Monmouth365 Crew’s Top 10 Burger Spots in Monmouth County

Friday, Sept. 18, is National Cheeseburger Day, and we’re marking the occasion with our Monmouth365 Crew’s Top 10 burger spots—from cheddar-sauce classics to burgers topped with brie, bacon, and fig preserves.

Who first put cheese on a hamburger? Several places claim the credit, but one of the best-known accounts traces it to 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger at his father’s Pasadena restaurant, The Rite Spot, in 1924. The restaurant called its creation the “Aristocratic Burger.” More than a century later, the toppings have multiplied—and everyone has a favorite.

Here’s how our Crew ranks these Monmouth County picks.

Our top spot goes to Nicholas Barrel & Roost on Route 35. The Nicholas Burger combines sirloin and short rib, cooked over a wood grill, with English cheddar, Roost sauce, and a house-made pickle on a butter-toasted sesame bun. Seasoned chips come alongside. It’s tasty, meaty, and just right. (Menu)

The order here: the classic 10-ounce burger with the in-house cheddar sauce. Add bacon if you like, with steak fries or onion rings. This First Street restaurant may have an extensive seafood menu, but we’re coming for the cheeseburger. The secret is definitely in the sauce! (Menu)

Homemade cheddar sauce gets another vote at The Pour House, where the beef burgers weigh in at 10 ounces and arrive on Kaiser rolls. The classic cheeseburger is our pick, though the menu also offers mushroom and Swiss, frizzled onion, and hot pepper bacon jam variations. Start with an onion soup and it’s the perfect meal. (Menu)

The Globe Burger puts this downtown sports bar at No. 4. There’s local history with your order, too: The Globe dates to 1840, when it served as an inn for travelers. Today, the restaurant highlights its namesake burger alongside beer and televised sports. (More)

Huddy’s Cowboy Burger pairs pepper jack cheese and frizzled onions with the restaurant’s cowboy rub, all on a pretzel roll. It brings a different cheese-and-bun combination to a list with plenty of cheddar and Kaiser rolls. But, not to be ignored, they do have a pretty tasty cheddar sauce that’s made with beer. Yummy. (Menu)

For a sweet-and-savory order, try the Baked Brie Burger, topped with brie, bacon, and fig preserves. The Main Street restaurant’s burger lineup also includes the Chipotle Bacon Burger and Pig Mac. You can’t go wrong with any of your choices. (More)

The Duke combines dry-aged beef, Swiss, caramelized onions, and homemade burger sauce on sesame brioche. Burger Bros also offers smashed patties, build-your-own burgers, and turkey and veggie options at its Route 520 location. (Menu)

McDonagh’s makes our list with an option for slider fans: beef patties topped with bacon, house-made Guinness beer cheese, and frizzled onions. The West Front Street pub brings the beer-and-cheeseburger combination together in the topping itself. (Menu)

The signature Goal Line Burger comes with provolone, frizzled onion straws, and horseradish sauce. Another choice on the Brighton Avenue sports bar’s 10-ounce burger menu is The Irishman, topped with smoked cheddar and Jameson bacon-and-onion chutney. (Menu)

The Ale House Burger stacks two beef patties with cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, fried shallots, and house sauce on brioche. For a different cheese combination, the French Onion Burger adds Gruyère, crispy and caramelized onions, and sherry dressing. (Menu)

Did your favorite make the list? Reply with your burger spot—and tell us exactly what to order. Is it time for lunch yet?

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