Decent East Village Burger

[Miss Rennie]

There really aren't any standouts I'm aware of, especially for takeout. And it's not for lack of trying.

The Telephone is my favorite eat-in place for burgers, but though they're helpful and accommodating, they're not really set up for takeout. Veselka's burgers have improved vastly over the past couple of years, but the buns are tough and seeded. Dallas BBQ is just okay to satisfy the jones. I would absolutely love a Burger Heaven down here, but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions?

[hungrycomposer]

If you like a charred burger-style diner, Veselka has a good one. It has improved greatly over what it used to be. Not fancy or high-end, but flavorful.

[Miss Rennie]

I totally agree, as I said in my initial post. Veselka delivers it nice and charred, and comes medium-rare as requested. Good meat. They and Telephone are my go-to burgers at the moment, but I'd like to find some other choices, between Fourth Avenue and Avenue A, 14th and Houston.

Alas, Veselka's bun is tough, chewy, not very good and has seeds on it. Whywhywhy are buns even seeded at all? Just for looks? The seeds do nothing for the taste and can complicate matters for people with intestinal issues. I just don't like 'em.

[vvvindaloo]

Definitely try Paul's on 2nd ave.

http://paulsburgers.com/index.php

[Miss Rennie]

Thanks, but no thanks. I've given them a few shots over the years, but no. They basically steam the burgers under a metal sundae-style cup. So they end up gray and damp.

[vvvindaloo]

Then try Five Guys on LaGuardia. Their burgers have char (I frequent the one in the west village, but I imagine that their cooking methods are the same).

[Miss Rennie]

I do love me some char. Will give it a shot. Thanks!

[Tom Steele]

Last Friday, I had an *excellent* burger at The Smith on Third Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. About 13, with a ton of slender fries. The burger is very thick, with bacon and cheese, and the bun is not too chewy.

[hungrycomposer]

I like Stand, if you're willing to venture as far west as University. They have 2-for-1 specials during off hours, Il Laboratorio ice cream (and shakes), good cocktails, and two tempura fried pickles with every burger.

[vvvindaloo]

That sounds really good, hungry. And I wasn't even looking for a burger...