Margate Dairy Bar and Burger on the Jersey Shore has been slinging summertime treats to hungry beachgoers since 1952. This roadside destination is impossible to miss: The bright blue mid-century facade stands out in a sea of neutral-colored houses.
The Dairy Bar has evolved over the years, with the building and the adjoining restaurant bouncing between different owners. By the time current owner Chris Clayton took over in 2003, this iconic spot had lost much of its original charm due to years of wear and tear.
Clayton, however, saw potential and spent years restoring the Dairy Bar to its original glory. They hit plenty of bumps in the road, and Hurricane Sandy nearly destroyed the restaurant entirely, but the Dairy Bar bounced back. Margate City visitors can still find the retro decor and classic fast food fare—but with major modern upgrades.
The Dairy Bar's hamburger is more than just your average patty. Clayton sources his beef from renowned butcher Pat LaFrieda, which is chopped by hand rather than passed through a meat grinder. After 13 different taste tests, the Dairy Bar settled on their famous recipe. Guests love their signature burger so much that it won the People's Choice Award two years in a row at the Atlantic City Burger Bash.
When you're done eating a burger, you naturally should try one of their iconic Dairy Bar treats. They're known for their massive portion sizes, so make sure to bring someone to share it with. Clayton's team makes all of their cookies, whipped cream, and soft serve in-house. And you really have to try the banana split. You can choose from their wide variety of flavors and toppings to customize your dessert.
Check out the rest of their classic menu in the video above, and make sure to stop by Margate Dairy Bar and Burger next time you're on the Jersey Shore.
Gabby Romero is Delish’s editorial assistant, where she writes stories about the latest TikTok trends, develops recipes, and answers any and all of your cooking-related questions. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
