What makes a burger truly great in Brick, NJ? That’s the delicious debate. Is it the classic diner patty with perfect char, or the gourmet creation with artisanal toppings? The answer is both, and neither, and ultimately it’s a matter of personal taste—which is why we’ve savored every bite across town to bring you this definitive list.
Mantoloking Road Alehouse
$$ | (732) 477-6000 | WEBSITE
Mantoloking Road Alehouse is a Brick institution, and has the best burger selection in town. The moment you sit down at this casual alehouse your table is greeted with that charcoal aroma that makes chain restaurant grills feel insignificant. From the Justin burger, to the California burger, to the mushroom/swiss burger, there are over a dozen options to choose from alongside bar pies and tuna bites.
And the charcoal-grilled burgers are fantastic—get the perfectly cooked Justin and their savory mushroom/swiss, which get extra flavor from their charcoal setup. The warm, lively interior is spacious, so it’s perfect for celebrating with some friends who can help you finish the burgers, but also tackle all of the craft beers from their large tap selection.
Little Mia’s Pizza (Brick)
$ | (848) 232-1983 | WEBSITE
After years of serving Brick from its original spot, Little Mia’s Pizza has settled into its current location—a cozy, family-run space that feels instantly welcoming. And though they haven’t expanded their menu dramatically, this neighborhood pizza joint’s offerings are less of a simple list and more a hearty and satisfying, “We’ve got what you need.” The dining area is comfortable, with a front counter for takeout orders and a back seating section near the kitchen.
The standout dishes are excellent, like the Brick Wrap with flavorful chicken and non-soggy fries, or the fresh and amazing shrimp fra diablo and shrimp scampi. But even straightforward pizzas or cheesesteaks are tasty, thanks to quality ingredients like excellent sauce and toppings that don’t cause heartburn. Little Mia’s could use more positive reviews, but the current menu and family-friendly atmosphere already warrant a visit.
Five Guys
$ | (732) 262-4040 | WEBSITE
Five Guys is a solid choice for a satisfying burger, fries, and shake combo. Every day they offer gluten-free options, including bun-free burgers, and a wide range of toppings for customers to customize their meals. Basic burgers start at $8.50, and their signature double bacon burgers with big, juicy patties and fresh ingredients run about $12.00.
The spacious, casual dining area has plenty of booth and table seating, so it’s ideal if you’re suddenly tasked with organizing a quick team dinner for you and your 15 colleagues.
Roy Rogers
$ | (732) 908-1203 | WEBSITE
This is a reliable drive-thru spot on the main drag that’s serving great fast food classics, like a juicy fish sandwich that stands out, and excellent roast beef—tender slices served fresh that will make you glad you made the trip. This place has some very good burger options, too, and it’s a perfect place for a quick weeknight meal.
Princeton Deli And Convenience Store
$ | (732) 892-0115 | WEBSITE
With its simple counter seating and warm fluorescent glow, Princeton Deli And Convenience Store feels a little bit like your favorite neighborhood spot from childhood. But that’s where the nostalgia ends—which is great because we’ll take fresh, satisfying deli food over just any quick bite any day. The Cheesesteak with Provolone, mushrooms, peppers, and onions is fantastic, and they also have delicious breakfast options and daily specials.
But as its name states, the deli classics are what you’ll see in almost every order. Each sandwich comes with your choice of fresh ingredients, all served by friendly, accommodating staff that makes you feel right at home.
Beacon 70
$$ | (848) 232-4235 | WEBSITE
Beacon 70 is the type of waterfront restaurant we all wish was our neighborhood casual spot. And while we like their happy hour specials on draft beers and decent bar food, the burgers are the main draw. Their kid-friendly options are excellent, like pizza and chicken fingers that keep the little ones happy. And for the grown-up burger eaters, their tempura battered tuna and southwest chicken bowl are reliably delicious.
Beacon 70 has plenty of tables with a center glass fireplace adding to the cozy vibe, but when the weather decides to cooperate, we like taking our meal outside to enjoy the waterfront view across the street.
Papa V’s
$ | (732) 458-0500 | WEBSITE
Papa V’s serves very good North Jersey-style pizza. This place is classic and welcoming—much more of a neighborhood pizzeria than a fancy restaurant. But you should work your way through their entire menu over multiple visits, and the first thing you should try is their Big Mac pizza. A perfect crust is topped with fresh ingredients until the cheese becomes bubbly and golden. It’s delicious and incredibly satisfying, and it comes with a side of garlic knots to help round out the meal.
It’s perfect for a casual dinner at a booth, where you can watch the proud staff at work.
Burger 25 Brick
$ | (732) 451-4747 | WEBSITE
From the giant, perfectly salted pretzel to the wide array of delicious burgers, our heads turn like an owl whenever we hear someone talking about Burger 25 Brick’s offerings. We fluctuate between ordering the Thanksgiving burger topped with all the fixings, or the chicken sandwich made with fresh ingredients, but often just get both because the burgers here are all around $15.
And regardless of what type you get, each burger gets plenty of added flavor from crisp fried pickles, Capone’s meatballs, and the excellent service that goes above and beyond.
White Castle
$ | (732) 597-0938 | WEBSITE
White Castle is one of the most festive burger spots in Brick, and this decorated sit-down location with a special photo area has great holiday dining. Every burger on the menu is memorable enough to warrant a return visit, like the unique ‘rat burger’ that loyal fans love. But they also have fun options like creative decorations and attentive service that make the atmosphere enjoyable. Coming for a solo meal is possible, but the experience is festive so bringing some friends won’t hurt.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (732) 608-8991 | WEBSITE
The Queso Lava burger and whiskey river wrap at this welcoming Brick burger joint deserve a spot in the Smithsonian’s food hall. They’re flavor marvels with perfectly cooked patties and mouthwateringly juicy textures. But Red Robin’s burger prowess doesn’t stop at the grill—other creations like the mushroom Swiss cheese burger and various wraps are equally satisfying.
Just know that a visit might require waiting for a prime booth near the entrance, or expecting the friendly staff like Mikayla, Patrick, and Catalina to be buzzing with attentive service.
