New Jersey Hamburgers...where?

quote:

Originally posted by John Fox

Ken,

Barnacle Bill's in Rumson was my favorite, but like you, my last time there it wasn't as good. Shortly after, I had a burger at Antone's in Cranford that was better. Anotone's is a great place for a burger and beer. Over 40 imports and microbrews on tap.

barnacle bill's has been in rumson forever....i grew up there and i remember riding my bicycle past there and always haveing a lot of care there...and fri and sat nites, there were always people waiting out side in the summer!

Just to bump up this thread yet again one more time, the practice of charging extra on burgers for routine things like onions and tomatos seems to be gaining momentum.

My wife and I went to a Bar/Restaurant called Poor Herbie's, in Madison. It's one of these places that's been around forever, but this is the first time we'd been. And there on the menu was the dreaded 50 cent surcharge for each item. My wife had the burger with just lettuce (thanks Laura for saving me a dollar), and said it was just OK. My Hot Turkey sandwich was a little better than OK, but not by much. We split an order of thier "World Famous" (perhaps in some alternate universe) Buffalo wings. They were very sloppy and also pretty good but not great.

Nice convivial place though, reminded me of a fern bar from the 70's, which probably fits because I think that's when it opened. ---Ken

I guess free tomatoes went out with water being served without asking. How many places do that??? What's next: surcharge for ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper???

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

I guess free tomatoes went out with water being served without asking. How many places do that??? What's next: surcharge for ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper???

they were never "free". they were built into the cost. now, to keep the perceived price down, especially for those of us who don't want to pay for unripe tomatoes, they are charging extra if you want them. i don't suppose raising prices across the board would be met with much love, either, though.

Has anyone seen a menu where the price was dropped on a burger minus the tomato side from the old price with the included tomato?????

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

Has anyone seen a menu where the price was dropped on a burger minus the tomato side from the old price with the included tomato?????

that would be awesome, but, unlikely.

That's my point. In many cases charging extra for the side items is an excuse to cut prices...but is it really doing that or just saving the place money...and allowing bigger profits...just a thought!

cut prices? no, it's likely a way of keeping profit margins reasonable. things have shot up in price in the past year or so. it's not just your gas, but it's everything that a restaurant buys, even those crappy tomatoes.

Antone's in Cranford has closed, an Irish type bar is taking their place as of June, 2008

Another bump in this thread. I am going to continue until a NJ hamburger is done right.

I was off this week so this time around my wife and I decided to take a quick (=20 minutes) lunch trip up to Bloomfield to the Bloomfield Steak House swayed by a couple of decent reviews on local sites and some good pictures from this very useful NJ website:

http://www.restaurantardore.com/photos.aspx?sid=8&sn=Restaurant%20Passion%20NJ&a=252&rn=Bloomfield%20Steak%20&%20Seafood

Anyway, our first disappointment was that although it was a beautiful day, the outdoor dining patio featured so prominently in the photo was not open. The person who greeted us, waited on us, and had a dismissive answer for everything (and who I think was the owner or manager), said it was because the landscapers were working that day. Ok, maybe. At 12:30 we were the only customers in the dining room.

PS: Since we were going out for lunch at what we figured was a somewhat upscale place, we both dressed what I would call “Business Casual”. The greeter/owner/manager was in cutoffs and sandals, no socks. My radar was kicked up a notch.

We both ordered appetizers, me a bowl of Lobster bisque, which tasted mostly of flour, and my wife had the world’s smallest crabcake, at $8.95.

We both ordered cheeseburgers, with slightly different toppings, and I ordered mine medium rare, my wife, medium. We both noted that Mr. Smart-ass/everybody’s pal/ owner/manager/greeter/waiter did not write anything down, and sure enough our burgers were totally mixed up. My wife had my toppings and I had hers. We spent the next few minutes switching toppings.

OK, the burgers were quite tasty, but jeezus.

Then came the bill. It was s impossible to determine why we were charged $8.95 instead of $7.95 for the burgers, it appeared the crab cake was priced wrong (but he won that one) and I missed the fact that we were overcharged by $1 on the lobster bisque.

The quest for the perfect NJ hamburger continues.

quote:

Originally posted by ken8038

The person who greeted us, waited on us, and had a dismissive answer for everything . At 12:30 we were the only customers in the dining room.
OK, the burgers were quite tasty, but jeezus.

