Let me just say this right off the bat—I loved the vibe at Black Sheep Bar & Provisions in Garwood, NJ. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this spot has its own unique energy. The music selection was on point, perfectly setting the tone for the evening. And the bar? Wow. Not only is it visually impressive, but their collection of bourbons is nothing short of delightful. If you’re a fan of sipping on something smooth, this is the place to be.
We kicked things off with their happy hour wings, and let me tell you—these wings? Come on! Sweet with a subtle heat that sneaks up just enough to make you pay attention. They’re flash-fried and then flame-grilled, which gives them the perfect combination of crispy and smoky goodness. And the Gorgonzola dipping sauce? It was everything. Creamy, tangy, and the ideal complement to those wings. We were already off to a stellar start.
Next up, we decided to split their Caesar salad, which wasn’t your typical Caesar. It was a pleasant surprise! The addition of pickled shallots elevated the whole dish—every bite had this burst of flavor that really made it stand out.
For dinner, I decided to throw caution to the wind and order the cheeseburger with fries. Now, I did give up red meat a year ago, but I’ve been watching way too many food shows lately that just keep showing cheeseburgers. And if I’m being real, a classic cheeseburger is the only thing I crave since making that decision. Plus, it was my birthday, so why not?
And let me tell you, I have zero regrets. The burger was everything I hoped for and more. The waitress mentioned it was made from sirloin pieces ground up, and I was sold. It had that perfect exterior crunch, and when I cut into it, the beautiful pink medium-well center practically winked at me. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the pickles—oh, the pickles—were tangy and sweet, the perfect bread and butter variety. The relish aioli? Almost like a Big Mac sauce, but way better. And when all of that goodness was stacked between a sesame seed bun? I was in burger heaven. I took my first bite, leaned back in my chair, closed my eyes, and just savored it. The flavors just came together in perfect harmony—the tang from the pickles, the saltiness from the cheese, the creamy richness of the aioli. Damn, damn, damn—the greedy girl in me fell in love!
Kim went the lighter route with two sides: broccoli rabe and some fancy potatoes that paired perfectly with the rest of our meal. We loved it all.
But let me just say, a great meal deserves an even greater cocktail, and Black Sheep Bar & Provisions nailed it. Their Old Fashioned came with a single cube, orange zest, and just the right balance of simple syrup and bitters. I mean, we couldn’t stop at one—it was that good.
Black Sheep is one of those places you stumble upon, and before you know it, it’s one of your go-to spots. Whether you’re coming for the food, the drinks, or just the atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem you don’t want to miss!
