Nic's Outpost BBQ - Bridgewater, NJ

Nic's Outpost BBQ
793 US-202
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
https://niks202outpostbarbeque.eat24hour.com/

Nic's Outpost BBQ was discovered by chance on a drive by.  It's been a barbecue joint since 2016, before that it was a NJ diner.  That may be all the 'splainin' I need to do about this but let's explore further for the folks inclined for more detail.



As is typical for a diner style establishment, they have a rather larger number of items on the menu.

For apps they have Onion Rings, Fried Pickle Chips, Cheese Sticks, Quesadilla Bites (pulled pork or chicken), BBQ Smoke Wings, Loaded Texas Fries, Brisket Stuffed Portobello, BBQ Rib Tips, BBQ-Nachos, BBQ Ribs to Share.  They have Chili or Brunswick Stew and a Brisket topped Texas Caesar Salad.  

Hint: Any item on the menu that has Texas in it, has beef on it. Subtle...very subliminal.

Then there was a confusing section called "Lighter Fare". Offerings were, Pork or Chicken Carnitas, Portabella Carnitas, Crunchy Fish Carnitas, Beef Brisket Carnitas, Mutton Carnitas.

While the word "carnitas" comes from a Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacan and literally means' "little meats", the current day definition doesn't separate this from it's pork origins.  Therefore I take exception to calling anything other than braised/simmered pork as carnitas.  However, I guess you can do whatever you want in the great state of New Jersey.

For sandwiches, Pulled Chicken, Pulled Pork, Sliced Kielbasa, Hot Links, Mutton, Brisket, "Off the Bone" Rib-Wich.

They have platters with all the meat options above plus Beef Ribs as well as 3 different sampler platters, Country Boy (Pork, Chicken, Kialbasa), Memphis Man (Chicken and Ribs), Outpost BBQ (Pork Brisket Chicken Ribs for 2 or 4).

There is entire menu for Crabby Abby's Seafood. You know...Clams, Shrimp and stuff.

Hot Dogs: Naked, Outpost, Atlantic Dog, Louisiana Pup, Georgia Dog, Tennessee Pup, Texas Dog, Alabama Dog and the Harambe.

6 different burgers, 4 golden fried platters and sides galore...Bacon BBQ Beans, Fries, Coleslaw, Fried Okra, Potato Salad, Side Salad, Mac & Cheese, Corn on the Cob, Sweet Potato Fries, Texas Toast, Steamed Broccoli and Corn Bread.

We tried the Pulled Pork Nachos.  They were actually tasty but typical. (Who puts lettuce on nacho's? Diner people!)

 I had the rib sandwich.  It was fairly tasty but as it was smothered in sauce, it was hard to get a good sampling of the subtleties of the smoke.

 The surprise of the day was the sauce offering.  They had Texas Sweet, Memphis spicy, Kansas City smokey and yes...a Alabama White.  I was so impressed with the Bama White.  It was a good option for chicken.

It just goes to show you, keep your eyes open and look for barbecue opportunities wherever you are.  You just never know what you are going to find.

So if you want diner BBQ, come to NJ. The capital of diners.  However, it is not the capital of BBQ.