Yup, bad vibes right away.... I hate that.... hate when you get those "dismissive" answers. Certainly does not make someone feel very welcome. I get a good feel for a place within a few minutes of walking in.... how soon I get seated, how soon someone comes over , or at least says "I'll be right with you".

I could see why nobody was in that Bloomfield Steak House..
(and it was during "prime time" lunch hour, too)
Sounds like eating lunch in a lonely prison!
(and you were glad to just get out of there, right?!?)

<<Sounds like eating lunch in a lonely prison!
(and you were glad to just get out of there, right?!?)>>

Yep. It was such a nice day (last Wednesday) and we were sitting in a gloomy dark dining room (it might be nice at night in Winter with the fireplce going but in the daytime it just looked drab) staring longingly out the window at the unused dining patio. Which really looked as if it had not been open for quite a while, not just that day.

And I agree with you, as a person who goes into a lot of restaurants for the first time, usually I can tell within 10 minutes whether it's going to be a good experience or not. It's just something about the vibe.

quote:

Originally posted by ken8038

Yep. It was such a nice day (last Wednesday) and we were sitting in a gloomy dark dining room

I did'nt know how my "lonely prison" sentence would go over...
I'm glad it struck a nerve, the way I wanted it to. (as you know JUST what I meant)

I, too, love outdoor patios... that's what I love when I was living in L.A..... so many more places with outdoor seating..

Even though you at least got a window to look out of (I don't like feeling boxed in at windowless restaurants) HOWEVER, like you said, the view they gave you was of the empty outdoor patio that you were prohibited from sitting at. (almost makes you feel even worse)

My wife and I recently ate at a place called Woody's Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale. I had a burger it was excellent, my wife had a turkey burger she enjoyed hers as well. It's a nice American bar and grill type place, it also offers an extensive salad bar which was extra for burgers/sandwiches, but included with entrees. They have a full menu and nice beer selection although I just had a soda.

Just thought I'd share.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

My wife and I recently ate at a place called Woody's Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale. I had a burger it was excellent, my wife had a turkey burger she enjoyed hers as well. It's a nice American bar and grill type place, it also offers an extensive salad bar which was extra for burgers/sandwiches, but included with entrees. They have a full menu and nice beer selection although I just had a soda.

Just thought I'd share.

Dave

Sounds intriguing....my sis lives right by there, as she is in the Freehold area. How is it prepared? Charbroiled or just a flattop grill?

And we BOTH love the fact that even though it's a TAVERN, no one's allowed to smoke in there. One real good thing about Jersey nowadays!!

<<My wife and I recently ate at a place called Woody's Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale>>

Looks like it's worth a shot, thanks for sharing:

http://www.woodysroadside.com/

I can combine that with a stop at Delicious Orchards.

I totally agree with Ellen, the smoking ban is the best thing that has happened to NJ Taverns. If only the owners would agree (some do some don't) ---Ken

I guess everyone has their favorite spot. Mine is The Ivy Inn in Hasbrouck Hts.
No, it isn't their specialty but a damn good burger . You simply know it when the juices are dripping off your elbow.
There is nothing worse than a dry overcooked piece of meat.

BTW, Equally good if not better are the sliders they offer during happy hour 3 little tasty 2oz burgers for $5...White Castle they are not

Woody's are good people!. I sell them wine &liquor(mostly liquor). It is very clean and there is plenty of stuff on the menu for everyone including burgers! Feel free to drink plenty of the liquor!

quote:

Originally posted by Bigapetite

I guess everyone has their favorite spot. Mine is The Ivy Inn in Hasbrouck Hts.
You simply know it when the juices are dripping off your elbow.

I LOVE dripping meat juices!!!
Hey, welcome to Roadfood, Bigapetite!
And I see your profile says "Hackensack"...have you ever been to a Italian grocery/restaurant there called MARTINO'S?
Ken8038 has raved about their weekday homemade Italian buffet, and I'm GAME!!

quote:

Originally posted by foobuc

Woody's are good people!. I sell them wine &liquor(mostly liquor). It is very clean and there is plenty of stuff on the menu for everyone including burgers! Feel free to drink plenty of the liquor!

Yet another good reason for me to have another RUMRUNNER! It will help keep you EMPLOYED!! And I'm all for that!!

