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The One Mexican Restaurant In New Jersey With Surprisingly Delicious BBQ

Grub Hut in Manville, New Jersey, offers a unique fusion of Mexican cuisine and barbecue, creating a distinctive dining experience.

Published Feb 8, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey is often called the best spot for international cuisine in the country, thanks to its incredibly diverse population. But if there's one cuisine that has been taking off in recent years, it's Mexican - it sometimes seems like a new Taqueria or Torta shop is opening around every corner, and that means only good things for lovers of Mexican food. But Grub Hut in Manville may just be the most unique Mexican restaurant in New Jersey - because its meats have a little something extra. Grub Hut Unique BBQ & Mexican Grill doubles as a smokehouse serving some of New Jersey's best barbecue, and you can mix-and-match the two menus to create a delicious meal unlike anything you've had in New Jersey before.

The Grub Hut is a Manville institution, and this laid-back eatery has a delicious surprise waiting.

Exterior of Grub Hut restaurant featuring a sign, outdoor seating, and a catering notice.
MitchPhyllis65/TripAdvisor

The small Mexican cafe looks like any other, but the smell of smoked meat will hit you as soon as you sit down.

Cozy restaurant interior with wooden tables, chairs, and colorful walls, featuring a TV and decorative wall art.
MitchPhyllis65/TripAdvisor

Grub Hut serves traditional Mexican tacos, with all the fixings and a variety of fillings.

A plate of three tacos topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro, served with sides of salsa and sour cream.
Geoff S/TripAdvisor

You can also have heaping plates of Tex-Mex classics, loaded with as much cheese as you want.

A plate with two enchiladas topped with cheese, served with rice, black beans, and a sprinkle of green onions.
Marykay K/TripAdvisor

The restaurant also serves excellent fried plantains - and you can have them as a side as you cross over to the other side of the menu.

A pulled pork sandwich with a cherry on top, served with a side of crispy fried plantains.
Marykay K/TripAdvisor

Grub Hut's barbecue menu is just as delicious as the Mexican, with a focus on pork - including pulled pork, ribs, and spicy sausages.

A plate featuring smoked ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and a side of Brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes.
Greg C/TripAdvisor

The ribs in particular are deliciously tender, almost falling-off-the-bone and covered in a mildly sweet sauce.

Close-up of juicy, grilled ribs served with crispy French fries on a plate.
MitchPhyllis65/TripAdvisor

What's the best way to enjoy it to its fullest? Try a little of everything and have your own personal fusion feast.

A colorful platter featuring tacos, grilled chicken, beef, rice, beans, and sides of salsa and vegetables.
Michael F/TripAdvisor

Have you visited Grub Hut in Manville to try its Mexican menu - or its barbecue? Let us know about your visit to this unique Mexican restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section. The restaurant has a big menu, so you'll want to visit the website to decide what you want before you go. For another unique dining experience in New Jersey, check out this all-you-can-eat Japanese gem.

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