Burgers for Burghers
The best new local spots in Bergen
The hamburger has been a staple in American cuisine since the late 1800s, but recently Bergen chefs have begun thinking outside the box when it comes to what’s inside the bun. Mark Ostrowsky, owner of East Coast Burger Company in Ridgewood (201.857.0277, eastcoastburger.com), says the new focus is on more artisanal ingredients. “Casual, family-friendly dining doesn’t have to equal low quality,” he insists. With add-ons like applewood smoked bacon, truffle aioli, homemade green chili and Brie, these offerings seem closer to fine dining than fast food. “You could always find a burger when you went out to eat, but now restaurants are starting to offer that extra something special,” says Ostrowsky, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America. The trends of meatless and healthy diets also haven’t been lost on these restaurateurs—all offer burger alternatives like salads, sandwiches and even fresh seafood (such as East Coast’s sushi-grade tuna-wich).
New Bergen ‘Burger Joints’:
Boom Burger
180 Route 17 South
Mahwah, 201.529.1806
375 W. Passaic St.
Rochelle Park
201.843.2666
theboomburger.com
Burgerwood
51 E. Palisade Ave.
Englewood, 201.871.8600
burgerwoodnj.com
Cheeburger Cheeburger
40 Route 17 South
East Ruther ford
201.672.9200
cheeburger.com
East Coast Burger Company
75 Franklin Ave.
Ridgewood
201.857.0277
eastcoastburger.com
Steak ’n Shake
700 Paramus Park
Paramus, 201.262.4969
steaknshake.com
Zinburger
1 Garden State Plaza
Paramus, 201.368.8092
zinburgernj.com
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