Rick's Backyard BBQ — Mizpah, NJ
Rick's Backyard BBQ logo Rick's Backyard BBQ Call (609) 476-4040
Mizpah, New Jersey · Est. 2019

Fresh cooked, low & slow.

Great BBQ, homemade sides, and a welcoming backyard atmosphere in the little South Jersey town half the state swears doesn't exist. It exists. Bring an appetite.

Friday3pm – 7pm
Saturday11am – 7pm
Sunday11am – 6pm
AlsoOpen Rain or Shine
See the Menu Get Directions
Rick leaning on the counter at Rick's Backyard BBQ
The Pitmaster

The man behind the smoke.

Established in 2019, Rick's Backyard BBQ is a tribute to the memories of watching his father grill in their backyard as he grew up — summer evenings filled with family, laughter, and the smell of barbecue in the air.

Inspired by his father's belief that food keeps a family together, Rick set out to build a space where loved ones could gather and connect. Today, his backyard barbecue carries that legacy forward, one plate at a time.

"Once you have Rick's ribs, you'll never be the same. I tried to tell ya."

Where the Heck Is Mizpah?

You found it.

Fair question — it comes up in the comments every single week. Mizpah is a small community off Route 40, near Mays Landing, roughly 30 minutes from Atlantic City. Look for us at mile marker 40 on Route 40.

Rick's Backyard BBQ

Fresh Cooked BBQ · Take Out · Catering

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Address
6931 Harding HighwayMizpah, NJ 08342
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Phone
(609) 476-4040Catering only: (609) 839-4159
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Hours
Fri 3–7 · Sat 11–7 · Sun 11–6Open rain or shine · Closed Mon–Thu
~30 min from Atlantic City ~20 min from Vineland ~1 hr from Philadelphia
Straight From the Comments

Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions Rick gets on every post — answered once, here.

Where is Mizpah, NJ exactly? +
Mizpah is a small community in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County — just off Route 40, close to Mays Landing and about 30 minutes from Atlantic City. It's easy to miss on a map, but easy to find once you're on Route 40.
What are your hours?
Friday 3pm–7pm, Saturday 11am–7pm, and Sunday 11am–6pm — open rain or shine. Rick's is closed Monday through Thursday, so plan your trip for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Do you have beef ribs?
The menu stars beef brisket, with an occasional appearance of beef ribs. Menus can change — watch our social media and website, where we announce any specials that are on the smoker that day.
Is this the old Uncle Dewey's spot?
Rick's Backyard BBQ sits on Route 40, where the longtime local BBQ spot Uncle Dewey's Pavilion used to be. It's also one town over from the original Kingfish spot, owned by Chef Rick's great uncle — a stretch of road with a long history of good roadside smoke.
Do you have t-shirts?
Yes — Rick's Backyard BBQ t-shirts are $20. Call (609) 476-4040 or ask at the window when you visit.
Do you cater events?
Yes — full-service catering, party trays, and tastings for special occasions and weddings. "No job too big, no job too small." Call the catering line at (609) 839-4159 to talk through your date, headcount, and menu.
Is there seating, or take-out only?
Both — there's a covered pavilion with picnic tables on site if you want to eat fresh off the pit, plus a pick-up window for take-out.
Are you open on weekdays or holidays like Memorial Day?
Rick's regular hours are Friday 3–7pm, Saturday 11–7pm, and Sunday 11–6pm — open rain or shine. For holiday hours, it's best to check our website or call (609) 476-4040 ahead of time to confirm.