Nothing pairs better with a beach day than a great burger. Ocean City NJ has plenty of options, from classic drive-in spots to upscale pub-style burgers to boardwalk quick-service. Here is where to find the best burgers in OCNJ.

Best Burgers in Ocean City

Stewart’s Root Beer (Multiple Locations)

Stewart’s is a Jersey Shore institution, and their burgers are the real deal. This retro drive-in concept serves classic American burgers alongside their famous root beer and floats. The burgers are smashed-style, cooked on a flat-top, and served with that nostalgic drive-in vibe that makes every bite taste like summer.

Must try: The classic cheeseburger with a root beer float

Best for: Families, nostalgia lovers, anyone who appreciates classic Americana

Crab Trap II (Somers Point)

Just across the bay in Somers Point (5-10 minutes from OCNJ), Crab Trap II serves excellent pub-style burgers. Plus, Somers Point has alcohol—so you can actually get a beer with your burger. The waterfront setting adds to the experience.

Must try: Their signature burgers with creative toppings

Best for: Adults wanting a beer with their burger

Brown’s Restaurant (10th Street)

This family-friendly restaurant offers solid American-style burgers in a casual dining setting. Nothing fancy, just good burgers done right. Great for families with picky eaters who want reliable options.

Must try: Classic cheeseburger

Best for: Families, casual dining

Sunset Pier Bar and Kitchen

Waterfront dining on the bay with good burgers and beautiful sunset views. The atmosphere elevates the experience. Their burgers are quality pub-style with creative topping options.

Must try: Whatever the house specialty is

Best for: Date night, sunset dining

Boardwalk Burger Options

The boardwalk has numerous quick-service burger spots:

What to Expect

• Fast service for hungry crowds
• Basic cheeseburgers and variations
• Standard fast-food quality (some better than others)
• Reasonable prices for location

Boardwalk burgers are about convenience, not culinary excellence. They hit the spot when you are hungry from beach time and want something quick before riding rides.

Tips for Boardwalk Burgers

• Look for spots with visible grills (fresh cooking)
• Avoid places where food sits under heat lamps
• Peak meal times mean freshest burgers
• Ask for “cooked to order” if possible

Hidden Gems

Pizza Shop Burgers

Several pizza places also serve surprisingly good burgers. The flat-top griddles used for cheesesteaks work well for smash burgers too. Ask locals for current favorites.

Bar and Grills in Somers Point

A quick drive to Somers Point opens up several casual bars and grills with excellent burger programs. Gregory’s and The Anchorage both do good pub burgers with full bar service.

Burger Styles in OCNJ

Classic American

Thick patties, simple toppings, American cheese. Stewart’s and Brown’s represent this style well.

Smash Burgers

Thin patties pressed on a hot griddle for crispy edges. Growing in popularity at newer spots.

Pub Style

Larger patties with creative toppings and quality buns. Found at bars and casual dining spots.

For the Kids

Kids love burgers, and OCNJ delivers:

• Stewart’s: Kid-friendly atmosphere, smaller burger options, fun root beer floats
• Brown’s: Full kids’ menu including burgers
• Boardwalk spots: Quick service for impatient little ones

Build Your Own

For vacation rentals with grills (common in OCNJ), making your own burgers is a great option:

• Acme: Quality ground beef, buns, and toppings
• Butcher shops: Premium ground beef blends available at some specialty shops
• Grilling tip: Beach town grilling is part of the experience

Nothing beats a backyard burger in your rental with the ocean breeze and a cold drink.

The Dry Town Reality

Ocean City is a dry town—no alcohol anywhere, including restaurants. If you want a beer with your burger (a classic combination), you have options:

• Drive to Somers Point (5-10 minutes) for full bar restaurants
• Grill at your rental and bring your own drinks (purchased in Somers Point)
• Accept the root beer float alternative (surprisingly satisfying)

Price Guide

• Boardwalk quick service: $8-12
• Casual dining: $12-16
• Pub-style with toppings: $14-18
• Premium burgers: $16-22

Tips for the Best Burger Experience

• Go off-peak: Lunch rush means rushed cooking
• Specify doneness: Ask for medium or medium-well for best results
• Simple is often best: Quality patty, good cheese, fresh bun
• Check reviews: Burger quality varies—look for recent recommendations
• Bring napkins: Great burgers are messy

The Perfect OCNJ Burger Day

Start with a morning beach session. Work up an appetite in the waves. Head to Stewart’s for a cheeseburger, fries, and a root beer float. Return to the beach satisfied. End the day on the boardwalk.

It is not complicated. It is not fancy. It is just a great burger at the shore—exactly what vacation should be.