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Avenel BBQ ico

Avenel BBQ
- 1014 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001

Portuguese restaurant ★4.0 (100)·$10–20

1014 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA

4.0
I've driven past this restaurant several times before making a concerted effort to stop in for lunch. It is truly worth it. The half chicken lunch special was incredibly moist and flavorful. The waitress was very helpful, friendly and attentive. The food was delicious. The atmosphere is pretty with the pretty blue tile and bright blue chair rail paint. The music was wonderful. The seats were actually really comfortable. Great little find. We will definitely visit again! - Maria Hidalgo Dolan
Avenel BBQ Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 100 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

Avenel BBQ Introduce

For those in New Jersey seeking the rich, savory flavors of authentic European cuisine combined with the mouthwatering tradition of open-flame grilling, **Avenel BBQ** is the must-visit local gem. This dedicated **Portuguese restaurant** provides a genuine taste of Portugal right in the heart of Avenel, NJ. It is renowned for its signature barbecue, which includes incredibly moist and flavorful whole chicken and tender, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs, as noted by enthusiastic local customers. The menu goes far beyond typical BBQ, featuring traditional Portuguese specialties, including robust meat, fresh seafood, and classic desserts, all prepared with an authentic touch.

Avenel BBQ provides an inviting culinary experience that is highly popular for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**. The atmosphere is intentionally designed to be **Casual** and **Cozy**, creating a comfortable and welcoming space that is often described as feeling like "home cooking away from home." One customer specifically praised the attractive dining room with its "pretty blue tile and bright blue chair rail paint," adding that the seats were "really comfortable." It’s an ideal setting for **Family-friendly** gatherings, accommodating **Groups**, or simply enjoying some quality time during **Solo dining** for a well-deserved meal.

The food is praised not only for its authentic Portuguese seasoning but also for its generous portions. Many diners highlight the excellent value, often having enough for **leftovers the next day**. The extensive menu of **Comfort food** includes hearty grilled meats, delicious sides, and a selection of **Small plates** and appetizers like **Garlic Shrimp** and various **Empanadas** for a **Quick bite**. Whether you are craving the signature BBQ Chicken or traditional Bacalhau (Codfish), Avenel BBQ offers a diverse, high-quality, and satisfying dining option for the Middlesex County community.


Avenel BBQ is conveniently situated to serve the local community and surrounding areas in Central New Jersey. You can find this authentic Portuguese restaurant at:

1014 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA

This location on Rahway Avenue offers excellent accessibility for New Jersey residents traveling from Woodbridge Township and beyond. Visitors can easily find parking, as the restaurant provides both a complimentary **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking**, making a stress-free visit possible even during peak hours.

The establishment is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons by providing comprehensive accessibility features throughout the dining area. These include:

  • **Wheelchair accessible entrance** for easy access.
  • **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** directly on site.
  • **Wheelchair accessible restroom** facilities.
  • **Wheelchair accessible seating** within the dining area.

These amenities affirm the restaurant’s commitment to being a welcoming and convenient location for all members of the New Jersey community.


Avenel BBQ ensures a seamless dining experience by offering multiple service options tailored for the modern customer, from intimate dining to large event coordination.

Services Offered

  • **Flexible Dining Options:** Customers have the choice of **Dine-in** for a leisurely meal, quick **Takeout** to enjoy at home, or convenient **Delivery** to various locations in the Avenel area.
  • **Full Meal Service:** The establishment caters to all main eating times, specifically offering **Lunch** and **Dinner** services, as well as a full **Dessert** menu to cap off the meal.
  • **Reservations Accepted:** For larger parties or to guarantee a table during busy times, the restaurant **Accepts reservations**, a useful feature for groups and family gatherings.
  • **Dedicated Seating and Service:** The dine-in experience includes comfortable **Seating** arrangements and attentive **Table service**, ensuring a pleasant and relaxed experience.
  • **Event Catering:** Avenel BBQ offers comprehensive **Catering** services, allowing customers to bring the delicious Portuguese BBQ and specialties to their next party, corporate event, or family celebration.
  • **Child-Friendly Amenities:** The restaurant is noted as **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** for the comfort and convenience of families dining with young children.
  • **Payment Versatility:** For easy transactions, all major payment methods are accepted, including **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**.
  • **Restroom Facilities:** The premises include clean, accessible facilities, featuring both a standard **Restroom** and a **Gender-neutral restroom**.

The true standout features of Avenel BBQ lie in the depth and authenticity of its culinary offerings, which are widely recognized as a **local specialty** within the New Jersey dining scene.

