Burger Buff and Burger 25 team up for this perfectly cheesy and salty treat

Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read

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What do you get when a restaurant known for its burgers teams up with a former bodybuilder who has made a career out of perfecting them?

The Buff Burger at Burger 25, a double smash burger with white and yellow American cheeses, pickles, waffle fries and signature sauce created by Nick Lepore — aka Burger Buff — on a Martin's potato roll.

The collaboration between Lepore and Burger 25 owners Denise and Steve Vetter is on the menu throughout December at the restaurants in Toms River and Ship Bottom. A portion of its proceeds will benefit David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation, which provides assistance to families affected by a cancer diagnosis.

The Buff Burger is December's burger of the month at Burger 25, which has restaurants in Toms River and Ship Bottom.
The Buff Burger is December's burger of the month at Burger 25, which has restaurants in Toms River and Ship Bottom.

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An important note: This isn't the burger Lepore sells at his pop-ups, which are hosted by local restaurants and cafes. You'll still have to get tickets to try his crispy-edged double smash cheeseburger, made from a dry-aged chuck and brisket blend.

The Buff Burger is perfectly cheesy and salty, with bite from a generous serving of pickles and a creamy tang from the Buff Sauce. The burgers at Burger 25 don't leave you feeling stuffed, even when your order comes with two patties. They aren't greasy, and the buns are light and soft.

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A loaded brownie milkshake from Burger 25, which has restaurants in Toms River and Ship Bottom.
A loaded brownie milkshake from Burger 25, which has restaurants in Toms River and Ship Bottom.

Another must-have is the Loaded Brownie milkshake — a collaboration with Toms River's JG Desserts that's made with cookie dough and brownies. It's decadent and delicious.

Also try the crispy fries dunked in housemade garlic ranch. If you love the sauce, they sell it by the bottle.

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Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, 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: Burger 25 teams up with Burger Buff