A hearty "Welcome to Roadfood" goes out to you, foobuc!
From Ellen in AC area.. (an addicted Roadfood.com gal)

There is also a White Mana (one n not two) on Tonnele Ave. in Jersey City. It is really good, and very nostalgic!!

http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/Pages/W_Pages/White_Mana_Diner.htm

CC,
Have you ever eaten at the other White Manna in Hackensack? I've eaten at both and think the one in Hackensack is far superior. The meat at the White Mana in Jersey City might have been good, but it was lost in a much too large and stale roll.

Dave

I have not been to the White Manna, in a long time.

I will have to take a ride Hackensack, soon.

Thanks Dave!!

CC

Texas Weiner II in Greenbrook used to have incredible burgers when I was growing up, but declined in the late 1990's. It is now under new ownership so might be good again. The Dunellen Hotel has some of the better burgers in that area. Cahoots in Middlesex used to have good burgers as well, but I havnt been there in quite some time.

quote:

Originally posted by sgt-at-arms

Texas Weiner II in Greenbrook used to have incredible burgers when I was growing up, but declined in the late 1990's. It is now under new ownership so might be good again. The Dunellen Hotel has some of the better burgers in that area. Cahoots in Middlesex used to have good burgers as well, but I havnt been there in quite some time.

Cahoots still makes an excellent hamburger Sgt. The Mason Jar in Mahwah has a really good one also I still think that on a good day 5 Guys makes about as juicy and backyard bbq style burger as you can get!!

There is a 5 Guys here where I am currently banished and we go there often, definately a good burger. I'll hit up Cahoots as soon as I return to NJ, thanks much.

My father always talked about the White Manna in Jersey City growing up. I always like to go to the White Rose in Highland park in the wee hours of the morning after a night of carousing and bar hopping .The atmosphere of the ex-con types who worked there on the night shift in the 80's who took their craft very seriously like "Hamburger Nazis".You had to have your order ready to tell them when it was your place in line
or they were not happy campers!They did bang out your orderas fast as you could say it,and they made a great greasy burger with onions and greasy fries in the wax bag!!

There is a bar in Bayonne that served the BEST hamburgers I have ever tasted, in my life. I have not been there in years, but can remember the burgers like it was yesterday.

Churchills Inn (a regular, local bar not an INN)
879 Broadway
Bayonne NJ

Wow, lots of old memories. White Mana on in Jersey City, The Mason Jar, I always loved any diner burger. Shafer's and The Colonial in Hoboken (long gone), Meadowland Diners on 17, Tick Tock.

There was a place on Rt440 in Jersey City back in the 70's that I went to all the time after high school ballgames. We would leave Roosevelt Stadium and go for burger, steak sandwiches, beers (back when drinking was legal for 18 year olds). They used to show 3 Stooges clips.

Anyone remember the name of the place? The was a similar place on RT46 or RT4. I don't remember if it was the same name or not but it had a similar menu and atmosphere.

Grew up in Union City in the 50's...boy do I have great memories of the dearly departed Roosevelt Stadium.....haven't been back in ages..sorry , can't help you with the place on Rt. 46...
....And Welcome To Roadfood!!!!

Hi Dave! Welcome!

I cannot for the life of me, remember the name of the place you are talking about. It was near Valley Fair, close to Roosevelt Stadium.

I took my driving test, in the parking lot of RS. My cousin was the licensed driver, that accompanied me to the test. She had a cup of coffee in a paper cup and left it on the dashboard, before leaving the car. I was so nervous. I did not notice it, until I was going through the test. By that time, I had to keep both hands on the wheel. OY!

Funny memories. I passed the test, and nobody got burned. I even
got complimented on how cool I was, under pressure. I wanted to drive down the shore, the same day. I did, and had a great time.

I only mentioned diners because I miss them. I grew up in Hoboken, then moved around the country, Seattle, Georgia, South Carolina, and eventually settled upstate NY. No matter where I lived there wasn't anything close to Jersey diners. There were what people called diners but they weren't what I called diners.

Almost any diner burger, on a hard roll, with cheese melted in the broiler on both sides of the roll before they put on the burger. Brings back a lot of memories.

