The art of making a sandwich can be so simple: take two slices of bread, throw on some meat, cheese, maybe some vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a meal. Well here at the Jersey Shore, we take it up a few notches. We know how to eat, and these incredible Jersey Shore sandwiches prove that we’re not messing around. Cheesesteak, pork roll, Reubens, lobster rolls, and beyond – even a vegan option! – here is our ultimate local’s guide to some of the best Jersey Shore sandwiches in Monmouth and Ocean Counties that are not to be missed.

Have suggestions for us? Leave a comment below! These sandwiches are some of our favorites in Monmouth & Ocean counties, but obviously it’s hard to cover them all. Stay tuned for a follow-up article including some of YOUR favorite Jersey Shore sandwiches!

Our Guide to Jersey Shore Sandwiches in Monmouth and Ocean Counties (in no particular order)

Head to Beach Tavern for lunch and be sure to order this beauty: crispy cod, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickled peppers, house made tartar sauce and old bay fries. Only fitting to chow down on fresh seafood while you take in the beautiful river view. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach (732) 870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/

When you can’t choose one, you bring a friend along so you can do “halfsies” (is that even a word?) Anyway, this summer Rooney’s is bringing the flavor with their Softshell “BLAT.” It’s their take on a classic BLT, but with a pan seared softshell crab in the mix (as well as avocado and green goddess dressing). Then there’s always the classic Lobster Sliders made with fresh claw and knuckle meat. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 rooneysocean.com

The word is out on Cardinal Provisions and as long as we can get a seat and eat really anything off their menu, we don’t care. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but we will… kind of. The Impossi-Ballz turns a classic meatball sub into a vegan classic that will convert any omnivore while the specials of the day will lure you in and have you debating on your go to’s or the daily special that will undoubtedly knock your socks off (perfect example above). 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-7194 http://www.crdnal.com/

(OPEN SEASONALLY) Lobster rolls are a touchy subject. Everyone has their preferences for what makes a great one, and what makes a seriously subpar one. Well, when you’re looking at the lobster capital of Red Bank, you can trust they’re going to do a pretty killer job. Boondocks Fishery specializes in lobster, and their lobster roll is definitely one way that they show their prowess. 1 Marine Park, Red Bank (732) 747-7177

Who doesn’t love cheese? You can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches at The Cheese Cave, simply because the cheese is such high quality, and they’re experts – they know exactly what to pair it with so your taste buds go wild. We recommend the Spicy Bird: Roast turkey, habanero cheddar, Fourth Creek sweet red pepper relish & avocado. Cheesy and melty with a little heat. 14 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 842-0796 https://thecheesecave.co/

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of just visiting Monmouth Meats to grab a steak, roast, burger or something else that needs to be grilled at home to perfection. In between glances at the USDA Prime Ribeyes and the Tomahawk steak, take a look at his sandwich board. Their sandwiches are some of the best around! Our favorite right now is the grilled pork sandwich, with melted fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and balsamic. It’s perfection in every bite. 112 Monmouth Street, Red Bank (732) 741-5292 http://monmouthmeats.com/

We came across this goody at Rory’s Pub a few months ago. A grilled chicken sandwich all gussied up with buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and some red peppers (you know because vegetables are good for you). If you’re not watching your waistline, order it with fried chicken. Either way, you won’t be missing out. 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright http://www.roryspub.com

When ordering a sandwich, you may concentrate on what’s inside. Yes, that’s important, but the exterior is what quite literally, holds it all together. At Dominick’s, you can always count on house made bread, which makes their paninis of all kinds (sorry, we can’t choose just one), one of the best Jersey Shore sandwiches. 2601 East Hurley Pond Road, Wall Twp. 732-280-9255  http://www.dominickspizzeriawallnj.com/

The simple Gryo. You may reserve it for Greek festivals and fairs during the summer, but there’s no need to not enjoy it year round. At Simply Greek, they go traditional and flavorful, leaving you with a bit more than you can finish. But that’s ok, leftovers are always delicious. 44 Centennial Drive, Long Branch 732-571-0222 https://www.simplygreekeats.com/

It may surprise you that a favorite breakfast joint among the locals does a good, scratch that – great – lobster roll, but Toast has truly impressed us! Fresh lobster meat tossed in a little mayo and lemon, served on a traditional grilled roll with melted butter on the side. Perfection on a plate. 517 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 776-5900; 45 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 224-1234 http://toastasburypark.com/

 Jersey Freeze is way more than ice cream. (Even though you should leave room for that too). When we head there we always go for the Jersey Giant. Yes, it’s a 7oz beef burger, but when you add pork roll, cheese, and fried onions it becomes a sandwich burger (hence its inclusion in this list!) 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold (732) 462-3008 http://jerseyfreeze1952.com/

McDonagh’s changes up the sandwiches on special every week, but you can expect to see beauties like this Buffalo Chicken Meatball Parm topped with melted provolone and buffalo ranch sauce (our personal favorite), or the Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Cuban Panini, Dublin Lawyer, and Irish Russian. Give the restaurant a call to see what they have on special any given week! 2 West Front Street, Keyport (732) 264-0999 http://www.mcdonaghs.com/

Mulberry Street specializes in anything Italian you can think of: prepared foods for the whole family, catered events, beautiful gift baskets, and even a quick lunch. Don’t let the lower-key sandwich go unnoticed among everything else they offer! We suggest this perfectly pressed panini with grilled chicken, sautéed broccoli rabe, roasted peppers & fresh mozzarella. 474 Brick Blvd, Brick (732) 477-4520 https://www.mulberrystreet.net/Home

Who says meat eaters get to enjoy all the good food? At Via Roma, they have an extensive vegan and gluten free menu including their vegan cheesesteak (above). Omnivores and herbivores will both delight over this updated classic. 2360 Lakewood Dr (Route 9), Toms River (732) 364-1980 http://www.viaromatomsriver.com/

In our very humble opinion, a good crabcake consists of about 90-95% fresh crabmeat. Mayo and seasonings are merely a side note, just there to hold the cake together when it fries up in the pan. Add a little sauce, a soft bun, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Café does exactly that. Thank you for bringing crab back to the crabcake sandwich! 708 River Road, Belmar (732) 681-1177 http://www.kleinsfish.com/

It may not be Irish, but the Portobello Sandwich at McIntyre’s Pub is a pretty impressive Italian impression. They take a beefy portobello mushroom cap, grill it, then top it with tangy roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette that sops into the Kaiser roll quite nicely. No foccaccia needed here! 1747 Hooper Avenue, Toms River 732-349-0420 https://www.mcintyrespub.com/