Love the beer at corner bistro!!!

best burger in the city -- you'll be lucky if you get a seat...

Posted by: danny | Sep 30, 2005 1:15:53 PM

I second the nomination of Corner Bistro as the best burger in the city. But maybe I'm biased -- the place is literally 50 yards from my building, so its name is quite apropos.

Posted by: West 12th Street Guy | Sep 30, 2005 1:17:21 PM

OK, I apologize for the vagueness of the following; in person, I could find this place, no problem, but it's been 10 years, and I can't even name the street for certain. But:

I think it's on Broadway between Waverly & 8th, near Shakespeare & Co. (other side of the street). It's got a diner vibe, and may even have a walk-up window on the street. Probably has a name for a name - Joe's or Shirley's or something.

My evidence, of course, is that I recall this place 10 years later. I saw some blues with a buddy from high school, and we wanted a bite before we headed home. Sucker that he was, he got a Quarter Pounder, but I knew I could do better. Bacon bleu burger, maybe 8 bucks, thick & juicy. That rich, fatty flavor in the meat. Man.

Also, there's a Greek place around 77th and Madison that has a similar, great burger, with good crumbled bleu on top.

If I hadn't just eaten lunch,. I'd be off to Tessaro's, the best burgers in Pittsburgh (a burger town, since kielbasa isn't part of the dichotomy).
http://www.post-gazette.com/food/20000401tessaro2.asp

Posted by: JRoth | Sep 30, 2005 3:15:19 PM

The Bouley Bakery on West Broadway and Duane Street is without question the greatest burger I have ever eaten...Tues to Sat 6-10.30 No Reservations...I look forward to my free meal...

Posted by: chalkie Davies | Sep 30, 2005 3:28:25 PM

J Roth: I think what you are referring to used to be called Silver Spurs -- they've been converted (at least the onbe onb 44th street) into a "Bullys."

The menu has a variety of salads, pastas, etc., but under Burgers, they title the page Silver Spurs and use the old logo.

Posted by: Barry Ritholtz | Oct 1, 2005 8:21:17 AM

The burgers at Veselka, the 24 hour Ukranian diner at Second Avenue and 9th Street in the East Village, are unheralded but superb.

Excellent char-grilled large patty of beef with Amy's Bread sesame bun. And Veselka has some of the best bacon in town, so fans of bacon burgers get an extra treat.

Posted by: Dan Levy | Oct 6, 2005 11:13:24 AM

I think OP means Cozy Soup n Burger.

Posted by: ramstone | Oct 13, 2005 9:02:45 PM

A couple of other suggestions, tried and true by DS himself:

Molly's Pub & Restaurant, Shebeen
287 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 889-3361
(212) 545-9464 (Fax)
Cross Street: Between 22nd Street and 23rd Street
Directions: 6 at 23rd St

http://mollys.citysearch.com/?cslink=profile_info_website_cust

12th Street Bar & Grill
1123 Eighth Ave. at 12th Street
Brooklyn, NY

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/pages/details/11259.htm
(F to Seventh Ave.) (718) 965-9526

Posted by: ds | Oct 13, 2005 10:10:56 PM

Roth does mean Cozy Soup and Burger. It has good burgers. And good soup. It's usually packed full, the waiter is brusque, but the burgers are all a burger should be.

Broadway and Astor Place.

Posted by: Anon | Oct 13, 2005 10:18:00 PM

Paul's Palace, in the East Village; corner of St. Marks and 2nd Ave. Excellent burger.

Posted by: Dan Dickinson | Oct 13, 2005 11:10:57 PM

I don't know how you could have left off the Shake Shack, my vote for the best burger in the city right now.

McHales is sadly closing.

Agree on most of the other choices and definitely agree on the fact that NY is a burger town.

Posted by: whatisee | Oct 14, 2005 12:55:53 AM

New York a hamburger town? Um no, no it isn't. Kottke's right. New York's a Deli town. L.A.'s a Burger town and a burrito town.

Posted by: Enin Owt | Oct 14, 2005 1:51:32 AM

Shake Shack, seconded. Though I'm totally in agreement that the Corner Bistro is the best in town.

Posted by: enrevanche | Oct 14, 2005 2:08:17 AM

I suppose it depends on your definition of a good burger. I've eaten the burgers at most of the places on your list and have been underwhelmed... New York burgers tend to be way too thick and often undercooked to the point of being raw in the center. Also it is rare to find them cooked over a flame grill (preferably fueled by mesquite) as god intended. That said, I'm always up for new burger experiences and am always on the lookout for that perfect combination of meat and bread that recalls the great Texas burgers of my youth.

Posted by: raul | Oct 14, 2005 7:20:22 AM

Island Burgers rocks.

Was in NYC from the UK in Feb and made a trip to Ninth street specially, get there early for lunch, it's not that big!

Posted by: Ben | Oct 14, 2005 7:33:35 AM

What about Paul's Place ?
St Marks Place ?
Best in lower manhattan

Posted by: Griff | Oct 14, 2005 9:10:50 AM

Schnack Schnack Schnack Schnack Schnack.

It's in Brooklyn, at Columbia and Union. I read about it last year, visited with my girlfriend, and have continued going back ever since.

Tiny burgers, cheaper than Pop Burger in Manhattan, classier than White Castle. So freakin worth it, I kid you not.

There's a second location at the Brooklyn Lyceum at 4th Avenue and President, but I don't recommend that one.

http://www.schnackdog.com

I guarantee you will enjoy the food.

Posted by: ryan | Oct 14, 2005 12:55:36 PM

I always maintained that Fanelli's on Mercer St had a superior burger to the Corner Bistro. A perfectly cooked medium-rare burger there would send out a geyser of juice on your first bite--and they had better fries. I'm sure things have changed is the 10 years since I've had a burger there, but maybe someone can back me. Williamsburg has 4 outstanding burgers: Lugar's, Relish (sublime fries), Diner (real fries), and the newcomer: Sweetwater tavern (on a buttered english muffin). All better than the C.B.--get over it!

Posted by: david | Oct 14, 2005 1:56:10 PM

Paul's! How did you leave out PAUL's?! Burgers the size of a brontosaurus heart that are so juicy you could eat them with a straw!

Posted by: Fenton | Oct 14, 2005 2:04:53 PM

Heights Cafe -- 84 Montague St., corner of Hicks -- in Brooklyn Heights, while totally under or off the radar, makes one of my favorite burgers. Though, for what it's worth, I find Corner Bistro pretty eh.

Posted by: winnie | Oct 18, 2005 7:14:45 AM

Yet another vote for Paul's Palace. I've been going there every since the place opened in... carry the two... 1988? Is that when it opened? Back when it was just Paul on the grill and Robin waiting tables...

When was the last time you had a really good burger? No I mean a really good burger.

Posted by: Glenn Hauman | Oct 19, 2005 3:13:42 PM

My favorite burgers in New York are at Café Loup (13th Street West of Sixth Avenue). All the burgers here are lovingly made by hand, unlike the frozen ones elsewhere in town. Also check out the Broome St. Bar at Broome and West Broadway, for a Seventies flashback. They serve their burgers in a pita. Best value in Soho!

Posted by: Monica Gagnier | Oct 26, 2005 1:24:45 PM

Well some of this depends on how you like your burger done. That being said I truly think that JG Melon is overrated. Jackson Hole which is just down the street (here on second avenue) is absolutely better.

I am not saying Jackson Hole is the best either just saying J.G. while good isn't really even the best on 2nd avenue.

Pete

Posted by: Pete | Nov 2, 2005 6:11:14 PM

A friend from Arizona likened the burgers at Shake Shack to those of In-and-Out Burger.

Posted by: L'Emmerdeur | Nov 3, 2005 2:02:16 PM

for good vegetarian food visit the candle cafe at 3rd and 75th or it's upscale cousin at 79th just east of lex

Posted by: jjj | Nov 10, 2005 12:02:12 PM

Nebraskas Steak House down on Stone St. There's nothing on tap. The bottles are expensive. The bartenders are hot. The burger is excellent. I'd say in the top five in the city. And it's about the only thing half affordable on the menu.

Posted by: T-Bird | Nov 10, 2005 5:34:32 PM

New York's definitely a burger town, given how many locations are mentioned to find the best burger...
I'll throw in another one, which I'd always prefer to Corner Bistro (yes, I said it):
[b]Big Nick's Burger and Pizza Joint[/b]
2175 Broadway, betw. 76th and 77th St, 24hrs
They have big, juicy, deliciously flame broiled paddies; also, what I believe to be the biggest burger in town, called the Sumo burger (1 pound of meat). Also, the atmosphere inside is NY at its realest. ;-)

Posted by: sammysoul | Nov 12, 2005 12:14:52 PM

love the list.... but where is chumleys, pj clarke's, and the old town bar and grill?

Posted by: robert | Nov 17, 2005 12:44:12 AM

Old Town !

fun place

I used to live around the corner from there -- great bar -- it was in the opening of the old Letterman show

I recall the burgers were good (the fries were great) -- but I haven't had 'em in years

Have to go back and revisit them

Posted by: Barry Ritholtz | Nov 17, 2005 8:18:21 AM

I think Kottke may be right for the most part. When I am in New York I usually order anything other than a burger.

However, while it may not be the best city for burgers in general, New york still has the BEST burger overall.

It is not a traditional hamburger, but the most incredible burger creation is at Bistro Moderne (west 44th).

"THE ORIGINAL db BURGER
Sirloin Burger Filled with Braised Short Ribs, Foie Gras and Black Truffles Served on a Parmesan Bun with Pommes Frites"

Better than anything in Los Angeles.

Posted by: Tony Rennert | Jan 30, 2006 11:11:49 AM

One of my favorites is/was Westville. They are somewhere in the W.Village, but they used to have a location on E.14th Street, just around the corner from me. In a cruel irony of fate, Westville closed the E 14th store and a vegetarian restaurant opened in its place. Why do they call it vegetarian when nearly every entree is made from soy, which isn't a vegetable and barely even qualifies as a food?

Posted by: Gary Johnson | Feb 1, 2006 4:20:48 PM

Don't forget about Burger Heaven!

Posted by: Dan Weber | Feb 3, 2006 9:37:12 PM

Don't forget about Burger Heaven!

Posted by: Dan Weber | Feb 3, 2006 9:37:14 PM

Boston, not New York, is the burger town.
Why? Flame grilled is the rule! In New York it's the exception. The result: New York is peppered with mediocre burger joints like Jackson Hole.

Posted by: Sal | Feb 15, 2006 5:37:46 PM

> Its also a great steak town, as well as a great
> Italian / French / Chinese / Sushi / nouvelle / wings / BBQ / Kosher town.

I always thought it was a great Pizza town!

Posted by: Wallace | Feb 23, 2006 11:35:49 AM

Have you tried Donovan's in Queens?
They were voted #1 out of 100 Burgers by Tiime out NY a couple years ago. It is definitely worth checking out.
MW

Posted by: MW | Mar 20, 2006 5:25:38 PM

As an ex-resident, I'd say the pizza and the Caribbean foods are the best, the other categories you mentioned are all pretty good with some definite caveats.

Except Chinese food. The Chinese food in NYC is god-awful. Don't get me started. There's a few places in Chinatown that are OK but even the well-regarded Chinese food in NYC is basically slop aimed at people who don't know any better, and yes that does include places with a Chinese clientel. Having also lived in China and California, I think I have some perspective on this.

Posted by: Jeff | Mar 22, 2006 3:06:02 AM

Lucky Burger corner of 5th st and A...Tiny shack...stand up and have a cheap backyard style burger...and you can get one at 4 am (maybe 5 on the weekends)

Posted by: Dan | Mar 27, 2006 8:05:48 PM

I hate to say it, but the Corner Bistro has gone steadily downhill over the past 3 years. I used to swear by it, but now they are bland and often cooked incorrectly. Even my die hard friends who have eaten there for years agree.

Posted by: Scott | Mar 28, 2006 2:15:08 PM

Blue Smoke on 27th between Lex and Park is known for its barbeque, but its burgers are far better than Corner Bistro. (I like some tase to go with juciness).

Posted by: Dennis | Apr 1, 2006 10:49:55 AM

Agreed that the bistro burger is the best. But for something a little different, try the bison burger at the Westside Brewing Co on Amsterdam and 76th. (comes served on an english muffin)

Posted by: Mike | Apr 10, 2006 5:14:13 PM

Need to back up the nom for Cafe Fanelli. The onion roll w/ the perfectly cooked burger makes it as good as it gets. Been weening myself off Corner Bistro the past few years after some disappointed. Also, can't leave Shake Shack off this during Spring/Summer season!

Posted by: Brian | Apr 22, 2006 9:14:44 PM

Sorry but Shake Shack in Madison Square Park deserves to be in the Top 5... I think it got slighted here b/c it is not located indoors or open year round.

There was a line of over 80-90 people waiting for a burger when this place after this placed opened up in March.

Posted by: Joe | Apr 27, 2006 11:53:22 AM

Joe, is there a taste of publicity in yr advice?

Posted by: Amateur | Apr 27, 2006 4:43:51 PM

OK, it's time to tamp down the myth of the shake shack burger. Long lines are simply a sign of the lemming effect. Lemming like lines. But it says nothing about the actual product; cf. Connecticut Muffin.

The SS Burger is decidedly average.

Posted by: Ramstone | May 4, 2006 4:49:51 PM

Dude, c'mon. Paul's. I mean ... a burger should not have some kind of funky roll. It should be a HAMBURGER ROLL. No weird sauce, or any of that. A burger is greasy with gooey cheese and is that perfectly medium rare plus.

Paul's. Say it with me ... Paul's.

Posted by: Brian | May 30, 2006 11:40:01 PM

Any reviews of Ben & Jack's burger yet?

Posted by: Phill | Jun 12, 2006 7:02:35 PM

P.J Clarke's should definitely get a mention. Not only are the burgers great but the french fries are better than mickey d's......and the shake shack is worth a try, the east coast version of in-and-out

Posted by: nick | Jun 24, 2006 7:27:41 AM

Let me join the chorus for Paul's.
I assume it's not on your list because you've never been there.
Go immediately or be square.
Shack is good too.
I've never tried the Corner Bistro despite walking by a zillion times.
I will go soon.

Posted by: Bill | Jul 5, 2006 5:53:28 PM

The most exceptionally delicious burger in NYC is at Wollensky's Grill, located on the 49th Street side of the famous restaurant. Try it. You'll love it.

Posted by: Mary | Jul 20, 2006 10:03:49 AM

shake shack is my favorite despite the long lines.

also dont forget about RARE, 2 locations.
excellent burgers. for mini's pop burger is pretty good too. and l'express on PAS does a pretty good one too.

Posted by: rickyroma | Aug 2, 2006 3:09:50 PM

Shake Shack.

Corner Bistro was my #1 for 14 years until I tried the Shake Shack burger. Now it's my #2, although I will agree that something's going on over there. Doesn't seem to be as good as in days of yore.

KMH

Posted by: KHeald | Aug 8, 2006 2:20:51 PM

I just moved to NYC over the summer, and reading all this great stuff about the Corner Bistro I headed over there.

