Asado

- 1846 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07060

For New Jersey residents and visitors seeking an exceptional and distinctive culinary experience, the restaurant Asado by Butterknife & Hammer, located in the charming community of Maplewood, stands out. Asado is not merely a place to eat; it's a celebration of bold, traditional Mexican flavors brought to life through the time-honored technique of wood-fire cooking. This approach imparts a unique, smoky depth to their signature dishes, setting them apart from conventional Mexican restaurants in the region.

The name “Asado” itself hints at a rich culinary tradition, one focused on cooking over an open flame, though this establishment masterfully applies this wood-fired philosophy to a Mexican-themed menu. The concept behind Asado is driven by a passion for connecting people through food, love, and laughter, creating a welcoming and memorable experience right here in Essex County, New Jersey. The establishment has been recognized as part of a successful local culinary scene, which has seen the development of popular concepts on Springfield Avenue, a testament to its quality and local resonance.

The cuisine is described as a modern approach to traditional fare, prioritizing simple, quality ingredients cooked over hardwood to capture an authentic and unique flavor profile. This commitment to process and ingredients is a cornerstone of the Asado dining experience and is certainly what has made it a favorite among New Jersey diners looking for fresh, high-quality Mexican food.

Asado is conveniently situated at the heart of a vibrant local corridor in Maplewood, making it easily accessible for those in the surrounding communities like South Orange and Millburn, as well as the broader northern New Jersey area. The specific address is 1846 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07060, USA.

The location on Springfield Avenue places it in a well-established commercial and residential area, often considered a hub for local businesses and dining. While exact public transit details can vary, being on a major local thoroughfare suggests reasonable access by road. For those driving, seeking out local street parking or nearby municipal lots is advisable, keeping in mind that the accessibility of parking can sometimes be dynamic in thriving New Jersey downtown and commercial areas. Whether you are driving from a nearby town or are a Maplewood local, the address is straightforward to find, allowing for a quick and convenient stop for takeout or a casual meal.

As a modern, community-focused restaurant, Asado offers several key services designed to meet the needs of busy New Jersey residents. Their service model emphasizes efficiency and customer convenience, particularly through their digital ordering systems.

• Dine-In Options: While emphasizing their wood-fired technique, the establishment provides a space for customers to enjoy their meal directly at the location.
• Takeout Service: Customers can easily place orders for pickup, catering to individuals and families on the go.
• Delivery Service: Through popular third-party delivery platforms, Asado extends its reach, offering home or office delivery to the local area, allowing NJ customers to enjoy their food without leaving home.
• Efficient Online Ordering: The restaurant utilizes a dedicated online system, which allows customers to control the ordering process quickly and accurately, a modern approach that streamlines the customer experience.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts a variety of common, modern payment methods for convenience, including Debit cards and NFC mobile payments.

The standout characteristics of Asado center on their specialized cooking method and their dedication to core Mexican dishes, elevated by quality preparation and unique flavor combinations.

• Wood-Fired Cooking Technique: The use of wood fire—often involving hardwood—is the primary feature, which infuses the meats, particularly the chicken, with a distinctive, smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate with conventional cooking methods.
• Signature Pollo Asado: This is a major highlight, involving a 24-hour marinade followed by grilling over hardwood, served with fresh pressed corn tortillas, red rice, black beans, and house-made BBQ sauce.
• Specialty Tacos and Birria: The menu features high-quality, 3-taco per order specialties, including their Signature Pollo Asado tacos and the increasingly popular Birria Tacos, often served with a side of hot consommé for dipping.
• Fresh Pressed Tortillas: The commitment to quality extends to their base ingredients, including the use of fresh pressed tortillas for their tacos and birria, which significantly enhances the texture and taste of the meal.
• Customized Bowl Options: For a lighter or more customizable meal, they offer taco bowls served over salad greens or red rice with black beans and other fresh toppings.
• Unique Tapas and Sides: Beyond the main courses, the menu includes distinct sides like Asado Street Corn, Guacamole & Tostones, and Chicken Tortilla Soup, offering authentic and flavorful complements to the main dishes.
• Handcrafted Agua Frescas: They feature signature drinks—delicious agua frescas made from premium ingredients, fresh fruit, and sweetened with organic agave nectar.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: The menu thoughtfully includes wood-smoked mushroom options for both tacos and bowls, catering to vegetarian and vegan diners in the New Jersey community.
• Local Connection: The establishment is a product of local culinary vision, having been created by a unique trio who understands the local food scene and palate.

To connect with Asado for inquiries or to place an order, local New Jersey customers can use the following details:

• Address: 1846 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07060, USA
• Phone: (973) 250-6151
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-250-6151

For anyone in the New Jersey area, Asado by Butterknife & Hammer is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that go beyond standard takeout fare. First and foremost is the undeniable quality and flavor derived from their wood-fired cooking process. This technique is central to their identity and delivers a depth of flavor to the chicken and other meats that is truly a cut above. The smoky notes and tender preparation make their signature Pollo Asado a centerpiece dish that is perfect for a quick dinner or feeding a small gathering.

Secondly, the dedication to providing an authentic yet accessible Mexican menu makes it an excellent choice. From street-style tacos to savory birria and customizable bowls, the menu is designed for variety and freshness. Options like the crispy fried cod fish tacos or the wood-smoked mushroom birria tacos showcase a willingness to innovate while respecting traditional flavors. The use of simple, uncompromising ingredients ensures a high-quality meal every time.

Finally, Asado offers the ideal combination of local convenience and specialized cuisine. Located in a central Maplewood spot, it supports the local NJ business environment while providing a highly efficient customer experience through online ordering and multiple service options (dine-in, takeout, and delivery). Choosing Asado means supporting a local Essex County business that has clearly invested in a unique, high-quality, and flavorful food concept. For Maplewood, New Jersey and the surrounding towns, Asado is a reliable and exciting destination for wood-fired Mexican cuisine.

Asado

1846 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07060, USA