Dave

The Sterling Hotel in Sterling has some nice burgers, and their cheese selection for topping is nice (Port Cheddar, Horseradish Cheddar etc...) They charge extra for L&T, which kinda irks me, but the burger ha a base price of $4.95 so it isnt too bad....

quote:

Originally posted by GNeedles59

The Sterling Hotel in Sterling has some nice burgers, and their cheese selection for topping is nice (Port Cheddar, Horseradish Cheddar etc...) They charge extra for L&T, which kinda irks me, but the burger ha a base price of $4.95 so it isnt too bad....

Gneedles I went with a friend there a few months ago. I didn't get the burger, but she did and it did look very good. She said it was. I went with the pork roll which was also very good. I like that place

Yet another bump in this thread because my wife and I have finally had an excellent New Jersey hamburger (actually cheddar burger) at none other than the Longhorn Steakhouse. So thanks to everyone in this thread who recommended it. As I said a few months ago, it's a place I would never ever think of going to.

We went to the one on Centennial Avenue in Piscataway for lunch. The burgers had an excellent fresh-tasting beefy flavor. We also shared an appetizer of boneless wings, very tasty but maybe a little overpriced at $7.99 for a smallish order. Even better, the burger came with lettuce, tomato, onions, at no extra cost. Supposedly it was 1/2 lb, but it seemed a little smaller than that. At $8.99 perhaps it was overpriced by about a dollar, but then again, prices have gone up a lot all over. And it came with decent fries.

Service was fine, the only slip-up was that I think they got our burgers mixed up or they just goofed on the cooking. My wife ordered hers medium well, I ordered mine medium rare. After one bite we took a look at the inside and had to trade. It was no big deal, but can't any place get EVERYTHING right?

Anyway, we will be back, it really was good.

quote:

Originally posted by ken8038

We also shared an appetizer of boneless wings, very tasty but maybe a little overpriced at $7.99 for a smallish order.

I love their hand-breaded chicken fingers. (supposedly they are different from the boneless wings, even though they sound the same) They are only listed as an entree, not as an app., but I don't care, I order them anyway, (plus a steak, etc)
And they are a huge portion!

So glad to hear you gave the Longhorn a try and had a real good burger! Yes, the Longhorn is surprisingly good! We've got one in AC now. And I love the fact that their dressings our homemade!
(great ranch dressing)

Even though the name correlates with a real cool Roadfooder I know,
I HATE that KEN'S dressing, that so many places around here use..
(particularly when one takes out salads from pizza/Italian places)

Whenever you are in Toms River area, I ate a great burger at the SHADY REST (sounds like something out of the Petticoat Junction TV show!) It's on Route 9 in Bayville, about 5 miles south of Toms River. I made a pit stop there twice already recently on the way to sis' in Freehold area. Good locals joint. My burger had a great charbroiled flavor
(exit 80 off Parkway south)

Ellen, thanks for the recommendation of Shady Rest I love Locals Joints! I get down that way a few times per year, and will definately add it to my list. Can you tell a little more about it (bar type place or food only? other food?, open for lunch?). I tried a web search but their website link seems to be dead. Thanks.

I can't picture this place, but I'm sure I've been on that stretch of Rt 9 before. I think the Lamp Post Inn in is right in the same area, decent old school Italian.

Thanks again. --Ken (no relation to the salad dressing...)

Hi everyone,
I ate a pretty good burger the other day. It's a new place on Route 35 in Ocean Twp. Jakes Hamburgers is on Route 35 South in the Orchard Plaza, the driveway comes up fast and there isn't much signage. www.jakeshamburgers.com The place is kind of like 5 Guys but I thought much better. They do fresh never frozen hand pattied burgers and hand dipped milkshakes. I only stopped in for a Jake jr (3.3oz burger). They also offer 6.6oz and 9.9oz ones which I'll have to try. I talked with the franchise owner a little bit, they've only been open a few weeks and are building business slowly. It's a Delaware based chain and his is the only NJ unit. The guy seemed nice and the food was good so I thought I'd share.

