Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

- 119 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

Introduction / Overview: A New Jersey Culinary Gem

For New Jersey residents on the hunt for a truly unique and flavor-packed dining experience, look no further than Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria in Lyndhurst. This local, Latino-owned establishment has carved out a special niche by expertly blending two beloved culinary worlds: authentic, slow-smoked barbecue and traditional Mexican taqueria fare. It’s an innovative fusion that results in an unforgettable taste profile, moving beyond your typical taco spot. Here, the tender, smoky depth of high-quality, pit-smoked meats meets the fresh, vibrant flavors of hand-pressed Nixtamal tortillas and scratch-made salsas.

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a celebration of culture, craft, and quality ingredients. The philosophy centers around precision and passion, which is evident in every dish—from the 14-hour smoked brisket to the meticulous 24-hour process of preparing their fresh corn tortillas. It’s this dedication to technique and quality that has earned them a loyal following in the North Jersey community. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through Bergen County, this spot is a must-try for exceptional, elevated street-food style dining.

The restaurant identifies as a Barbecue Restaurant and a Taco Restaurant, offering the best of both worlds under one roof. They are proud to be a Latino-owned business, bringing a genuine and warm community feel to their location. Customers frequently rave about the super friendly and helpful staff, highlighting the quaint, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasant one. Carlitos is consistently praised for delivering amazing flavors with every order, making it a highly recommended spot for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality meal in the area.

Location and Accessibility in Lyndhurst, NJ

Conveniently situated in the heart of Lyndhurst, Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is easily accessible for locals across Bergen, Essex, and Hudson Counties. The specific address is 119 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA. This location places it right within the neighborhood fabric, often drawing in visitors who catch the "great smells" wafting from the shop, as one customer noted.

The Lyndhurst location serves as a crucial hub for the business, offering a central point for all their service options. It is generally a popular spot for the community, whether you're looking to pick up a quick lunch, enjoy a relaxed meal, or have a catering order fulfilled. Accessibility is streamlined for modern convenience, with various payment options accepted, including Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a quick and easy transaction process for all patrons. The surrounding area offers easy access, whether you are coming from local residential areas or major New Jersey roadways.

While the location is well-known for its delicious food, it's also important to note that the Carlitos brand is involved in more than just the Lyndhurst location, including catering and food trucks that serve the wider New Jersey-New York area. However, the Lyndhurst spot remains a cornerstone for their operations. If you're a local resident, checking current hours for the Lyndhurst spot is always advisable to plan your visit or order.

Services Offered

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is focused on providing a flexible and convenient dining experience to match the busy New Jersey lifestyle. Their service model is designed to cater to various needs, from a quick meal on the go to a relaxed sit-down experience.

The core services available at the Lyndhurst location include:

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal right in the establishment, appreciating the quaint, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere of the local shop.
• Takeout: Perfect for locals who want to grab their favorites and enjoy them at home or at work, making it a simple option for busy weeknights or lunch breaks.
• Delivery: For maximum convenience, the restaurant offers delivery services, allowing customers to enjoy their incredible barbecue tacos without having to leave their home or office.
• Catering: The extensive menu and reputation for quality make Carlitos an excellent choice for catering events, providing a unique and highly-praised option for parties, corporate events, and other gatherings.
• Diverse Menu: The menu accommodates both meat lovers and those seeking vegetarian options, with a focus on both traditional tacos and their specialty quesatacos, ensuring there's something delicious for everyone.

Features / Highlights

What sets Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria apart is its commitment to quality, a unique culinary concept, and a dedication to the customer experience. Here are some of the standout features that make this spot a favorite among New Jersey diners:

• Barbecue-Mexican Fusion: A highly innovative and celebrated blend of Texas-style barbecue and authentic Mexican taqueria cooking. This “BBQ taco” is the foundation of their unique appeal.
• Hand-Pressed Nixtamal Tortillas: The quality starts with the base. Carlitos makes their own tortillas from scratch, a 24-hour process using fresh, naturally cooked corn (Nixtamal masa), which is gluten-free and hand-pressed to order for unparalleled freshness and taste.
• Premium, Slow-Smoked Meats: The barbecue is done right, with proteins like Brisket and Pulled Pork being smoked low and slow for many hours (up to 16 hours for the pulled pork) to achieve maximum tenderness and smoky flavor.
• Customer-Favorite Menu Items: Standouts include the Brisket Tacos ($5.00), the Pulled Pork Quesatacos ($4.50), the highly recommended Crispy Fish tacos ($4.50), and the beloved Sweet Plantain Quesataco ($4.00) for a vegetarian option that has developed a “cult following.”
• Fresh Sides and Desserts: Beyond the main courses, customers rave about the quality of the sides like the authentic Mexican Street Corn ($4.25) and the delightful Churros ($3.50), often served with a wonderful dulce de leche filling, which are cooked perfectly.
• Authentic Beverages: The menu is rounded out with traditional drinks like refreshing Aguas Frescas ($4.00) and various Mexican Sodas ($3.00).

Contact Information

If you are planning a visit, placing a takeout order, or discussing catering options, here is the essential contact information for the Lyndhurst, NJ location:

Address: 119 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA

Phone (Primary): (201) 408-6082

Mobile Phone: +1 201-408-6082

What is Worth Choosing at Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the value and quality New Jersey diners appreciate. The primary draw is the genuine culinary innovation—the idea that you can experience the tender, oak-smoked flavor of authentic barbecue combined with the fresh, zesty profile of a high-end taqueria is simply a brilliant concept that they execute flawlessly. Customers consistently highlight the extraordinary "flavor profile" of the tacos, confirming that this fusion is a success.

Furthermore, the commitment to quality ingredients and technique is a major selling point. The 100% corn, hand-pressed tortillas are not a mere detail; they are a fundamental part of the experience, offering a superior texture and flavor that elevates the entire dish. When you pair this fresh base with premium, antibiotic-free meats that have been smoked for up to 16 hours, you are getting a meal crafted with maximum care and precision. The staff’s reputation for being "super friendly and helpful" only adds to the positive experience, fostering the warm, community-focused ambiance of a beloved local shop.

Finally, the menu variety is excellent. Whether you’re an ardent meat-eater drawn to the rich Brisket Plato ($14.25) or Pulled Pork Platos ($14.25), a fan of seafood with the Crispy Fish Tacos, or someone looking for a high-quality vegetarian option like the Crispy Portobello Taco ($5.00) or the caramelized Sweet Plantain Quesataco ($4.00), Carlitos provides delicious options that defy expectation. Finishing off a meal with their highly-rated Dolce Leche Churros is the perfect end to this unique New Jersey dining adventure. For a delightful, friendly, and truly delicious food experience, Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is an easy choice for any local.

In summary, choosing Carlitos means opting for:

• A unique, award-winning flavor combination you won't find anywhere else.
• A dedication to fresh, handmade ingredients, including daily-pressed corn tortillas.
• High-quality, pit-smoked meats prepared with meticulous care.
• Exceptional customer service in a welcoming, local environment.

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

119 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA