Burgers! Please Opine regarding your faves

[jsmitty]

Ok I'm taking my work friends for a casual night out this Friday. I want red meat. I want a burger! Not melon's or corenr bistro. I've been too often. Some of the new spots BGR? BLT Burger? Or preferable nighborhood pub-like spots with great burgers. McHales? Let me know all.

[TheBurgerBusters]

The wheels have fallen off at brgr..it is now weak and sad.

The cheeseburger at The Brindle Room is amazing, but generally only available for Sunday Brunch, but it is on special from time-to-time on weeknights.

The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern is a close second to The Brindle room, but it is nearly 3x the price.

Lure Fishbar makes a weak burger, but Burger & Barrel is a little better---Chef Capon moved from Lure to B & B.

www.theburgerreview.com

-----
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Brindle Room
277 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009

Burger & Barrel
25 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

[guttergourmet]

Just had the $45 white truffle burger at capon's Burger & Barrel. There's a new #1 burger in town. Forget Minetta and DB Bistro. Get'em while they last!

-----
Burger & Barrel
25 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

[jthefoodie]

I just went to Landmarc (around 11pm) and was blown away by the burger with smoked mozzarella. The patty was thick and juicy, but not too heavy - perfectly cooked and not too greasy or tightly packed. I usually order mine with gruyere or blue cheese (both of which are also offered, along with cheddar and regular mozz), but was persuaded by our server to get the smoked mozzarella. I am SO glad I listened! Bun is soft brioche, that is tender and soft but still manages to stay dry enough to hold everything until the last bite - no easy feat. The bread and butter pickles are also delicious - crisp and fresh tasting. The burger comes with standard fries and nice slices of beefsteak tomato and red onion. I can't wait to go back!

[wald]

Went to Five Napkin Burger last night and the burger was delicious. We got the cheddar, bacon burger because we weren't sure about the rosemary aioli on the signature burger but I'm sure it is also very good. Will definitely return on our next trip.

[hungrycomposer]

I love the "house burger" at Stand, and burgers are two for one in off hours. I've also tried their green peppercorn burger, which was a little overseasoned but undersalted... The house burger is perfect as long as you order it rare or medium rare.

[Scotty100]

I agree on Stand...was there at the weekend...got their off-peak deal classic burger with a draft beer for 12 bucks...fantastic...burger was perfect and the weyerbacher IPA washed it down a treat...pleasantly surprised all round...fries rocked too...

[ilny]

wow can't believe I haven't read even one vote for DADDY O??!!! and yes do order it with the tater tots... and enjoy a fine crafted cocktail with it as well.

[gracenotesnyc]

I think Good burger has a crave-worthy burger. The meat isn't over-salted (like The Shake Shack's) and all of the ingredients taste fresh, too. Another pick - The Spotted Pig (although, the cheese is a little overpowering by the last bite)

[hungryhumboldt]

JG Mellon - not sure on the spelling. My husband and his best friend swear by this place - best burgers they've had!

[sugary_sweet]

BLT burger for Manhattan, but if you are including Bk., Dumont and Dumont Burger have excellent burgers. Worth the trip.

[Paul N]

I just had Nice Matin's "Five napkin burger."

Excellent. Nearly as juicy as promised (though I only used 2 napkins) and the comte cheese is a great touch.
http://www.nicematinnyc.com/index.php
http://www.nicematinnyc.com/

[TipsyMcStagger]

Recently watched on cable the awful movie "Money Train" in which several scenes were shot in McHales.

Made me sad and hungry all at once :)

Tipsy

[hhshames]

Smith & Wollensky makes a damn good burger.

[lukebdonnelly79]

Dumont Burger kills every place listed except for Burger Joint and Stoned Crow.

[Dr.Faustus]

Great Jones has great burgers and fries. I get the sweet fries. Yummie!

[chikpea]

Clinton St. Baking Company has a great burger - if you get there before 8pm it's $10 and includes a beer. Island Burger on 9th ave is also very good - especially with pesto.

[herculesmulligan]

I don't live in NYC but visit often and, literally, have hamburger in my blood (famous LA restaurant that had THE best burgers). I'm shocked that no one mentioned Prime Burger (on 51st)! They grind their own beef, a prerequisite for a good burger, use high quality meat, and they'll cook it, properly, to order. I know that it isn't an attractive place, but the hamburgers are authentic. And, for NYC, they are extremely inexpensive.

[TMW]

There's a Better Burger opening up soon on W. 45 St. between 6th and 5th. I hope it results in Sun Yip/Ho Yip a few doors down not being quite so crowded at lunchtime.

[garbanzobean]

parker meridian burger's are only OK. definitely not worth the wait and the SEVEN DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS. Ridiculous. I am only willing to pay that much if the burger is really good. I would say that zipburger is even better, and that's not super high quality.

[Fallon]

I had a burger at Burgers & Cupcakes (not the one on 23rd but the one on 9th Ave in the 30's run by Mitchell London) that was fantastic the other day... I've had his burgers before at Fairway Cafe & always liked them but this one at B & C was out of this world-very simply made & under $6 I believe-wife had the chicken sandwich & raved about it as well...

[Paul N]

here here. Burger's and Cupcakes makes a fine burger.

[Borat]

As for Burger Joint, a place I have been to dozens of times, I'll admit that it is OK, and I get a little satisfaction out of the campy, cultish surroundings, but have never understood all the raves of their actual burger. The only way I can explain it is that they kind of win by default because noone knows how to make a good burger anymore. Also, if they didn't have their B.S. surroundings, I don't think they would have the notoriety that they enjoy.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

So what's good in your opinion?

(I like Better Burger on 2nd Ave and 43rd Street.)

[thinthukgirl]

Yeah I tend to agree with the bah humbugs about Burger Joint--it's better than your greasy diner burger, but I've never craved it.

On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised by Burger Heaven--at least the one on 53rd St. bt. Madison and 5th. Don't let the corny exterior fool you...their burgers are tasty and juicy, meaty without being greasy--the only burger of that size that I've run across recently that I have no problems finishing. And I haven't even ever tried one of their many specialty cheeses. And don't get me started on the fries...I don't know what they do but those are tasty fries.

I think it is more expensive than BJ, to give that place credit...

[guttergourmet]

Burger Heaven is a third tier burger at best. I recently added Stoned Crow to my fave list.

[jwobkk]

I hate Burger Heaven...how does that place stay in business? Better Burger? That isn't a real burger.

[Borat]

Nothing compares to the Giant Hamburger I grew up with as a kid in Davis, CA. I'm on a perpetual search and will post when I find it. The simplest things are the hardest things to do, right?

[Borat]

Better Burger on 9th ave. bet. 42nd and 43rd is a pretty damn tasty burger. I rank it easily higher than shake shack and the burger joint. I don't know if it is the best I've ever had, but there is a no nonsense quality to it that I appreciate.

[bibinewyork]

Both Better Berger and Good Burger are great, but they're not pub-by places that you can take friends. You should try the burgers at Old Town Bar near Union Square. They are perfect, it's a very old-school pub atmosphere, and it's an unpretentious, no pressure sort of place where you can easily have conversations without thumping music or desperate hipsters. 45 E. 18th St. Go, go, go.

[imbrettjackson]

I've taken the liberty of posting the burger joints commended here all on a map.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&am...

Now you can get your burger by proximity. Enjoy.
-Brett

[downtownstefanie]

you have lugar as new york, ny instead of brooklyn, ny...also, in case you want to add, PJ Clarke's WFC...

[Paul N]

This is, perhaps, the most important map since Amerigo Vespucci's. I bookmarked it immediately. Thanks, yourebrettjackson.

[jinet12]

Just got back from NY, and we loved the burger at Burger Joint...Small but delicious!

[jza1218]

My favorite burgers are from:

Molly's
Shake Shack
Paul's Place
Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien)
Blue Smoke

And I'm kind of partial to New York Burger and Co. when both Molly's and the Shack are packed beyond belief.

