Juicy Burger Nights
The Best Burgers at the Jersey Shore
by Deborah Smith
The History of the Burger
The humble hamburger’s journey to becoming a global phenomenon dates back to the 19th century in Hamburg, Germany, where minced beef patties were a local favorite. German immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, where the concept quickly evolved. By the late 1800s, vendors at fairs and on the streets began selling the first hamburger as we know it — a cooked ground beef patty served on a bun. The invention is often credited to Charles Nagreen, who in 1885 flattened a meatball and placed it between two slices of bread, making it easier to eat on the go. From these street food origins, the hamburger quickly spread across the country to become an American icon and continues to be reinvented to delight taste buds across the world.
The Must-Try B2 Burger
B2 Bistro + Bar {b2bistro.com} is a vibrant and contemporary dining destination known for its eclectic menu that blends American, Mediterranean, and Asian influences with locations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. B2 Bistro + Bar offers a seasonally-inspired menu that emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. One of their standout offerings is their multi-award-winning Dry Aged Burger, a gourmet creation that showcases the rich, intense flavors of dry-aged beef.
Dry aging is a process that enhances the flavor and tenderness of beef by allowing it to age in a controlled environment for several weeks. During this time, the natural enzymes in the meat break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture. Additionally, the moisture in the meat evaporates, concentrating the beef’s flavors, which develop into a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy taste. This depth of flavor is what makes dry-aged beef so sought after by chefs and food lovers alike, as it offers a more complex and intense experience compared to regular beef.
The B2 Burger is expertly crafted, featuring a perfectly cooked patty that is both juicy and flavorful, topped with quality ingredients that complement the meat’s depth, making it a must-try for burger enthusiasts.
First introduced at their flagship location in Red Bank, the B2 Burger proved to be such a hit that it became a staple menu item at B2’s now seven locations. “When we opened our second B2 Bistro in Point Pleasant Beach, we tailored the menu to fit the local beach vibe, but we kept our award-winning burger as a staple across all locations,” says managing partner Stephen Valentine.
B2 fans know to be on the lookout for special riffs on the dry-aged burger like the Surf N Turf Burger in Point Pleasant Beach, which is topped with lobster, shrimp, Old Bay bechamel cheese sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
Be sure to check out B2’s Burger Night at their Red Bank location on Mondays for 2 for 1 Burgers!
