It’s a weekend, and you’re about ready to fire up your grill. But you change your mind and want to take a break from cooking, dishes, and cleanup. You decide to treat your family to something different. Why not head out for a sit-down or take-out experience at one of Sussex County’s favorite local eateries for that delectable burger you’ve been craving? There are many locally owned small businesses that serve up an amazing burger within the county. Here are just a few destinations to consider:

Burger & Butcher, 37B Woodport Road, Sparta, tel: (973) 270-9186.

Would you like a burger made of grass-fed beef and without seed oils? The Burger & Butcher concept arose from one family’s quest to eat healthier. They’ve become known since opening in 2024 for their local grass-fed organic beef and Wagyu smash burgers topped with real American cheese and a special sauce in between brioche buns from the famous Balthazar Bakery in Englewood, or a gluten-free bun. Pair your burger with an order of their already legendary hand-cut tallow fries. Want something instead of a burger? Choose a crispy chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, brioche grilled cheese, or Wagyu Hot Dog. There are organic grass-fed milkshakes and other organic beverage offerings to choose from. Finish off the meal with sourdough donuts fried in tallow and covered with cinnamon sugar. Local grass-fed meats can also be purchased at the restaurant and taken home. Online ordering is available for pickup or at the Burger & Butcher kiosk. There are tables where you can sit if you really don’t want to break out your own dishes at home, then relax as one of the servers delivers your meal to your table.

Cow Patty’s, 154 Route 23, Wantage, tel: (973) 997-7515.

Cow Patty’s opened in 2020 and has also taken local burgers to the next level. Their 100% local, certified Angus Beef is purveyed from Green Valley Farms in Wantage as their sole supplier. They offer online ordering with delivery or pickup, plus a dine-in experience. Cow Patty’s has an extensive burger menu, from Pineapple Jalapeño to their Jersey Burger (topped with Taylor Ham, a fried egg, American Cheese, salt, pepper, and ketchup). There’s also the Build Your Own Burger option, to pick the burger (including turkey or black bean veggie), bun (even a gluten-free choice), cheese, sauce, toppings, or premium toppings. Their menu features other unique sandwiches, wings, salads, shakes, desserts, and kids’ choices.

Old Stone Bakery & Grill, 13 Mill Street, Sussex, tel: (973) 702-2379.

If you’re looking for a burger grilled in a traditional and special way, there is the Old Stone Bakery & Grill. The restaurant has incorporated an oven in their family-run eatery from their 1843 farm, used in days of old by a blacksmith. You can call to place your order or dine at their cozy restaurant. The ingredients at Old Stone come from the family’s farm, including in their fresh and real beef burgers. Old Stone is also known for its baked goods, many breakfast sandwiches and entrees, specialty grilled sandwiches, 3 and 6-foot subs, homemade soups, build-your-own salads, and an array of sides. The eatery says it is especially revered for its French Toast and “Stoner Sandwich.” They additionally import coffee from around the world and roast and then grind their beans daily for their handcrafted beverages. See their website and Facebook Page for all their unique and homemade items.

The Barnyard, 1 Wantage Avenue, Branchville, tel: (973) 948-0780.

One of the establishments that has gotten rave reviews in Sussex County for its burgers is The Barnyard. They offer online ordering and delivery to the Milk Street Distillery. The Barnyard has a generous burger menu with patties crafted of 100% Certified Angus Beef. Among their offerings is the “Holy Guacamole” with pepperjack cheese, local lettuce, tomato, and their homemade guacamole. “The 4 Alarm” is another, with pepperjack, sriracha onions and mayo, and breaded jalapeños. The Angus Beef can be swapped out for an upcharge on any of the burgers, with turkey, their handcrafted black bean burger, or a vegan impossible burger. They are versatile with their bun choices and offer gluten-free, keto chaffle (cheese waffle), parmesan chaffle, or a pretzel bun. But as they state on their menu, they are “more than just awesome burgers.” Their menu is chock full of starters and sides, empanadas, specialty sandwiches, salads, shakes, treats, a specials menu, and “Clucked Up!” chicken and waffles. BYOB is welcome at the eatery.

The Quarry Grill, 107 Route 23, Franklin, tel: (973) 287-7475.

One of the other favorites in Sussex County since 2022 for smash burgers handcrafted from local beef is The Quarry Grill. This establishment serves up unique burger offerings in their restaurant, even for delivery or pickup, as well as from their food truck at local events. Their smash burgers are made with two patties, specialty sauces, toppings, and with the choice of a buttery Martins or gluten-free bun. The “Quad” Father boasts four patties and the works. There are deep-fried Thumanns hot dogs with an array of toppings, including the “Dirty Dog” with Taylor Ham jam. Pair these with their “Bites” like fried pickles, cheese curds, or mac n’ cheese. The “Fries” section of the menu is additionally creative, like the “Rock Slide,” topped with quarry sauce and homemade cheese. There’s a kids’ menu too for children 12 and under.

What’s your favorite eatery where you grab a burger in Sussex County?

Life In Sussex - Staff

Members of Life In Sussex staff have contributed to this post.