Food on the Shore
Vacationing at the Jersey Shore will undoubtedly create memories that will last you a lifetime. It is also likely it will leave a permanent impression on your taste buds. Ask any local what they love about the shore and the food will surely be on their list. From savory sausage sandwiches to fresh fish, there is something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds at the beach in New Jersey.
Boardwalk Fries
If you have been to the Jersey Shore chances are you have tried boardwalk fries. Seemingly the same as the fries you would get from a fast food joint, boardwalk fries are served in a paper cup, or tray. For authentic boardwalk fries, you need to look for the places that cut the fries fresh and fry them in peanut oil. Otherwise, you are missing out on the full effect. If you like something a little more amped up ask for cheese on your fries, or even chili.
Sausage Sandwich
If you need something hearty to fill your stomach when you are navigating the ins and outs of the New Jersey shore, grab a hold of a sausage sandwich with peppers and onions. Served on a huge, hard, long roll the sausage is a popular culinary staple of Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island and Asbury Park. The sausage is browned and the onions and peppers fried. You can smell them cooking before you feet even hit the planks of the boardwalk. Like most culinary delights at the Jersey Shore, you can get a delicious sausage sandwich at one of the many concession stands lining the boardwalk.
Pizza
Every place you go in the United States you can find a place to get a slice of pizza, but you haven’t quite lived until you have snacked on a slice of pizza at the shore. Boardwalk pizza is a local favorite and everyone has their opinion on which pie shop makes it best. In Ocean City, New jersey Mack & Manco takes the cake for most people. Serving up the traditional tomato pie since the 1950s, you can find a Mack and Manco on almost every corner of the boardwalk. Wildwood also has a version of the same pizza, but the place is just called Mack’s.
Taylor Pork Roll
Taylor ham, or pork roll is a sausage like meat product made of minced ham that is compressed into a rolled loaf. It is readily available in The New Jersey and Philadelphia area, but availability can be sporadic elsewhere. The pork roll sandwich, available on the boardwalk and in restaurants, consists of a slice of fried pork roll with cheese and sometimes scrambled eggs. It is served on a hard roll. If you are in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey try a breakfast sandwich from Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are made of crab meat mixed with bread crumbs, eggs and other ingredients to form a patty that is then fried or baked. Boardwalk crab cakes are breaded and deep fried. Most often they are served on a hamburger roll and eaten like a sandwich. Restaurant crab cakes are often made entirely from seasoned crab meat and they are served either alone, or on a roll. If you are in Ocean City, New Jersey try Ike’s Famous Crab Cakes right on the boardwalk. In Stone Harbor try the crab cakes at the White Heron Grill.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are an obvious choice fore beach fare because they are easy to eat and cook quickly. That being said, no ordinary hot dog will do for most locals. Max’s Famous Hot Dogs. Located in Long Branch New Jersey, Max’s Famous Hot Dogs has been serving them up to beach goers for more than 80 years. In the southern shore region Hotdog Tommy’s is good. The chili cheese dog is a crowd favorite.
The great thing about eating at the New Jersey shore is the variety. There are places you can grab a meal from without even changing from you swimsuit, and places you will need to shake the sand from your sandals before placing an order. Whether you like upscale gourmet food, or casual concession stand cuisine the New Jersey shore won’t disappoint.