CRAVEN BBQ Introduce
For New Jersey residents and visitors craving a distinctive and flavor-packed barbecue experience, CRAVEN BBQ in Linden, NJ, offers an exciting culinary fusion that sets it apart from traditional American smokehouses. This establishment masterfully combines the time-honored techniques and savory marinades of Portuguese cuisine with the comfort food appeal of classic barbecue and chicken wings, creating a truly unique and inviting local dining spot in the Union County area.
The core of the menu at CRAVEN BBQ revolves around their expertise as a Portuguese restaurant and Barbecue restaurant, showcasing a variety of meats expertly grilled to perfection, often featuring the rich, robust flavors typical of Portuguese Churrasqueira. This focus on flavorful, open-flame cooking ensures that every dish, from the signature BBQ Chicken and Spare Ribs to specialty Portuguese cuts, delivers a satisfying and authentic taste.
Beyond the fantastic grilled meats, the restaurant also stands out as an excellent Chicken wings restaurant, offering Buffalo Wings in sizes ranging from 6 pieces to 18 pieces, with multiple sauce options including Chipotle BBQ and Homemade Hot Sauce. This versatility ensures there is something for every taste preference, whether you are looking for a full family meal, a quick lunch, or late-night food.
The atmosphere at CRAVEN BBQ is described by patrons as casual and welcoming, cultivating a family-friendly environment that is suitable for both locals and travelers. With an emphasis on genuine hospitality—as highlighted by numerous customer reviews—dining here feels relaxed, making it a comfortable place for solo dining, a family outing, or dinner with friends.
The culinary journey extends beyond barbecue and wings into a wide-ranging menu that includes fresh Fish-Seafood options, hearty Steaks, and a selection of Portuguese favorites. Appetizers like Empanada, Portuguese Sausage, and the highly recommended Mussels Marinara and Shrimp In Garlic Sauce provide a great start to the meal. Whether you prefer a quick bite or a full, seated dinner, CRAVEN BBQ delivers exceptional quality and generous portions.
Location and Accessibility
CRAVEN BBQ is conveniently situated in Linden, New Jersey, making it easily accessible for residents of Linden, Cranford, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and surrounding communities in the northern and central NJ region. The exact address is:
1137 W St Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, USA
Accessibility is a key feature of this location, as it offers a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable visit for all patrons. The establishment provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire community. For those driving, Free parking lot and Free street parking are available, alleviating the typical concerns of finding a spot in a busy area. The restaurant also welcomes well-behaved dogs in its Outdoor seating area, allowing pet owners to enjoy a meal outside during pleasant weather.
Services Offered
- Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy Lunch and Dinner with comfortable Seating and full Table service in a casual atmosphere. The establishment is popular for both solo dining and group gatherings.
- Takeout and Delivery: For maximum convenience, CRAVEN BBQ offers Takeout, Curbside pickup, and traditional Delivery services. The commitment to customer safety includes No-contact delivery options.
- Catering Services: Comprehensive Catering options are available for events and parties, featuring large-format portions of their signature BBQ, Sautéed Dishes, Seafood, and various Side Dishes. Catering sizes typically accommodate groups ranging from 9-15 people up to 25-30 people, including special bundles like the Chicken, Ribs & Fries package.
- Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends or for larger parties.
- Payment Methods: Paying for your meal is simple, with options including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
- Family-Friendly: The venue is deemed Good for kids, with High chairs available and a dedicated Kids Menu featuring favorites like Chicken Tenders & Fries and Mozzarella Sticks.
Features / Highlights
- Portuguese BBQ Specialty: The blend of Barbecue restaurant tradition with authentic Portuguese techniques, including wood-fired grilling for a unique, savory flavor profile distinct from typical American BBQ.
- Signature Meats: Highlights include perfectly prepared BBQ Chicken, BBQ Spare Ribs, Beef Short Ribs, and the premium Picanha (Top Sirloin Cap), a prized cut in Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine.
