Burger 25 - Ship Bottom Twp., Long Beach Island

 

Where:

1915 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ

What:
#1 The Classic Cheeseburger - Angus Burger topped with American Cheese, Raw (or Sautéed) onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and Pickles on a Martin's Famous Potato Bun.

I'm always a bit apprehensive when trying a new burger restaurant and today was no different, but at Burger 25, they had me as soon as I walked through the door. The interior has a sleek modern vide with contrasting used brick half-walls dividing the dining room. There brand is everywhere from custom glasswork to custom neon, ceiling fixtures, laser-cut aluminum table number stands (for those eating in), to the  branded beverage cooler stocked with their own branded water bottles. Nice detail touches everywhere you look. 

We arrived on June 9th, their second day open, and the place was packed with people as curious as I was. The kitchen was pumping out burgers at an impressive rate and no one waited long for their food. 

Our burgers were everything we hoped for and more. They were larger than anticipated with super fresh toppings; even the pickles were good, no overpowering vinegar or salt. The fries were also very good and served piping hot. Not much to say when the burgers are this good, so I recommend trying one yourself. You won't be disappointed. 

Some other noteworthy things: unlike 5 Guys and other fast-casual establishments, you can order your burger whatever temperature you like. Mine was served as requested, a perfect medium. They have an impressive selection of buns to choose from also, including: Regular potato bun, onion bun, pretzel bun, sesame seed bun, GF bun, or a waffle bun. But wait, there's more, you can have it on a white, wheat or lettuce wrap and if none of these options spin your wheels you can order a burger bowl. 

There's chicken and fish sandwiches, wings, fries, onion rings, salads, milk shakes, and even breakfast sandwiches. There's something for everyone so try it out, I think you'll like it.

Jackson Hole Diner, Englewood, NJ

 

Where:

362 Grand Ave, Englewood, NJ

What:
The Classic Burger with American cheese and fried onions, (NOT caramelized) on a brioche bun.

I've read many reviews about JH's burgers and I've wanted to try one for about 6 years now. Three friends who have eaten there told me the burgers are big but flavorwise they are just "okay". That's not what my takeaway was, my burger was everything I want in a burger, old-fashioned beef flavor and juices running down my wrist with every bite. The burgers are freshly made daily and weighing in at 7 ounces, they are (in my opinion) the perfect size burger. The only other restaurant I've seen offer this perfectly sized patty is Shopsin's General Store located in the Essex St. market in NYC. The burger section of Kenny Shopsin's book (Eat Me) is what turned me on to this unique burger size.

As for the JH Diner itself, it was spotlessly clean, in fact, I've never seen any restaurant so immaculate, the ceiling and light fixtures looked as if they were just installed. Everything from the floor to the tables were clean clean clean cuz. 

The street parking on Grand Ave can be hit or miss, but no worries thanks to the small parking lot in back.

My burger had all the makings of a 10/10 rating, however, I have to give this one a 9 out of 10.

Reason: Although it was juicy as hell, it was cooked beyond my requested temp of medium. 

If you want to read something that will give you a completely different view on all aspects of food, get Kenny Shopsin's book: 

"Eat Me"

"The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin"