Forget oysters and shellfish. Burgers.

Northern NJ has long had a huge variety of awesome burger joints, but those ranks are swelling over the past couple of years.

Microchains like Bobby’s Burger Palace (Bobby Flay’s joint), Shake Shack are joining local favorites like White Manna, White Mana, Iron Horse Tavern, Dutch House, along with other chains like Zinburger and now larger chains like Five Guys, Red Robin and Smashburger are around.

Habit Burger is entering the market this summer too, and there are others in the wings too. Heck, went to a new place called The Counter, and they had some serious burgers too (sit down, not fast casual).

The burger places rate from pure fast food joints to fast casual and proper sit-down places with bars (like The Counter, Red Robin, Dutch House and Iron Horse).

All can be good eats with a variety of burgers, toppings, and sides.

So many places to choose from that you don’t have to settle for the Burger King, McDs, or Wendys. And in the summer, nothing tops a great prepared burger.