- Seafood Excellence: Standout dishes like Shrimp In Garlic Sauce and Mussels Marinara are customer favorites, often praised in reviews for their rich, flavorful sauces that are perfect for dipping their Portuguese Roll or complimentary toast.
- Diverse Menu: The menu offers great variety, covering Steaks (including Porterhouse Steak and Portuguese Style Shell Steak), Sandwiches (like the BBQ Ribs Sandwich and Cheesesteak), large salads, and authentic sides such as Maduros (sweet plantains) and Tostones (fried plantains).
- Comfort Food & Vegetarian Options: It caters to a wide audience with comforting classics, Late-night food, Quick bite options, and dedicated Vegetarian options on the menu, ensuring everyone finds a satisfying meal.
- Desserts and Coffee: A selection of delicious Desserts like Flan Caramel Pudding, Tres Leches, and Serradura, along with a full Coffee menu including Espresso and Cappuccino, perfect for concluding the meal.
Contact Information
For inquiries, reservations, or placing an order, patrons can easily reach CRAVEN BBQ using the following information:
Address: 1137 W St Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, USA
Phone: (908) 718-5028 or +1 908-718-5028
What is Worth Choosing
CRAVEN BBQ is a standout choice in the New Jersey dining scene because it transcends the standard barbecue joint to offer a memorable cultural and culinary experience. The restaurant’s greatest strength is the seamless integration of Portuguese and American flavors. When you choose CRAVEN BBQ, you are opting for a rich, charcoal-grilled taste that is inherently more complex and zesty than typical smoked meats. The dedication to quality is evident in every bite, whether it's a perfectly executed Picanha steak, a plate of savory Sauteed Pork Cubes, or the much-raved-about Garlic Shrimp—a dish customers frequently recommend as an absolute must-try.
Furthermore, the high level of hospitality and personal touch, often associated with family-owned establishments, enhances the entire dining experience. Patrons consistently report feeling welcome and well-cared for by the staff, making a meal here not just about the food, but about the genuine, friendly service. For those in or around Linden, NJ, looking for authentic Portuguese barbecue, a satisfying plate of wings, diverse seafood, or catering for their next event, CRAVEN BBQ offers a quality, flavor, and service combination that is truly worth choosing.
CRAVEN BBQ Menu
Dine In - Soup
- Soup Of The Day
- Special Soup
- Soup & Salad $7.95
Dine In - Appetizers
- Empanada
- Calamari $13.95
- Mozzarella Sticks.. $9.95
- Portuguese Sausage $11.95
- Portuguese Nachos $13.95
- Appetizer Sampler $18.95
- Pull Pork Empanada Special $6.50
- Mussels Marinara $14.95
Dine In - Buffalo Wings
- 6 Pieces $9.95
- 12 Pieces $17.95
- 18 Pieces $27.95
Dine In - Side Orders
- Loaf Of Bread
- Maduros $3.95
- Portuguese Roll $0.99
- Sauteed Vegetables Medley With Onions, Peppers & Mushrooms $12.95
- Tostones $3.95
- Rice
- Fries
- Portuguese Chips
- Cheese Fries
- Gravy Fries
- Steamed Vegetables
- Black Beans
- Pickled Vegetables
Dine In - Salads
- Tossed Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Steak Salad $13.95
- Chicken Salad $12.95
- Shrimp Salad $13.95
- Steak Caesar Salad $14.95
- Shrimp Caesar Salad $14.95
Dine In - Barbecue
- BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Spare Ribs
- Beef Short Ribs
- Rib Combo
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Pork Steak
- BBQ Combo
- Beef Combo
- Craven Mixed Grill
- Picanha (Top Sirloin Cap)
Dine In - Fish-Seafood
- Sardines
- Paella $25.95
- Shrimp In Garlic Sauce
- Fish Fillet Flounder
- BBQ Broiled Cod Fish
- Grilled Salmon
- Calamari
- Mussels Marinara $14.95
Dine In - Meats
- Sauteed Pork Cubes
- Sauteed Chicken Cubes
- Sauteed Beef Cubes
- Sauteed Cubes Mix
- Chicken With Bone In Garlic Sauce $0.00
- Chicken Breast In Garlic Sauce
- Chicken Breast & Shrimp In Garlic Sauce
- Breaded Chicken Breast
- Breaded Steak
Dine In - Craven BBQ Steaks
- Small Steak W/ Eggs & Ham 9oz Shell.
