Welp, it’s that time again. Time for another food holiday that popped up like a bad zit.
I know it sounds like I’m complaining, but for the most part, I appreciate these days of epicurean celebration. Epicurean might be a stretch. These food holidays range from the generic to the grandiose (and also to the gross) in the span of one day. Example? August 27th is both National Pot de Creme Day and National Burger Day. I mean…I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy a pot de creme after I swallow a burger slathered in bacon and cheese. It rounds out the palate and leaves a smooth finish.
Like…what?
Also I saw National Playdough Day which means some people around the world are EATING Playdough above the age of 2 and that doesn’t sit well with me.
But hey. Who am I to argue, really? It’s not like I sit on the board of food holiday directors. Though truthfully, I’d love to be considered.
Here is a list of some of my favorite burgers around the city and Brooklyn. Get hungry.
5 Best Burgers in NYC (and some in BK)
- Emily and Emmy Squared: There’s a reason it’s been named the #1 burger in the city by multiple food outlets. And also why there’s usually a line out the door any given day of the week. Fleishers dry aged beef, Grafton cheddar, caramelized onions, and Emmy sauce (you’ll want to drink it) on a Tom Cat pretzel bun. It’s salty, it’s a little sweet, it’s perfectly cooked, and it’s just a fantastic burger. It’s not your run of the mill backyard burger, but it’s special. It’s real special.
- Hard Times Sundaes: This is another amazing find. What started out as a food truck is now a brick and mortar spot inside Urbanspace Vanderbilt by Grand Central. The HTS burger is your classic American burger – get it single, double, or go big and do a triple. Everything else is a la carte – lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, bacon, onions, jalapenos, etc. Get the jalapenos they’re a great touch if you like heat.
- Beatrice Inn: This is another dry aged burger that makes my heart pitter patter. It’s flavorful, it’s decadent, and it’s a little over the top, but in a good way. 45 day dry aged beef, d’affinois cheese, red wine braised caramelized onions, a duck egg, and shaved truffle. Um, trust me you want to try this. Beatrice Inn has been bought by the fabulous chef Angie Mar, so it’s temporarily closed, but it is reopening very soon so run, don’t walk to the new Bea.
- Peter Luger: ONLY SERVED DURING LUNCH. That should be stated right up front. I know most people don’t come to Luger’s for a burger (or a cheap meal), but if you happen to be here for lunch, make sure you give this burger a try. It’s got great flavor, perfect amount of cheese, and that bun gets all soaked up with meat juice. Lucky bun, I tell ya.
- BurgerFi: I don’t venture to the UES often, but when I do, I try to make a pitstop at BurgerFi. Everything is all natural, and the burgers are delicious. And did I mention the onion rings?? I don’t know what they’re feeding those things but DAMN. The classic burger is delicious and simple, but I have to admit, I really liked the Breakfast All Day Burger. It’s a heavy one, but worth the calorie splurge with American cheese, bacon, maple syrup, hash browns, fried egg, grilled onions and ketchup. Weird that they call it the breakfast burger because good night after eating it.
There are a few that used to be my favorites, but to be honest I haven’t had them in years, so I would have to revisit before I can go telling you about it. Those include the below:
Old Favorite Burgers
- Minetta Tavern: Haven’t been in years, but people still talk about the Black Label burger. It was delicious then, and I have a feeling it’s still delicious now.
- JG Melon: A New York staple from 1972, JG serves a classic burger on checkered tables with a side of lettuce, tomato, and raw red onion. And “fries” that look like dill pickle chips. But it’s kind of awesome. I need to get back there and see what’s up…
And here’s a list of those that I haven’t tried yet and would very much like to:
Burgers Left to Try
- Rochelle’s (full name: Leave Rochelle Out of It): I love this place for happy hour and weekend drinking. Good vibes and music, but I hear they have a great burger too.
- Pig Beach: All of my friends have gone, and I mean all of them. And I need it in my life. That’s all.
- Joe’s: One or two of my friends have touted this place as being pretty legit – located on the UWS, they supposedly serve a damn good burger.
