Great Burgers Lower Westchester?

[laylag]

Anyone have any suggestions for really good burgers in Lower Westchester. Looking for casual eat in (not upscale steak places) and/or take out.

Thanks.

[JoanieBalonie]

One of the best burgers (or home-cooked comfort food for that matter) can be found at lunch (only) from Mon-Fri at the "T-house" in downtown Yonkers. Parking is not easy but it's worth the trip to the waterfront. Mary and Jimmy have been doing all the cooking in the world's smallest kitchen since the 1960s and you may find the Mayor having lunch there. They have daily specials including hard to find well cooked juicy lamb shanks on Thursdays and a sea food platter on Friday. The fries are very good but the star is Mary's home-made potato salad. Pub atmosphere so don't expect linens and silver. Say hi to John in the corner of the bar. Cheers!

-----
Tyrone House
72 Main St, Yonkers, NY 10701

[Gnarly35]

The best burger I have found in Westchester is at the Mini Deli in croton. It has a great flavor! Served on a hard roll with mayo & american cheese is the way I get it.

[b00mer08]

HAS ANYONE HAD A BURGER AT THE TAP HOUSE IN TUCKAHOE? WONDERING IF IT'S WORTH A VISIT. PLEASE REPLY.

[debmom]

I went to the Tap House once, but don't remember having a burger there. It is run by the same guys who have 3 restaurants in Rye (Rye Grill, Ruby's, Morgans). The Rye Grill burger is good. Don't know where you are traveling from.

[ninnikuramen]

We had the sliders at Taphouse, which were pretty good. The wings though, were great - really large, nicely coated in buffalo sauce. I definitely think it'd be worth a visit for the burger, let us know how it goes.

[Jon1856]

For me this is rather bad form but I still have to ask:
Has anyone ever been to Nat's in Elmsford?
I must have driven by it 100's or 1000's of time and have
read the sign claiming that they are the best Burger in Town.
And they are just up the street from Pete's among other places.
I just drive by at all the wrong times-for me at least.
And I know of no one else who has been there either.
Yet it seems to be still in business.
And yes I do tell myself every time I drive by that I just have to
stop there some day and try it out....

[rpk]

I had a burger at Nat's in January of '90. It was OK. On the large side, as I vaguely recall, but otherwise unremarkable.

[BridgetC]

I was always very curious about this place. Seeing that for me Squire's is the best burger anywhere I had to try Nats. So I took my nine year old about six months ago. The burger itself was nothing special at all, but more importantly I felt the place was very dirty and dumpy looking. Wont go there again that's for sure. How are the burgers at Pete's Saloon? BridgetC

[yeshana]

very dirty - kept an eye out for crawling bugs. Burger was nothing to even mention. Fries were good and their famous onion ring square was ok. Definitely not a place to go back to.

[Jon1856]

Yeshana: Your comment is about Pete? If so, just how did they sink so fast and badly?

[yeshana]

no nat's. I haven't been to pete's saloon in years but would based on their reputation , my past experience(good) and the full rooms they always have when I drive by. Nat's needs the clean up.-inside and out!

[yeshana]

just to be clear. Nat's is the dirty reference and pete's is the favorable reference.I agree with BridgetC about Nat's!

[Jon1856]

LOL ;>D
Thanks for the update-Understood.
Still have to wonder the who, what, how and why about Nat's. It has been there for over 30 years it seems. Hummmm..

[rich51]

went there years ago ,even then they advertised best burger- it wasn't , was ok ,but nothing special, it was funny even back then, there was a greek run "village deli", very run down inside, but everything was fresh and he cared about the food, he actually had the best burger around elmsford, still miss him

[jhopp217]

Haven't eaten at either one in probably 5 years. I hate cliches, but don't judge a book by it's cover. Nat's burger, while far from the best in any county, was far better than the burger at Pete's. And actually could be classified as very good, while Pete's was terrible. The same could be said for service. Pete's, IMO was the poster child for what not to do. Oddly it was crowded, but then again, that could have been the 20-30 wait from the time we sat down and ordered drinks and actually got them.

[demifast]

I eat at Pete's every now and then and I am always underwhelmed. The burgers are mediocre. And the floor always seems sticky. I don't understand the crowds - must be related to the general lack of any quality casual places in this county.

[Jon1856]

I went to Pete's in order to see a few bands. Food just happened to be there ;>D
And jhopp-you may be correct about the cover. I think I must have first seen Nate's when I was very young and the look/image of it just stuck in my mind all these years.
As for quality casual places, in that area at least, when I go out I go to Mina's down the road from both. Took my Mom to place next door, Pumpernickes, and she enjoyed it.
GF and I loved the Persian place on 119.

[demifast]

We also have been disappointed the last 3 times at Pipers Kilt. But I recommend Route 100 on Central Ave. in Yonkers - had an excellent burger there this past weekend, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices and NO WAIT!

[jumpingmonk]

I just had an incedible burger yesterday in Mt. Kisco, It was at that new Irish pub that openend near the borders ( forgotten the name, but it was in the space next to where Pacific used to be) about two blocks from the diner.) The menu is noting to look at (so you may not want to go if your in a group with people which picky tastes) and the only burger they offer is "the big paddy" (a bacon onion cheese burger) but the burger was absolutely terrific! really juicy, very flavorful. Fires were great too, though I was a bit too full to eat many of them as I has spil an order of potato skins (actually more like thick cut fries) with my dining companion. The woman serving us said the place is packed at dinner time though so you may want to make this a lunch only stop, and even then be patient as the service is rather slow (me and the person I was with were the only diners in the place at the time, and it still took thirty or forty minutes for our order to arrive)

[adamclyde]

I'm not too familiar with Kisco (and don't know where the diner is or where Pacific was). Can you describe the location a little more? What street? anything else nearby that could help me get an approximate address? I'd love to go there next week.

[jumpingmonk]

Okay, to my suprise I was able to wokr out the adress of the place without remembering its name (It suddently occured to me that, closed or not pacifics adress was still online) Pacific was at 222 Main street so this place is at either 220 or 224 (it's all one complex) if you can fin you way to the Borders (the main street side, not the side with the parking lot , Its about a block and a hlaf south of that, directly across from a Seafood resturaunt called the Fish Cellar (warning though the Fish Cellar is below ground level, so you wont see it unless you are looking for it.) If you see the diner or Lefteris (a Greek place) you' ve gone too far. Oh and the place where Pacific was is now a Tiger Shomans Karate studio so if you see that your there (you actually migh want to turn by there since the entrance to the parking lot is on that side of the complex.)
UPDATE I looked in and I found the name, its called O' Connors Public House. Apparently they've got a branch in Brewster too at Towne Center (Route 22 & 312) 1620 Route 22.

[Jon1856]

JM;
Many thanks for taking the extra-steps.

[jumpingmonk]

No prob, I'm just sorry you never got a chance to visit Pacific. Man, did they make a good West Lake soup. Then again looking at the adress O'Connors may in fact be in the same space so it may be a "have your cake and eat it too situation"

[rolise]

My MIL, SIL and I recently had burgers at Tap House in Tuckahoe. We all really enjoyed them.

[huevosverdes]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Kelly's Sea Level in Rye on Midland Avenue. Haven't been there in a while, but the burgers have always been great.

[pobo]

I was just there Thursday night for the first time in 30 years. Burgers are good, but could be greasier, in my opinion and the onion rings were excellent. My husband had the special hot dog (can't remember what it was called) and it was excellent - it had chili and all sorts of toppings.

[chowdom]

Death dog, I think?

[ChowMuch]

AJs Burgers on North Avenue in New Rochelle is good and their hand cut fries are amazing!

[sdavey]

Piper's Kilt has been a favorite for years, but the Tap House in Tuckahoe is a close second: get a burger with goat cheese for a change of pace.

[wonka]

Piper's Kilt, always has a good burger, you know what you go there for.(probably #1) Had a good burger the other day, during the football games at Brazen Fox, which I was surprised. I had a burger in the beginning months at the Taphouse, which was pretty good, been there recently, not so good, just ordinary...maybe you where tasting the goat cheese instead of the burger. I think I'll stick with the Kilt when I'm craving a burger.

[debmom]

Piper's Kilt hasn't been getting good reviews lately. Have you been recently?

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575226

[wonka]

I saw some stuff a few weeks ago; but I did make it there pretty recent. It still was a good burger, at first I wasn't to sure if I should go. Have to say, I'm glad I went back. I wouldn't be going back to some of the other burger spots.

[ultimate warrior]

I had a burger at Stew Leonard's food stand and found it mediocre. It reminded me of the burgers I use to get at my school cafeteria. The fries were very good though.

[halfbreedgolf]

Joe's Quarry Inn quietly has better burgers than Piper's Kilt, which has the rep, but not the quality/dining?experience

[pobo]

Where's Joe's Quarry Inn?

[jhopp217]

Marbledale road in Tuckahoe, right off of Fisher. Basically the Eastchester/Tuckahoe border.

Hint: Skip the burger. Get one of the entrees with some of the delicious sides or try one of their specials. Prices might seem a little steep, but the portions are very large. If you like spinach or broccoli rabe, they make it chock full of garlic. You smell it coming out of the Kitchen!

[demifast]

I'm always searching for a good burger and I agree that Pipers Kilt is overrated - their burgers are good but the fries and everything else is mediocre and the wait for a table is ridiculous. I also like Horsefeathers in Tarrytown. River City Grill in Irvington has a good burger - but it's pricey. If I go to Candlelight - I always prefer the wings.

[dolores]

Wait, they don't have the hot dogs anymore?????

As to burgers, I'm very happy with Squires in Briarcliff. Very.

There's also Gordo's.

Thanks Zobot for the update.

[Kobe]

Try the Porter House on Mamaroneck Ave in White Plains.

[laylag]

I second that Kobe. I had a fabulous burger there.

[Wizzapizza]

Have you tried James Joyce's burgers? I think they are superior to Porter House's, although PH does a decent job.

What ever you do DON'T get a burger or buffalo burger at Lazy Boy. I asked for a rare burger and I got a patty charred on the outside and still frozen inside.

[laylag]

Will have to try James Joyce.

Thanks for the warning on LazyBoy Wizzapizza - frozen patties are a big thumbs down.

You know, I just noticed that I actually started this thread over a year ago - before I went to PH and I still haven't made it to the popular choices of Blazer's and Piper's Kilt. Gotta get to those.

[dolores]

Blazer's had a fire recently. I hope they've reopened.

[Zobot]

I believe that Blazer's is scheduled to open some time in the middle of January.

[bullsonparade23]

I'm trying to decide between porter house, lazy boy, james joyce, and black bear.
any thoughts on the best burger out of these few?

[Wizzapizza]

James Joyce hands down. Second place isn't on your list, but it would be Brazen Fox. I haven't tried Black Bear's, but it is more of a chain-y restaurant so I would be surprised if they were above average, but I guess it is possible. Porter House and Lazy Boy have these flat burgers that are suspisciously uniform in appearance. And, whatever you do, don't get the buffalo burger at Lazy Boy. I had it once rare and it came out charred on the outside and FROZEN in the middle. It is a shame, because Lazy Boy does other dishes well (for a bar).

You won't go wrong with James Joyce. It is not Corner Bistro/ Piper's Kilt, but it is the best in White Plains by a few lengths.

[martyl9]

Have you tried Emma's yet. the better half is raving about it.

