"Everybody Eats" New Jersey-Style BBQ

I am a huge BBQ fan. As far as food genres go, it's probably my favorite. Unfortunately, New Jersey is certainly not known as a hotbed of BBQ, but that does not mean there are not some awesome places in the state. One of those is Daddy Matty's BBQ in Madison which checks off two key boxes for me: close to my house and awesome food!

However, I will be honest, when this place first opened up and I went, I was seriously underwhelmed. I just didn't think it was all that good, but I kept going because there were some decent offerings and there weren't many other BBQ joints nearby. Then they closed for the winter in 2019 with plans to open back up early 2020. Obviously a certain global event derailed that plan and they were forced to push back their reopening.

Once they did, I ordered takeout from there (the first place I got takeout from during the pandemic) and was blown away. I got a sample platter with brisket, sausage, and smoked turkey, mac and cheese, and cornbread (don't worry there were leftovers) and it was like I was eating at a totally different restaurant. Matt James and his crew took advantage of the time off to get everything right and man did they succeed. It is now consistently one of my favorite spots to order food from.

Daddy Matty's also hosts some really cool events. I have been to their BBQ, Bourbon, & Blues event and their Mardi Gras event. At these they offer a specially curated menu with what is essentially all you can drink bourbon from our friends at Main Street Wine Cellar, and an awesome blues band to serenade you. At the Blues event I was having some serious meat sweats but it was all worth it. I specifically remember how perfect the giant dinosaur beef rib was, perfectly cooked! At the Mardi Gras event we saw Matt change it up a little with a more New Orleans-themed menu. The crawfish etouffee and the jambalaya were both amazing.

Not only is Daddy Matty's BBQ an amazing BBQ spot in North Jersey, Matt and his team are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Matt is always walking around, checking in with his guests, making you feel like family. There are plenty of great restaurants around but it's pretty rare to get that kind of experience. Every time we go over to Daddy Matty's, it's like you're in Matt's backyard having a drink, enjoying some great food, and having a few laughs. It feels like home.

So if you are in the area and want a tray of some awesome BBQ, make sure you stop in to Daddy Matty's!