Portugalo BBQ

- 3 Ronald Dr, East Hanover, NJ 07936

For residents across New Jersey looking to experience authentic, wood-fired grilling that diverges from typical American styles, Portugalo BBQ in East Hanover offers a distinctive culinary alternative. Specializing in Portuguese cuisine, this establishment is a "churrasqueira" that brings the savory, spice-forward flavors of traditional Portuguese barbecue to the local Morris County community. The restaurant focuses on meats seasoned with a traditional, non-sweet, savory Piri-Piri marinade and cooked over hardwood charcoal, giving it a unique light smoke flavor and spicy tang.

The menu is extensive and showcases a full spectrum of Portuguese-inspired dishes, going beyond the barbecue to include seafood and classic Portuguese entrées. Highlighted wood-fired entrees include the signature PIRI PIRI CHICKEN, BEEF RIBS, and PORK RIBS, alongside large family-style samplers and the unique BRAZILIAN RODIZIO options. The menu is designed to cater to a variety of cravings, from quick comfort food and small plates to substantial, multi-course dinners. Beyond the grilled meats, the menu features specialty items like the popular Portugalo Picadinho, Pork With Clams, and a significant selection of seafood including Seafood Paella and Salted Cod.

In terms of atmosphere, Portugalo BBQ offers a casual, cozy, and quiet setting, welcoming a diverse crowd including locals, families, and even tourists. The restaurant emphasizes a friendly, family-style vibe, though it is noted to be a smaller venue with a vibrant takeout business. For New Jersey users, it is positioned as a go-to spot for an internationally inspired comfort meal, offering generous portions and a blend of traditional barbecue with rich Portuguese flavors.

Portugalo BBQ is conveniently located at 3 Ronald Dr, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA. This address in East Hanover, Morris County, makes it easily accessible for customers driving from nearby towns and is situated just off a main thoroughfare. The location is recognized as being on a side street directly off Ridgedale Avenue, making it easy to spot with a distinctive colorful six-foot rooster marking its presence.

The restaurant provides multiple accessibility features to ensure a welcoming experience for all members of the New Jersey community:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom and seating
• Free parking lot and free street parking available

Parking is a non-issue with both a dedicated lot and street parking, a great convenience for patrons who prefer to drive. Additionally, the venue offers both indoor seating and comfortable outdoor seating, with protection and heating planned for cooler weather, allowing patrons a choice in their dining environment. It is also noted that the location is dog-friendly for outdoor dining.

Portugalo BBQ provides a comprehensive range of services, focusing on flexibility and customer convenience for the New Jersey market:

• Dine-in Service: Offering a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere for enjoying lunch and dinner. Both indoor and outdoor seating are provided.
• Takeout Service: A vibrant takeout business caters to customers wanting to enjoy the food at home, providing a quick, efficient option.
• Delivery Service: For added convenience, delivery is available to bring the wood-fired Portuguese flavors directly to the customer's location.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making their specialized barbecue and entrees available for parties, events, and family gatherings.
• Family and Kids' Dining: Features include a dedicated Kids Menu, high chairs, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Payment Versatility: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for seamless transactions.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms are available for all guests.

The unique features and menu highlights of Portugalo BBQ are what make it a destination for authentic Portuguese barbecue in New Jersey:

• Authentic Wood-Fired Grille: The core feature is the traditional Portuguese method of cooking meat over hardwood charcoal, seasoned with the signature savory Piri-Piri marinade, providing a distinct flavor profile.
• Signature PIRI PIRI CHICKEN: This is a highly-praised, must-try dish, representing the best of Portuguese churrasqueira.
• Diverse Entrée Selection: Beyond BBQ, the menu excels with Portuguese specialties like the Portugalo Picadinho (Cubed pork, potato, beef, Portuguese sausage and shrimp) and traditional Pork With Clams.
• Highly-Rated Small Plates and Desserts: Popular items include the diverse range of Empanadas (Beef, BBQ Pulled Pork, Guava and Cheese), the Shrimp With Garlic starter, and classic homemade desserts like Serradura (whipped sweet cream and Portuguese cookies).
• Rodizio Option: The availability of the BRAZILIAN RODIZIO provides a feast of various wood-fired meats, suitable for single diners or for sharing among two or three people.
• Specialized Portuguese Sandwiches: Unique offerings like the Porto Pork Steak Sandwich and the Portuguese Prosciutto & Flamengo Cheese Sandwich provide a taste of authentic Portuguese street food.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant is explicitly labeled as LGBTQ+ friendly, family-friendly, and dog-friendly (outside), fostering an inclusive and comfortable dining environment for all.

For East Hanover and surrounding New Jersey residents wishing to place an order, inquire about catering, or make a reservation, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3 Ronald Dr, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA

Phone: (973) 577-2000

Mobile Phone: +1 973-577-2000

It is always a good practice to contact the restaurant directly via the phone number provided to confirm current operating hours, check on daily specials, or inquire about the BYOB policy, as is common with many small New Jersey establishments.

Portugalo BBQ is unequivocally worth choosing for the New Jersey diner who is seeking an authentic Portuguese wood-fired experience, a rare and distinct culinary offering in the region. The core reason to visit is to experience the Piri-Piri marinade and charcoal grilling process, which is the heart of Portuguese churrascaria.

While the restaurant has received mixed customer feedback regarding consistency—specifically concerning seasoning and preparation of some items—the popularity of their signature wood-fired meats and other highly-rated items cannot be ignored. The most frequently ordered and well-regarded dishes, such as the PIRI PIRI CHICKEN, Pork Ribs, Empanadas, and Portugalo Picadinho, demonstrate where the restaurant's strengths lie. Patrons consistently praise the generous portions and the overall flavor of the grilled meats.

Choosing Portugalo BBQ means opting for a unique blend of flavors, a diverse menu that covers land and sea, and a commitment to authenticity. The casual, welcoming, and accessible environment, combined with the convenience of dine-in, takeout, and delivery, makes it a valuable and culturally rich addition to the East Hanover dining scene, offering a true taste of Portuguese comfort food and barbecue for the New Jersey community.

Portugalo BBQ

3 Ronald Dr, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA