I recently visited Ernest and Sons and had mixed feelings about the experience. The place itself is nicely decorated with a cool Philly theme, and I appreciated the variety of Philly-style sandwiches and specials on the menu. Unfortunately, the service really fell short. It took way too long just to be acknowledged. The hostess was friendly, but the big man behind the counter, looked right past me twice and took another customer's order before mine. Thankfully, a younger gentleman stepped in and took my order, which I appreciated. As for the food, the cheesesteak was very disappointing. It lacked seasoning completely, and the only thing that somewhat saved it was the extra ketchup I added. I couldn't even finish it there, I ended up taking it home and fixing it myself just to make it edible. Being a Philly native, I had higher expectations. The hoagies are actually good, but the cheesesteaks just don't live up to what you'd expect. Overall, not the worst experience, but definitely not one I'd rush back for. read more

Ernest & Son Meat Market - "Cheesesteak" - Meat Shops Near Me - Brigantine, New Jersey

See all

Ernesto & Sons has been a Brigantine staple since it opened in 1976, and over the decades it has built a reputation as one of the island's true neighborhood institutions. The restaurant is known for its classic Italian-American cooking, famously quirky house-made beef jerky, and national attention from its appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Beyond the dining room, Ernesto & Sons is also celebrated for serving what many locals call the best hoagies in Brigantine, New Jersey--stacked high with quality meats, fresh bread, and no shortcuts. Between its long history, loyal following, and standout specialties, Ernesto & Sons remains a must-visit spot that captures the heart of Brigantine's food scene. read more

Ordered Sandwiches for a larger group and got one extra sub (paid for it) so I'm not sure what happened with the order. They were delicious with tons of filling whether it was tuna or a chicken Philly. Bread was fresh read more

We found this super fun deli and butcher shop thanks to the owner of one of the souvenir shops on the main street who recommended it - lucky us! We were there on a hot summer day right at lunchtime so we did have to wait a few minutes. The sandwiches are very generous and made to order, wrapped in butcher paper, and best enjoyed with a soda from the cooler on a picnic table out front. Cute inside and Guy Fieri has been here so they have a claim to fame! read more

See all

I haven't tried the cheesesteaks, but the hoagies are ruined by poor placement of the ingredients! Great bread, great quality meats, but the sandwich is constructed upside down.! A hoagie has condiments to keep the meat from seeming dry; the meat should always go directly on the condiment. The cheese can go on top of the meat or the vegetables, but I prefer on the meat, then vegetables on top of the cheese. They put a beautiful roll down, then condiments, then VEGGIES, meat, & cheese. That's a Chef's salad on a roll! What happens is the roll gets so soggy, that the bottom blows out & the great meat is a dry clump undesirableness. Their sandwiches don't last 5 minutes because they are so soggy, you feel like you wasted your money! What a sin.... read more

Delicious Delicious Delicious!! We brought a cooler to their market. Filled it and drove 6 hours home to upstate NY. Worth the trip. The folks were very kind and generous. We really enjoyed talking with them. The market reminded me of an old school corner grocery store. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend!!! read more

Ernest and son has always been a must for our family while in Brigatine. I usually get the Ernie and it's always a good sandwich. This year left us a little disappointed though... we ordered from here twice while we were there and both times the sandwiches were soggy and falling apart. Even the Italian hoagie we ordered with little mayo ended up breaking apart and was really wet. This hasn't been the norm before so we were a little surprised. I will say they always give generous amounts of meat and cheese on their sandwiches and I really hate to fault them for anything because they are very nice there. We will try again next year because we had good experiences in previous years, just hoping to get back to that! read more

One of the worst salads I have ever had. What an absolute waste of money + bagged dressing on the side. Do not waste your time. Also got a cheese steak nearly as thick as a pickle... seriously don't spend your money here absolute garbage!! read more

Just stopped by yesterday for another Roast Beef sub... was not disappointed... wonderful service and people work here!! Very friendly and definitely caring about your experience here... Sub was a 2 meal delight!! Gotta get here before 4 pm though!!! Enjoy!! read more

