Tucked along Route 34 in Matawan, New Jersey, Big Ed’s Barbecue has been winning hearts and appetites for decades. With a 4.4-star rating from over 2,300 reviews, this barnlike BBQ spot is clearly doing something right.
From fall-off-the-bone ribs to smoky brisket and golden homemade fries, every plate tells a story. If you haven’t made the trip yet, here are 13 reasons why Big Ed’s is absolutely worth the drive.
All-You-Can-Eat Ribs That Actually Deliver
Some restaurants promise all-you-can-eat and quietly make you regret it. Big Ed’s is not one of those places.
Reviewers rave that the ribs keep coming, hot and flavorful, without any hesitation from the staff.
The best part? You can switch up the flavor on each new order.
Go honey BBQ for round one, then try the spicy or original smoky version next. That kind of flexibility makes the experience feel fun and interactive rather than just filling.
One reviewer described the baby back ribs as giving you three to four times what you’d get at a chain restaurant. Fall-off-the-bone tenderness isn’t just a marketing phrase here — it’s the standard.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the all-you-can-eat rib deal at Big Ed’s consistently ranks as one of the best values in all of New Jersey.
St. Louis Ribs: The Fan Favorite You Have to Try
Ask any regular at Big Ed’s what to order and chances are they’ll say the St. Louis ribs without blinking. Multiple reviewers specifically called them out as the standout choice on the menu, and it’s easy to see why.
St. Louis ribs are cut from the belly side of the pork, which means more fat marbling and a richer, smokier bite. Paired with Big Ed’s honey BBQ sauce, the combination of sweet, smoky, and savory hits every flavor note perfectly.
One enthusiastic customer wrote, “Saint Louis Ribs with the Ed’s honey BBQ sauce is the perfect combo — sweet, smoky, and falls right off the bone.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. If you’re visiting for the first time, start here.
You can always branch out on your next visit, and trust us, there will be a next visit.
Baby Back Ribs That Hold Their Own
While the St. Louis ribs get a lot of the spotlight, the baby back ribs at Big Ed’s have their own loyal following. Leaner and slightly shorter than St. Louis cuts, baby backs offer a cleaner bite with a delicate pork flavor that lets the sauce do the talking.
Reviewers who ordered the baby back ribs as part of the all-you-can-eat deal described them as meaty, moist, and charbroiled to perfection. One customer noted trying both styles in a single visit and loving every bite of both.
For families with picky eaters or younger kids, baby backs tend to be a crowd-pleaser because they’re easier to handle and less intimidating than longer cuts. Big Ed’s makes sure every rack comes out consistently good — something that takes real kitchen discipline to pull off night after night, seven days a week.
Beef Brisket That Melts in Your Mouth
Brisket is one of the hardest meats to get right. Too much heat and it turns dry; too little and it never develops that deep, smoky crust.
Big Ed’s has clearly figured out the balance, because reviewers can’t stop talking about it.
“The brisket was absolutely incredible — super tender, juicy, and literally melted in our mouths,” wrote one happy customer. That slow-smoked quality is exactly what separates real BBQ from the imitation kind.
The brisket at Big Ed’s carries that signature Southern-style richness that takes hours to develop.
It’s worth noting that a couple of reviewers mentioned occasional dryness, so ordering it fresh during peak hours is a smart move. Pairing it with one of the saucy sides helps too.
Either way, the brisket remains one of the most talked-about proteins on the menu and a must-try for any serious BBQ lover passing through Matawan.
Apple Fritters That Steal the Show
Nobody walks into a BBQ joint expecting the apple fritters to become a highlight — but that’s exactly what happens at Big Ed’s. These warm, crispy, golden bites have earned their own fan base among regulars who wouldn’t dream of skipping them.
One reviewer described them as “warm, sweet, and crispy on the outside — almost like dessert, but still the perfect complement to the meal.” That balance between savory BBQ and sweet fritter is surprisingly satisfying and gives the meal a unique personality you won’t find at most BBQ spots.
Big Ed’s also offers apple fritters in catering trays, which tells you just how popular they really are. One family even included a half tray of apple fritters as part of their Thanksgiving dinner and called it the best holiday meal they’d ever had.
That’s a pretty strong endorsement for a side dish.
Garlic Bread That Keeps You Coming Back for More
Before the ribs even arrive, Big Ed’s sets the tone with their garlic bread — and reviewers take notice. Multiple customers specifically mentioned the garlic bread as a highlight, describing it as buttery, rich, and nearly impossible to stop eating.
“The garlic bread is amazing, very buttery and leaves you wanting more,” one reviewer wrote, which pretty much sums up the general consensus. It’s the kind of starter that makes you glad you came hungry and slightly worried you might fill up before the main event.
Garlic bread might sound like a small detail, but in a restaurant context, it sets the tone for the whole meal. When it’s done right, it signals that the kitchen cares about every item on the table — not just the headline dishes.
At Big Ed’s, that attention to detail shows up from the very first bite of the evening.
Homemade Fries and Coleslaw Worth Celebrating
Great BBQ sides are what separate a good meal from an unforgettable one. At Big Ed’s, the homemade fries and coleslaw consistently earn shoutouts in customer reviews — and for good reason.
