- Attraction: Red White & Que Smokehouse
- Location: 150 US-22, Green Brook, NJ 08812
- Industry: Barbecue Restaurant
- Website: https://redwhiteandquesmokehouse.com/
A former Marine decided to trade his uniform for a smoker, and Somerset County hasn’t been the same since.
What started as one veteran’s dream over a plate of brisket has evolved into what national food critics call the best BBQ in New Jersey.
This isn’t your typical strip mall joint—though it occupies the former home of the iconic 75-year-old Texas Weiners—it’s a legitimate smokehouse where meat sells out daily and the six-foot Statue of Liberty greeting you at the door is just the beginning of the patriotic homage.
Owner Dan Misuraca opened Red White & Que Smokehouse in 2016 after serving in the U.S. Marines during the Gulf War. The restaurant moved to its current Green Brook location in 2022, expanding from a tiny takeout spot in Kearny to a full-service restaurant that seats around 100 guests.
Featured on Food Network’s “Guy’s Big Project” and recognized by Food & Wine Magazine and Thrillist as serving some of the nation’s finest BBQ, this smokehouse has earned serious credentials.
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Keep Exploring →The operation uses J&R Oyler smokers to slow-smoke everything in-house over hickory wood, creating Central Texas-style barbecue that’s authentic enough to make Texans jealous.
The Smoked Meats That Sell Out Daily
Texas-Style Brisket: This is the crown jewel that keeps people coming back. You’ll find generous amounts of black pepper creating a dark, crunchy bark on the outside while the inside stays impossibly juicy and tender.
The meat pulls apart with barely any effort, and many guests don’t even bother with sauce because the smoke flavor is so perfectly balanced. This brisket rivals what you’d find in the best Texas smokehouses.
Smoked Turkey Breast: Don’t sleep on the turkey—it often steals the show and sometimes even outshines the brisket. Seasoned Texas-style with just salt and pepper, then finished with honey butter, the turkey is unbelievably moist and flavorful. The smoke penetrates deep into the meat, creating layers of taste that surprise anyone expecting typical deli-style turkey.
St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs: These fall-off-the-bone beauties are dry-rubbed and smoked to perfection. The meat is so tender it literally separates from the bone with minimal effort, and the rich, meaty flavor speaks for itself without drowning in sauce. Love Food recognized these as among New Jersey’s juiciest and smokiest ribs, and you’ll understand why after one bite.
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Discover MoreBeef Ribs: Massive, meaty, and magnificent—these are the ribs that make you feel like a true carnivore. They’re priced on the higher end but deliver an experience that’s worth every penny. The beef is succulent with an impressive smoke ring, and the sheer size makes them perfect for sharing (though you might not want to).
Carolina Pulled Pork: Hand-pulled to order and seasoned with their signature Que rub plus a splash of Carolina-style pepper vinegar, the pulled pork delivers authentic Southern flavor. It’s smoky without being overpowering, and pairs beautifully with any of their house-made sauces, especially the Alabama White.
Pastrami Brisket: This unique offering is brined, pepper-encrusted, and hand-sliced to order. It’s salty, smoky, and packed with flavor—a deli-style twist on traditional BBQ that showcases the kitchen’s versatility. The thick slices make for an incredibly satisfying sandwich.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage: House-made and bursting with flavor, this sausage delivers a perfect kick of heat balanced by creamy cheese. Recently, they’ve also introduced a pork roll (Taylor ham) and cheese sausage that might just be the most New Jersey BBQ item ever created—a delicious nod to Garden State pride.
The Sides & Sauces Worth Ordering
Mac & Cheese: This isn’t just any mac and cheese—it tastes genuinely homemade with a creamy cheddar sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. While it leans more noodle-forward than cheese-heavy, it’s still a comforting classic that kids and adults both enjoy.
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Keep Exploring →Smoked Baked Beans: These beans have an intoxicatingly smoky aroma that’s even stronger when you taste them. Sweet and savory with pineapple chunks mixed in, they’re hearty enough to warm you up on a cold day. The flavor screams homemade rather than pulled from a can.
