Carvao BBQ

[MÇA]

New Jersey City barbecue joint fills void with open-flame cooking
By Steven Rodas | For The Jersey Journal
on September 01, 2015 at 10:34 AM

JERSEY CITY – The love for open-flame cooking and an atmosphere found only in family-owned businesses are the foundation for one of Jersey City's newest barbecue joints, Carvao BBQ.

The restaurant's "carvao" -- the Portuguese word for charcoal -- was imported from Brazil to help the rustic and modern restaurant/bar's menu items achieve a unique taste.

"We're blessed to have so many people come in and thank us since we opened, showing us how happy they are to have a place in this area they can go to and call their own," said Steve Papas, 47, a native of Greece who has lived in Jersey City for most of his life.

Papas officially opened Carvao BBQ, located at 686 Bergen Ave., on July 26 with cousin Jordi Papaspyrou, 35, and longtime friend Maksym Rudenko, 30.

In addition to importing the charcoal, a number of the meats including their sausages are also sent from Brazil, while steaks are delivered from Pennsylvania farms.

Papas, who also owns Paparazzi Pizzeria at 200 Summit Ave. in Jersey City, said his family owns the building on Bergen Avenue, which he took over for the restaurant

"We were going to open a build-your-burger (restaurant) but after Max and I went to Newark one day...there was a line at a Portuguese BBQ place leading outside and we realized Jersey City needed a spot like this." Read more

[Soshin]

We were there yesterday.  The build-you-own-bowl stuff is really good and fresh and perfect for a kid who only wants beef and rice.  Happy hour runs from 11am - 6pm with $3 beers and $5 sangrias.  Staff were great and it is definitely worth a return visit.  They also have a really busy take out counter that also has beer and wine to go!

[MÇA]

[MÇA]

We went here on Monday night. The place looks great; big bar with TVs for sportsing, large tables in the dining area good for groups, even a takeout counter area.

The menu is a mishmash of Portuguese, Southern and Latin cuisine -- not a bad thing at all, if you like variety. The ribs are dry-rubbed and tasty, not quite falling-off-the-bone soft but pretty good. The BBQ chicken is Latin-flavored, and pairs well with sides like rice and beans and Mexican-style grilled corn. The service is friendly, and the prices are right.

Will return.

[Soshin]

Still "Coming Soon".  This place is fast becoming the Westside version of Atomic Wings.  Last update on their facebook page was on June 26h and says:

"Good day to all Carvao BBQ supporters, friends and family! We wanted to provide you with a status update on where we are with the opening. As some of you might already know, we are going through tough business of satisfying each and every request of the City and governing bodies. Despite all of these difficulties, we want to let you know that we are going strong and Carvao BBQ will finally open it's doors very soon to serve the neighborhood and all of Jersey City. Again, thank you very much, we appreciate and value all of you support and patience on this journey. Love, Carvao BBQ."

[MÇA]

Carvão BBQ
686 Bergen Ave
Jersey City, New Jersey
(551) 200-6363

Open pit BBQ & bar. This looks interesting.

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