Ernest & Son is a great butcher shop and stop for homemade deli sandwiches, soups, local sauces and condiments. A great go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner eats. The butcher side has fresh cuts of meats and steaks for purchase as well. And, if you are a big soup person like myself....there is a huge freezer full of frozen homage soups for purchase "to-go." The soup options were plentiful....from minestrone, vegetable soup, ham n' bean....to chicken noodle, New England clam chowder and chilli. There were plenty more options that I fail to mention here, but you get the point. After scoping out the place and the great selection of sandwiches.....I tried an amazing sandwich made of Roast Pork w/ Sharp Provolone & Broccoli Rabe! This sandwich was literally the best I've had!! Also, the eggplant sandwich sliced super thin....topped with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers was a hit. While waiting a frequent customer highly recommend the Corned Beef Special. Will have to try this next time for sure. One thing for sure..... I couldn't help but to notice how they pack their sandwiches with tons of meats and cheese! We ate the sandwiches outside at the storefront picnic tables and were stuffed. I even grabbed a couple of fresh butcher ground sirloin-chuck burger patties, homemade soups, and this incredible Vidalia Onion Steak Sauce that is really good....all packed nicely to take home back to DC. Now, I know why this not so hidden gem has been on the Food Network - Diner, Dives & Drives....and many other foodie shows several times! Oh! I noticed that there was a small buffet that was a popular "grab n' go" option with many patrons and locals. There was a steady flow of traffic and customers while I was there and I see why. This place is a hit in my book!....all thinks for the likings of "metatarians" and "foodies" alike. I highly recommend! And, this place will definitely be on repeat whenever I'm back in the AC! * ELITE TIP: Great deal on the Frozen Soups on Sundays. All Soups are buy 2 get 1 free on Sundays!! read more

See all

I asked for crushed red peppers on my sub however instead I got a truckload of green peppers. I didn't feel like waiting another 10 minutes for another sub. read more

It's been two years since I was last year during COVID times. My, have times have changed! The guys who work here are hard-core South Filly or South Joisey guys, real talkative and ever so helpful. If you don't know what you want, let them build a sandwich for ya, and prepare to discuss everything from sports to weather to the current beach situation while you're waiting. A perfect hoagie for less than $10 - go ahead and share with a friend. They're huge and meaty. read more

We have loved everything we get here, the sandwiches are a treat- I think we have tried and loved them all! The house made sausage is incredible, and chicken and steaks for the grill consistently the best. The frozen meals, the soups, we love it all. We have catered for large gatherings and parties for over 2 decades and the food is always amazing, from breakfast to dinner. Today, we just grabbed hot dogs for the grill for lunch, I can't believe we haven't had them before - they were so good! Highly recommend them too! There is a reason the place is always busy, but Mel behind the counter always seems to have it all under control and never hesitates to give you tips for grilling or trim a piece of chicken so it's perfect. We are so lucky to have him here in Brigantine- there is no place like it. Thank you Ernest and Sons, you are worth the wait on the weekend everytime, and I love a chance to come during the calmer times during the week. Amazing food and great staff! read more

Best submarine sandwich by far. Fresh sliced cold cuts and generous amounts. Better than the White House and that's saying a lot. Always stop by before the beach and get my favorite. Great service and good prices. read more

Good meats,salads,sandwiches. Also they deliver for those stay at home days .Aldo open 7 days a week.

Very nice old school Itilian deli in Brigantine. The Italian hoagie or sub for $10.00 is very good and also reasonably priced for a shore location. There are a lot of options ar Ernest & Sons. Looking forward to trying other sandwiches. read more

See all

Great cheesesteak! Delicious...ate the whole thing! Good size for one person...the cheesesteak isn't 'massive' as others refer to the hoagies. Prices are up a bit from someone else's review. It was $9.75. On the day I was there, they had a 'special' for $12.99 for cheesesteak, soda and chips. I didn't like how multiple times they tried to push the special on me like it was included. In the store they had a ton of drinks, fresh pasta for sale, fruit salad, vegetables, chips, etc for sale. They also have meats and lunchmeat. Seating: There are few tables to eat at out front. Parking: street parking, free Bathrooms: none for customers read more

