Dining With Front Runner: Rick’s Backyard BBQ Continues Legendary Establishment
Sign for Rick's Backyard. File Photo by Meredith Winner, Mer-Made Photography
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third column of our ongoing new feature in Front Runner New Jersey.com called “Dining with Front Runner New Jersey.” Here, we will introduce you to some of our favorite restaurants and why we believe you will like them, too. Each place, we have eaten at personally without identifying ourselves to get the true flavor and feel of the establishment. We focus on small, locally-owned eateries because we honestly believe this is where the most authentic food is made, by someone from the heart sharing it with the world. It’s like what we do with Front Runner New Jersey.com. I hope you enjoy these reviews as much we enjoy eating at these locations, and maybe one day you will join us or try one of them yourself.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
MIZPAH – If you have visited Front Runner New Jersey.com before, you may have run into our stories on Rick’s Backyard BBQ and Grill, located at 6931 Route 40, in Mizpah, between Mays Landing and Richfield.
READ: Can you smell what Rick Gray is cooking?
READ: Rick’s Backyard Bash brings BBQ lovers together
READ: Rick’s Backyard ready for next level
If you heard the stories of Richard Gray and his succulent ribs, juicy brisket and delectable sides, they are all true at this classic old school roadside outdoor dining facility in Atlantic County that was once Uncle Dewey’s for decades.
A trip to Rick’s, whose operation runs roughly from April through October annually, is one tradition many locals and visitors have on their “foodie” bucket list. In fact, the aroma from Rick’s grill has been known to slow down and even stop the speeding traffic on U.S. 40.
It’s start with the ribs, one of our favorites. We don’t know Gray’s ribs supply chain but there are no “skinny” ribs where he picks them up from. Every rib meal from the Backyard, whether it’s been a platter or full rack, has been meaty and tender to the point that you will eat on them for days whether to get them to go or eat in the Backyard’s covered dining area, which has a 60-inch television.
You can get the ribs with or without Rick’s barbecue sauce, but we strongly suggest that you indulge in his sweet, savory covering. The brisket platters are tender and juicy. We suggest that this meal you take home and enjoy because you’ll want to fall asleep after this meal. It will leave you that satisfied.
As for the sides, you can’t go wrong, from the potato salad, baked beans, green beans, etc. No, there are plenty of other items on the menu from chicken to sausage and fish, but “The Backyard” is known for the ribs and briskets.
Dining in amenities include service at the covered patio and Gray has upgraded his bathroom where everyone will feel at home when they need to go.
The one small knock on Rick’s Backyard is that Gray’s pays so much attention in satisfying each and every customer is that it takes a little longer to get the food out. As the saying goes “great food is not fast food.” But if you are patient enough to let Gray work his magic at the grill it will be well worth it. We say this for you can come prepared time wise. This may not work for you if you’re in a rush, but don’t let that deter you. It’s worth the wait.
The Backyard is now serving hamburgers, to the delight of many customers who wanted something smaller. On a recent Sunday, that was a huge hit with Gray selling out of burger stock by mid-afternoon. Gray said he added the item upon customer request and the BBQ burgers have been a smash from the first day. Again, fair warning to come a little earlier if you one of Rick’s beefy (and we mean beefy) hamburger. You will never look at McDonald’s and Burger King the same way.
After numerous trips to this outdoor grilling classic, we have never been disappoint and we don’t believe you will be either.
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