Dave

Hi all,
I stopped in at Jake's Hamburgers again today for a real lunch this time. I had the Big Jake burger (three 3.3 oz. patties) with cheese, pickles and ketchup, and a chocolate mint milkshake. I neglected to mention in my last post that they cook their burgers on a griddle which I prefer. I like a little (ok a lot) of grease with my hamburger. The burger was excellent this time as well and the milkshake was amazing. It almost filled the entire metal cup it was served in, and it was very thick and just good. One thing I liked since they cook the burgers to order was the milkshake was mixed before the burger was finished so they put it into a freezer drawer so it wouldn't melt. While I was in there at noon there was one other table eating and one delivery order. The location isn't great it's hidden in a strip mall thats set back from the highway, their signage isn't great, and the driveway comes up pretty quick if you're not paying attention.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by ken8038

Ellen, thanks for the recommendation of Shady Rest I love Locals Joints! I get down that way a few times per year, and will definately add it to my list. Can you tell a little more about it (bar type place or food only? other food?, open for lunch?).

SURE ! Shady Rest seems to be open everyday for lunch and dinner...
It's a combination bar and food place.......but it was a good sign that I saw so many people EATING both times I was there...
not JUST lots of people drinking.. but with that being said, it's also a comfy place to sit at the bar and take in a ballgame..

As far as "other food" goes, the steaks looked good, too..
The pizza seemed real popular; it did'nt do much for me, personally.

SHADY REST, Bayville, NJ (5 miles south of Toms River, on route 9)

My SHADY REST burger. I loved it! Good, crusty char-broiled flavor


Hope this helps, KEN ! (and all other Roadfooders!)


Also, the service was very friendly both times I was there!

<<Hope this helps, KEN ! (and all other Roadfooders!)

Wow, thanks Ellen! It sure does help. And very timely too, We're probably heading down that way for our annual birding trip with my sister to Forsythe NWR this weekend. We may head into AC to go to Tony's Baltimore Grill (also on my "to do" list) if time permits. But if not, Shady Rest will be The Stop on the way home.

I'll be sure to report back, and thanks again!

Best known for steaks, Arthurs (Morris Plains location) has amazing burgers as well. In my biggest beef consumption triumph to date, I had a 24 oz medium rare steak and topped it off with a half-pound burger. It was an amazing birthday.

I'll assume the other locations are just as good til told otherwise.

P.S. notice both of those chicken appetizers in the back of my pic..
As far as your "other food" question goes, the wings were just okay, IMO..
But those BUFFALO CHAR-GRILLED CHICKEN STRIPS (in background left) had a very nice flavor,
and interesting wide unique design..

I would describe the menu as fun foods, steaks, and Italian

P.P.S. Happy BIRDING!

quote:

Originally posted by ellen4641


As far as your "other food" question goes, the wings were just okay, IMO..

I can see that they didn't toss them in the sauce. I hate when they don't toss them in the sauce.

quote:

Originally posted by cameron074

quote:

Originally posted by ellen4641


As far as your "other food" question goes, the wings were just okay, IMO..

I can see that they didn't toss them in the sauce. I hate when they don't toss them in the sauce.

I'm with you on that !! I like true buffalo wings...
they took a shortcut!

quote:

Originally posted by cameron074

Best known for steaks, Arthurs (Morris Plains location) has amazing burgers as well. In my biggest beef consumption triumph to date, I had a 24 oz medium rare steak and topped it off with a half-pound burger. It was an amazing birthday.

I'll assume the other locations are just as good til told otherwise.

Arthurs in Hoboken is very good, as well.

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

Hi everyone,
I ate a pretty good burger the other day. It's a new place on Route 35 in Ocean Twp. Jakes Hamburgers is on Route 35 South in the Orchard Plaza, the driveway comes up fast and there isn't much signage. www.jakeshamburgers.com The place is kind of like 5 Guys but I thought much better. They do fresh never frozen hand pattied burgers and hand dipped milkshakes. I only stopped in for a Jake jr (3.3oz burger). They also offer 6.6oz and 9.9oz ones which I'll have to try. I talked with the franchise owner a little bit, they've only been open a few weeks and are building business slowly. It's a Delaware based chain and his is the only NJ unit. The guy seemed nice and the food was good so I thought I'd share.

Dave

Dave: I'm going to be incorporating Jake's into my next little Trip Report (overdue by almost two months!). We've eaten there twice, at the same location in Wilmington. We LOVE it. I hope and pray they open one up in South Jersey one day. I know they'll give 5 Guys a run for their money.

Harriet,
I've eaten at Jake's twice now and 5 guys twice also. Jake's is definitely much better, 5 guy's burgers have always seemed dry to me. Maybe it's a corporate litigation fear policy of med well burgers. :(

Dave

<<I'll be sure to report back, and thanks again!>.

