The Jersey Shore is gearing up for yet another rebirth: Condos are rising, casinos are expanding and vacationers are once again flocking to the beautiful beaches. Still, despite many new high-end dining spots, a trip “down the shore” wouldn’t be the same without indulging in a pork roll sandwich or a bucket of buttery steamers. The scenic 130-mile coast between Sandy Hook and Cape May—where a faint fried-food aroma mixes deliciously with the salty sea air—is grounds for a glorious beach-food feast. The best part: Your average lunch isn’t likely to cost more than $7. Dig in!

LONG BRANCH
Max’s
Besides the many pizza joints in Long Branch, just south of Sandy Hook, you’ll find the Shore’s two best (and most competitive) hot dog vendors. Max’s has been selling dogs on the boardwalk since 1928. Their skinny, perfectly grilled frankfurter is two inches longer than the bun. Big vats of mustard and sauerkraut (kept warm in double boilers) grace every table. Corner of Ocean Blvd. and Matilda Terrace; 732-571-0248

Windmill
The original Windmill (it’s now a popular Shore chain) dates back to 1964, with an exterior resembling, what else, a windmill. It lacks Max’s kitschy ’50s decor but serves a fierce regular-size hot dog—meaty, tasty and juicy. Warning: Locals have strong opinions about which is the superior wiener. Try both. 586 Ocean Blvd.; 732-870-6098

SPRING LAKE
Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Yogurt
Stop in this serene town for the renowned Hoffman’s, which started churning in 1955 and now has one additional store, in nearby Point Pleasant. They serve 44 flavors of the creamiest ice cream, including the divine Coconut Joy and the Caramel Nut Cluster. 69 Church St.; 732-974-2253

ASBURY PARK
Frank’s Deli
Bruce Springsteen dedicated his first album to this seaside town, home to what is possibly the most deliciously decadent breakfast sandwich on the entire East Coast. Pork roll—something like Canadian bacon—is Jersey’s claim to deli-meat fame, and for 40 years Frank’s has been perfecting its masterpiece: a thick slice of pork roll topped with fried egg and American cheese on a hard roll. Try to hit Frank’s before lunchtime, when much of the town’s workforce crowds in for great grilled-cheese and cold-cut sandwiches. 1406 Main St.; 732-775-6682

BELMAR
Klein’s
Klein’s veranda on the “scenic Shark River” is Jersey beauty at its best: It’s peaceful (minus that passing train) as the sun sets (behind the highway). But this 78-year-old institution is beloved for its steamers, fried clams and tasty grilled grouper sandwich. Steer clear of the overly sauced specials. 708 River Rd.; 732-681-1177

ATLANTIC CITY
White House Sub Shop
Oprah and Jimmy Fallon are big fans, even though the White House hasn’t changed much since 1946, when it was opened by a WWII vet. The cheesesteak sub and the special—salami, ham, provolone and diced hot pepper—stuffed into fresh bread, are the dons of sandwich. The only extras are chips and Tastykakes, but a sub would satisfy a Sumo wrestler. Corner of Mississippi and Arctic Aves.; 609-345-8599

CAPE MAY
Lobster House
Avoid the stuffy dining room, and go around back to the more festive, partially enclosed dockside raw bar. The wine comes in screw-top mini-bottles and the affordable oysters and U-Peel shrimp couldn’t be fresher. Cape May Harbor; 609-884-8296

The Mad Batter
A bright yellow Victorian café in the middle of town serves delicious omelets and pancakes for breakfast, and an excellent two-inch-thick crabcake doused with a superb remoulade. 19 Jackson St.; 609-884-5970

Hot Dog Tommy’s
Brave the line at this tiny takeout window but don’t order their famous Black Angus dog (nothing special). Instead try the Tornado—potatoes mashed with sour cream, chili, cheddar cheese and banana peppers. And, yes, that is a stuffed hot dog on owner Tommy’s hat. Jackson St. across from the Mad Batter; 609-884-8388

STAY

RCI-AFFILIATED RESORTS ON THE JERSEY SHORE INCLUDE:

FAIRFIELD ATLANTIC CITY

FANTASEA RESORTS AT ATLANTIC PALACE

For more information, visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476

NON-RCI-AFFILIATED RESORTS:

CHATEAU INN & SUITES
500 Warren Ave., Spring Lake;
800-454-6835; chateauinn.com;
doubles from $135

VIRGINIA HOTEL
25 Jackson St., Cape May;
609-884-5700; virginiahotel.com;
doubles from $130

CONGRESS HALL
251 Beach Ave., Cape May;
888-944-1816; congresshall.com;
doubles from $125