[jhopp217]

I have not had James Joyce or Black Bear's burgers, but between Porterhouse and Lazy Boy, I'd definitely go with Lazy Boy. I think the biggest problem I've had with Lazy Boy is the burger is almost always overcooked. Porterhouse, in my opinion, makes some of th worst food in Westchester.

[gutreactions]

With all respect to Piper's Kilt ( I believe this has been overdone already, please) there are others with great burgers...Joe's Quarry Inn for one in Tuckahoe on Marbledale Ave. creates one that will compete with the best; the burger (big) at Artie's on City Island Ave., City Island, is to be reckoned with (available at lunch and dinner); and the burgers at B4 in Valhalla are among the best, in my opinion...

[dolores]

Are they? The burgers at B4, that is? I read about the one with the fried egg, I mean. I've dying to try it.

[gutreactions]

delores, they do have the big burger with the fried egg at B4, and actually it first showed up on the menu when B4 was owned by the guys from Le Jardin du Roi in Chappaqua...I believe they still offer it at lunch up there too...

[lucyis]

I really like the burgers at Sam's of Gedney Way in White Plains. They serve them with crispy frizzled onions, mmm. American Bistro in Tuckhoe has a good burger too.The last time we ate at The Piper's Kilt we decided that the burger experience wasn't worth the poor quality of the other food. Porterhouse also makes a good turkey teriyaki burger served with grilled vegetables.

[JMF]

The American Bistro burger is pretty good. Not as good as the Pipers Kilt in its heyday, but I think Pipers Kilt had sunk a bit on my last two visits (which were last spring.)

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

We really, really disliked the burgers at B4. 4 of us each tried a different one, and we thought they were dry and salty. We were really disappointed. With burgers the star of their menu (a whole page of choices!), they really aren't allowed an off night with them. I wouldn't try the burgers again-- though we like the other food fine.

[dolores]

Hmmm, I thought I just saw here that B4 has pomegranate martinis and my eyes perked right up, but now I can't find it.

At any rate, I was gearing up to try B4 tonight but based on what you're saying, ieatalotoficecream, it sounds like second thoughts are in order.

*sigh* I hope Blazer's gets back in shape soon. Well, there's always Gordo's.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Dolores, please report back if you do go. I hope it was a fluke. I too was really excited to try the burgers after reading the review from the Times. And the place is really cute... (desserts are expensive tho!)

[valerie]

Could anyone tell me if Candlelight Inn is crowded at lunch (I always see mentions of there being long waits at dinner)? Was thinking of trying it out tomorrow at around 12:00, but don't want a long wait since our 2 small kids will be with us. It's my husband's birthday, and he wants a burger for lunch (plus he LOVES wings).

Other places on the short list are Piper's Kilt and Larchmont Tavern (which was mentioned in another thread).

Thanks.

[valerie]

I'm answering my own question here. We went to Candlelight Inn for lunch today. Got there around 12:30. There was a party of 3 ahead of us. It took only about 5 minutes for us to get a table, which was good.

As for the burgers, they were great! Cooked perfectly and really tasty. I had a tuna melt (didn't want a burger since we are going to Peter Luger tonight). Was good, not great, not melted enough. But the tuna itself was good.

I did have several tastes of my husband's and daughter's burgers, though, and I am looking forward to returning to have a nice one of my own.

Oh, and my husband also had some wings, which he really enjoyed too.

He's still full so it's a good thing we're not eating dinner until 8:45.

[laylag]

Went once on a weekend - can't recall if Sat. or Sun. but it was about 3pm and we waited an hour. I can't imagine it could be better at lunchtime but maybe if you go early.

One note if you go - if you order the wings, ask for well done/crispy. Ours were tasty but we didn't know to ask for them crisp and they weren't.

[annrudy]

Horsefeathers!!! Tarrytown.

[sixelagogo]

Decent burger, but man, do they need a better bun.