IT WAS THE WORST HAMBURGER I'VE EVER HAD. The meat tasted ROTTEN. It crumbled like a salty cracker, the bun was all soggy. simply awful!!!! This could not possibly be the best NYC had to offer.. I was stumped...

Then the next week I went to Rare, and it was hands-down the best burger I've ever had. . kinda pricey though ($50/person with Duvel and fries).

Posted by: multiple_migs | Sep 25, 2006 10:16:37 PM

Try the Twisted Burger on 430 East 14th Street...its sort of like Island Burger.

Try the Blue Pig Burger or The Vermonter.

Posted by: CmS | Oct 3, 2006 7:40:58 AM

How could anyone omit Clarks?, 53rd & 3rd.
This is a New York type burger, best served rare, fat, and juicy. the burger is served on a hamburger bun.

The reader from Texas who wants his hamburger thin and well done must have grown up on Fast Food Burgers. Any customer asking for a well done steak at Peter Lugar's would have been tossed out by the original owner. Well done meat is for people who eat suspect meat. Try P. J. Clark's.

Posted by: Buster | Oct 14, 2006 9:36:30 AM

nice
http://www.skincareinfo.us

Posted by: skin care | Oct 25, 2006 3:31:34 PM

am staying downtown NYC at the waldorf. What's the best burger place? Where's the biggest burger in NYC?
Ty

Posted by: Ty | Nov 9, 2006 8:47:17 PM

Corner Bistro is definitely a contender and, should be held in consideration for any future Grilled Cheese Best Of lists!

Posted by: Ken | Dec 26, 2006 3:40:18 PM

Schnack is darn good. Corner Bistro is overrated and ordering a burger at Peter Lugers is like going to Caneray Row and ordering fish sticks. McHales, sadly, lost their lease last summer and is no more.

Posted by: sarge | Jan 17, 2007 12:12:42 AM

If you like the taste of a Slider (from White Castle), but want a burger to get two hands around, then you gotta go to All American Hamburger Stand. Yeah, it's not IN the city, but it IS in our "burbs", at the intersection of Merrick Road and Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Don't forget a large order of the fries because they're BETTER than the ones at Nathans in Coney Island; I kid you not. Trust me on this one!!!

Posted by: Ernie III | Mar 13, 2007 4:20:01 PM

Colliseum on 58th btwn 8th and 9th...great burger. Check it out.

Posted by: steve | Mar 14, 2007 11:41:32 AM

Yet another vote for Paul's. Best burger I've had in NYC (yes, better than Corner Bistro).

Posted by: AK | Mar 21, 2007 7:53:46 AM

The Half King on West 23rd and Harbour Lights down at the Seaport have great burgers!

Posted by: njnyctrader | Mar 28, 2007 9:53:31 PM

On Long Island also:

LI Cheeseburger on Merrick Road in Wantagh.

Posted by: JD | Apr 10, 2007 12:12:30 PM

Everyone loves Corner B! I love their grilled chese w/bacon, but I don't think their burger would be #1 in a blind taste test.
I think people are confusing the best burger with the best place to eat a burger.
It's cozy, unpretentious, great for watching a game, great for hanging with friends, cheap beers, cheap food, and most importantly you're probably buzzed and starved when the food gets to you. Of course you thought it was the best burger ever... you were hammered that night!

I like BLT Burger at the moment (6th ave, bet 11&12 st). Great milkshakes too.

Posted by: boobeanie | May 18, 2007 2:32:19 PM

Schnitzel King, in Brooklyn on Coney Island Ave. btwn. Ave. M & N, closer to N, has so-so Schnitzel, but a brilliant burger. Glatt Kosher, no less. Perhaps they should rename it Burger King. :] The bun could be much better, but the Bomba and King Burgers are still crowd pleasers. A wide variety of toppings range from the Middle-Eastern [grilled eggplant] to my favorites, cole slaw with pickles and BBQ sauce. I've heard they've opened a location on 3rd Ave. and 40th St. in Brooklyn.