[chansarene]

Actually BBQ's has pretty good burgers.

[Bernke]

The Stand is great! One of the best burgers I've had. And, they grind their own meat. Very fresh, juicy, and big!

Try it!

[lconnor]

I like the burger at Steak Frites near Union Square.

[nyufoodie]

corner bistro IMHO opinion is the most over rated "best" burger around. i was already considering trying it again at 2am and dead drunk (which i'm afraid is a state I am never in) to see if it will taste good then. i would settle for a burger joint (Le parker meridien) and a shake shack burger anytime. i do like the burgers at good world and houston's too.

[TheBurgerBusters]

Amen---Corner Bistro is bland and weak. I don't know why it gets so much praise.

[chansarene]

Corner Bistro is still the Best in NYC.

[Paul N]

Most of my favorites have already been named. But we should not neglect Burgers and Cupcakes on 23rd (and 9th?)

Also, at a lower east side swedish joint called Good World I had a heretical (supposedly beets and capers were ground up with the beef) burger that was delicious.

[tbear]

I have to agree w/ Jenny above. I had a great burger @ Zip burger (bacon, swiss and vidalia onions, perfect Med-rare) . I also think their fries should be in the discussion for best in the city. I know it is heresey, but their salmon burger is also really good too.
Other favorites:
Burger Joint
JG Melon's
PJ Clarke's (though last time it lacked it's usual char).

I am looking forward to trying Stand.
Is BRGR worth the trip? The reviews on the boards have been so-so.

[Alex Halsey]

I went to BRGR last night. Didn't think the burger or fries were good. Burger--I don't mind that it was thin but it was 1) overcooked and dry (I had requested medium rare) and 2) didn't have a good beefy flavor--the char flavor overwhelmed it. The fries were soggy and greasy. The milkshakes come with vanilla ice cream only. I found that puzzling. By comparison, last week or so I had a very good burger at Goodburger on Lexington--thick juicy burger, not too big, cooked correctly, and good chocolate milkshake (made w/chocolate ice cream). Didn't have the fries, so can't compare.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Goodburger (either location) is a perfect place, IMHO. Great taste. No long lines. Great taste. Great taste.

[erns53]

I also want to give kudos to Goodburger. I think Goodburger knocks Shack Shake right of the running when it comes to a lunch burger.

For a sit down, the best burger I've had in New York was at Joe's Pub of all places. I actually didn't order the burger, my boyfriend did, and then he spent the rest of dinner trying to keep it away from me.

[mangiabeve]

Paul's is definitely my pick too... the juiciest and fattest burgers around, and the pickles are to die 4. great fries. cheap.

[greghound]

Paul's may not be the very top tasting burger in nyc, per se, but man, I'll be damned if it's not the best deal. And I haven't noticed it on this site, but people listen up- JULIUS' on West 10th near waverly is freakin' awesome. But oh yeah, it's in a gay bar (not that there's anything wrong with that). Just walk in, go to the burger guy, dig in- it's awesome, and about 4 bucks.

[chinook]

I will give you two spots that I don't think make it into the normal roundup- Cafe Loup on 13th off of 6th has one of the thickest and juiciest burgers going and I would also nominate Broome Street Bar for their "burger in a pita" special, very juicy piece of meat with little bun to get in the way of the flavor, not to mention that BSB has one of the best bloody mary's in the city. Thats a good post..hmmm......

[jinet12]

Unfortunately, Home only serves their outstanding burger for lunch, and I think, for brunch as well, on Sat. and Sunday...

[akp]

A few weeks ago, I had the best burger ever at Home. I am still dreaming about it - with NY Cheddar cheese...

In fact - everything I had there was delicious.
http://recipesfromhome.com/HomeStart.htm

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Do they serve the burger at dinner too?

[zEli173]

I had never thouht about lunch at Home, but after seeing this I decided to give the burger a try today. I was impressed. Good but not overbearing char, very juicy, and served on a nicely buttered seasame bun. My burger was cooked to a perfect rare temperature. I usually like my burgers medium-rare but today I was in the mood for something a little bloodier. The fact that they handled my rare request so well inspires confidence that the kitchen can also nail medium-rare.