Hi Again Ellen (and everyone else). We had a great day of birding on Sunday, the weather was nice for the first time all week.

And we did stop at the Shady Rest for Dinner. It was a good break mid-way on the drive home. Thanks for the tip Ellen! It's a real nice cozy roadfood place. I was the only one who stayed true to the mission and had a cheeseburger which was real good, nice beefy charcoal taste, like you said. And I liked the thinly sliced red onions (no extra charge!).

My Sis, wife, and daughter all opted for entrees and loved the food (Fish & Chips, Broiled Scrod, Chicken Parm).

The only clunkers were the side orders. My Sister's sausage soup was awful, the sausage looked like it was left over from some meal a week ago. And the large side order of garlic bread was totally uninspired, boring bread with what appeared to be Garlic Powder seasoning instead of real garlic. On the other hand, the house dressing on the salads got rave reviews by all.

All in all Shady Rest is a great roadfood stop, thanks again Ellen for "discovering' it!

Hi everyone,
My wife and I stopped in at this little place for dinner the other night and it was great. It's called Bob and Lori's Cozy Kitchen and the address is 344 Herbertsville Road in Brick. It's a nice little place that features ice cream, but I'll just mention my burger. It was great...big, juicy, greasy, and such a soft toasted kaiser roll. I can't describe the roll the way I want to. Whatever they coated the roll in before they toasted it is great. It's the same stuff they use at Fuddruckers on their rolls. I don't care if it's triple trans fat lard it works really well on the roll and makes it taste great. I got a double burger with mozzarella cheese and bacon I added ketchup and a few pickle slices as well to round out the flavors. I believe the patties are around a half pound and cooked on a flat top which I love. You definitely don't get the same grease factor on a charbroiler. Our server was extremely attentive and had a great personality. The food was fantastic, my wife loved her pancakes with bananas, chocolate chips and peanut butter as well. They serve breakfast all day, lunch and dinner and we will definitely be making a return visit very soon.

Dave

Thanks for the tip...it's down the road, ao I'll give it a try...also,I've gone past Shady rest so many times and never stopped in...thanks for all these tips!!!

In case anyone's interested. Bobby Flay's fast casual burger restaurant, Bobby Flay's Burger Palace, is opening a location at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. I drove by it yesterday and noticed the sign, not sure if it's open yet, but the website www.bobbysburgerpalace.com lists the Monmouth Mall location and it doesn't say coming soon so I'm assuming that it's open. This would be their 2nd location after one on Long Island. I'm going to try to stop in soon and I'll let everyone know how it is.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

In case anyone's interested. Bobby Flay's fast casual burger restaurant, Bobby Flay's Burger Palace, is opening a location at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. www.bobbysburgerpalace.com lists the Monmouth Mall location . This would be their 2nd location after one on Long Island. I'm going to try to stop in soon and I'll let everyone know how it is.
Dave

I'm interested! I'm interested! Let me know how it is, and if it's charbroiled , which I love the best..

Ever been to BLITZBURGER in North Brunswick? Not yet, for me!

Thanks, KEN for reporting back on the SHADY REST. I'm just noticing your post today. I agree that their garlic bread was fake and lousy!
I had the NY Steak the 2nd time I went back there. It was a good piece of meat, but I realized pretty quickly that it was no NY Steak; they gave me a rib-eye instead. (honest mistake, or ??)
I also agree with you that their house vinagrette is real good.
I asked if any of their dressings were homemade, and that was the only one, so I went for it.

I also had the french onion soup on that recent 2nd visit, and it was excellent!

I just looked at their online menu; I'll have a "palace classic burger" (although the Philadelphia burger is very tempting), and french fries with dipping sauce, and a DARK CHOCOLATE shake WITH whipped cream.

Sis and I used to like the burgers at the "American Grill" (or whatever the place was called) at that Monmouth Mall...
It was like a Friday's, and was part of a small chain, but that location went under..

