+1 973-934-9263
Nestled in the heart of downtown Boonton, NJ, Embark Smoked Meats is redefining the barbecue experience with a fresh, inviting twist. Unlike the traditional dimly lit smokehouses you might expect, Embark welcomes guests into a bright, clean, and modern space that energizes the senses before a single bite is taken. This friendly barbecue and American restaurant blends the rich, soulful flavors of Southern cooking with a contemporary flair, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and travelers seeking authentic smoked meats and comfort food.
The menu at Embark is a celebration of hearty, meticulously prepared dishes that showcase the finest in smoked meats. Standout items like the Chicken Sandwich are no ordinary fare; tender, juicy poultry layered with flavorful accompaniments bursts with smoky goodness in every mouthful. For those craving creamy indulgence, the Burnt End Mac and Cheese and the Pulled Pork Macaroni Cheese offer a luscious harmony of cheese and smoky meat that coats the palate with comforting richness. Paired with the addictive Sweet Potato Crinkle Cut Fries, which add a lightly crisp, sweet contrast, each meal becomes a delightful exploration of texture and taste.
One unique offering you shouldn’t miss is the Farinata, a nod to culinary diversity that perfectly complements the hearty BBQ staples, adding a sophisticated and savory touch to your dining experience. Whether you’re here for a casual family dinner, an indulgent brunch, or a flavorful sandwich to-go, Embark’s varied menu caters to all cravings without ever sacrificing quality or creativity.
Customers repeatedly praise the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, whose thoughtful recommendations make even first-time visitors feel like seasoned regulars. The service is both swift and friendly, ensuring you spend more time savoring your food and less time waiting. The atmosphere hums with the buzz of satisfied diners enjoying their meals in plentiful seating – an ideal spot for a relaxed gathering or a tasty stop during a downtown stroll.
While a few guests have noted minor points such as the absence of air conditioning on warmer days, this does little to diminish the overall appeal. The flavors—the smoky brisket, tender pulled pork, and melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends—capture the essence of southern BBQ with an elevated, contemporary approach. As one satisfied customer put it, dipping cinnamon cornbread into the signature BBQ sauce turns an already stellar meal into an unforgettable experience.
Embark Smoked Meats is more than just a barbecue joint; it's a culinary gem in Boonton that invites you to embark on a flavorful journey through exquisite smoked meats, inventive sides, and a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or simply someone who loves bold, satisfying American fare, this vibrant spot will not disappoint.
Visit them at 811 Main St, Boonton, NJ, or call +1 973-934-9263 to discover your new favorite BBQ haven.
What a new great find this is! Located right in the middle of downtown Boonton, this is a brightly lit clean modern looking small restaurant. Typically barbecue places seem to be dark and dingy. Not at all the case here. You order your food from the counter and take it back to the table. We had the three meat combo with the brisket, pulled pork and burnt ends, which is what you'll see in the picture. We also ordered fries and drinks. This was some seriously great food. The burnt ends were absolutely the best I've ever had followed real close with the brisket. That was really so tender. It was absolutely buttery soft and delicious. Even the french fries were cooked to perfection. The meal came served with a side of cornbread and a side of coleslaw. I met the owner when I placed my order. She was working the counter. Friendly as well! Absolutely a keeper this place.
We happened to stumble into this delightful find on the Boonton Main Street Fall Crawl and it was a wonderful surprise! It had a welcoming atmosphere that was fun and creative. The meat was tender and the rest of the flood was flavorful. But the best part about the experience was the service. They gave us thoughtful suggestions on our order. Even though they were closing up, they kindly let us stay and finish our meal. They checked in on us when we were eating. We highly recommend!
Embark hits the spot. The meats were all tendered and seasoned well. The sauces added another level to the meat. We ordered the pulled porked, brisket and burnt ends combo, cheeseburger, mac & cheese and seasoned fries. The staffs were all friendly. Service was quick and there are plenty seating. I would recommend this place, it won't disappoint.
Was walking around Boonton with my fiance and we came here for the first time. I ordered the 2 meat combo with brisket and pulled pork and she ordered the breakfast burger. Oh my goodness, this food is unbelievable. First off, the meat was cooked to perfection. The BBQ sauce is to die for that i was actually dipping the cinnamon corn bread into the BBQ sauce. This place is 10/10 and the owner is awesome! Highly recommend.
The food was tasty and certainly done well. The ribs wasn't that hot.... room temperature. The beef brisket is outstanding. The kale salad was good. My personal opinion is that the food is good and above average. But the in restaurant dining experience was 1 star because of no air conditioning. If there was air conditioning, that would enhance the experience.
Love the meats here. Originally got from Uber Eats but had to check out in person. We had the pulled pork Mac n cheese and burnt ends fries. They were fantastic. The signature BBQ sauce is excellent. Can't wait to try other meats
I must be a clown for waiting so long to come to this place. I don’t have enough good things to say about it. Best burnt ends. Best pulled pork. Best brisket. Best wings. It is confusing that a place could be so good at so many things. The sauces were surprisingly phenomenal. Corn bread was thought provoking. I want the burnt ends mac & cheese to be the last thing I eat before I die. Even the cole slaw was delicious. Can’t wait to come back and eat everything else on the menu!!!! BEST SERVICE.
This is MY FAVORITE place. The amount of times a week I crave this place is crazy. The staff is so so so so so nice I can’t even express how welcomed we feel every time we come. They treat us like family every time and it means a lot! Their food is absolutely amazing and the BBQ sauce is to DIE for. Don’t forget to get their Mac and cheese as a side. It’s insanely good!!