Coleslaw: You’ll find two varieties—the traditional creamy mayo-based slaw that’s diced fine, and a vinegar slaw that’s tangy and refreshing. The vinegar slaw particularly shines as a cooling counterpoint to the rich, smoky meats and spicy sauces.
Potato Salad: Made with creamy red potatoes, chunks of egg, and celery, this traditional BBQ side hits all the right nostalgic notes. It’s the kind of potato salad that reminds you of family cookouts and homestyle cooking.
The Sauce Selection: Red White & Que offers five or six house-made sauces that you can sample from a self-serve station. The Alabama White (a tangy mayo-vinegar creation) is a standout, as is the Sweet Sweaty Que with its balanced spice and sweetness.
You’ll also find Kearney, Espresso, Mustard, and Devil Dog’s Spit—a thick, piquant sauce that’ll make you sweat. Each sauce brings something unique to the table, and you can fill small cups with lids to bring back to your seat.
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Discover MoreBanana Pudding: Save room for this Southern classic. Made with fresh bananas, creamy pudding, and Nilla wafers, it’s the perfect sweet finish to balance out all the savory, smoky flavors. This dessert stands as the crowning jewel of the meal and tastes like it’s made with genuine care and attention.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Patriotic Theme: The moment you walk in, you’ll spot the six-foot Statue of Liberty that dominates the space. From the name to the signage and décor throughout, Red White & Que is unapologetically patriotic. The owner’s military service is proudly displayed on the walls as a reminder of camaraderie and American pride, creating an atmosphere that honors those who’ve served.
Counter-Service Setup: You’ll order at the counter and seat yourself, keeping things casual and unpretentious. Behind the counter, you can see the large square smoker boxes—including the impressive J&R Oyler units—working their magic. The visible smoking equipment adds authenticity and lets you see exactly where all that delicious BBQ comes from.
The Dining Space: With seating for roughly 100 people, the restaurant feels spacious compared to the previous tiny Kearny location. Tables are arranged to the left and right, each equipped with its own paper towel roll (a BBQ essential).
The space maintains that local smokehouse vibe despite the growth, avoiding any chain restaurant feel. There’s outdoor seating available during nice weather, and the restaurant has a real parking lot—a major upgrade that makes visiting much easier.
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Keep Exploring →The Smoke-Filled Air: Fair warning—you will smell like smoke after your visit. The intense smoking process that makes everything taste so incredible also means the aroma permeates everything. Consider it a badge of honor and a reminder of the meal you just enjoyed.
What Else You Should Know
Pricing & Value: Expect to pay around $11-30 per person depending on what you order. Brisket runs about $32 per pound, pastrami $33, pulled pork $26, and sides range from $3-9.
While the prices might initially seem on the higher side for BBQ, the enormous portions and exceptional quality make it worth every penny.
Sandwiches come with half a pound of meat piled high on fresh Portuguese rolls, and they’re so large you’ll likely have leftovers. The portions are generous enough that one meal can easily become two.
Arrive Early: Here’s the most important tip—items sell out completely almost every day, especially on weekends and holidays. By early afternoon on busy days like Father’s Day, popular items like brisket, ribs, chicken, and even pickles can be sold out.
Your best bet is visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the day to ensure you get everything you want. When something is this good, it doesn’t last long.
The Buy A Vet A Meal Program: One of the restaurant’s most meaningful features is their year-round veteran support program. You can purchase gift cards in-store that are donated to feed local veterans, and the restaurant regularly serves meals at veterans’ organizations and the local VA hospital.
On Thanksgiving and Christmas, they serve veterans at the Veterans Transitional House in Garfield. It’s a beautiful way the business gives back to those who served.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: This is absolutely a spot where families feel welcome. The casual counter-service setup, large portions perfect for sharing, and accommodating menu make it easy to bring everyone from kids to grandparents. Even picky eaters who aren’t typically BBQ fans find options they enjoy.
Seasonal Hours: The restaurant adjusts its schedule seasonally, sometimes closing Mondays and Tuesdays during slower fall months before ramping back up for spring and summer. It’s worth checking their current hours before making the trip.
Red White & Que Smokehouse
📍 150 US-22, Green Brook, NJ 08812
