The Food Network picks its favorite burger in New Jersey; Big Joe has more

Good non-fast-food burgers are making a comeback. More people are ordering burgers from their favorite restaurants.

The rich history of the burger has morphed into outstanding creations. The burger was created, very simply, in the 19th century.

There is a mild controversy on whether the burger was created here in the States or in Hamburg, Germany as the hamburger we know it as now.

The burger was sold to a businessperson in Hamburg, Germany and brought back to the states, specifically to Delmonico's restaurant in New York.

The New York restaurant took the recipe and ran with it, however, let us keep in mind the burger was meat and two slices of bread.

We are fortunate enough to have some outstanding restaurants here in New Jersey where you can get exceptionally good burgers.

The Food Network named their favorite burger in each state. Their favorite burger here in New Jersey is at Stage Left in New Brunswick, NJ.

Stage Left has been serving great burgers for close to 20 years.

They use pieces of their prime steak mixed with angus beef to make a killer hamburger, topped with aged cheddar and you can see why Food Network named this their favorite burger here in New Jersey.

It is certainly on my list. I have enjoyed a few burgers at Stage Left, they never disappoint.

I have a few more places that I think serve the best burgers in New Jersey. I have tested them and enjoyed every bite.

Just a note, not one restaurant on this list has paid any compensation to me personally or the radio station New Jersey 101.5 for these endorsements.

In addition, I pay full price for every meal that I enjoy.

In making a great burger, I use 80 percent lean and 20 percent fat.

I would say most restaurants use that formula.

I like my burgers medium-rare; I need to see them pink. The longer a burger cooks, the drier it gets.

Here are a few of my favorite New Jersey restaurants with amazing burgers in no order.

Barnacle Bill's in Rumson, New Jersey is one of my favorite places to get a burger. The burger is their signature dish, and they cook hundreds of them on a packed weekend night. They have an incredible cheddar cheese sauce and at my request, serve it with a side of sautéed mushrooms. The burger is tasty and juicy and pairs well with a fresh roll. I found out who provides the meat to this excellent restaurant, so I purchased 20lbs of the famous ground beef and a tub of the same cheddar sauce. I made 10 oz burgers, wrapped them tightly and saved them for later use. They are outstanding.

Celtic Cottage Pub in Long Branch is another one with a great burger. Turns out they use the same meat provider as my friends at Barnacle Bill's. No wonder they are s good. I like it with extra pickles and a dollop of mayo and I am in heaven. Wash this great burger down with a cold beer and it makes a complete dinner.

Trama Restaurant in Long Branch, NJ is known for their Wednesday burger night. Down the street in Long Branch my good friend Pat Trama has his Wednesday burger night at his restaurant Trama's Trattoria. He takes your average burger and creates a burger specialty that is so particularly good. It is worth checking out.

Irish Rail in Manasquan, New Jersey I am a big fan of Irish bars and the burger at the Irish rail was very good. I ordered the French onion burger and the flavor brought tears to my eyes. They are also known for their giant sliders. This is a great burger.

White Manna Hamburgers in Hackensack, NJ. This is clearly just a burger restaurant. They have been serving award winning burgers since 1946. They were named in the top five burgers in the country and have been highlighted on many TV shows. The lean meat burgers are served with onions and cheese and propped up on a giant potato roll. It is a wonderful place and no matter where you live it's worth the trip.

Back Bay Ale House in Atlantic City in New Jersey This is a small pub that has magnificent views and a wonderful burger. I had the Guinness burger, which had a homemade Guinness BBQ sauce and caramelized onions, cheese, and bacon on an onion roll. It was particularly good. I came close to ordering a second one to take home with me, but I knew it would not survive the ride home.

The Ark in Point Pleasant Beach. I love the Ark. You walk into an unassuming pub and immediately feel comfortable. I love their Port Wine Cheeseburger. It is big and juicy topped with caramelized onions, a honey-based BBQ and dollop of port wine cheese. Its impressive, go early and sit at the bar because they do not take reservations.

The Committed Pig in Summit, New Jersey This restaurant was built on serving the best ingredients and the best comfort food. They make great burgers. The meat is a different blend that includes ribs and brisket with a roll and other ingredients were exceptionally good. I had a tough time choosing what I wanted from their menu. It was jam- packed with all my favorite dishes.

These are a few of my favorite burger places. Feel free to add to the list, enjoy these great New Jersey burgers, and support New Jersey restaurants. Thanks.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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