I’d been riding by this place for long time and always meant to stop in, and I finally did. You see, Route 18 in East Brunswick is one of those roads that you use because you have to, not because you want to. A divided highway, malls of every size on each side, traffic lights at close intervals, choked with slow-moving stop-and-go most all the time… well, you get the idea.
But if you’re stopped at the Arthur Street intersection most any weekend you can’t help but notice the American Harvest Gourmet Market. Their staff is out there making BBQ beef and pork for the shop, as well as selling sandwiches and sides (and bulk, too). I finally took the time to stop in and sample.
I was not disappointed! My test was the beef brisket while my Pam had a pulled pork sandwich. Both delicious! The sauce was their own, too – a little less hot ‘n spicy than I prefer, which means that most will find it just right. We chose to sit outside to eat (but there are tables inside, too). The ambience out there wasn’t the best in the world: the Route 18 traffic, the stack of cars on the jughandle waiting for the light, the parking lot, and the building’s air conditioner were each annoying. But the BBQ was simply outstanding.
If you’re in the neighborhood – or just stuck in traffic and need a break – stop and check this place out. You won’t regret it.
American Harvest Gourmet Market
629 State Route 18Â
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Google Maps
[2 November 2009: edited the Google Maps link, which seemed to have gone a little sour]