The onion rings are really execellent. They are thick cut with a light batter and nicely seasoned with what I believe is pickling spice. The pickle was fantastic. It's sort of a cross between a dill and a bread and butter. I think the pickle was my favoirte part of all. Also, the side of mayonaise I requested was homemade.

Two downsides. First, the lettuce and tomato were passable, but I'd rather see crsip iceberg and a big slice of beefsteak than the green leaf and roma tomatoes they serve. Second, I definitely prefer a cheeseburger to a hamburger but I am not a fan of strong cheese on burgers. I like my cheeseburgers made with something mild and gooey. I wish they offered an alternative to the NY State Cheddar.

Thanks for the tip.

[jsmitty]

what street is it on?

[surly]

zip burger? it's on e. 52nd st between 2nd and 1st aves (closer to 2nd). it's a solid burger - not outstanding, but good enough. actually, i think their fries are better, esp. when hot and fresh. the upstairs dining space is kind of bland and the guy who's always been behind the counter on my visits is incredibly dour and irritable, though honestly i couldn't care less as long as the food is good.

bottom line, when i'm in the area i have no problem going to this place or goodburger, but i don't think either is in the top echelon of burgers in the city.

[jenniebnyc]

www.zipburger.com

[jenniebnyc]

Had Zip Burger again the other day.

I liked the burger...perfect size and juicey...and bun...sweet, seedless and untoasted. Weird how they charge for most toppings like raw onion, but whatever.

Fries are really yummy.

And the grand finale....a black and white milk shake that stayed frozen even upon delivery to my apt. !!! It was delish.

I was a tad hungover, so that may have lowered my taste-ometer, but all in all if you are in the midtown east area, give it a try.

[sherm13]

Burger Joint is a great lunch spot.......JG Melon is also very good. The Peter Luger burger is really good also, but if you are already there.....you might as well get the porterhouse.

[jwobkk]

Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien)
Shake Shack
Good Burger
Corner Bistro
JG Melon

[nyclaw71]

PJ Clarke's!! JG Melon's is hit or miss, but when it's on it's great.

[woody]

i agree w/ bklynbiker - nothing comes close to burger joint in le parker meridien in my opinion. i am from california where in'n'out burgers (**gasp** a chain!!!) are the bible, and burger joint is the only place that can hold a candle, and i've eaten a lot of burgers in nyc....

[luvtodine]

I haven't been in a long time but I once had a burger at Broome Street Bar that was one of the best I've had ... will go back next time I'm in NY.

[jsmitty]

yes on pita bread. not my favorite idea, but it works.

[gaijingirl]

Well, back when I was an omni, there was NO place better than Paul's - in the East Village. Absolutely great burgers! (And reasonably priced...)

[BackyardChef]

I like Pauls, too for a greasy, juicy lunch counter burger....maybe not a 'destination' place, but in the neighborhood I think it's a winner....

[NyuStern]

White Castle is good. I can eat like 20 of them in one sitting.

[guttergourmet]

See my Hamburger Ranking from June '06. Subsequent to that Royale is very good, BLT sucks and Stand is pretty good (great beers and shakes).

[kobetobiko]

Did you go to the PJ Clarke's in Midtown? If so then I believed the burgers should be quite good. The PJC in Downtown (World Financial Center) was horrible! I was really disppointed when I had the burger there.

[jsmitty]

yes midtown.great vibe in the place. a touch too crowded, but who can help that. the service was excellent too.

[downtownstefanie]

I've had PJ's in the WFC probably close to a 1/2 dozen times since i live right by it and have always enjoyed the burger. I like plenty of other places in the city, but i've found that PJ's was both enjoyable for grabbing a burger at night there or having it delivered to recover from a hangover. Though like many people comment, the bun does get a bit soggy. I also love their smothered onions on it.

