The Jersey Shore’s Best Boardwalk Eats

[caption id="attachment_855648" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Illustration: Steve Hockstein[/caption] Wandering down any of New Jersey’s boardwalks is a summer pastime that just about everyone from the Garden State enjoys. But the thing that keeps me returning every summer is the trail of indulgent eats—cheesesteaks, soft serve, pizza slices the size of your head—all lined up on a dreamlike conveyer belt of temptations at storefronts that will shutter and disappear like mirages at the end of the season. Though exciting, the sheer number of tasty options is enough to make your head spin. With that in mind, here are my picks for the best eats on the boardwalk, from nostalgic, can’t-miss classics to outside-the-box newbies. Asbury Park Signature Mini Pancakes at Buttermee Pancakes On a boardwalk, I like any food you can eat while walking, and pretty much everything on the menu at Buttermee Pancakes falls into that category. Full-size flapjacks are traded for bite-size medallions that fit snugly on the end of your fork. Several varieties are available, but the signature mini pancakes topped with crumbles of bacon, cinnamon-sugar whipped butter, and a sticky drizzle of maple syrup are really all you need to be happy on a summer day. Watermelon Lime Ice Pop at Betty’s Ice Box Hipster-friendly frozen treat shop Betty’s Ice Box has produced what might be the single greatest vegan item ever in its Watermelon Lime Ice Pop. Why? Nothing is sacrificed. Unlike many vegan desserts, the deck isn’t unfairly stacked against it. It has no responsibility to try to live up to the legend of some beloved, dairy-heavy fave. Instead, this refreshing summer go-to leans on its built-in strength: the sweet-tart powerhouse combo of actual watermelon and lime. Point Pleasant Muellers Tiffany French Toast at the Food Shack Finding great breakfast on the boards isn’t always a sure thing, but the folks at the Food Shack put out a truly destination-worthy combo with this dish. For those not in the know, the Tiffany Raisin Bread at nearby Muellers Bakery is the stuff of cinnamon-iced legend, and this French toast uses it to its fullest advantage. Seaside Heights El Bandito at Jersey Roll Jersey Roll specializes in sandwiches featuring the most controversial of all Jersey meat products: pork roll—or is it Taylor ham? Frankly, nobody cares what you call it; what matters is that you step up and order the El Bandito, an oceanfront indulgence that layers pork roll, jalapeño poppers and tater tots on a round roll for the optimal lunch option after a few rounds of Skee-ball. Cheesesteaks at Cheessteaks Until last year, very few people had ever heard of the frustratingly spelled Cheessteaks, but within a short time they have become the fastest growing cheesesteak specialty shop in New Jersey. Opening their newest location on the Seaside boardwalk is a bold move, especially with heavy hitters like Midway Steak House, Steaks Unlimited and Cheesesteak Louie’s a stone’s throw away, but the fact of the matter is, Cheessteaks can hang with the best of them—and might just be the best of them. Ocean City Donuts at Brown’s Restaurant For most people who head to Brown’s Restaurant in Ocean City, the main attraction is the walk-up donut window. If you can’t find it, just look for the big line snaking down the boardwalk. The hype is legit, as Brown’s puts out truly delicious old-fashioned donuts. Here, it’s all about the classics, like cinnamon-sugar, vanilla (or chocolate)- powdered, honey-dipped or plain, each served warm right out of the fryer. Sicilian Slice and a Birch Beer at Manco & Manco While their standard plain slices tend to get all the attention, it’s the Sicilian slice at Manco & Manco that has me coming back again and again. A modestly thick slice, it’s at once crispy and doughy—each in perfect measure—and more heavily seasoned than one would typically expect from this style of pizza. Pair it with a creamy red birch beer straight from the tap, and you’ve got yourself the best combo on the boardwalk. Wildwood Plain Slice at Mack’s Pizza This time, it’s the straightforward plain slice for the win. Forget the monstrous slices that many boardwalk pizzerias peddle. Mack’s slices are less physically imposing, but far more delicious. The sauce-to-cheese ratio here favors the latter, and that’s key, as it manages to nail the gooey goodness you dream of while still maintaining enough of the acidic zip from the sauce to balance any heaviness. The post The Jersey Shore’s Best Boardwalk Eats appeared first on New Jersey Monthly .