New Jersey Monthly Names Top South Jersey Burgers for Football Season
New Jersey Monthly bills itself as the indispensable authority on life in the Garden State. It focuses on food, cooking, things to do, travel, lifestyle, and more in New Jersey.
So when they announced their best burgers in the Garden State, with the football season coming up, I was interested to see which spots made the list.
They listed about 20 different burgers, but only three of them were down in South Jersey at the Jersey Shore.
Before we get to their list of the best burgers down the shore, here is my list of the 10 best wings to try for the football season in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Now on to the burgers!
Tailgaters Grill: The Ultimate Classic American Burger in Galloway
First up was the Classic American Burger at Tailgaters at 337 White Horse Pike in Galloway.
There are lots of creative burgers at Tailgaters. Bypass them all and order the Classic American Burger ($13.99) with applewood bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup and mayo. This is one of the few spots that always nails a perfect medium rare. If I could only eat one burger for the rest of my life, this would be it.
Saying that if you can only eat one burger for the rest of your life is a pretty big claim!
Tony Beef: Elevating the Big Mac with the Big Schmacc
Next up was a burger called the Big Schmacc at Tony Beef, with three locations: one in Somers Point, Galloway, and Brigantine.
Possibly the best cover version of a hit sandwich I have come across, the Big Schmacc ($13.24), is exactly what you think it is—an elevated take on the McDonald’s Big Mac. A triple stack of buttery housemade buns gets interspersed with a half-pound of fresh beef, American cheese, lettuce, pickles and their own “Schmacc sauce.” It’s bigger, beefier and better than anything a creepy, out-of-work clown mascot might offer you.
If you like the Big Mac, this is the one you should try.
Vagabond Kitchen & Taphouse: The Bold "Mexican Hottie"
Finally, the Mexican Hottie from Vagabond Kitchen and Taphouse, with two locations in Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township.
A little sting of jalapeno is nice on a burger, but that simple concept gets dolled-up all fancy-like on the Mexican Hottie ($18), as the typical sliced jalapenos are swapped for full peppers, each hollowed, stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. It seems gimmicky and Instagrammy, but any judgy side-eye you were throwing vanishes instantly upon first bite.
I have had plenty of burgers at Vagabond, but this isn't one that I have tried. That will have to change during the 2026 football season.
Final Verdict: Which South Jersey Burger Are You Trying Next?
So, South Jersey, what is the best burger at the Jersey Shore? Let me know in the comments on social media
