A New Home for a Kosher Smokehouse Legend
After more than 15 years of slinging smoky, succulent barbecue from food trucks, catering events, and festivals across the East Coast, Hakadosh BBQ… I mean, The Wandering Que, helmed by Kosher BBQ pioneer Ari White, has finally received a permanent address.
The brand’s first-ever brick-and-mortar, the Wandering Que BBQ Outpost, opened in Englewood, NJ‘s commercial area, bringing its legendary smoked meats and global street food flavors to Bergen County’s kosher dining scene.
From Fire on Wheels to Fire Indoors
Longtime fans of Ari White’s BBQ prowess know that he’s been a pioneer of authentic wood-fired kosher barbecue. Until now, most of that magic came off a rolling smoker—one that traveled to shuls, festivals, and pop-ups. With this new storefront, the Wandering Que team is creating a space where guests can enjoy slow-smoked brisket, ribs, homemade sausages, and the full range of Ari’s hand-crafted charcuterie any day of the week.
“We’ve spent the last 15 years bringing this wood-fired Southern barbecue experience to communities across the East Coast,” says White. “Now, folks don’t have to wait for a special event—we’ll be here, every day.”
Menu Highlights: BBQ Staples & Deli Throwbacks
Expect a full slate of BBQ classics, including:
- Brisket
- Ribs
- “Yardbirds” (smoked chicken)
- Housemade sausages
- Global-inspired small plates such as tamales and Korean corn dogs
White is also dusting off a few nostalgic favorites from his Ari’s Deli days in Washington Heights (2005–2008), including the PLD (Pregnant Lady’s Dream) and the Slammer, along with an updated lineup of sandwiches, wraps, and vegetarian options.
>>> Click here for The Wandering Que restaurant menu
Fryers, Finally: New Kitchen Toys
One big difference between this location and Ari’s previous setups? Fryers. “With three large fryers—one vegetarian and another using our brisket tallow—we’re making up for lost time,” he says. Expect crispy sides, bold textures, and fried additions that wouldn’t have been possible on the road.
White also emphasized the importance of a robust vegetarian menu, something that’s often overlooked in the BBQ world.
Designed for Everyone
The restaurant will seat approximately 30 guests inside and 10 outside, with a casual but intentional vibe. Whether you’re popping in for a lunch meeting, dinner with kids, or a casual night out with friends, the Wandering Que BBQ outpost is built to feel comfortable and accessible.
“This place isn’t going to be pretentious,” Ari notes. “The only tweezers we’ll use are to pull splinters out from splitting firewood.”
More Than Just a Restaurant
The Englewood space also serves a strategic purpose for Wandering Que’s extensive corporate, nonprofit, and private catering business. It will operate as a central hub for pickup orders, including everything from smoked meats and jerky to custom charcuterie boards and Shabbat specialties. “Shul Kiddushim are back on the menu,” White adds.
Eyes on Expansion
While Englewood is just the beginning, there’s plenty more on the horizon. The team is already eyeing additional BBQ outposts in New Jersey, including at the American Dream Mall and along the Jersey Shore, as well as reintroducing packaged kosher BBQ products into supermarkets.
Location Details:
- Address: 52 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood, NJ
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11am–10pm (Fridays coming soon)
- Kosher Certification: Kosher Certification: Star-K & RCBC
- Seating capacity: Indoor Seating: ~30 | Outdoor Seating: ~10
