586 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch NJ 07740; map); 732-229-9863; windmillhotdogs.com Cooking Method: Charbroiled Short Order: Classic backyard grill-out burger served out of vintage, circa 1964 edifice that actually looks like a windmill Want Fries with That? Untested, but they seem to be proud of their cheese fries; they get equal billing with hot dogs and burgers on the chains tag line Price: Cheeseburger, $4.19
I don't expect every website, particularly those of hamburger joints, to be the last word in web design, but I do expect the photos of the food they use to look somewhat like the food they actually serve—especially if that hamburger is rather good. Take the website for The Windmill, for example. If I didn't know better, and if a friend who grew up near to the Long Branch original hadn't vouched for it, I would never go to the Windmill based on the picture of the hamburger they use on their website. It looks like a stock photo from an agency: big crusty looking bun, vibrantly colored rabbit food that defies gravity by not sagging under the weight of the double serving of beef, the frilly lettuce perfectly ruffled on top of the bottom bun. The picture looks like something from a generic national fast food chain whose food is worse than shown, rather than what the Windmill is: a distinctive regional chain with a burger that is much better than what is pictured on their website.
Don't be fooled into getting the wrong burger. While The Windmill does offer a "California" burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a hard roll as pictured on their website, the basic charbroiled cheeseburger on a generic white bun is a thing of understated beauty. Even though I am a big proponent of griddle-cooked hamburgers, there is something that just feels right about eating charbroiled burgers near the beach. The salt in the air competes with the smoke from the grill for your attention as the taste of the hash marked patties evoke memories of backyard cookouts, beach parties, and summer vacations. There is something festive about this type of hamburger, but I think that they need to be eaten outdoors for the best effect. And that is where I recommend you eat the hamburger at The Windmill.
It may be skinny and cooked through, but the fresh, never frozen, beef is juicy nonetheless and has some delightful grill marks that have a pleasing acridity and provide a nice crunch. Underseasoned? Perhaps a tad, but you will hardly notice if you climb the winding stairs up to the outdoor balcony, sit down on the picnic tables, and breathe in the warm, salty breeze. Although the squishy bun may be a bit large for a single patty, it is an otherwise perfect vessel for the smoky patty. You might ask for a double to redress the imbalance or you could just add some pickles and a dollop of mustard or red relish.
The Windmill website might not have the best picture of the hamburgers that they serve, but it at least lets you know that the chain has eight locations throughout New Jersey with a ninth opening soon in Hoboken. I can't imagine that the burgers at any of the other outposts could taste better than the one served at the circa 1964 original in Long Branch, which is the only restaurant in the chain that actually looks like a windmill. You need to be outdoors in the sun with a sea breeze blowing to get the most out of this burger.
OK, I know this section is about hamburgers... but seriously... The Windmill is all about the hot dogs. I would never consider ordering anything else there ;)
@scrumptiousphotography I have to disagree with you on this one, I will only eat the burger at the Windmill. The style of hot dog that the Windmill serves was originated by Max's, just up the road, and that is where I get my dog on (but there burger is not as good as the Windmill)
Oh, to be on the Jersey Shore on a nice summer day, gorging myself on burgers (especially a burger that looks like that) and hot dogs (but never from a place that allows ketchup. You can tell a lot about a man when you ask his views about ketchup on hot dogs.). Greasy pizza, bought by the slice. Mounds of pancakes and bacon for breakfast at the local diner (we used to order an extra side of bacon for the dog, who sadly had to wait in the car. She still enjoyed the bacon.) Endless ice-cream parlors with comical misspellings; I still remember the one that offered 'peentuts' as a topping.
I go to the Windmill for hot dogs; last time I was there I ordered a hot dog and hamburger for the first time. I was surprised at how good the hamburger was. I expected it to be dried out, but it wasn't. The Windmill originally used Schickhaus franks; same as Max's. Mr. Levine switched to a Sabrett beef and pork. I've compared them a few times. Schickhaus has slightly more flavor, the Sabrett dog at the Windmill has a tougher casing. They are very close in taste, but I go to the Windmill since their Westfield location is about 10 minutes away from me.
Both dogs are German style beef and pork as opposed to kosher style all beef. A friend was at Max's last week and said a regular dog goes for $4.40 which is quite expensive.
@Nick--how dare you go to the Windmill and not visit me! I live only five minutes away--anytime you are around I will happily buy you a burger or dog!
The consensus is that although Max's has the name, the Windmill has the best hot dogs and burgers--growing up in the area, kids always went to the Windmill.
You neglected to mention the famous cheese fries! And the bonus that it is right next to an ice cream parlor!
Next time you should try Jr's for comparison as well as go for the cheese fries...
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5 Comments:
OK, I know this section is about hamburgers... but seriously... The Windmill is all about the hot dogs. I would never consider ordering anything else there ;)
scrumptiousphotography at 11:45AM on 06/09/09
@scrumptiousphotography I have to disagree with you on this one, I will only eat the burger at the Windmill. The style of hot dog that the Windmill serves was originated by Max's, just up the road, and that is where I get my dog on (but there burger is not as good as the Windmill)
http://www.maxsfamoushotdogs.com/
Nick Solares at 11:51AM on 06/09/09
Oh, to be on the Jersey Shore on a nice summer day, gorging myself on burgers (especially a burger that looks like that) and hot dogs (but never from a place that allows ketchup. You can tell a lot about a man when you ask his views about ketchup on hot dogs.). Greasy pizza, bought by the slice. Mounds of pancakes and bacon for breakfast at the local diner (we used to order an extra side of bacon for the dog, who sadly had to wait in the car. She still enjoyed the bacon.) Endless ice-cream parlors with comical misspellings; I still remember the one that offered 'peentuts' as a topping.
NotAmerican at 12:49PM on 06/09/09
I go to the Windmill for hot dogs; last time I was there I ordered a hot dog and hamburger for the first time. I was surprised at how good the hamburger was. I expected it to be dried out, but it wasn't. The Windmill originally used Schickhaus franks; same as Max's. Mr. Levine switched to a Sabrett beef and pork. I've compared them a few times. Schickhaus has slightly more flavor, the Sabrett dog at the Windmill has a tougher casing. They are very close in taste, but I go to the Windmill since their Westfield location is about 10 minutes away from me.
Both dogs are German style beef and pork as opposed to kosher style all beef. A friend was at Max's last week and said a regular dog goes for $4.40 which is quite expensive.
hotdoglover at 7:13PM on 06/09/09
@Nick--how dare you go to the Windmill and not visit me! I live only five minutes away--anytime you are around I will happily buy you a burger or dog!
The consensus is that although Max's has the name, the Windmill has the best hot dogs and burgers--growing up in the area, kids always went to the Windmill.
You neglected to mention the famous cheese fries! And the bonus that it is right next to an ice cream parlor!
Next time you should try Jr's for comparison as well as go for the cheese fries...
HeartofGlass at 9:12AM on 06/10/09