See all

Still my favorite in brigantine! Hell, probably my favorite in all of the tri state area! You cannot get a better hoagie. Quality is top notch. Freshly made right after you order. They slice meat and cheese specifically for your sub. I get the ham, salami and fresh mozzarella sandwich on an Atlantic City roll. Outstanding. Call ahead and order and pick up on your way to the beach! read more

Ernest & Son Meat Market - Cheesesteak - Meat Shops Near Me - Brigantine, New Jersey

See all

Literal worst service I've ever experienced, we called and ordered ahead and when we showed up to pick up the bouncer at the door wouldn't let us in and told us to wait in the 30 minute line behind people who didn't order. Our food was soggy and cold, need a better system for sure. super disappointed. read more

I love the service and the food. Very friendly people and very helpful to me as a customer. When I asked about a tray of sandwiches for a friend and they said they would deliver them that day. The sandwich's were delicious and morderately priced Thanks Mel and gang at Ernest sons. They read more

Fast and professional service. Great cheese steak. Very interested in their homemade jerky. They also have daily specials and - when I went their - a make your own hot roast beef sandwich buffet. Highly recommended! read more

See all

Quality, quality & quality! This is my go to place for sandwiches on Brigantine Island. Very popular, so be prepared to wait for deliciousness! He is also a butcher & has quality meats for purchase. They were featured on food network as well with Guy Fieri! read more

Ernest & Son Meat Market - Meat Shops Near Me - Brigantine, New Jersey

Was so excited for the hype from seeing these guys on DDD. Was a little disappointed in the two sandwiches we ordered - Ernie special and a cheesesteak. The ernie special doesnt come with lettuce and tomato and too much oil and vinegar. This leads to the sandwich being a slippery oily mess. The cheesesteak had massive onions in them which threw off the proportions in each bite - some bites tasted like all onion, some with no onion. read more

See all

This little meat market/deli is off the beaten path of Atlantic City. The food is so fresh and the service was fast. Inside the deli is nothing to write home about, but they have so much food to choose from. Fresh jerky and soups too! Definitely will be back. read more

Ernest & Son Meat Market - The Paulie, the eggplant was perfect thin and crispy and the long hot peppers and provolone was the perfect touch! - Meat Shops Near Me - Brigantine, New Jersey

Great sandwiches, unbelievable meats and really delicious soft drinks that no one else serves. Service is terrific, with a healthy sandwich made a a smiling happy staff. It is a sub shop, butcher shop, does catering - feels like a place you want to eat at. No tables inside but some outside. Ambiance is cool and inviting. I like the buffet also, really great idea. read more

Our go-to place for meat and sandwiches. Have been a patron for 25 plus years and always appreciate the friendly service and quality of food. We feel grateful they serve the Brigantine community. read more

Ernest & Son Meat Market 3305 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine NJ 08203 October 16, 2021 Saturday - 11 AM for an early lunch (have to work at noon) 1 Adult Atmosphere - 4 stars Food - 5 stars Service - 4 stars Background - As some of you know I am a big fan of show Diners, Drive-In and Dives.  This Triple D location was close to my hotel during my business trip. Atmosphere - Old place, you can tell that they have been here a long time.  Place has a lot of character.  When you walk in the meat counter is to your right, and just a little further down is the sandwich shop.  I could spend a lot of time in here taking everything in, but I am I tight schedule this morning. Food - A cold sub, the Italian was screaming to me.  Capicola is one of my favorite meats in a sub.  I was sold, I order mine with everything.  A great messy sub.  I would love to have one right now. Service - Simple, just order at the sandwich area.  They make your sandwich and you take it to  the cashier near the door to pay. Future - I would love to try some of their other subs. read more

See all

I grew up in south Jersey and I know good cheesesteak and hoagies. Wow!! Have a timeshare in Brigantine and found home at Ernest & Son Meat Market!! Order ahead, they get busy. Due to COVID only 5 people in the stir at a time. Great operation. Nice people. The bread makes the sandwiches first. Chewy, tasty, robust and holds premium chopped and shaved steak and the cheese!! Wow!! I just do grilled onions, Mayo and ketchup- my family who moved away from south Jersey to Texas were so envious when I sent them pics of the sandwich. The Italian Hoagie--- fresh, fresh meats and plenty of it but not too much. Again the bread holds it all - the meats, the cheese, the lettuce, tomato and onions with Greta seasoning and oil and vinegar too. At check out in picked up crushed red pepper spread, a must, chips and pineapple soda. Heaven. Can't wait til Summer 2022 to have them both again. read more

See all

Ernest and Sons is one of those Brigantine staples, I oddly don't frequent enough. They have Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives acclaim- and a menu of lot of things I love (SANDWICHES)- so it doesn't make a ton of sense. My hubby and I took advantage of their free lunch delivery on a Sunday to pair with an Eagles game. It's a good thing the sandwiches were good...not so much the football game. There was a little hiccup with the order (cheese was included on a plain steak sandwich), but they professionally and quickly took care of the issue. They've got the good AC bread going on, and fun twists to sandwiches in their "Cold Favorites" section. I had the Pete with turkey breast, sharp provolone, onion, sweet peppers, oil and oregano. Perfect execution. I also got a Zoey ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a roll- it was huge and tasty. In terms of taste and quality, all of the sandwiches we ordered were on point. The delivery part is a huge plus for me. Especially during the pandemic, restaurants who offer delivery- especially free delivery- will get more of my business. Looking forward to my next Brigantine trip with more sandwiches. read more

See all

Killer killer sandwich deli. Great fresh deli sandwiched with hand sliced deli meat. Great tasting cheesesteaks. Amazing fresh meat. Counter. Great barrel pickles. Hot buffet section. Huge take out freezer. Totally amazing all around. Just go! read more

See all

Phenomenal sandwiches--and a wide variety from which to choose! I called in some big orders (10-15 sandwiches), and they got all of them right--down to the condiments and special requests. Haven't visited store yet, but can only imagine the smells and fresh meat choices. My mouth is watering just thinking of it! Kudos! = YUM! YUM! YUM! read more

I came here to order a cutlet sandwich. The lady who helped me was friendly. My order we made wrong, but it only took them a few minutes to remake it. The reason I'm giving this place two stars is for a few reasons. My sandwich was soggy and the breading fell off my chicken cutlet. For the price I expected more chicken and for it to be crispy, not a small amount of soggy chicken. Furthermore, this place is not sanitary. They have bags of rolls that customers were pulling out with their bare hands, as there were no tongs or wax paper to grab the rolls. That is unacceptable. And one of the guys making deli sandwiches coughed on the sandwich he was making, and didn't cover his cough. I won't be coming back here for these reasons. read more

We were on the lookout for cheesesteaks They were on 9 inch rolls. They crossed about $10. The cheesesteak was kind of tasteless. I would give it a three out of 10. There isn't any place to sit inside to eat, and they don't let you use their restrooms They were very friendly though We were surprised to see pictures of guy for Nery from diners and dives had visited there a number of years ago read more

See all

Been going here for years, try the Hopster on a kaiser, it will change your life. Only complaint is no grassfed beef

The best sandwiches!!! And the best sausage. They're always so nice and helpful no matter how busy. They also have great daily hot food selections and tons of frozen foods. I've never had anything bad here. Breakfast sandwiches. Hoagies (I get soft roll). Chicken cheesesteaks! All amazing. read more

Good food but I tried to go there at 4:00 on a Saturday when it's busy and the doors locked and they close at 4:00 p.m. . That's Bush League. Very disappointed. Who closes business on a beach Island at 4:00 on a Saturday in the middle of summer. Unreal read more

Ordered takeout for the beach. Pickup is chaotic and takes a little while, but the sandwiches are super filling, same as the fries.

Wasn't a fan at all. Tuna had such an overwhelming and strong fish taste and was extremely salty, it was absolutely horrible. Cheese was like mush on the sub due to clearly sitting out. Threw the entire sub out. read more

BELIEVE THE HYPE. Rarely do you get a steak sandwich with seasoned meat that isn't just too much salt and pepper, instead here you get really good quality meat perfectly seasoned with nice people and fair prices. Will be back for sure. read more

I purposely go out of my way to shop there! I love to cook!! Always greeted with smiles. The cuts of meat are superb. Mel knows what cuts based on what I'm making that night for dinner and never disappoints! They are consistent, clean, fresh and in my opinion priced very fair. Definitely recommend!! read more