Features / Highlights

  • **Authentic Portuguese BBQ:** The cornerstone is the charcoal-grilled meats, including the highly-praised **BBQ Whole Chicken** and **BBQ Spare Ribs**. The meat is consistently described as tender, moist, and falling right off the bone.
  • **Local Specialty Focus:** The menu features traditional Portuguese fare, such as the flavorful **Portuguese Steak with Fried Eggs & Ham**, the high-end **Sirloin Cap (Picanha)**, and authentic **Grilled Codfish / Bacalhau Grelhado**, providing a genuine culinary journey.
  • **Spicy Lovers' Options:** For those who enjoy a kick, the menu includes specialty items like the **Spicy Lovers' Chicken** and **Spicy Lovers' BBQ Pork**, often finished with the renowned Piri Piri sauce.
  • **Delicious Seafood Selection:** Beyond the grill, the menu boasts fresh seafood choices, including **Garlic Shrimp**, **Grilled Salmon**, and **Grilled Red Snapper**, catering to all tastes.
  • **Homemade Desserts:** The experience is completed with a selection of classic, house-made desserts, such as **Homemade Flan**, **Tres Leches**, and the traditional Portuguese sweet treat, **Serradura**.
  • **Generous Portions:** A key highlight for many customers is the large portion sizes across the menu, especially for the platters and combos, ensuring great value for every dollar spent.
  • **Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere:** The overall ambiance is rated as **Casual** and **Cozy**, with attractive decor that creates a comfortable environment for a relaxing meal.
  • **Varied Appetizers:** The starter menu offers both Portuguese classics like **Portuguese Sausage** and popular favorites like **Cod Cake** and **Beef Empanadas**, offering a perfect way to begin the meal.

Avenel BBQ is ready to take your order for dine-in, takeout, or to discuss your next catered event. You can reach the restaurant using the following contact details:

Contact Information

  • **Address:** 1014 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA
  • **Phone:** (732) 326-2645
  • **Mobile Phone:** +1 732-326-2645

Choosing **Avenel BBQ** is a decision to experience one of the finest Portuguese culinary offerings in Central New Jersey. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that consistently satisfy local patrons. Firstly, the quality of the food is exceptional; customer reviews repeatedly emphasize the incredibly moist, well-seasoned, and flavorful meats, particularly the BBQ chicken and ribs, which are cooked to perfection on an open flame. The commitment to authentic Portuguese flavors, evident in dishes like the **Portuguese Steak** and **Bacalhau Grelhado**, provides a unique and enjoyable dining experience that stands out from typical local fare.

Secondly, the value offered at Avenel BBQ is outstanding. The portions are large, often resulting in satisfying leftovers, which makes the dining experience both delicious and economical for families and groups. This generous approach to serving the customer, combined with a friendly and attentive staff, creates a welcoming and rewarding atmosphere. The availability of diverse dining options—including comfortable **Dine-in** with **Table service**, easy **Takeout**, and convenient **Delivery**—allows every New Jersey resident to enjoy their amazing food in a way that suits their busy schedule.

Finally, the overall environment is a significant factor. With **Free parking** readily available, a **Casual** and **Cozy** atmosphere, and full **Wheelchair accessible** facilities, Avenel BBQ is a genuinely accessible and stress-free place to bring the whole family. For anyone in Avenel or the surrounding Middlesex County area looking for genuine, hearty **Comfort food** or a taste of Portugal, Avenel BBQ delivers an experience that is truly worth the visit and promises a delicious meal every time.

Avenel BBQ Food & drink

  • Appetizers

  • Soup of the Day (SMALL) $5.00

    Vegetable Soup - Mon & Wed Chicken Soup - Thurs & Fri Collard Green Soup - Sat & Sun

  • Soup of the Day (LARGE) $10.00

    Vegetable Soup - Mon & Wed Chicken Soup - Thurs & Fri Collard Green Soup - Sat & Sun

  • Garlic Shrimp $15.00
  • Portuguese Sausage $17.00
  • Mozzarella Sticks (8) $11.00
  • Buffalo Wings (10) $15.00
  • Fried Calamari $14.00
  • Chicken Fingers with Fries $10.75
  • Butterfly Shrimp (10) $14.00

    Served with a side of tartar sauce

  • Beef Empanada $4.75
  • Pork Empanada $3.95
  • Chicken Empanada $3.95
  • Shrimp Cake $2.25
  • Cod Cake $2.25
  • Sandwiches

  • Chicken Sandwich $11.25

    Lettuce, Tomato, & Onions, Served with Fries

  • Steak Sandwich $11.75

    Lettuce, Tomato, & Onions, Served with Fries

  • Pork Cutlet Sandwich $11.25

    Lettuce, Tomato, & Onions, Served with Fries

  • Shredded Pork Sandwich $11.75

    Peppers, Onions & Mozzarella Cheese, Served with Fries

  • Shredded Chicken Sandwich $11.75

    Peppers, Onions & Mozzarella Cheese, Served with Fries

  • Chicken

  • BBQ Whole Chicken (HALF) $13.75

    Half order of our signature BBQ Chicken (served with your choice of two sides)

  • BBQ Whole Chicken (FULL) $21.75

    Full order of our signature BBQ Chicken (served with your choice of two sides)

