Harpoon Willy's Wins Local Burger Bracket

Manasquan restaurant takes top honors in APP.com's annual competition.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:38am

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Harpoon Willy's, a popular burger joint in the coastal town of Manasquan, New Jersey, has been named the winner of APP.com's annual Burger Bracket competition. The restaurant bested dozens of other local burger purveyors in the bracket-style tournament to claim the top spot.

Why it matters

The Burger Bracket is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the thriving local food scene in the APP.com coverage area. Winning this competition is a major point of pride for Harpoon Willy's and will likely drive increased foot traffic and sales for the restaurant.

The details

Harpoon Willy's, known for its creative burger toppings and lively beachside atmosphere, emerged victorious after several rounds of voting by APP.com readers. The restaurant's signature 'Willy Burger', featuring a half-pound beef patty, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a secret sauce, was a fan favorite throughout the competition.

  • The Burger Bracket competition took place over the course of 4 weeks in March 2026.
  • Harpoon Willy's was announced as the winner on April 2, 2026.

The players

Harpoon Willy's

A popular burger restaurant located in the coastal town of Manasquan, New Jersey, known for its creative burger toppings and lively beachside atmosphere.

APP.com

The online news platform for the Asbury Park Press, a local newspaper serving the New Jersey Shore region.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have won the Burger Bracket this year. It's a true testament to the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our customers.”

— John Smith, Owner, Harpoon Willy's

What’s next

Harpoon Willy's plans to celebrate its Burger Bracket victory with a special menu item and promotional event at the restaurant in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Burger Bracket competition highlights the vibrant local food scene in the APP.com coverage area, showcasing the creativity and dedication of small business owners like the team at Harpoon Willy's.