[Dangerspoon]

No first hand experience, but I've heard good things about Gordy's in Bronxville/Chester Heights. Anyone else?

[Dim Sum Diva]

Let's not forget about Porter House on Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. And the sliders at Morton's during "Bar Bites" (happy hour). I've even had a good burger at the bar at Willet House in Port Chester.

[jth]

Gordy's is a good burger, although I usually go for other items when I am there. I personally don't think it's as good as Pipers Kilt or the Candlelight, but it's fairly close. I wouldn't go out of my way to get there, but if your nearby it's more than OK.

[dolores]

Purdy's, I believe, which is adjacent to Somers on Route 22 in NY.

The Blazer Pub Route 22 Purdys, NY 10578 [phone]

It's Northern Westchester.

[Jon1856]

And IIRC is cash only. But very good stuff.

[dolores]

lyndawgs, I mentioned Blazer but the poster was looking for Lower Westchester.

I found American Bistro on a par with Piper's Kilt. However, I haven't been to Piper's Kilt in a long while. I would say my next favorite to Blazer was Candlelight Inn.

[Marge]

Where is Blazer???

[hudsonvalleyfoodblog]

I second the Blazer but wouldn't consider it lower westchester. Perhaps that is why more have not mentioned it.

[kaycee]

I heard that Blazer is suppose to be wonderful, but it's a distance from where I live in Fleetwood. I'll have to give it a try one of these days . . . then I can fairly judge how it stacks up against Pipers!

[kaycee]

Piper's Kilt . . . hands down! There's also one on the west side of the Bronx at 170 W. 231st Street. Try the cheddar burger . . . so juicy and the cheese is soft and melted just right.

[dolores]

Thank you, MRS. Yes, these two were right near Mill Rd. Cool, glad to hear Piper's Kilt is still there.

Yes, Lisa M, Candlelight Inn is good, very good in fact.

I have yet to make it to Squire's in Briarcliff, but that isn't lower Westchester.

[Lisa M]

Candlelight Inn, Central Ave, Scarsdale.

Great, unpretentious, cheap.

[Summerfield]

I can't believe the Candlelight Inn is still there! I used to go there years ago (in the '60s). I grew up in Yonkers. I loved that place. I'm definitely going when I next get back to visit.

[yeshana]

Me too, grew up in Edgemont- went as a teen!

[JMF]

Piper's Kilt on Rt 22 in Eastchester. Bacon Cheddar burger is great.

[MikiLovesSugar]

Don't bother with any other place.... Hit up Piper's Kilt... its SOOOOOO good! juicy, flavorful meat.. and if you ask for a medium rare, you get medium rare, not burnt to a crisp disgustingness!!! good french fries too! appetizers are also very good (nachos)! it tends to get busy on the weekends so try to go on a weeknight!

[janet.gillespie]

I love the burgers at City Limits (2 locations in White Plains: Central Ave. and Westchester Mall). I am a former veg and now need these once per week!

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

If you are willing to go to White Plains, there was a good thread on burgers there a while ago...

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/333531

[dolores]

Dim Sum Diva, have you been to Piper's Kilt lately? I went to An American Bistro (good burgers, not great) in Tuckahoe and on the way saw a few restaurants where I 'think' Piper's Kilt was. Did they leave or did I have the wrong spot?

[MRS]

Dolores, you're thinking of the 2 restaurants further up on the block. The Kilt is still there.

[Dim Sum Diva]

Piper's Kilt - Mill Road/White Plains Post Rd. - Eastchester

Stew Leonard's (not sure if the stand is open during the winter months)

[WestchesterFoodie]

Short of going to Corner Bistro in NYC, Candlelight 1st., Pipers Kilt 2nd and 3rd would be Tara's on Midland Avenue in Yonkers. I just went there by accident looking for another place.

[CeeBee]

I also recommend Tara's on midland Ave in Yonkers. I've been going there since I was a kid and the burgers are always great.