Bobby's Burger Coming to Freehold Raceway Mall

[wench31]

I was by the mall today and saw that they were building something next to Cheesecake Factory. When I looked closer, it said Bobby's Burgers was coming soon.

They're popping up all over NJ!

[eatinman]

Danny Myer Shake Shack - Yes
Bobby's - you musta be kiddin....

[HillJ]

Bobby Flay must have a following to book a gig at the Count Basie 4/22.

[Angelina]

I was not al all impressed when we went to the Eatontown location. They were literally like hockey pucks. So overcooked, no juiciness. Thank goodness they had all those sauces out. We let the burgers swim in it to mask the dryness.

[angelo04]

I have to both locations, roughly 5 times total. They always bave asked me how I like it cooked and I always got a perfect medium. Though i do tend to go at of hours. I also understand that they are one of the few places that will actually make it medium rare.

[equal_Mark]

I believe it. In the video that used to be on their original homepage Bobby proudly proclaims "I consider myself a burger aficionado." at the same time the camera focuses on him squashing a burger with a spatula, literally squirting the juices across the grill...

[ebchower]

I went here today. Noticed that Johnny Rockets is no more. I wonder did the mall's decision to lease space to BBP in such close proximity make them want to vacate?

FWIW, the burgers come from a cardboard box. I stopped in a few minutes after they opened and saw them stocking the fridge.

[MarlboroMan]

Johnny Rockets out, Qdoba coming in.

[jrvedivici]

Qdoba going into Monmouth Mall???? We might as well start guessing what's next I don't see that lasting.

[ebchower]

Freehold Mall.

[jrvedivici]

Ohhhhhhhh my bad!

[MarlboroMan]

Correct, eb. Sorry, I should have clarified.

Also a yogurt place called "Red Mango".. on the 1st floor under the food court.. and next to that? Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins.

Well, at least Qdoba is kind of "new." I think there's one in New Brunswick, but I've never been.

[jrvedivici]

There is one in Shrewsbury in 35 in the Acme Center across from Staples and Trader Joes. Nothing special in my opinion.

[equal_Mark]

One what?

[angelo04]

Been to the Monmouth mall one a few times, I like it. Good Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings and Shakes too. Oh and the burgers are good too The seating doesn't bother me, we strategically tend to go at off hours to avoid the crowds. Freehold Mall will be a closer option for me. I welcome it.

[chuck98]

Not a bad burger, but why is american cheese the default? That was a little surprising.

[ELA]

Not sure. Good question.

[equal_Mark]

Maybe because, broadly speaking when it comes to the standard issue American cheeseburger, unless otherwise specified, American cheese is the default.

[joonjoon]

It's a classic combo and still one of the best meat + cheese combos in existence.

[ELA]

Never been to any location outside Paramus, but I've been to the Paramus one numerous times. I like it. They are still doing well and the place is fairly popular. Doesn't mean everyone will like it of course, but it seems like many do. I've had several different burgers there and they are always good, flavor, cooked to order, etc. Fast food is not an option for me, and if I don't have the time or want to drive to other places where I like the burgers (Dutch House or Davey's), Bobby's is a very good option.

In the Paramus area we have options like BuCu, Johnny Rockets, Smashburger, Boom Burger, etc. Further away is the Cheeburger Cheeburger, which is my favorite of the "burger places" but I like Bobby's.

[RC51Mike]

I wouldn't mind seeing Michael Symon's B Spot expand over this way. Burgers, shakes a few interesting craft beers. And, I find him a lot more personable than Flay.

[coldsolderjoint]

oh.. great... let me hold in my excitement.. never mind.. i have none

[MarlboroMan]

ROFL! At this rate, Freehold Raceway Mall will have more restaurants than stores. :)

[ebchower]

In this regard, Freehold doesn't seem as bad as Bridgewater and Cherry Hill.

[jrvedivici]

Perfect response. I just ate at the Monmouth Mall one about 2 weekends ago. I didn't want to be bothered writing another negative post so I didn't......but since you brought this up I just don't get it.

[ebchower]

I think the burgers are just fine. Just don't like the overall experience with the weird seating and crowds. Was dining alone at the new one in Princeton, and a manager asked me to move over a seat so two adjacent seats would be empty. Understandable, but I can scarf down a burger at Wendy's for half the price without having to be bothered with something like that.

[JustJake]

The bloom is most definitely off the rose with respect to BB's. The local establishments putting out good burgers (Jacks, Barnacle Bills, BSB, Main St, Sitting Duck etc or even 5 Guys) needn't worry about a dent being put into their business because of BB's presence.

[gigotz]

To be honest, while there aren't any in NJ, I think Shake Shack has better burgers that BB. Been to one in NY and thought their burger was awesome!! I'm sure they will eventually hit NJ.

[ebchower]

Shake Shack is modeled after Steak & Shake. It's a Midwest chain founded in the 1930's that recently opened a small location in Manhattan. Check it out if you like Shake Shack.

[joestein]

I have to disagree about steak & shake being the model for Shake Shack. I think the the model is "Culvers", a burger and custard chain around the wisconsin area.

Sadly, IMHO shack shake is a poor and overpriced copy. We had lunch at Culvers almost every day during our Wisconsin Dells vacation a few years ago.

Here is the link if you are interested: www.culvers.com

[ELA]

If this is the same Shake Shack as the one(s) in NY -- it's a chain. The original NY location was in Madison Square Park and opened in 2004. I went to the opening. It's a Danny Meyer restaurant/concept. He is very well known, and his company is Union Square Hospitality Group.

They have opened other locations throughout NYC and elsewhere, including Saratoga Racetrack and Citi Field. They now have over a dozen locations in NYC, and also locations in Miami, CT, Washington DC (I think), and international as well (Dubai). They are expanding.

[gigotz]

That's the one I'm talking about, ELA. What did you think of their burger?

[ELA]

Excellent burger. I liked it. Their locations are very popular -- and so are the burgers! I haven't been to many locations -- just NYC and Saratoga. Danny Meyer runs a very good company and very good restaurants. They plan on opening at other stadiums, ballparks, sports venues, etc. and expanding.

[joestein]

It is the same shake shack, my point is the entire chain is based upon culvers.

[ebchower]

I never heard of Culvers, but from what I've read there's a lot of comparisons to Steak N Shake, which has been around a lot longer and has locations in many more states. I also recall reading that Shake Shack has acknowledged the Steak N Shake influence.