Dish is served with Portuguese Chips
- Portuguese Style Shell Steak
Dish is served with Portuguese Chips
- Shell Steak 15oz
- Skirt Steak
- Porterhouse Steak
- T-Bone Steak
- Picanha
Dine In - Sandwiches
- Steak $11.95
- Cheesesteak $12.95
- Portuguese Sausage $11.95
- BBQ Chicken $11.95
- Pork Steak $11.95
- Fish Fillet $11.95
- Breaded Chicken $12.45
- Breaded Pork $12.45
- Breaded Steak $12.45
- Hamburger $12.95
- 8oz Cheeseburger $13.95
- Craven Burger $15.95
- BBQ Ribs Sandwich $11.95
Dine In - Desserts
- Cheese Cake $4.95
- Flan Caramel Pudding $4.95
- Chocolate Cake $5.95
- Serradura $4.95
- Pumpkin Cake $4.50
- Red Velvet $5.95
- Steakhouse Cheesecake $6.95
- Tiramisu $5.95
- Tres Leches $5.95
- Carrot Cake $5.95
Dine In - Coffee
- Espresso $1.95
- Double Espresso $3.50
- Latte $3.95
- Cappuccino $4.45
- Hot Tea $2.50
- Regular Coffee $2.75
Dine In - Kids Menu
- Chicken Tenders (2) & Fries $7.95
- Mozzarella Sticks (4) $6.95
- Grilled Chicken Breast With Rice $7.95
Dine In - Drinks
- Coke $2.99
- Can Soda $1.87
- Canada Dry $2.99
- Castello (Seltzer) $1.75
- Sprite $2.99
- Diet Coke $2.99
- Guarana Brazilia $2.49
- Snapple $2.75
- Sumol $2.49
- Sunkist Orange $1.99
- Water $1.50
- Apple Juice $1.99
- Orange Juice $1.99
Dine In - Sauces
- Garlic Sauce
- Chipotle BBQ
- Homemade Hot Sauce
- Ranch
- Bleu Cheese
- Gravy
- Chipotle Mayo
Dine In - Lunch Specials
- Soup Of The Day & Salad $7.45
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken
- 1/4 Bbq Ribs
- 1/4 Pork Steak
- 1/4 Grilled Chicken Breast
- 1/4 Fried Flounder
- Pulled Pork Platter
- 1/4 Salmon
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken & Ribs Combo
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken & Beef Rib Combo
- 1/4 Beef Steaks
- Side Salad $2.95
Dine In - Lunch Salads
- Lunch Chicken Caesar Salad $10.95
- Lunch Grilled Chicken Salad $10.95
- Steak Salads $11.95
Soup
- Soup Of The Day
- Special Soup
- Soup & Salad $7.95
Appetizers
- Empanada
- Calamari $13.95
- Mozzarella Sticks.. $9.95
- Portuguese Sausage $11.95
- Portuguese Nachos $13.95
- Appetizer Sampler $18.95
- Pull Pork Empanada Special $6.50
- Mussels Marinara $14.95
Buffalo Wings
- 6 Pieces $9.95
- 12 Pieces $17.95
- 18 Pieces $27.95
Side Orders
- Loaf Of Bread
- Maduros $3.95
- Portuguese Roll $0.99
- Sauteed Vegetables Medley With Onions, Peppers & Mushrooms $12.95
- Tostones $3.95
- Rice
- Fries
- Portuguese Chips
- Cheese Fries
- Gravy Fries
- Steamed Vegetables
- Black Beans
- Pickled Vegetables
Salads
- Tossed Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Steak Salad $13.95
- Chicken Salad $12.95
- Shrimp Salad $13.95
- Steak Caesar Salad $14.95
- Shrimp Caesar Salad $14.95
Barbecue
- BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Spare Ribs
- Beef Short Ribs
- Rib Combo
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Pork Steak
