Searching the city for The 5 Best Burgers was hazardous to my health. Nevertheless I am proud to present my personal picks even as I start my new personal training regimen to lose the pounds I put on. It was worth it all to bring you the best bad-ass beef New York offers.
Shake Shack
Expect a wait of at least an hour as people line up for this fresh burger sold off a street stand. Meat is bought and hand-formed into burgers daily. Fresh deep green lettuce and thick slices of tomato atop your melted cheese keep the crispy edge on this flavorful find.
Beer, wine, hot dogs, custard and milk shakes are also available here for your dining pleasure in the park.
Address: Madison Square Park SE corner (at Madison Avenue & E. 23rd Street) New York, NY 10010
212-889-6600
Neighborhood: Flatiron District
Lure Fishbar
Yeah, yeah but don't be fooled by the name. While seafood and sushi make up the whale's share of the menu, you can dig your teeth into a fine $15 burger. And here's the real beauty of it. Are you taking a woman out who wants some sushi? She can have it here while you sink your teeth into a juicy hamburger with fries.
Address: 142 Mercer Street (at Prince St.) New York, NY 10012212-431-7676
Neighborhood: SoHo
Pop Burger
Prices on your burger here will vary from under $10 to $15 depending on if you order at the counter, have a sit down lunch or come for dinner. This is the original Pop Burger of the two locations in the city. Sit down is nice as the atmosphere can almost be described as elegant as far as burger joints go. The menu includes salads so a vegetarian buddy or date can find friendly fare. Several bottle beers, draughts and specialty cocktails are also on the menu.
Address: 14 E 58th St (between 5th Ave & Madison Ave) New York, NY 10022212-991-6644
Neighborhood: Midtown East
The Spotted Pig
What's in a name anyway? Just about anything BUT pork is on the menu here. There's octopus, rabbit and duck but not even a slice of bacon that I can find. But as for the burger at hand, new possibilities are provoked by ingenious innovation as Roquefort cheese tops this fresh chargrilled beefy bad boy. Don't knock it 'til you check out the terrific tangy taste. This place is open for dinner until 2 AM.
Address: 314 W. 11th Street (at Greenwich St.) New York, NY 10014
(212) 620-0393
Neighborhood: West Village
Rare Bar & Grill
One of the only reasons I go to Murray Hill is to get me a piece of this action! The setting is tavern style though it's located in the luxury Affinia Shelburne Hotel. The burger plate was $21 when I last went but man it is worth it. The Grade A chuck beef burger is topped with real cheddar, shallot mushrooms and bacon. If you don't eat bacon this burger will give you the reason to start. Did I mention the meat is flambeed in whiskey? Even without the toppings this is a winner.
A second location is in Chelsea. Both have rooftop patios to take in the skyline when weather permits. Closing time is 11 PM most nights but this joint is open 'til midnight on Thursday-Saturday.
Address:303 Lexington Avenue (at 37th Street) New York, NY 10016(212) 481-1999
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
