Central Jersey · Mercer County

The Hambone Opera

Trenton, NJ

The Hambone Opera in Trenton is one of New Jersey's most quietly legendary BBQ operations — Jeff McKay has been smoking brisket over local cherry wood at the Trenton Farmers Market since 2013, and Food & Wine magazine took notice. No-frills in the best possible sense: the focus is entirely on the food, and the baby backs here are among the finest in the state. The Farmers Market setting means limited availability, so checking Instagram before you make the trip is essential. Once you've had it, you'll understand why people plan around it.