New BBQ Restaurant Kicks Up Its Heels in Jersey City, Helmed by Nationally Renowned Chef/Pitmaster
Jersey City, NJ –– April 2023 witnessed one of the most thrilling additions to the New York metropolitan area dining scene: Boots & Bones, an all American restaurant with a true Southern soul; masterful barbecue being the bones of this new venture in downtown Jersey City, just steps from the Grove Street PATH station (only a 9 minute trip from World Trade Center), at 116 Newark Avenue (www.bootsandbonesjc.com, @bootsandbonesjc, 201-706-3237).
Founded by a seasoned hospitality team that includes the founder of New York’s acclaimed Chinese Tuxedo and The Tyger, as well as New Jersey hits Six26 and The Ashford, the star attraction of this flavorful new venture is Executive Chef and Pitmaster Kenny Callaghan, renowned for initiating the urban barbecue movement at New York’s legendary Blue Smoke.
Chef Callaghan brings two decades of experience with Union Square Hospitality Group and the soul-deep knowledge gleaned from his extensive travels tasting every style of BBQ throughout the country as he developed Blue Smoke and its spin-off enterprises. The 18 years of The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party he founded in 2002 have also contributed to the development
of his unique culinary style. Kenny is now energized by the challenge of bringing his expertise and exceptional flavors to what will surely be a BBQ mecca in Jersey City.
As the Boots & Bones space took shape, Chef Kenny oversaw the installation of two massive smokers; under his direction, some of America’s finest BBQ will come out of them: St. Louis Ribs, Pork Shoulder, Beef Brisket, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Sausage, and more—a Family Style menu will be available for private events. And it’s not only incredible barbecue—some irresistible signatures from his menu will include: Appetizers – Freshly Shucked East/West Coast Oysters; Gulf Shrimp Cocktail; PEI Mussels with Chorizo; Mains - Low Country Gulf Shrimp & Blue Corn Grits; Chopped Pork on Brioche; Faroe Island Salmon;Black Angus Burger; and for vegetarians, Chef Kenny’s Smoked Nut-Crusted Tofu Kebabs. Great Sides can be regarded as a
test for the complete BBQ joint, and Boots & Bones will not disappoint, with Pork Rind-Topped Mac & Cheese, Sesame Cole Slaw, Smoked Pit Beans, or Corn Bread. Be sure to save room for house made classic desserts like Key Lime Pie or Warm Apple Crisp. Brunch includes an amazing Slow-Smoked Brisket Benedict. There is also Lunch, Happy Hour, a Late-Night Menu, and
for earlier hours, a Kids’ Menu.
An extensive BBQ-friendly beverage program will add to the spirit of this unique endeavor, with artisanal cocktails, a unique wine list, and craft beers from across America. The main Boots & Bones bar will feature a bourbon-based Burnt Ends, and Red Boots (with Luxardo), and a gin Prickly Collins. There will also be an Old-Fashioned menu featuring Jersey City’s own Misunderstood Whiskey, including a barrel-aged version.
In May, Boots & Bones will open a special, separate space dubbed Under The Boot; a clandestine and inclusive social club found at the foot of a secret stairway lit by its glimmering neon logo. With a custom cocktail bar as its centerpiece, surrounded by plush, dark green leather banquettes, Under The Boot is the place to gather and explore a deep library of hard-to-find bourbons and other spirits. Its own signature cocktail will be a Smoked Old Fashioned; a vodka Medusa, and the Hemingway Daiquiri. The barrel-aged libation Under The Boot will be a very special Negroni. This will be the new spot to book for private and corporate events in the NJ/NY metropolitan area—for Jersey City and NYC’s FiDi and surrounding residents as well.
Just as Chef Callaghan’s menu represents some of the best American BBQ in his own well-honed style, the stunning design of the Boots & Bones space itself evokes an all-American vibe: an amalgamation of American, and especially Southern and Southwest culture that is homey and rough-hewn but with sophistication in the details. Under the direction of partner/designer Jeff Lam, the restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by repurposed and specially designed materials sourced from the team’s travels to Texas and other parts South. Guests will be intrigued by hidden gems woven into a custom “country & western” wall covering painted exclusively for Boots & Bones; local artist Diego’s work will embody old western history and culture, natural landscape, with inspiration from movies and American legends. An all-country soundtrack will enhance the ambiance, with music from Jimmie Rodgers to Jason Aldean, from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood.
So dust off your cowboy boots, grab your friends and get ready for a fantastic time! With the extraordinary menu evoking the true tastes of the South by Chef & Pitmaster Kenny Callaghan, cocktails created by partner Chris Byrne, a knockout design that evokes a welcoming, metropolitan yet Southern vibe, and plenty of space (up to 200, with plenty of outdoor seating—perfect for people-watching, and a front-row seat for downtown Jersey City’s warm-weather events on the pedestrian plaza), Boots & Bones will surely become a destination for BBQ connoisseurs and newbies alike. “Legendary” may become a well-used adjective for the Boots & Bones experience.
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