  • Spicy Lovers' Chicken (HALF) $14.00

    Topped with Homemade Piri-Piri Hot Sauce

  • Spicy Lovers' Chicken (FULL) $22.25

    Topped with Homemade Piri-Piri Hot Sauce

  • Grilled Chicken Breast (HALF) $16.25

    Peito de Frango Grelhado

  • Grilled Chicken Breast (FULL) $26.50

    Peito de Frango Grelhado

  • Chicken Breast Sautéed in Lemon Sauce (HALF) $15.75

    Peitos de Galinha com Molho de Limão

  • Chicken Breast Sautéed in Lemon Sauce (FULL) $26.00

    Peitos de Galinha com Molho de Limão

  • Chicken Breast Sautéed in Garlic Sauce (HALF) $15.75

    Peitos de Galinha com Molho de Alho

  • Chicken Breast Sautéed in Garlic Sauce (FULL) $26.00

    Peitos de Galinha com Molho de Alho

  • Pork

  • BBQ Spare Ribs (HALF) $14.50

    Meio Entrecosto no Churrasco

  • BBQ Spare Ribs (FULL) $23.75

    Entrecosto no Churrasco Inteiro

  • Spicy Lovers' BBQ Pork (HALF) $15.00

    Entrecosto au Piri Piri

  • Spicy Lovers' BBQ Pork (FULL) $24.25

    Entrecosto au Piri Piri

  • Pork Chops $18.50

    Costeletas de Porco

  • Grilled Pork Cutlets (HALF) $14.75

    Febras de Porco Grelhadas

  • Grilled Pork Cutlets (FULL) $23.50

    Febras de Porco Grelhadas

  • Grilled Pork Belly $18.00

    Barriginha de Porco

  • Beef

  • Beef Ribs (HALF) $19.50

    Costeletas de Vaca Grelhadas

  • Beef Ribs (FULL) $34.00

    Costeletas de Vaca Grelhadas

  • T-Bone Steak $34.00

    Bife de Vaca Grelhado

  • Portuguese Steak with Fried Eggs & Ham $26.50

    Bife a Portuguesa com 1 Ovo Frito e Fiambre

  • Sirloin Cap (Picanha) $28.00

    Bifinhos de Picanha

  • Grilled Shell Steak $24.50

    Bife Grelhado

  • Combos

  • Combo #1 $24.75

    1/2 BBQ Chicken & 1/2 Pork Ribs

  • Combo #2 $27.75

    1/2 BBQ Chicken & 1/2 Beef Ribs

  • Combo #3 $29.95

    1/2 Pork Ribs & 1/2 Beef Ribs

  • Special Mixed Grill Combo 4 $45.75

    1/2 BBQ Chicken, 2 Beef Ribs, 3 Pork Ribs, and 1/2 Portuguese Sausage

  • MEGA Combo $59.75

    1/2 Chicken, 2 Pc. Beef Ribs, 2 Pc. Sirloin Cap, 2 Pc. Pork Belly, 1/2 Portuguese Sausage

  • Fish

  • Garlic Shrimp (HALF) $17.50
  • Garlic Shrimp (FULL) $27.75
  • Grilled Salmon (HALF) $20.25

    Salmão Grelhado

  • Grilled Salmon (FULL) $36.00

    Salmão Grelhado

  • Grilled Red Snapper $30.00
  • Grilled Codfish / Bacalhau Grelhado $30.00

    Topped with Peppers & Onions

  • Boiled Codfish $30.00

    Bacalhau Cozido

  • Sides

  • Rice (SMALL) $5.50

    Yellow Rice with Peas & Carrots

  • Rice (LARGE) $15.50

    Yellow Rice with Peas & Carrots

  • Fries (SMALL) $5.50
  • Fries (LARGE) $15.50
  • Mini Tossed Salad $3.75

    Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers, Onions, Carrots, Olives w/ House Dressing

  • Salad (SMALL) $7.00

    Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers, Onions, Carrots, Olives w/ House Dressing

  • Salad (LARGE) $18.50

    Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers, Onions, Carrots, Olives w/ House Dressing

  • Red Beans (SMALL) $5.00

    *Contains Pork*

  • Red Beans (LARGE) $8.25

    *Contains Pork*

  • Black Beans (SMALL) $5.00
  • Black Beans (LARGE) $8.25
  • Desserts

  • Tres Leches $6.00
  • Homemade Flan $6.00
  • Oreo Cake $5.00
  • Cheesecake $5.00
  • Chocolate Cake $5.00
  • Red Velvet Cake $5.00
  • Tiramisu $5.00
  • Serradura $5.00

Avenel BBQ Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Serves local specialty
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking

Avenel BBQ Photos

Avenel BBQ Picture 1Avenel BBQ Picture 2Avenel BBQ Picture 3Avenel BBQ Picture 4Avenel BBQ Picture 5Avenel BBQ Picture 6Avenel BBQ Picture 7Avenel BBQ Picture 8Avenel BBQ Picture 9Avenel BBQ Picture 10

Avenel BBQ Location

Avenel BBQ

1014 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001, USA

Avenel BBQ Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 267 user reviews.

ribsvegetablesdeliveryseasonedorderbbq chickenbeansempanadasbbq restaurantspicy chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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