Burger-Town

Someone recently asked me what was the best burger in NYC. Now, I do not claim to be an expert but I did think about it and here's my list of the Top 5 SO FAR. That is, I will be adding to it as time continues. Also, this isn't a ranking so much as the 5 that float around my constantly hungry head.

1.) The Stand (12th Street and University Place)

Price: $12-18

My choice: Mushroom Burger with Swiss Cheese.

All the burgers here at The Stand are pretty darn tasty. I have a slight weakness to mushrooms so this was my choice but the juicy patty, the toasted ciabatta and the odd-looking yellow sauce on the side makes for a very complete and very fulfilling meal. Also, each burger comes with a couple slices of deep-fried pickles. MMMMMM.

Accompaniment of choice: Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake.

You. Have. To. Try. This.

2.) BLT Burger (11th street and 6th avenue)

Price $15-20

My choice: Standard cheese burger

BLT has made a pretty good name for itself through out the city so BLT burger providing decent meat-in-a-bun is no real surprise. Simple, succulent and somehow gone within minutes. Thumbs up for this tidy little spot. The fact that they have a Peanut Butter and Jelly milkshake helps too.

Accompaniment of choice: PB&J Milkshake

Really? You had to ask?

3.) Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)

Price: $15-18

My choice: Shack Stack

"I'm a huge fan of the Shack Stack and I don't even eat meat." My girlfriend is a hardcore vegetarian and I gotta say, making a mushroom cap taste this good has to be due to one of two things: 1) Divine influence or 2) Crack cocaine. Maybe it's just good burger making but whatever it is, I will definitely go back for another one. And another one. And another one...

Accompaniments: Cheese fries

After waiting for at least a @#%&-ing hour, you better get something else to make the experience last longer. Cheese fries on a breezy Fall day? Fer-Pection.

4.) Corner Bistro (Somewhere on Jane Street)

Price:$10-12

My choice: Classic Burger

The cheapest on this list does not make it bad. AT ALL. Not as filling as the other members on this list, the Corner Bistro burger is still pretty darn good. The smokiness of the flavor and the sheer simplicity of it all makes this subtle yet unforgettable. And they manage to char the burger perfectly so you get that feeling that it's just off a grill even if you are sitting in a bar in the West Village.

Accompaniments: French Fries

5.) Pop Burger (Meatpacking District)

Price: $10-15

My choice: ???

Okay, this one is kinda cheating. Not that I don't think the burgers are great. It's that... For the life of me, I can't remember what I had. Since it was about 3:30 in the morning and there was a flock of Grey Geese in the air that night, you have to give me a break here.

I just remember it was AMAZING.

Accompaniments: Ummmm... Not sure.

Just try everything and let me know what you think.

Wish list:

There are a couple of other places I would like to try for their fabled burgers. Let me know what you think or if you've been!

1) JG Mellon- Upper East Side

2) Peter Luger- Williamsburg, Brooklyn

3) Burger Joint- Le Parker Meridien

4) Mark- St. Mark's place

Any other suggestions? Shoot me a comment!

Good Eatin,

Your Hungry Asian