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About
Sweet Carolina Barbecue Company
Welcome to the heart of Toms River, where the aroma of smoked meat wafts through the air, and the warmth of Southern hospitality awaits you at Sweet Carolina Barbecue Company. Nestled at 1839 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ, this gem has quickly gained a reputation for serving authentic barbecue that raises the bar in the Northeast. Armed with an inviting atmosphere and a menu brimming with flavor, Sweet Carolina is dedicated to delivering a delightful culinary experience.
As I wandered in, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant and welcoming vibe of the restaurant. The enthusiastic staff exuded warmth, ready to guide you through their tempting menu. High expectations were set, and with each dish that arrived, they were consistently met—and in some cases, exceeded. Take, for example, the Chopped Brisket paired perfectly with crisp Onion Rings and rich Mac & Cheese, as echoed by customers like Russell Lydon. The brisket, tender and flavorful, was the star of the show, complemented by sides that felt like hugs from your grandma.
No visit to Sweet Carolina would be complete without trying their Hush Puppies, which have been described as phenomenal. A delightful throwback to beach vacations on the Outer Banks, these golden fritters are a must-have. Mix that with a refreshing Cheerwine, a cherry soda with roots in North Carolina, and you're in for a treat! This unique beverage perfectly balances the smokiness of the barbecue.
Let’s not forget the pulled chicken sandwiches luxuriously layered with creamy cole slaw and served alongside a vibrant helping of Collard Greens. Customers like Brian Beckenbaugh rave about the authenticity and taste, making this spot a top contender for BBQ lovers in New Jersey. The care put into each dish is evident, and I couldn't help but share the sentiment that finding genuinely good barbecue in this part of the country is sometimes a rare triumph.
Whether you opt for a hearty pulled pork sandwich or a tender rib platter, each dish at Sweet Carolina delivers on quality and taste. Even customer Patti mentioned how their lunch specials, like the two pulled pork sandwiches served with hush puppies and mac & cheese for just $10 each, provide incredible value without sacrificing flavor. Tantalizing dishes, friendly faces, and a commitment to quality are just some of the reasons why Sweet Carolina Barbecue Company deserves a place on your dining list.
In conclusion, Sweet Carolina Barbecue Company is not just another restaurant; it’s a destination for anyone looking to indulge in quality Southern-style barbecue. The passion for crafting delectable dishes is palpable, and I, for one, can’t wait to return for another memorable meal!
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“ First time I went to a restaurant with high expectations and they were met. I had the Chopped Brisket with Onion Rings and Mac & Cheese. I ordered the hush puppies and they brought me back to the vacations I spent on the Outer Banks. The biggest thing is they carry Cheerwine, which is a cherry soda that was started in 1917 in Salisbury, NC. Highly recommend. Will order in the future whether its in the restaurant or pick up. ”
“ The food was very good, you can tell the meat is high quality, it’s super flavorful as well. The sides were also very delicious and the hush puppies were phenomenal. The service was excellent, and the employees were extremely nice. Definitely going back! ”
“ Delicious, well-made barbecue and sides. The pulled chicken sandwich with cole slaw, and the collared greens were very tasty and are the real deal. Good barbecue can be hard to find in that northeast; these guys are top notch! ”
“ The brisket sandwich was enjoyable. It wasn't the best I have ever had ( that honor goes to the BBQ spots in Lockhart Texas), but pretty legit by Jersey standards. Mac and cheese was better than average I haven't had cheerwine soda in years so it was nice to see in stock locally. Staff was friendly. All in all I wouldn't go far out of my way to go here, but definitely good enough to go back. ”
“ Picked up 2 pulled pork sandwiches with hush puppies and Mac and cheese for sides. The pork was so tender and delicious on the sandwich with Cole slaw. The hush puppies are amazing and the Mac and Cheese was creamy and cheesy. (This was one of the lunch specials for 10 each!) We’ve had other menu items in the past. The pulled chicken and ribs are very good as well. Will definitely be going back for another great meal. ”
“ Everything, from the hush puppies to the corn bread, from the brisket to the burgers is delicious! Reasonably priced too! Every single staff member was friendly. This is my new favorite place! ”
“ Our first visit to Sweet Carolina Barbecue in Toms River (1839 Hooper Avenue, in the plaza with Red Rose Bakery and Philly Pretzel Factory. It's across Hooper Avenue from Lenny's Silverton Market.) In the first pic, closest to the camera is their Chicken Filet sandwich, which is breaded chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a soft, toasted roll. It comes with fries and a pickle for 12. Very delicious. I did not add any mayo or BBQ sauce. Second pic shows their Sweet Burger, super-thick, super-juicy (ordered medium rare), with onion rings, cheddar and BBQ sauce. With fries and a pickle for 14. We added sides of mac & cheese and coleslaw, both of which were housemade. The flavor on the mac & cheese is very good. It's not baked and has more of a 'wet' sauce. The coleslaw is a few steps above what you find in most places. They also have Cheerwine soda, and have Zero Sugar in cans, and the regular version in cans or at the self-serve fountain. (Cheerwine is a brand associated with the South, and has a flavor that is very similar to Dr. Pepper, with a heavy cherry-forward flavor.) You place your order at the counter, seat yourself, and the friendly staff brings everything out. Everything was clean, and the food was quickly, accurately prepared. Loved it a lot. ”
“ Suzanne was a delight to coordinate with for an offsite event. SCBbqCo made a fantastic meal and ensured that our order aligned with our guest count while also being patient enough to help us work through a viable menu according to our needs. Thanks to Suzanne and team! ”