*The menu at Wildwoods BBQ is eclectic and delicious. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)*

I recently visited the southern end of the Jersey Shore for a short getaway from NYC. It's my second summer in a row visiting the Shore, and it also allowed me a second visit to the spectacular Wildwoods BBQ in North Wildwood, NJ.

While the joint opened in 2021, my first taste of what its team could do was when they won Brisket King NYC in March 2023. Led by Australian pitmasters David Gill and Joel Romano, they wowed the attendees with top-notch brisket and sausage.

I shouldn't have been surprised that the team won Brisket King, as Gill previously ran the pits at Hometown BBQ in Brooklyn, and previous Brisket King winner Billy Durney had mentored him. Romano was the executive chef for The Goat’s Beard in Philadelphia for eight years. These are truly inspired and seasoned chefs.

*I was happy to chat with owners and pitmasters Joel Romano (left) and David Gill. (Photo by Stephanie Tackach)*

My visits in 2023 and 2024 were similar, both featuring inventive meats and side dishes. Regarding meats, the brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, and burgers all are expertly prepared. The Texas-style brisket wasn't far off from what I had at Brisket King, and the ribs were perfection.

Perhaps even more impressive than the meats are the sides and vegetable dishes. These include smoked beets over tzatziki, fried cauliflower with hot sauce, pulled mushrooms, and mac and cheese. Gill said they added yellow rice to the menu this year after many people had asked for it, and sure enough, it's a tasty item and one of the most popular sides.

*The spare ribs were my favorite meat from my recent visit. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)*

One of Wildwood BBQ's most unique details is that it closes for a few months each winter due to the area's seasonality. This year, Gill and Romano plan to close the day after Christmas and reopen on St. Patrick’s Day in mid-March.

Another interesting tidbit: the joint has late-night hours on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer, staying open until midnight. They don't have a ton of foot traffic but do see a lot of DoorDash orders. Gill said that DoorDash has helped bring the business many new customers. (I know many restaurants are mixed on DoorDash, so it's nice to hear positive feedback for once.)

*Get one of everything at Wildwoods BBQ. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)*

If you are ever visiting the Jersey Shore near Wildwood, Cape May, Avalon, or the surrounding communities, do not forget to stop by Wildwoods BBQ. Order everything, and tell them I sent you.

Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ

Wildwoods BBQ Shines as One of NJ's Finest Joints