South Jersey · Burlington County

Christine's House of Kingfish Barbecue

Shamong, NJ

Christine's House of Kingfish Barbecue isn't a recent addition to the New Jersey BBQ scene — it's a genuine multi-generational institution. The story starts in 1977, when Charles "the Kingfish" Bryant Sr. opened a roadside fish stand on Route 40 (hence the "Kingfish" name), working alongside his wife Christine, who created the barbecue sauce that would define the family business. That "Third Generation" secret sauce recipe is still in use today. The restaurant has operated from its current spot on Route 206 in Shamong for about 15 years and is now run by the third generation of the Bryant family — nearly five decades of the same family perfecting the same craft. It keeps weekend-only hours, open Saturday from noon to 7pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm, which hasn't stopped people from planning around it. The menu covers smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and grilled chicken, along with fried fish that nods to the family's roadside-stand roots. Sides include a "Bomb" baked beans, mac & cheese, collard greens, and cornbread, with peach cobbler for dessert. This is a dine-in and takeout destination — no catering program is currently offered. What keeps people coming is word of mouth: Christine's has built roughly 2,381 Facebook followers and a run of glowing Tripadvisor reviews calling it a hidden gem and one of South Jersey's best BBQ spots. Several reviewers specifically mention driving 45 minutes or more from Atlantic City just to eat here.