Posted by: hen | Nov 18, 2007 11:10:15 PM

I'm surprised nobody said Teddy's in Williamsburg. They have tremendously excellent burgers! Big, juicy, and very charbroiled.

Posted by: Peter | Dec 23, 2007 2:46:47 PM

No, the K-Man is right. If you are in NYC and looking for a good burger - you lose.

Just fly out west, get an In-N-Out Double-Double and move on with your life.

Posted by: DJ | Jan 13, 2008 10:33:29 PM

Whatever happened to Ellen's on the East Side? If this does not ring any bells, bear in mind I last lived in NYC back in 1989. Egad! I'm old!

Posted by: Expat | Jan 16, 2008 2:25:48 AM

My long time favorite of the list you provided is JG Melons. But you should definately try Pauls Burgers (2nd and St marks) and Five Guys Burgers in Brooklyn Heights (Montague St). Five guys is a chain, but wow, they really got a good burger down, plus free peanuts while you wait!!!

Posted by: justin williams | Feb 10, 2008 2:12:07 PM

Wolfgang's in TriBeCa. Can't go wrong. No bacon, though. That's a bit of an issue. Only for lunch.

Posted by: Jon | Feb 10, 2008 3:03:25 PM

While working in Mid-town (6th and 51st) I have had a lot of burgers. The burger joint is by far the best in this area, but. Ted's Montana Grill is one place to get a good burger. I would like to see what other people think.

Posted by: G.T. Haley | Feb 17, 2008 4:32:07 PM

Old Town burgers are FUCKING AWESOME. That place has been around since the 1800's and has a great vibe too.

Go there TOMORROW, get a burg and 15 beers, then stumble home a happy man to watch cable porn and Golf channel. You'll thank yourself for it.

Posted by: Donny W | Mar 6, 2008 10:47:00 PM

Prune, 54 E 1st St (b/n 1st & 2nd Ave)
Lamb-&-beef burger an English muffin...

Posted by: mUrIU | Mar 19, 2008 1:59:12 PM

Burger Joint @ Le Meridien making this list, plus other lists of best burgers in NYC pretty much proves NY isn't a burger town. If you think they're good you haven't had a decent burger.

Posted by: Richard | Mar 26, 2008 6:21:23 AM

A BIG second up to Big Nick's Burger Joint on the Upeer West Side:
2175 Broadway, betw. 76th and 77th St's.

100% Black Angus Sirloin burgers, in 2 sizes: big and ridiculous.
Not to mention, their menu is like a small novel. You'll be amazed what they can do in such a tiny kitchen dive. Name a type of burger or toppings, and your apt to get it.

Also serves an excellent breakfast (all day/night) and tons of other things.. Italian and Greek specialties most notably.

I've travelled around the country eating different burgers and I'll put Big Nick's above any of em... California and Texas hotspots included. There's only one
"Burger Joint" in New York and it sure aint that overpriced tourist trap in Le Meridien.

You aint lived til you try these burgers amigo. Trust me.

Posted by: Daze | Apr 9, 2008 3:59:34 PM

I have to agree with Jason, NYC is just not a burger town. But hey, it is NYC, so you'll find good food of every kind if you look hard enough. That said, I would add two of my favorites to your excellent list: BRGR (on 7th between 27th & 26th or so) and Stand on 12th or 13th off of Union Square. They are both awesome. Both are more of your 'gourmet' style burger, but still damn good.

Corner Bistro and Luger's also both rock.

Oh, and while I like the Burger Joint at the Meridian, it is soooo over-rated in my estimation. Don't get me wrong. It's decent, but no better than any average dinner burger in the midwest is. It's a couple blocks from my apartment, so I have eaten there many times and I like it, but it's just ok.

Posted by: Mark | Apr 24, 2008 4:49:47 PM