Don't want fries with that? Jersey Shore restaurants offer plenty of alternatives
Classic fries may be popular, but there are edgy alternatives out there.
Think homemade chips, hearty tater tots, Nashville-spiced waffle fries, zucchini and eggplant wedges, cinnamon sweet potato fries, funnel cake fries.
And don't forget about onion rings.
So congrats for not wanting fries with that. These Jersey Shore restaurants offer plenty of options.
Broadway Hot and Honey Chicken, Wall Township
This chicken shop is loved for more than just wings and juicy chicken sandwiches. They also have a full waffle fry menu, with options like classic, Nashville-spiced, Nashville cheesy, and Broadway fries with a chimichurri, parmesan sauce.
Go: 1861 Route 35 Unit 102; 732-820-6765, broadwaychicken.com.
More: House of Fries has the Shore's favorite French fries, readers say
The Burger Shop, Matawan
There's tons of burgers here, but there's tons of fry options too. They have classic French fries, in options like disco or chili cheese, but they also serve tater tots, onion rings, sweet potato fries, bacon cheese waffle fries, funnel cake fries and more.
Go: 231 Main St.; 732-583-6971, theburgershopmatawan.com.
Harry's Smokin' BBQ, Toms River
This barbecue hot spot has several fry options loaded up with meaty goodness, but they also have a loaded tater tots menu. Try options like the Pork N' Tots with pulled pork, cheese and bacon bits; bacon cheddar ranch tater tots, and more. Around Saint Patrick's Day, they offer Reuben tots with corned beef, sauerkraut and cheese.
Go: 240 Dover Road; 848-223-9955, harryssmokinbarbecue.com.
Hummus Republic, Long Branch
The Mediterranean hub offers classic sweet potato fries, but they also make something called Street Style sweet potato fries. This platter of sweet potato fries comes topped with eggplant, fried jalapeno, chickpeas, croutons, red cabbage, olives, feta and tahini.
Go: 84 Ocean Ave. North; 732-204-7177, thehummusrepublic.com.
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Kostas Grill, Tuckerton
This Greek restaurant has tons of authentic meals, like horiatiki salad and gyros, but they also serve savory starters. Try the fried zucchini and eggplant wedges here, paired with homemade tzatziki sauce.
Go: 161 East Main St.; 609-879-5333, kostasgrill.com.
Orb O Bytes, Tuckerton
This spot is technically a food truck, but they have some alt fries worth mentioning. Whether you're craving sweet or salty, there's a version of sweet potato fries for you. Try the classic sweet potato fries with zesty ranch dipping sauce, or the Cinnamon Explosion sweet potato fries with a drizzle of sweet frosting and cinnamon toast spice. Saturn's Rings are onion rings covered in a chipotle, cilantro and lime sauce topped with shredded smoky bacon and cojita cheese.
Go: The truck is regularly parked at 156 E. Main St.; orbobytes.com, facebook.com/ORBOBYTES.
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More to try
Breakwater Beach Pavilion in Keansburg is located just off the boardwalk and offers an array of fries from regular to waffle fries, and even hash brown patties. Located next to the beach, families can also rent beach chairs from here. Go: 1 Beachway Ave.; 732-284-7347, facebook.com.
The Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven has classic "crispy" fries in varieties like Cheesy Bay and Garlic Pub, but they also have savory sweet potato fries in a honey mustard sauce. Go: 207 North Bay Ave.; 609-492-3695, letschegg.com.
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Jersey Roll in Seaside Heights offers loaded tater tots like the Dirty Pig, topped with diced pork roll and cheese. The El Bandito fat sandwich comes with pork roll, jalapeno poppers and tater tots. Go: 901 Boardwalk; 732-250-8726, jerseyroll.com.
Sweet Jenny's in Barnegat has tons of dessert and ice cream sundae options, but they have plenty of fried starters, too. Try everything from sweet potato fries with honey dip to homemade potato chips. Go: 688 East Bay Ave.; 609-698-2228, sweetjennysrestaurant.com.
Did we miss any of your favorite 'alt' fries? Send us an email for a chance to be in a future article.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected]. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore restaurants: French fry alternatives include chips
