Dave Finkelstein is a name that has become synonymous to many in Bergen County with BBQ. His time minding the smoker at Mexicali Blues (Teaneck), Fink’s Funky Chicken and Ribs (River Edge), Bailey’s Smokehouse (Blauvelt) and others has lifted him to almost mythical status to the point where many have lamented his non-activity because they miss the “best BBQ they’ve ever had”.

Those people can lament no longer  since Dave is back with his new outpost called Fink’s BBQ and Smokehouse in Dumont (taking over Madison’s Bar and Grill). And Chef Finkelstein was kind enough to give Boozy Burbs a sneak peek before they fully open next week!

Chef Finkelstein is branding this menu as “NJ-style BBQ”, so don’t expect a clone of other more prominent BBQ styles. He explained he’s taken a mixture from his local NJ upbringing (River Edge) and combined it with what he’s learned over the years to create something entirely unique.

The name of the place is called Fink’s BBQ, so naturally smoked meat is the centerpiece of the menu. There’s everything that most would expect from pulled pork, beef ribs, spare ribs and chopped beef (brisket). There’s also some other BBQ fare like pulled turkey, stuffed meatloaf and BBQ hash (which will include the “extras” of the various meat cuts thrown together with potatoes). Seafood, sandwiches and salads round out the menu for dinner. Chef Finkelstein and his sous chef Bob Gant are making everything in house. That includes the sauces, rubs, salad dressings, sides and desserts. About the only thing they’re not making are the fries (due to time constraints).

You probably wouldn’t forgive us if we didn’t mention some of the unique sounding appetizer menu items (and ingredients) including Beer Cheese, New Jersey Lollipops (crisp bacon wrapped new potato stuffed with Taylor ham), Porkenfries (fries smothered with pulled pork, melted cheddar and muenster cheeses, sour cream, cole slaw and scallion) and the chili which rotates meats and spices on a daily basis.

For lunch, there is a “quick service” carving station that will be serving market price (by weight) beef ribs and one daily special smoked meat. Each day will have a theme (Monday: Deli Style; Wednesday: For The Birds) and the smoked meat option will match that theme (Deli Style: Corned Beef, Pastrami; For The Birds: Turkey Breast, Duck, Quail). This will allow for those who traditionally make lunch choices based on timing the ability to grab food that is already prepared and get in and out quickly.

The dining room seats 80 with a party room in the back that holds approximately 36. There is a full bar which will be featuring a bourbon menu. They will not be offering delivery, but they plan on the menu being available for takeout and catering. The place has soft opened, but the official grand opening with full menu won’t be available till next week.

Fink’s BBQ and Smokehouse
26 West Madison Avenue
Dumont, NJ
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