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

There is nothing like a good grilled burger. Lately, I have had a little cabin fever and wanted to wander out to experience that famous delicacy. I am so happy I did. I ended up going to two of my favorite burger destinations on my list and enjoyed every bite. It was a real treat. I thought I owed it to you to share my favorite places in New Jersey to enjoy the best burger.

The history of the burger

The burger was created, very simply, in the 19th century. There is a mild controversy on whether the burger was created in the States or in Hamburg, Germany, as the hamburger we know it 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 that the burger was meat and two slices of bread.

New Jersey has great burgers

We are fortunate enough to have outstanding restaurants here in New Jersey where you can get exceptionally good burgers. I realize that I may have missed your favorite place, but let us face it, I am only one guy and have not been to every recommended burger place that you may have experienced. I have experienced a good burger at least once at every restaurant on my list some I have made frequent visits to. I still want to hear from you, and let me know your favorite place for a great burger. I would love to check it out. No fast-food places allowed. 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.

Use 80% lean, 20% fat for your burgers

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 my favorite Jersey restaurants with amazing burgers in no order.

Big Joe’s favorite burger destinations

Barnacle Bill's in Rumson 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.

The 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 so 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.

Irish Rail in Manasquan. I am a huge fan of Irish bars, and the burger at the Irish Rail was incredibly 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.

The Butcher’s Block, Long Branch. This is a very cool steak house with an in-house butcher shop serving aged prime beef. If you are looking for a very tasty burger made simply with particularly good prime beef, The Butcher’s Block should be your destination.

Bring your wallet, while it is not cheap, it is well worth the extra dollars for the goodness of the product. The burger is served with fresh-cut thick potato fries, shaved pickles, your choice of cheese, fresh lettuce, and onion to add to your toppings. It is incredibly good.

White Manna Hamburgers in Hackensack. This is clearly just a burger restaurant. They have been serving award-winning burgers since 1946. They were named among the top five burgers in the country and have been featured 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 is worth the trip.

Back Bay Ale House in Atlantic City. This is a small pub that has magnificent views and a wonderful burger. I had the Guinness burger, which had homemade Guinness BBQ sauce and caramelized onions, cheese, and bacon on an onion roll. It was incredibly 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 a dollop of port wine cheese. Its impressive, so go early and sit at the bar because they do not take reservations.

The Committed Pig in Summit. 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 and 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.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom