Note: Jersey Bites was invited to visit The Habit Burger Grill and our writer received a complimentary meal.
The Habit Burger Grill recently arrived in Lawrenceville’s Mercer Mall Shopping Center with its sixth New Jersey location. Founded in Santa Barbara, CA, in 1969, the fast-casual restaurant concept serves made-to-order USDA Choice burgers, salads, sandwiches, and sides at a value price point. In 2014, Habit’s signature Charburger was ranked as the best-tasting fast food burger in America in a Consumer Reports reader survey.
I had the opportunity to visit the new location and speak with market partner Sam Samra soon after the opening. Samra told me of the company’s focus on fresh ingredients: the burgers are never frozen, vegetables are cut fresh twice daily, and chicken breasts are marinated in house. Burgers and grilled items are cooked over an open flame, infusing them with chargrilled flavor. The classic Charburger, offered as a single or a double, is served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, caramelized onion, and mayo, with the option to add cheese. Other burger selections include the portabella Char with roasted garlic aioli, the teriyaki Char with grilled pineapple, and the Santa Barbara-style Char with avocado on grilled sourdough.
Sides include classic burger accompaniments such as french fries (Idaho and sweet potato) and onion rings. Crispy tempura green beans served with ranch dressing are a fun addition to the traditional fare. Sides are fried in 100% trans-fat free soybean oil, and were served crispy and hot. A variety of thick shakes, malts, and sundaes invite guests to indulge in the full burger-shop experience.
The restaurant also goes beyond burgers, offering sandwiches including traditional grilled or fried chicken, grilled chicken club, marinated tri-tip steak, a grilled sushi-grade tuna filet, and a veggie burger. An array of fresh salads rounds out the menu, such as BBQ chicken, cobb, and grilled chicken Caesar. A children’s menu is available as well.
With a casual, upbeat atmosphere, and fresh, varied eat-in or carry-out menu, The Habit Burger Grill is an appealing option for a range of guests. The Grill is open 7 days a week. Monday through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Habit Burger Grill
Mercer Mall Shopping Center
3371 U.S. Highway 1, Suite 38
Lawrenceville
609-356-0497