[jsmitty]

I ended up at pj clarke's. a very good pub burger. soft bun, not too dense, may have over cooked it a tad. but that didn't kill the taste of the meat. good fries as well. sort of like mcdonald's fries which i happen to love. i may not crave it like melon's, but it was definitely a bplus/aminus depending upon my mood.

[Bob Martinez]

Here's the thing about PJ Clarke's - if that exact same burger were served in a mall food court instead of in a landmark bar no one would ever post about it. It is a pleasant enough burger but completely unremarkable. A little smallish perhaps, if you count that as distinctive. I don't.

If I was in the neighborhood I might have one every other month but as a destination? No.

[jsmitty]

not sure?

[RCC]

I completely agree with you. In our one time at PJ Clarkes, some even mentioned the burgers as being quite close to those from fastfood chains.

[bberkowitz]

It's a little random, but had a really great burger recently at Punch on Broadway btw 20th/21st. Nothing that special about it, just good, tasty sirloin burger. Otherwise, nothing in town for me comes even close to McHale's. Used to go to Donovan's when girlfriend (now wife) lived in Woodside; good but don't understand why some think it's #1.

[Gnu23]

Has anybody ever had the burger at Bar 6? (6th Ave between 12th &13th)
I haven't been there in years but I remember it as being a pretty good burger. In fact, I was at Dumont Burger recently and their burger w/ Gruyer tasted exactly like I remember the burgers to be like at Bar 6.

[billyeats]

Yes, Bar Six! That's my favorite under the radar burger around!

[Gnu23]

Thank you for seconding my nomination! Nice to know I'm not the only one who's discovered something beyond the usual suspects.

[elyseNY]

Soho Park totally won me over last week. I can't wait to go back.

[Bugsey34]

I just had Lure's burger last week and must admit it was very good. Fries just OK, normal.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

SOHO Park is good because:
1. It's jucy
2. The toppings are shredded, improving topping coverage and therefore topping per bite
3. The bun is soft, sweet, and grilled

Rare stinks because, for me, it's always too dry.

[janethepain]

I was checking the Soho Park menu and noticed they have double burgers. How big is one patty? Like Shake Shack thin?

[NAtiveNewYorker]

A little thinner than Shack Shack, but not dry and thin like brgr.

[janethepain]

Wow, really? So I guess a double is the way to go, huh?

[NAtiveNewYorker]

I LOVED the single and so did the GF. But generally I like more bread than meat when the bread is sweet (i.e. a fresh potato bun, not a hard roll, brioche, or a stale bun).

[randymac88]

I like the juicy burgers at RARE. They're a little big, but they host an impressive range of toppings which I personally appreciate. They also have a nice Sliders dish that can be a good way to go if you want a smaller portion.

[AndyNYC]

Are you kidding me? RARE blows - most overrated burger in New York.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

Agreed Totally overrated. (But the basket of fries is terrific.)

[atandt]

Seriously, please never go to RARE for a burger. Go for anything else - and especially go to their awesome rooftop bar - but please do not go here expecting a good burger, which is supposedly their star player. You will get a baseball sized portion of ground beef with no flavor on a bun. Even slathered with all kinds of toppings, the burger's suckiness managed to stand out.

[surly]

i have to agree with this. i really wanted to like this place and even recommended it in the past as an eating/drinking option in the neighborhood, but every subsequent visit just confirmed that their burgers simply aren't that good. i don't think it's the worst burger i've had by any means, just no great shakes. and seriously overpriced.

on the positive, the fries are indeed good (to echo nativenewyorker). but the beer selection at the bleecker street branch is awful. you'd expect a place like that to have a number of beers on tap, but they were seriously lacking. and guinness in a bottle but not on tap? no thanks. at least they could've mentioned they didn't have it on tap when i placed my order; would've saved me the hassle of sending it back.

[NAtiveNewYorker]

SOHO Park. They are great.

Westville (West) is my favorite big burger.

[foodabee]

I'm so surprised that no one has mentioned PJ Clark's on Third Ave. Amazing!

[kobetobiko]

Not sure if you will consider 3 sliders as a serving of burger, but the sliders at Little Owl were delicious! Probably the best sliders I have had in awhile. The plus is this is not a burger place so your friends can also order other things from the menu (unless all your friends are looking for burgers solely...) The pork chops in Little Owl is AMAZING!

[jsmitty]

have had the burgers at Little Owl. I liked.

[bklynbiker]

OK it's not a place to go w/ a group and hang out and drink with your burgers, but for future reference nothing, in my book, beats Parken Meridien's Burger Joint. Just be prepared to wait in line, and jockey for a table. It's worth it.

[ohromujici]

Amen. Le Parker Meridien's burger joint is the best burger in the city.

[roze]

Third on Molly's. Also heard Lure Fish Bar is good but pricey.

[bobby06877]

Skip BLT Burger. I would second Mollys, especially if you are looking for a McHales type vibe. Very casual pub with a great selection of Irish beer on tap.

[bakedbeans]

Mollys

[nathan.verni]

Dumont Burger in Williamsburg is really really good. Get it with the bacon and gruyere.

[briochebun]

Agreed. It's probably one of the best I've ever had. And the bread-and-butter pickles it comes with are also great.

[Lucia]

McHales closed over a year ago. There have been a few favorable posts on Stand. Do a search for burgers and you'll find a lot of recent threads.

[oonth]

I tried Strand last Friday evening and it was pretty good overall although nothing to get too excited about. Two of us shared a hamburger (served with green peppercorn sauce), a veggie burger, onion rings, fries, sweet potato mash with parmesan and a toasted marshmallow shake. Special mention for the veggie burger and the mash which were the standout items, everything else was just OK. As I was sat at the counter for 20-30 minutes waiting for my order, I could see close up that they are having plenty of teething problems in the kitchen, the counterman seemed pretty embarassed by it all.

[North Bank Ned]

Good fries. Good to above average burger. Nothng not to like but no stand out. Kitchen still showing signs of teething problems: we waited 15 mins for a takeout order; and there were three delivery orders waiting on the counter throughout. Best burger south of 23rd St. is still to be found at Molly's on 3rd Ave.

[psawce]

The Burger at Molly's is too big - if there is such a thing. It's a great tasting burger and well prepared, but it just gets gross after a while. Why so much food? ...and we wonder why everyone is overweight.

[TipsyMcStagger]

The taste is what matters.

No one says you have to clean your plate!

Tipsy

[North Bank Ned]

Skip the fries and the onion rings, then. The burger and a pint of Guinness is all you need.

[UniRules]

It verges on being too big, but once you've had the almost White Castle-ishly tiny ones at Shake Shack, PJ Clarke's and Hamburgers & Cupcakes, come on now, you have to come running back to Molly's. AND it tastes better than those three, none of which are slouches themselves. p.s. Molly's Fish & Chips is equally amazing...

[Brian W]

I agree on Molly's burgers, they may be the best in Manhattan but not quite as good as Donovan's in Woodside. But only by a smidge. Thanks for the tip on the fish & chips! I'll have to try that sometime.

[rottyguy]

I tried Mollys Fri night and wasn't impressed. It's huge but nothing extraordinary (certainly not to be in a top 5-10 out of thousands of possible choices). Call me crazy but I prefer my burger plain with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mustard/ketchup. My search continues...

[surly]

i've been to royale on avenue c twice so far and have had very good burgers both times - nice, juicy, and flavorful. i wouldn't say it's my favorite burger in the entire city but i like it better than any of the other burger joints that have opened in recent months. and it hasn't been overly crowded (though perhaps that's no longer the case) so i've been able to enjoy a quiet dinner with friends over a few beers. one of my visits was during the giants-eagles nfl playoff game and, surprisingly, no crowds.

[maxine]

I hate to promote this as the nighborhood dive Stoned Crow by Washington Square has already been getting too crowded, but they do have a former chef from Corner Bisstro. (I think, there was an article in New York Mag. about it) and I had a GREAT old-school cheeseburger there the other day.