Ellen,
I tried stopping by Bobby Flay's place today and it's not open yet! A worker inside said they were hoping for Wednesday lunch. So I'll have to try again another day. I did however go into Long Branch to a good burger place that char broils their burgers. J.R.'s West End at 75D Brighton Ave in Long Branch does an interesting take on sliders. All of their sandwiches are smaller and are served 2 to an order. The burgers were thick and served on soft small rolls. They are a little pricy ($6.00) for the burgers but they are trying to be trendy and use quality ingredients. They have a menu of other sandwiches, wraps, sides, desserts, etc. I liked it even though char broiling isn't my favorite burger preparation method. I would go back and try other menu items.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

Ellen,
I did however go into Long Branch to a good burger place that char broils their burgers. J.R.'s West End at 75D Brighton Ave in Long Branch does an interesting take on sliders. All of their sandwiches are smaller and are served 2 to an order. The burgers were thick and served on soft small rolls. I liked it even though char broiling isn't my favorite burger preparation method.
Dave

Hi Dave,
I've been meaning to try that J.R's place for awhile now; it had sounded like my kind of place, and now you've just confirmed it!
Charbroiled burgers, nice soft rolls, just what I like..
(I much prefer a soft (sesame is best) roll over a hard kaiser or brioche, etc. kind of roll..

That J.R.'s place is sandwiched in-between that Richard's West End Deli and that rib place, right?? (assuming that rib place is still even there.)
(the original rib location is in Neptune, right next to Kelly's, and they do have beef ribs, my favorite) That Long Branch rib annex location was too odd; more like a bar setting , and with nobody eating at all in there..
it felt too wierd, so we walked out..
And that deli was just okay, IMO...not too special, far from being a Harold's Deli

Ellen,
Funny you mention Jack's Rib and Ale (both the Long Branch and Neptune locations) and Kelly's. All 3 are my accounts and I was at them all today. At one time both Jacks locations were owned by the same person, they were sold maybe a year year and a half ago (I think) and the one in Neptune is being sold again. I'm hearing that it's being totally renovated and will be a Diner type restaurant with a lounge and club. But anyway thanks for the advice about Richard's Deli. I stopped in and picked up a menu a few weeks ago and now I won't bother eating there. J.R.'s is at the other end of Brighton Ave. closer to the ocean and is right down the street from a cheesesteak shop which I haven't tried yet. The roll from J.R.s wasn't so mucha soft sesame style roll (which I love as well) but more of a softish round bread basket dinner roll type roll. It was still a good burger though.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

Ellen,
Funny you mention Jack's Rib and Ale (both the Long Branch and Neptune locations) and Kelly's. All 3 are my accounts and I was at them all today. At one time both Jacks locations were owned by the same person, they were sold maybe a year year and a half ago (I think) and the one in Neptune is being sold again. I'm hearing that it's being totally renovated and will be a Diner type restaurant with a lounge and club.
Dave

So it's sounds like Jack's Rib and Ale is soon to be "no more"...
no more ribs, and it will be leaning towards a diner???
Sis and I enjoyed our ribs at the Neptune location..
I've never been to that Kelly's , but sis has had a few good corned beef reubens there over the years (their specialty)

I don't want to stop you from Richard's Deli, as certain menu items might be better than others...
and you know that I'm a tough deli critic, so it's easy for me to be underwhelmed..

That soft roll at J.R.s sounds good! (sesame seeds or not!)

white rose in clark have incredible burgers. a couple large cheeseburgers withe everything do justice. i've actually heard people rave about their shakes while i've waited to get my food, but i can't say i ever tried their shakes...

I just recently had a burger at theWestwood Diner & Pancake House on Old Hook Road in Westwood,NJ. I thought it was really good. I've previously only ordered breakfast here. I will definately go back to make sure it wasn't a fluke. It had a great charbroiled taste and was nice and juicy.

quote:

Originally posted by DPuro329

Ellen,
I tried stopping by Bobby Flay's place today and it's not open yet! A worker inside said they were hoping for Wednesday lunch. So I'll have to try again another day. I did however go into Long Branch to a good burger place that char broils their burgers. J.R.'s West End at 75D Brighton Ave in Long Branch does an interesting take on sliders. All of their sandwiches are smaller and are served 2 to an order. The burgers were thick and served on soft small rolls. They are a little pricy ($6.00) for the burgers but they are trying to be trendy and use quality ingredients. They have a menu of other sandwiches, wraps, sides, desserts, etc. I liked it even though char broiling isn't my favorite burger preparation method. I would go back and try other menu items.

Dave

Hey, is the old "Inkwell" still in the West End Of Lomg Branch...in the 60's and 70's, they had a great Burger basket. Anyone know?????