There are few things better than chowing down on a big, juicy burger. Toasty bun, melty cheese, and maybe a few intriguing toppings – some  miks craft their burgers with a twist, and we’re not complaining!

Just like our list last year, you won’t see any chain restaurants ranked among our next Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List, just locally owned restaurants that rock some seriously juicy, creative, and delicious burgers that are truly one of a kind!

A Jersey Shore Local’s Guide to Amazing Jersey Shore Burgers (Monmouth/Ocean Edition)

We’ve raved about it on our Foodie Bucket List (twice) and we’ll rave about it here too – the Bar Burgers at Trama’s Trattoria are those of legend. Take their Mac ‘n Cheese with truffle burger above. They’ve successfully made us completely speechless. Available on Wednesdays only. 115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch 732-222-1121 http://tramastrattoria.com/

Head into Rooney’s for all of your favorite seafood dishes, but also your new favorite Jersey Shore burger. Their Char-Grilled Sirloin Burger with all the extras is perfect for land-lubbers and sea-lovers alike. Head there for Burger Night where you’ll get a burger and wine or beer for just $15. If you need any more incentive to try the Rooney’s burger, download our Locals InMotion iPhone® app and get 15% off your food bill when you subscribe to Locals inMotion Offers. Locals InMotion Offers features dozens of exlusive offers from businesses on the shore found no where else! 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200  http://www.rooneysocean.com/

We’d be a little crazy not to include McDonagh’s “Jersey Burger” on our list of best burgers on the Jersey Shore. It’s a burger topped with – you guessed it – pork roll and American cheese, all piled onto warm Texas Toast. Give us a plate of that greasy goodness!  2 West Front Street, Keyport (732) 264-0999 http://www.mcdonaghs.com/

Oh the Bison Burger, it tempts us to sing, but luckily for everyone around us, our mouths will be full. 10oz of bison (it’s like beef, but better), melted Wisconsin cheddar, frizzled onions, and bacon, all topped with homemade steak sauce. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 www.oldglorynj.com/

The Custom Burger at Beach Tavern features a blend of brisket, short rib and sirloin that has easily ranked up as a favorite on our list. The Old Bay fries are a home run. Luckily for you, they even have a Burger Night, which just happens to fall on Tuesdays starting at 4pm. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach  (732) 870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/

The Pour House is one of our favorite iconic Jersey Shore restaurants for a reason – for 31 years, they’ve been known for having great food and outstanding burgers. Whatever burger you decide to order, make sure it’s a Classic Burger (homemade cheddar cheese sauce and bacon are kind of optional). That stuff is liquid gold. 640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls (732) 842-4337 http://www.pourhouserestaurant.com/

You’ve got all the classic burgers at MJ’s, but what you need to do is order one of their “amazing big burgers,” the MJ’s Double Onion Steakhouse Burger to be exact. 10oz of Angus that’s topped with melted smoky cheddar, grilled onions, pickles, crispy onion rings, and a sweet homemade BBQ sauce, it’s what little burgers dream about becoming. 845 Rt. 34 North, Matawan 732-566-6220 www.mjsrestaurant.com

This local establishment in beachy Sea Bright is wowing diners with their pub grub, especially their Bison Burger. Think of a hot meat patty, that’s topped with fried shallots, bacon, and melted cheddar, but instead of beef – it’s bison. Makes you feel a little special inside.  1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-383-7685 www.roryspub.com 

Since 1952 Jersey Freeze of Freehold has been known as the home of the best ice cream in our area. Did you know that Jersey Freeze also has one of the best burgers around? The Breakfast Burger is everything you’d want in a hamburger – meat, cheese, more meat – combined with everything you’d want in a classic breakfast sandwich – pork roll, meat, cheese, and of course, a delicious runny egg. 1200 Manalapan Avenue, Freehold  (732) 462-3008 http://jerseyfreeze1952.com/

A bit of a legend in our area as far as burgers are concerned, locals have been going back for Handmade 10 oz burgers for years. Barnacle Bill’s is one of those places that comes up time and time again when you ask someone which place has one of their favorite burgers. Great food, drinks and riverside views. 1 First Street, Rumson (732) 747-8396  barnaclebillsrumson.com/