- BBQ Combo
- Beef Combo
- Craven Mixed Grill
- Picanha (Top Sirloin Cap)
Fish-Seafood
- Sardines
- Paella $25.95
- Shrimp In Garlic Sauce
- Fish Fillet Flounder
- BBQ Broiled Cod Fish
- Grilled Salmon
- Calamari
- Mussels Marinara $14.95
Meats
- Sauteed Pork Cubes
- Sauteed Chicken Cubes
- Sauteed Beef Cubes
- Sauteed Cubes Mix
- Chicken With Bone In Garlic Sauce $0.00
- Chicken Breast In Garlic Sauce
- Chicken Breast & Shrimp In Garlic Sauce
- Breaded Chicken Breast
- Breaded Steak
Craven BBQ Steaks
- Small Steak W/ Eggs & Ham 9oz Shell.
Dish is served with Portuguese Chips
- Portuguese Style Shell Steak
Dish is served with Portuguese Chips
- Shell Steak 15oz
- Skirt Steak
- Porterhouse Steak
- T-Bone Steak
- Picanha
Sandwiches
- Steak $11.95
- Cheesesteak $12.95
- Portuguese Sausage $11.95
- BBQ Chicken $11.95
- Pork Steak $11.95
- Fish Fillet $11.95
- Breaded Chicken $12.45
- Breaded Pork $12.45
- Breaded Steak $12.45
- Hamburger $12.95
- 8oz Cheeseburger $13.95
- Craven Burger $15.95
- BBQ Ribs Sandwich $11.95
Desserts
- Cheese Cake $4.95
- Flan Caramel Pudding $4.95
- Chocolate Cake $5.95
- Serradura $4.95
- Pumpkin Cake $4.50
- Red Velvet $5.95
- Steakhouse Cheesecake $6.95
- Tiramisu $5.95
- Tres Leches $5.95
- Carrot Cake $5.95
Coffee
- Espresso $1.95
- Double Espresso $3.50
- Latte $3.95
- Cappuccino $4.45
- Hot Tea $2.50
- Regular Coffee $2.75
Kids Menu
- Chicken Tenders (2) & Fries $7.95
- Mozzarella Sticks (4) $6.95
- Grilled Chicken Breast With Rice $7.95
Drinks
- Coke $2.99
- Can Soda $1.87
- Canada Dry $2.99
- Castello (Seltzer) $1.75
- Sprite $2.99
- Diet Coke $2.99
- Guarana Brazilia $2.49
- Snapple $2.75
- Sumol $2.49
- Sunkist Orange $1.99
- Water $1.50
- Apple Juice $1.99
- Orange Juice $1.99
Sauces
- Garlic Sauce
- Chipotle BBQ
- Homemade Hot Sauce
- Ranch
- Bleu Cheese
- Gravy
- Chipotle Mayo
Lunch Specials
- Soup Of The Day & Salad $7.45
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken
- 1/4 Bbq Ribs
- 1/4 Pork Steak
- 1/4 Grilled Chicken Breast
- 1/4 Fried Flounder
- Pulled Pork Platter
- 1/4 Salmon
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken & Ribs Combo
- 1/4 Bbq Chicken & Beef Rib Combo
- 1/4 Beef Steaks
- Side Salad $2.95
Lunch Salads
- Lunch Chicken Caesar Salad $10.95
- Lunch Grilled Chicken Salad $10.95
- Steak Salads $11.95
Catering - Barbecue C
- BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Spare Ribs
- Beef Short Ribs
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Pork Steak
- Chourico (Portuguese Sausage)
Catering - Wings
- 100 Wings $140.00
Catering - Fish-Seafood C
- Garlic Shrimp
- Calamari
- Fish Filet
- Paella
Catering - Sautéed Dishes C
- Chicken Breast In Garlic Sauce
- Cube Mix
Catering - Side Dishes C
- Rice
- Fries
- Portuguese Chips
- Black Beans
- Steamed Vegetables
- Sauteed Vegetables (Car., Broc., Col.)
