheese, shingled pickles, raw onion, and creamy dijonaise. The showstopper? A thick, smoky slab of steakhouse-style bacon instead of thin, crispy strips. It is beautifully messy—expect beef juice and burger sauce to run down your arms.
White Manna – Hackensack
No North Jersey burger list is complete without this legendary roadside shack. Serving up hamburger sliders for nearly 80 years, White Manna is a certified New Jersey institution. Freshly ground beef is cooked directly over onions and cheese, then perfectly sandwiched inside a steamed Martin’s Potato Bun. It even earned the ultimate stamp of approval from the late, great Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations.
Steve’s Burgers – Garfield
This cult-favorite roadside stand in Garfield is anchored by its exceptional six-ounce chuck patties. Owner Steve Chrisomalis Jr. is constantly reinventing the wheel with inventive daily topping creations. While they serve up great cheesesteaks and shakes, it’s the customizable, juicy burgers that keep the crowds coming back.
Local Tip: Looking for premium beef? Head to a butcher shop that lets you choose your exact burger blend before it hits the grill.
Westwood Prime Meats – Westwood
Don’t let the fact that it’s a butcher shop fool you—this place serves up a transcendent, no-frills cheeseburger where the quality of the meat does all the talking. The best part? You get to customize your burger by choosing from three distinct house blends:
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Steak Blend: Ground chuck and round.
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SSB: Short rib, sirloin, and brisket.
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Dry-Aged: A premium 35-day-aged rib deckle.
Burgerstrasse – Clifton & East Rutherford
If you live for the ultra-crispy, lacy edges of a perfectly executed smashburger, Burgerstrasse is your mecca. Since 2018, they’ve been dominating the scene by smashing freshly ground beef onto a scorching-hot griddle. High-quality ingredients and flawless execution prove their motto right: Where it’s real.
Eighty Twenty – Westwood
Starting as a wildly popular pop-up burger stand that sold out weekly, Eighty Twenty recently transitioned into a permanent brick-and-mortar location—and immediately secured its status as one of NJ’s premier smashburger destinations. Their signature item features a thin-smashed 80/20 patty, sweet onions, American cheese, and house-made “Mandy Sauce” on a pillow-soft potato bun.
Which Spot Are You Hitting First?
Did your favorite Bergen County burger or BBQ joint make the list? Let us know in the comments below, or drop your favorite hidden gem so we can check it out for our next community roundup!
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