Fresh, golden, and seasoned just right, the fries taste nothing like the frozen kind you’d get at a fast food spot.
The coleslaw gets equal love. Creamy, cool, and slightly tangy, it provides the perfect contrast to the smoky, saucy ribs.
One reviewer even wished the coleslaw was part of the all-you-can-eat deal because it was that good.
Together, these two sides create a classic BBQ pairing that feels complete. They’re not afterthoughts — they’re built to complement the star of the show.
Whether you’re getting a full rib platter or a sandwich, adding fries and coleslaw to your order is one of the easiest decisions you’ll make all day.
A Barnlike Atmosphere With Real Character
Walking into Big Ed’s feels like stepping into a place that has stories to tell. The barnlike interior features wooden booths, sports memorabilia, and vintage decorations that give it a personality you just can’t manufacture.
One reviewer spotted New York World’s Fair posters and a Lincoln Highway sign on the walls — the kind of quirky historical touches that make a space feel genuinely interesting rather than just themed. The dining room is spacious, which means even on busy nights there’s usually enough room for families and larger groups.
Outside, there’s a fun “animal farm” area in the parking lot that adds a playful, family-friendly element to the whole experience. There’s also outdoor seating available for warmer months.
The vibe is casual, comfortable, and unpretentious — exactly the kind of setting where you can roll up your sleeves, dig into a rack of ribs, and not worry about making a mess.
Friendly and Attentive Service That Makes a Difference
Good food is only half the equation. The service at Big Ed’s gets mentioned in review after review, and almost always in a positive light.
Staff members like Lorena and Ricky have been called out by name for going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.
“Lorena was courteous, polite, and ensured that our food was prepared as requested,” one first-time visitor wrote. Another customer described their waiter as “an absolute legend” — high praise that speaks to the kind of warmth this team consistently brings to the table.
For families visiting for the first time, having a knowledgeable server who can walk you through the menu makes a huge difference. The all-you-can-eat setup can feel a little overwhelming at first, but the staff at Big Ed’s has a way of making the whole process feel easy and enjoyable.
That human touch keeps people coming back.
Pulled Pork That Earns a Spot on the Thanksgiving Table
Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a family replaced their Thanksgiving turkey with Big Ed’s pulled pork — and called it the best holiday meal they’d ever had. That’s not a marketing claim; that’s a real review from a real customer who ordered a half tray of pulled pork, heated it up the next day, and found it tasted just as fresh.
Pulled pork done right has a smoky, tender quality that holds up beautifully even after reheating. Big Ed’s clearly nails the preparation process, because the flavor and texture survived a full day in the fridge without any noticeable drop in quality.
This kind of catering flexibility makes Big Ed’s useful beyond just sit-down dinners. Whether you’re planning a party, a holiday, or just want a week’s worth of incredible leftovers, the pulled pork is a reliable and crowd-pleasing choice that won’t let you down.
Homemade Black Cherry Soda: A Surprisingly Delightful Sip
Most BBQ restaurants stick to the usual soda fountain lineup. Big Ed’s goes a step further with homemade black cherry soda, and customers who try it are genuinely impressed.
It’s the kind of small, unexpected detail that elevates the entire dining experience.
One reviewer specifically called it out as “really good,” which in the context of a meal dominated by incredible ribs and sides, is saying quite a lot. A well-crafted house-made beverage signals that the kitchen isn’t cutting corners on anything — even the drinks.
Pairing a smoky, savory rack of St. Louis ribs with a sweet, tart black cherry soda creates a flavor contrast that works surprisingly well. If you’re someone who loves finding the little hidden gems on a menu, this is yours at Big Ed’s.
Skip the standard cola for one visit and give the homemade option a try — you might not go back.
Lava Cake Dessert That Ends the Meal on a High Note
After a full round of all-you-can-eat ribs, most people assume there’s no room left for dessert. Then the lava cake arrives at the table and suddenly there is.
Big Ed’s chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and cream has been described by customers as the kind of ending a great meal deserves.
“The cupcake melted in your mouth, and the delicious hot chocolate and cold vanilla ice cream made a great combination,” one reviewer wrote after a visit with friends. That contrast between warm, gooey chocolate and cold, creamy ice cream is a classic for a reason — and Big Ed’s version delivers.
Dessert at a BBQ spot can feel like an afterthought, but not here. It’s a genuine finish to a genuinely great meal.
Sharing one between two people is a smart move, especially after you’ve already conquered a few rounds of ribs and sides.
Consistent Quality Over Decades That Builds Real Trust
Thirty-plus years in the restaurant business is no accident. Big Ed’s has been serving the Matawan community long enough to become a local institution, and the consistency of the food is a big reason why.
Reviewers who visited years ago and returned recently report that the quality hasn’t slipped — and that kind of reliability is genuinely rare.
“Big Ed’s is always a great place for dinner. They are very consistent,” wrote one longtime fan who has visited multiple times over the years.
That word — consistent — might sound boring, but in the restaurant world it’s one of the highest compliments you can give.
Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, Big Ed’s makes it easy to plan a visit without worrying about limited hours or seasonal closings. Whether it’s a random Tuesday craving or a special family dinner, the ribs will be ready and waiting.
That’s a promise you can count on.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.