- Pickled Vegetables
- Salad
Catering - Online Special
- Chicken, Ribs & Fries $224.95
Feeds 25 to 30 people
- Craven Mix Grill $120.00
Chicken, Spare Ribs, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Steak & Chourico. Feeds 8 to 10 people, only $12.00 per person.
Barbecue C
- BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Spare Ribs
- Beef Short Ribs
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Pork Steak
- Chourico (Portuguese Sausage)
Wings
- 100 Wings $140.00
Fish-Seafood C
- Garlic Shrimp
- Calamari
- Fish Filet
- Paella
Sautéed Dishes C
- Chicken Breast In Garlic Sauce
- Cube Mix
Side Dishes C
- Rice
- Fries
- Portuguese Chips
- Black Beans
- Steamed Vegetables
- Sauteed Vegetables (Car., Broc., Col.)
- Pickled Vegetables
- Salad
Online Special
- Chicken, Ribs & Fries $224.95
Feeds 25 to 30 people
- Craven Mix Grill $120.00
Chicken, Spare Ribs, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Steak & Chourico. Feeds 8 to 10 people, only $12.00 per person.
CRAVEN BBQ Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
CRAVEN BBQ Photos










CRAVEN BBQ Location
CRAVEN BBQ
1137 W St Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, USA
CRAVEN BBQ Reviews
riceribsdeliveryempanadasfood and servicebuffalo wingsgarlic shrimpmusicserverseasoned
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Came in right before closing to get a to go order. The ribbon were good, but what really hit the spot was the garlic shrimp.The guy at the counter asked if garlic shrimp was something we want to add to the order. I have zero regrets about that recommendation. He threw in some toast to soak up all that delicious garlic sauce.Would definitely come back to for a sit down meal
March 08 · Yevgeniya PechenayaBangin! I don't even leave reviews but i really had to say something. Food was incredible i got ribs . Very basic move probably, but im not that familiar with Portuguese Barbecue, and i love ribs... so anyway I came in for take out to bring back to my hotel, but the cashier and atmosphere kind of just invited me to sit down. I travel for work and pass thru towns all over the place so it's VERY nice when I feel invited to sit down and enjoy food. Then I guess i forgot to order a drink because I was originally planning to take the food out and the owner (who never announced himself as such) just candidly dropped by my table and asked if i would like a drink, then immediately brought me a water bottle . I'm big on small, authentic gestures and I really just enjoyed myself. I forgot i was on a work trip and about to go to a hotel for a minute. Very nice . Thank you very much for the experience of you guys read these!
October 08 · Robert RichMy first time trying this spot and it exceeded my expectations! The owner was very hospitable and made the experience feel welcoming. The restaurant itself had designs and decorations that were well thought out and perfectly put together. The food was so good and fresh, definitely recommend! Will be returning 10/10 experience.
September 24 · Diana BonolaThis place was Amazing. The service was great! I enjoyed the Beef cubes that were cooked to perfection. I appreciate that the Food was hot and fresh. The Carrot cake I took to-go was Divine!! My husband and I will surely return very soon!
October 08 · Malika LeachWe had an amazing experience at Craven BBQ. The food was delicious, full of authentic smoky flavor, and the portions were generous.Special thanks to Isidro, who gave us outstanding service. He was friendly, attentive, and made excellent recommendations that made our visit even better.We’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend Craven BBQ and Isidro’s great service!
September 17 · jaime Diaz
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