Elmora BBQ

- 537 Pennington St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Welcome to **Elmora BBQ**, a highly-regarded local gem situated in the heart of Elizabeth, New Jersey. This establishment perfectly blends the smoky, savory traditions of a classic **barbecue restaurant** with the distinct, rich flavors of a **Portuguese restaurant**. For New Jersey residents seeking truly authentic, hearty, and flavorful meals, Elmora BBQ is a must-visit destination. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for its high-quality, perfectly cooked meats, especially its legendary grilled chicken, which one enthusiastic customer described as the "BEST tasting chicken I've ever had."

Elmora BBQ is more than just a quick stop; it is an experience rooted in robust flavors and satisfying portions. Their menu features a wide array of options, from slow-cooked **BBQ Spare Ribs** and tender **Beef Short Ribs** to traditional Portuguese specialties like **BBQ Portuguese Sausage** and perfectly prepared **Grilled Cod Fish**. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in, as noted by a patron who advised, "your nose will lead you to the front door just off of smell you know going to be good." The atmosphere is **casual**, making it an easy and comfortable choice for a casual **lunch** or **dinner**.

The restaurant caters primarily to **locals** who appreciate good quality food and a genuine, unpretentious dining environment. While it offers **dine-in** service, the popularity and compact size of the venue often make **takeout** the preferred choice for many long-time patrons. It is popular for various dining occasions, including lunch, dinner, and solo dining, making it a flexible choice for various schedules.

Elmora BBQ is conveniently located at **537 Pennington St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA**. This address places it within a vibrant community area in Elizabeth, making it easily reachable for residents of Union County and beyond. Its proximity to major transit routes also makes it a popular stop for those traveling, as one reviewer noted it is often their first stop when arriving at Newark Airport.

For patrons planning to visit, the restaurant is set up to be highly accessible through various means. For those arriving by car, **paid street parking** is available in the vicinity. Given the restaurant's reputation and popularity among locals, planning ahead is recommended. A common piece of advice from experienced customers is to **call in your order ahead to avoid wait time**, as the location is so popular that there can "usually be a wait."

The dining space itself is described as small, suggesting a more intimate or "hole in the wall" atmosphere, which often points to hidden culinary quality. The dining format favors efficiency and quality of food, whether you choose to dine in or take your delicious barbecue and Portuguese specialties to go.

Elmora BBQ offers flexible services to ensure every customer in the New Jersey area can enjoy their highly-rated cuisine, whether they are looking for a quick meal or a full dining experience.

• **Takeout:** This is a highly recommended and popular option due to the limited seating. Patrons are encouraged to call ahead at (908) 354-1800 to place their order and ensure quick pickup.
• **Delivery:** For maximum convenience, Elmora BBQ provides delivery services, bringing their mouth-watering meats and savory sides directly to your home or office in the local Elizabeth area.
• **Dine-in and Table Service:** While seating may be limited and described as "self-service," the restaurant offers a casual space to enjoy your meal with table service during **lunch** and **dinner** hours.
• **Quick Bite Offerings:** The menu is well-suited for a quick, satisfying meal, offering items like **Sandwiches and Burgers** (e.g., Steak Sandwich, Cheeseburger), **Appetizers** (e.g., Buffalo Wings with Fries), and various combo options.
• **Payments Accepted:** The establishment provides modern payment flexibility, accepting both **Debit cards** and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Kids' Menu:** Ensuring it is truly a family-friendly establishment, a specific **Kids' menu** is available, making it a great choice for dining with children.

What truly sets Elmora BBQ apart in the Elizabeth, NJ dining scene is the unique marriage of traditional Portuguese grilling techniques with classic American barbecue flavors, combined with a commitment to offering a broad and satisfying menu.

• **Signature Meats and BBQ:** The undisputed highlight is the quality of the cooked meats. The menu is stacked with protein options:
  • **BBQ Chicken and Grilled Chicken:** Noted as some of the "BEST tasting chicken," available as a whole, half, or specific leg and thigh portions.
  • **Ribs and Steaks:** Including **BBQ Spare Ribs**, **Beef Short Ribs**, **Rib Eye Steak**, **T-bone Steak**, and **Skirt Steak**.
  • **Portuguese Specialties:** Authentic options like **BBQ Portuguese Sausage** and **Grilled Quail**.
• **Extensive Seafood Selection:** Beyond the barbecue, a large and impressive selection of **Seafood and Fish** is available, including:
  • Various Shrimp dishes (e.g., **Jumbo Shrimp in Garlic Sauce**, **Tiger Shrimp with Head**).
  • Grilled Fish (e.g., **Grilled Salmon Filet**, **Grilled Cod Fish**, and **Grilled or Fried Red Snapper** or **Mojarra/Tilapia**).
• **Combo Platters for Sharing:** The menu features large-format options perfect for families or groups, such as the **Super Elmora Combo** and **Elmora Combo**, alongside smaller options like the **Half Combo** and **Combo**.
• **Diverse Offerings:** The food caters to different needs, falling under categories of **Comfort food**, **Healthy options** (like the **Steamed Veggies** and numerous salads), and **Small plates/Quick bites**.
• **Casual, Authentic Atmosphere:** It has the charm of a local, unpretentious spot—often referred to as a "hole in the wall"—where the focus is solely on delivering incredibly flavorful food.

For New Jersey residents eager to experience the culinary delights of Elmora BBQ, here is the necessary contact and location information for easy access and ordering:

**Address:**
537 Pennington St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA

**Phone:**
(908) 354-1800
Mobile: +1 908-354-1800

For patrons in the New Jersey area, Elmora BBQ is an essential choice for a few key reasons. The most compelling factor is the **unrivaled taste and quality of the grilled chicken**, which has achieved legendary status among local customers. If you visit, starting with a portion of their signature chicken is highly recommended to understand what all the buzz is about.

Beyond the chicken, the ability to seamlessly order both authentic Portuguese dishes and classic American barbecue makes it a unique dining experience. Where else in Elizabeth can you find delicious, tender **BBQ Spare Ribs** next to a beautifully **Grilled Red Snapper** or an authentic **BBQ Portuguese Sausage**? This versatility makes it perfect for pleasing different palates at the same table.

The presence of large **Combo Platters** also makes it an excellent, cost-effective choice for feeding a family or hosting a small gathering. The generous portions and focus on protein-heavy entrees ensure a satisfying, hearty meal every time. Furthermore, the commitment to convenient service through **delivery** and the emphasized advice to **call ahead for takeout** demonstrates a restaurant that values its local clientele's time and convenience. When you are looking for that intensely flavored, comfort-driven meal in Elizabeth, NJ, following your nose to Elmora BBQ for their celebrated meats and Portuguese flair is absolutely the right choice.

Elmora BBQ

537 Pennington St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA