323209
burgers, burgers everywhere burgers!
Mon Sep 04 20:41:04 -0700 2006
77
18
Manhattan
0
1853394
Of course you've all heard that Thomas Keller is opening a burger joint in Napa...What you may not have heard is that he is also scouting locations in our very own NYC...
Geoffrey Zakarian is teaming with restaurateur Jonathan Morr to open a burger joint on 12th and university (old Yujin space)..
Laurent Tourondel is opening a burger joint called BLT Burger at some point this year...location TBA
Even Tom Colicchio was looking to get into the burger wars with of course Craftburger....Due to a less than stellar response to Craftsteak...He has decided to postpone further expansion and focus on his existing empire...
All of this begs the question: What is missing in the New York burger world?
I believe we are well covered in the lower end burger market with such luminaries as Shake Shack (despite the filth), Corner Bistro and The Burger Joint...Likewise the high end burgers are pretty well represented by Peter Luger, Blue Smoke and The Spotted Pig...But whats missing for me, is a casual place with a high end burger and bar...that doesn't cost an outrageous amount or demand too much of your time...Anyone else?
Mon Sep 04 20:41:04 -0700 2006
22786
hardcore
1
1853546
"a casual place with a high end burger and bar" - sounds like you just described JG Melon, or McSorley's.
Mon Sep 04 21:57:26 -0700 2006
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24539
livetotravel
1
1853550
Melon's! Great burgers & fries...excellent & consistent...
Mon Sep 04 21:59:28 -0700 2006
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11069
fauchon
2
1853650
I love Melon's but the wait is usually long unless you go very early.
Mon Sep 04 22:42:55 -0700 2006
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11066
G3B
2
1854024
Am I the only one who thinks Melon is way too expensive? You get a tiny burger, ala Carte sides and a small beer for about $20...and then leave hungry. It’s a good burger, but I always feel I’m paying way too much for what I’m getting.
I prefer to head in the other direction to Rathbone’s. The burger is always cooked perfectly, comes with a generous helping of crispy fries and to boot, it’s only $10 with a beer on Mondays. One of my Top 3 favorite burgers in the city.
Of course, my favorite is still Molly’s...which has taken over the number 1 spot since McHale’s closed.
Tipsy
Tue Sep 05 02:18:53 -0700 2006
1853550
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TipsyMcStagger
2
1854575
Agree; Melon's is awesome. Skip the sides, skip the overpriced beer. Just get the burger.
Tue Sep 05 14:26:07 -0700 2006
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21820
Kanger
1
1853636
What's missing is In N' Out.
Mon Sep 04 22:37:08 -0700 2006
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mr_fro2000
1
1853859
One of the best burgers around can be found at Moda in the Flatotel.
Tue Sep 05 00:37:14 -0700 2006
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33452
bluecrayola
1
1853886
PJ Clarke's. Good burger in a great old saloon. Go during off hours- since the restoration they are really busy during peak times.
Tue Sep 05 00:55:38 -0700 2006
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tbear
1
1853995
while I like those places...I don't think of their burgers as high end or even good...just sort of passable
Tue Sep 05 02:04:22 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
1
1854549
Totally agree with Rathbones - my favorite in the city, i also think they have the best wings.
Tue Sep 05 14:11:30 -0700 2006
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wingman
1
1854760
totally weird. my post about what nyc needs in terms of burgers evaporated overnight. i repeat: burger meister.
Tue Sep 05 15:43:59 -0700 2006
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gingersweetiepie
2
1855359
whats burger meister?
Tue Sep 05 19:21:06 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
3
1856203
burger meister: 1/2# niman ranch patty, niman ranch applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, fries, the works 8.75. super good service, no pretense, old fashioned burger joint setup, yummy milkshakes.
Wed Sep 06 00:22:10 -0700 2006
1855359
23212
gingersweetiepie
1
1855144
"But whats missing for me, is a casual place with a high end burger and bar...that doesn't cost an outrageous amount or demand too much of your time..."
IMO, this type of place is presently over-represented in NYC. I echo the comment about the need for In 'n Out or places like it. I also wouldn't mind an old-school establishment like Joe's Cablecar in San Fransicso that grinds its own meat.
Tue Sep 05 18:06:41 -0700 2006
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a_and_w
2
1855388
ok...so then I don't know of them...can you please share?..I've been all over the place and most of the burgers I've had...simply weren't very good i.e. pj clarkes, dumont etc...so when i say high end...i mean undeniably delicious..not just expensive
Tue Sep 05 19:28:42 -0700 2006
1855144
22786
hardcore
3
1855717
hardcore, forgive me but I'm really the wrong person to ask. This is not my preferred style of burger -- I was mostly just complaining. Aside from those already mentioned, maybe Pete's Tavern?
Tue Sep 05 21:03:21 -0700 2006
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a_and_w
1
1855199
Hardcore, check out the Old Town Bar, off Union Square. Excellent burger.
Tue Sep 05 18:26:31 -0700 2006
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guide boy
2
1867718
thanks ..went by on your suggestion...ok burger but nothing special...appreciate the attempt though
Mon Sep 11 03:32:51 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
1
1855235
Had a terrific burger at Chumley's in Greenwich Village last time I was in NY.
Tue Sep 05 18:36:46 -0700 2006
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Markauf
2
1855478
Tir Na Nog across from the garden makes a very good burger with irish cheddar and tasty irish bacon.
Tue Sep 05 19:58:04 -0700 2006
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Alan Henderson
1
1855789
hardcore - I am but a paltry follower of the real expert on burgers - Mr Cutlets - let him lead you to burger nirvana . . .
http://www.ahamburgertoday.com/archives/2006/09/grilled_josh_ozersky_aka_mr_cutlets.php
Tue Sep 05 21:24:48 -0700 2006
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livetotravel
2
1856110
hey thanks livetotravel....great article....though I disagree with Mr. Cutlets strongly regarding american cheese
Tue Sep 05 23:40:53 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
3
1857260
I'm with you - I'm very dedicated to that "greasy cheddar."
BTW - Have you tried the burger at Le Parker Meridien - the "burger joint" behind the curtain in the lobby? Superb!
Wed Sep 06 15:38:33 -0700 2006
1856110
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livetotravel
1
1856271
I can't believe a that this is a burger thread without mentioning the innovativeDB burger.
What do u think of the DB Burger? I think its in a nice bistro that is casual in the sense that you can walk in and sit at the bar no reservations needed the food is great.
Wed Sep 06 00:53:26 -0700 2006
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jordana
2
1856487
oh god I hate that frankenburger .........I think of it more as PR than burger...dont like the room...I really dont believe what i'm currently looking for exists in the city
Wed Sep 06 03:05:14 -0700 2006
1856271
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hardcore
1
1857240
hardcore, I think maybe we're having some difficulty understanding what you're asking. Can you give us some more examples of burgers you've enjoyed ?
Wed Sep 06 15:30:18 -0700 2006
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a_and_w
2
1857379
sure....I'm just saying..that for a high end burger...you can go to peter luger or blue smoke but both are formally restaurants....The closest to what I'm seeking is Spotted Pig but you can only get their burger one way...I would love to find a casual (not dirty) spot with a high end classic burger and a great beer/ wine list...I don't care if it costs $15 as long as its ethereal
Wed Sep 06 16:19:42 -0700 2006
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hardcore
3
1857869
So in English, you want a great burger in a casual spot with a good beer or wine list?
No sure why you think Blue Smoke is so formal, but that would seem to fit your bill. You can easily find a seat at the bar pretty much any day of the week besides Friday night. Another one is Molly's which has a nice selection of Irish beers and pours a good pint of guiness.
Wed Sep 06 19:05:43 -0700 2006
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ESNY
4
1859270
what's with the "so in english" comment....I didn't say blue smoke was formal....I said it was more of a restaurant...and a suburban feeling one at that....
Thu Sep 07 04:15:15 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
3
1858569
Shoot -- just occurred to me that Judson Grill used to do a burger that would have fit your bill perfectly. Anyone know if Bill Telepan's new place does a burger?
Wed Sep 06 22:40:49 -0700 2006
1857379
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a_and_w
4
1859769
It does, and supposedly it is the same as the JUdson
Thu Sep 07 14:23:38 -0700 2006
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28245
ghbrooklyn
5
1972424
had the Telepan burger for lunch today. might only be on the lunch menu, though. $28 prix fixe. delicious. comes with a ton of house-cured pickles and great fries and onion rings.
but the burger: almost identical to the spotted pig in texture, quality, and taste. brioche bun. cheddar and bacon. definitely more of a restaurant, of course, and a bit stuffy at that? but great burger.
also, the smoked trout app (available for both lunch aand dinner) is phenomenal. would go back for that anytime.
Wed Oct 25 20:37:26 -0700 2006
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tron
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1857784
Ill give it a shot.
1) Houston's - I hate chains, but love Houston's. The burger is awesome and served with a mountain of good fries. Not great fries, but good. The meat is always tasty and it is served on a brioche that I think must be buttered and grilled. It is big and good. They also have Brookyln Lager which always makes me happy.
2) Woflgang's - If you go at lunch you can get a 16.95 burger and fries (only at the bar). The meat is awesome and again the french fries are good. They have a better wine list then Houston's and IMO the burger itself is more tasty.
Wed Sep 06 18:40:46 -0700 2006
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john
2
1858259
Bruni absolulety loved Houston's - I've gotta try it to see what's up
Wed Sep 06 20:50:59 -0700 2006
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livetotravel
2
1858357
I just tried the Houston's burger on Monday and it really was delicious! Without a doubt the best burger I've ever had at a chain restaurant.
Wed Sep 06 21:15:53 -0700 2006
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Kanger
1
1858430
When I don't want to go high-end or low-end, I go to BarSix (6th Ave & 13th St.) They have an outstanding burger that I rarely hear mentioned. It's kind of a french bistro type spot but is neither super casual, nor is it high end - kind of right in the middle. Full bar and wine list too, but the burger...excellent!
Wed Sep 06 21:40:20 -0700 2006
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billyeats
1
1858574
Has anyone else ever tried the Wolfgang's burger. I would be very interested to hear other people's thoughts.
Wed Sep 06 22:41:56 -0700 2006
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john
2
1859267
yeah tried houstons...not a fan...the burger was alright but the room...ugh....i appreciate the suggestion though
Thu Sep 07 04:13:06 -0700 2006
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hardcore
1
1859789
Blue 9 offers a really good burger at a decent price
Thu Sep 07 14:33:13 -0700 2006
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mudge
2
1865606
yeah not at all what i'm looking for but thanks again
Sat Sep 09 21:50:38 -0700 2006
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hardcore
1
1865647
Steak n Shake. We NEED this.
Sat Sep 09 22:17:11 -0700 2006
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megaepicure
1
1891940
Bar 89 in Soho has a very cool, casual atmosphere and an amazing burger that is very affordable. And while you're there, you should definitely start with the bacon wrapped water chestnuts. Oh yes.
Thu Sep 21 14:10:45 -0700 2006
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ruckus2330
1
1892519
The Wollenky grill of Smith and Wollensky on E49th/3rd Ave has exactly what you are looking for. Great high end burger and nice wine/beer selection in a comfortable atmosphere.
Thu Sep 21 17:36:10 -0700 2006
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Sweatshirt Guy
1
1892649
looking for a burger similar to the burgers at Camelia grill in New Orleans
Thu Sep 21 18:19:39 -0700 2006
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12790
alex70
2
1909081
Sadly, you can't even get one of those in New Orleans anymore. But a big banner outside Camellia Grill says that it will reopen soon, and a new owner plans to expand beyond the original location.
Thu Sep 28 19:30:26 -0700 2006
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Hungry Celeste
3
1909578
I heard emrils partner bought the place. I really love those burgers. There is a flavor to them that I have never had anywhere in Manhattan
Thu Sep 28 22:15:36 -0700 2006
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alex70
1
1900294
If you're in the downtown area, or want to make the trip, there's a great place in the seaport area (but not in the actual south street seaport) called The Paris Cafe. Awesome burgers (BIG patties) and a mountain of fries, all for $10.00. Nice selection of draft beers including Hoegaarden. Pretty big bar area and all the games are always on, football on the big screen. One plus open pretty late, even during the week, which is unusual for the downtown/ wall street area. Speaking of which...anyone live, work, frequent downtown? Always looking for a recommendation...an excellent bite for a decent price? All types of food ok.
Mon Sep 25 15:11:23 -0700 2006
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nyc girl
2
1907143
I work by city hall and we go to Spaghetti Western on Reade (Bway and Church). Good food, good sevice, nice aptmosphere
Thu Sep 28 00:45:05 -0700 2006
1900294
28577
Jack_
1
1900334
hardcore, tell me more about the burger joint in the old yujin spot..do you have any more info on the concept and timing of it?
also, the thomas keller joint will not happen for a while, still developing the concept out west.
on a side note, anyone know any other places for "alternative burgers"? such as better burgers ostrich burger (it is good, no, really...)new concepts , etc...thanx
Mon Sep 25 15:25:33 -0700 2006
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Zion
2
1901633
no...not really....i heard it woud be "high quality" with a bar...I first heard Zakarian was doing the food but then I read in the TImes that a famous"french chef" was doing it....I went by and asked about opening and was told the first of July....I once had a good ostrich burger at 8 mile creek but the food there hasn't been the same in years....let me know if you find anything relavatory
Mon Sep 25 22:25:04 -0700 2006
1900334
22786
hardcore
1
1900522
While you wouldn't think to order a burger at a seafood spot --Lure Fishbar in SOHO has an excellent burger in a great looking space. Top notch bar and service too. The burger is $14 and served with pretty good fries and topped with two delicious onion rings. If you can manage to get there during the week for lunch you'll have no problem getting a seat.
Mon Sep 25 16:30:57 -0700 2006
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chowcito
2
1906326
gave it a try..it was ok nothing special...also went by Diner and was woefully disappointed...place is great but burger was much too finely ground (more like meatloaf) and meat was flavorless....thick fries were delicious...as was bun
Wed Sep 27 20:07:13 -0700 2006
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22786
hardcore
1
1906950
For my money, a "high end burger" is one that is made with love and that tastes great, up, down, backwards, forwards and sideways. I don't care who sells it, what it costs, or what the ambience is like.
That said, given what you've written, you might dig the burger over at Donovan's in Woodside, Queens.
As far as what NYC needs, the Steamed Cheeseburger. I hate the fact that I have to drive all the way up to Meriden, Connecticut to try one.
Wed Sep 27 23:41:26 -0700 2006
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Polecat
1
1907128
All this burger talk. Does anyone do a burger with grass fed beef?
Thu Sep 28 00:39:37 -0700 2006
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Jack_
2
1908086
i believe that goblin market does a burger with grassfed beef.
Thu Sep 28 14:20:34 -0700 2006
1907128
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erha
3
1909025
you can get it at dinner in williamsburg
Thu Sep 28 19:12:38 -0700 2006
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alex70
1
1908197
Burgers and Cupcakes. 9th Avenue, btwn 35 and 36. The name says it all.
Thu Sep 28 15:00:30 -0700 2006
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Felixnot
1
1909106
speaking of burgers, someone was speaking about burgers, right?
I home-grilled two bison burgers last night that were absolutely fantastic. The meat was tender and surprisingly juicy considering the very low fat content. I purchased the burgers at Fairway and had them with grilled onions, tomato slice and Vermont cheddar on a brioche with a litte mayo. Heaven. I may open a franchise ;-)or has Ted Turner beat me to it?
Thu Sep 28 19:40:04 -0700 2006
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livetotravel
2
1909163
with the exception of the mayo...sounds great...why does it seem to be so hard to find?
Thu Sep 28 19:57:50 -0700 2006
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hardcore
1
1909166
The burgers at The Vertigo on 26th & 3rd are pretty good.
Thu Sep 28 19:58:13 -0700 2006
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pulsemaker
1
1914337
The Corner Bistro in the West Village. Just tons of succulent meat.
Sun Oct 01 10:48:18 -0700 2006
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Aurorasbored
1
1914357
I;m seconding Polecat's suggestion of Donovans. Truly delicious burgers. I also enjoy the burger at Mugs Alehouse in Williamsburg. It's a fantastic beer bar, and the burger with onions and blue cheese hits the spot.
Sun Oct 01 12:00:43 -0700 2006
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MaspethMaven
1
1914370
Ok, for high end burgers in low-key bar settings, and without breaking the bank, here's a shortlist:
Cafe Luxemburg on 70th St, and Amsterdam. Great burger, even if the beer selection has gone a bit weird lately.
Balthazar (it's low key at the bar, or during the day). Fabulous burger and the best fries in town)
The Odeon. Perhaps the best burger I've ever eaten. Again, at the bar, with great fries.
Pastis. See Balthazar. Same excellence
And I'd also endorse the burger 'behind the curtain' but you have to be in the humor for the hustle!
- Sean
ps I agree about Union Sq Cafe
Sun Oct 01 12:40:42 -0700 2006
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Sean Dell
1
1914988
Teddys in W-burg has good burgers (acually haven't tried them but friends have told me they are great and they look really good)
Sun Oct 01 20:58:11 -0700 2006
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29742
annies
1
1967740
Royale is absolutely not worth the trip (esp if you are not drinking). Terrible service, marginal food.
If you're looking for a decent burger in Manhattan go to:
burger joint
good burger
PJ Clarke's
and any number of Irish pubs like McCormick's on 3rd Ave
I am sure everyone has their own favorites, I'm just saying: Avoid Royale
Tue Oct 24 02:29:54 -0700 2006
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sarapeater
1
1968474
Its probably a bit out of the way for most people but Piper's Kilt on Broadway on 207th Street has one amazing burger. Better than corner bistro IMO. Its a great old school bar to boot.
Tue Oct 24 14:23:32 -0700 2006
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Manhattan4Life
2
1968616
Piper's Kilt you say? I will give it a try this week!
Tue Oct 24 15:24:55 -0700 2006
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41268
Sweatshirt Guy
1
1969193
Is this Pipers Kilt any relation of the Piper's Kilt in Eastchester? Obvoiously the wrong board, but the eastchester Piper's Kilt has better burgers at a better price than most if not all the NYC places
Tue Oct 24 18:13:20 -0700 2006
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jth
2
1969516
yes, they are related! http://www.piperskilt.com/
And I stand by the opinion that the Piper has the best burger in the city.
Tue Oct 24 19:57:47 -0700 2006
1969193
48825
salty_sticky
1
1970374
Agreed. I hit the one in the Bronx about once a month and its great.
Wed Oct 25 01:32:51 -0700 2006
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12118
jdf
1
1970376
3x3 animal style no lettuce no tomato fries well @ in n'out.
Wed Oct 25 01:34:58 -0700 2006
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LeBone
1
1970565
SO..what do u mean by high end burger & bar?? Mcsorleys is not high end.... Burger joint is not a bar, and their teny weeny burgers dont really cut it.
Have u been to Donovan's Pub in Queens? (57 st & Roosevelt) Fantastic burger (big, juicy, fresh)..It is an Irish pub with a rather large dining room that has fantastic burgers...Way better than burger joint, corner bistro, good burger, rare, (shall i go on?) Did I mention that u can get beer, wine, booze, etc..(being a bar and all)
If u just want a decent burger (go to the bar afterwards) go to Big Nicks on B'way...Not the prettiest place, but decent for the money).
IMO what makes a wonderful burger is the freshness of the meat, the nice fat content, and the wonderful sear on the outside. Alot of places overcook the outside (they claim its to sear in the juice) so while juicy inside, its kinda "crusty" outside..Not my favorite way to eat a burger...
Wed Oct 25 03:10:23 -0700 2006
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yorkchu
2
2006906
Agreed on Donovan's. Fantastic burger. Not too big, just big enough. And juicy. Plenty juicy. Like an old pro with nothing to prove, just doing it for the love. Wash it down with one of the best chilled pints of Guinness in town, and that's a little slice of heaven right there. Also agreed on Burger Joint, which I find to be overrated. Decent burger, not worth the wait.
You're batting a thousand, Yorkchu, because - as I posted before - I'm also wondering what the poster means by "high end burger". I can only assume he is talking about atmosphere, price, sophistication perhaps. Maybe DB Bistro (which I haven't tried)? For me, "high end" means just plain good.
Wed Nov 08 21:53:51 -0800 2006
1970565
24813
Polecat
3
2007140
shake shack and in and out are excellent "low end" (meaning small, fast and paltry) and spotted pigs is "high end" (meaning large, succulent, cooked to perfection on great bread)...if spotted pigs was on something other than a brioche, offered different toppings and came with perfect french fries...it would be the one
Wed Nov 08 22:58:27 -0800 2006
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22786
hardcore
4
2007619
Okay. Thanks for the clarification. P.
Thu Nov 09 02:25:43 -0800 2006
2007140
24813
Polecat
1
2001770
One of my favorites has always been the Knickerbocker on University. Had the steak once and wasn't terribly impressed (maybe b/c I happened to have gone to Peter Luger the week before), but the burger has consistently made me happy. Oddly enough it doesn't seem to be on the menu but you can just ask for it, also you can have it at the bar if you want to be casual or low-profile. Don't remember how much it costs but it's about normal for a restaurant (I think about $10). Don't know if I'd get it rare (I'm a medium guy when it comes to burgers).
Mon Nov 06 23:41:34 -0800 2006
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aimansmith
2
2005284
yeah...it's funny but I had knickerboker recently and was surprised...i don't like the place much and the service is sloppy but the burger was fresh, tasty and cooked perfectly.....I looked into it and it turns out that it is one of the few places in New York that grinds its meat fresh to order (or so hey say)...not a great burger but better than most
Wed Nov 08 05:29:59 -0800 2006
2001770
22786
hardcore