A New 'Boardwalk' in Red Bank

I’ll never pass up a great burger and fries. 

When I heard that Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries was opening in Red Bank, NJ, it got my attention for a few reasons. First, Red Bank is one of my favorite foodie and happening towns — and it’s not just because it has the color “red” in its name, like my moniker  (although that’s a definite plus). 

Red Bank is a great place for walking around, seeing what (and who) there is to see, and trying some really delicious food.

Then, you see, the word “Boardwalk” is in the restaurant name. I miss the boardwalk, even though I live relatively close to the coast. Well, I love the summer. First of all, I can never get enough of it. 

And lately, since Sandy, I’m really missing the boardwalk bad when I look at photos of what now memories are made of along the Jersey shore. Add the word “fries”, and my curiosity was complete. I had to check this place out.

The entire restaurant concept of Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries, started with fries. They are not your ordinary French fries; they are boardwalk fries, cut fresh and big, and as they do in Ocean City, Maryland, traditionally seasoned with salt, apple cider vinegar and Old Bay seasoning. Wait. Rewind. 

Yes, I said apple cider vinegar and Old Bay seasoning. Doesn’t that sound like the most curiously delicious combination of flavors!?  (I’m a huge fan of salt and vinegar fries, so when I heard they put Old Bay on them to spice them up and remind me of summer fresh caught crabs and shrimp, I was captivated!)

Now, with the Red Bank opening of Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries everyone can engage in a summer tradition year-round — and not have to wait for the boardwalk to re-open in full-summertime swing!

Let’s go back in time for a second. Do you know that even the original owners of Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries wondered if people would stand in line for just French fries? 

They knew people would wait for juicy burgers or a meal that was a take-off of beef on buns. But they took a chance back in the 80s, and Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries was born in Maryland — with just fries, at first. Then, over time, they branched out into the beef and even veggie burger options, too. 

So, these fries ... they are what sets the restaurant apart from the rest. They are not just fries. They are made from freshly cut potatoes, are bigger than your average burger joint fries, and we’ve already talked about the spiced up seasoning. They fry them in peanut oil, which, in my opinion, is the most flavorful way to fry anything. 

Did you know they serve funnel cake fries, too?  Oh, but that’s dessert. Let me get back to the burgers, now.

They use fresh, not frozen, ground beef and hand form the patties — you know,  home-style. You can get one of their signature burgers, or, go ahead and have some fun with customizing your creation between the bun. Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries also serves salads and shakes, too.

Curious yet? 

If you want to try these amazing fries before everyone else, Friday – also known as “Fry-day” – November 30, you can get free Boardwalk Fries with the purchase of a sandwich and a drink.  Or, come on over on Sat 12/1 or Sunday 12/2 before the official grand opening on 12/3 to get a sneak preview.  Your purchase will also help a good cause.  This is how it’s all going down, in town:

On Saturday, 12/1, there will be a Kids Day CASA Fundraiser. CASA is a charitable organization with a mission to become advocates for children whose families have been cited for neglect and abuse.  CASA for Children of Monmouth County is the local chapter.  From 11am – 3pm if you purchase an adult meal, you’ll receive a kid’s platter for free.  From 4pm – 8pm, the fundraiser continues.

On Sunday, Dec. 2, Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries  kicks off the month-long fundraiser all about supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Central and South Jersey from 12 to 4 p.m. Ten percent of all orders from customers who mention the Susan G. Komen fundraiser from Dec. 2 to 30 will be donated to the foundation.

Then, (drum roll please), on Monday, Dec. 3, Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries is having its Grand Opening Celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony with the chamber of commerce at 11 a.m.!  Stop by to get a free single burger with the purchase of regular fries and a drink, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

So you’re probably wondering where is “here”?  Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries is at 20 Broad Street, Red Bank. 

I’m not the only one excited about Boardwalk Fresh Burges and Fries coming to Red Bank. 

David DiFerdinando, President of Boardwalk Fries, said in a released statement, “The expansion of Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries the past couple of years has been exciting. We have been anxiously awaiting the completion of our newest location in Red Bank. Red Bank is an exciting and diversified city, offering residents and visitors alike a variety of entertainment and cultural events. We are pleased to be a part of that experience, offering the resident and visitor a fast casual choice in dining, coupled with great food and atmosphere. We are looking forward to the opening at 20 Broad Street on Nov. 30, as well as future expansion in New Jersey.”

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries has some really cool neighbors like the JBJ Soul Kitchen, and The Cheese Cave, and they really want to get involved with the community, too, as you can see with their upcoming fundraising events.

You can connect with Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries lots of ways.  Go to their website for happening events and cool info.  You can follow them on twitter @BoardwalkFresh and you can also connect with them on Facebook.