Veselka Has a Burger You'll Continue to Crave the Next Day
Posted by Nick Solares, November 20, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Having to review a burger a week is both an honor and a privilege, but it also means that I am not necessarily eating for pleasure. Such was not the case two nights ago when I ventured back to Veselka for a late night bite. Since I am off to the UK today, I thought a burger might make a good send off meal—I could not have chosen a better place to get it than Veselka.
The burger, which I should note (before he sends of irate missives to the management) is one of Josh "Mr Cutlets" Ozersky's favorites, and is, as I reported back in August, "balanced in all parameters—texture, size, flavor." My enthusiasm has only grown since this recent burger; it was even juicer and more flavorful than when I last ate it. Just look at the torrents of juices that emanated from the patty! In fact, as I type this I can think of nothing else. Now that is the sign of a great burger. Bravo, Veselka: You have not rested on your laurels—the burger is better than ever.
Veselka
144 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (corner of East 9th Street; map)
212-228-9682 veselka.com
I can't stand that burger. Probably the only bad burger recommendation I have had from this site. I went with about 5 people and we all couldn't believe the press it gets. I followed up with some other notable burger fanatics in the city and was glad to hear that they agreed...It sucks.
I've tried to enjoy the Veselka burger but cannot, and have to agree with BL above. I want the burger you had! Go for the veal goulash. I love the Old Town Bar burger, but (and I rarely order burgers this way) get it medium for deep flavor.
Although I would prefer mine cooked a little more, that must be one hell of a tasty burger. When one can enjoy a burger with nothing more than the meat, cheese, and bun, it says a lot . (To those that got upset with me in the other reviews, did I do better that time fellas? :-( )
Not meaning to go off topic, but I must comment...
"I prefer griddle-cooked burgers, the one here makes a compelling case for charbroiling."
I am a huge fan of charcoal grilling, and love to make my own BBQ. I used to say a burger off a charcoal grill can't be beat. No way. no how.
A few weeks ago I decided to use my cast iron skillet to make burgers with a recipe mentioned on another site. I was going for that thin patty double with cheese. What I ended up making, was burger similar to one I saw on Diners, Dives, and Drive Inns. The one with cheese forming a round crust after covering and steaming everrything.
I swear that burger blew every burger I ever had away. All tht was needed was the burger, cheese, and bun. Anything else ruined it. I am not sure if you can call a cast iron skillet cooked burger "griddle-cooked", but by God, I am a changed man. I'll still make burgers on the grill, but I'm not sure I can top what I did that day. I even made it that way again to make sure, and the results were the same.
Was excited to try this as it is on Top 10 lists. It is a far cry from belonging on any 'best of' list. Plenty of gristle and I'm still burping it up six hours later. Plenty of other good eats there -- do yourself a favor and pass on the burger.
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11 Comments:
I can't stand that burger. Probably the only bad burger recommendation I have had from this site. I went with about 5 people and we all couldn't believe the press it gets. I followed up with some other notable burger fanatics in the city and was glad to hear that they agreed...It sucks.
burgerluver at 2:44PM on 11/20/08
I was there two nights ago too- maybe I sat near you. I, too, love Veselka and they make a damn good egg cream to boot.
-Guttergourmet
guttergour at 3:04PM on 11/20/08
I haven't had the burger but I don't think I'd ever get one there. Its a waste with so much Ukrainian goodness on the menu.
bobbob at 3:05PM on 11/20/08
I've tried to enjoy the Veselka burger but cannot, and have to agree with BL above. I want the burger you had! Go for the veal goulash. I love the Old Town Bar burger, but (and I rarely order burgers this way) get it medium for deep flavor.
johngreek at 3:13PM on 11/20/08
I had this burger once. It was awesome!
For the non-lovers, what was wrong with your burger?
Robyn Lee at 3:22PM on 11/20/08
Yeah, for real, i'd like to hear about these burger fanatics who don't love Veselka. It's great.
Prairie at 1:46AM on 11/21/08
That burger is usually hit-or-miss with me. That one looks like a hit.
Hamburger America at 8:50AM on 11/21/08
I've only had the burger once, and when I did it was overcooked and the bun was far to charred. I agree with HA, this one indeed looks like a hit.
blt76 at 9:45AM on 11/21/08
Although I would prefer mine cooked a little more, that must be one hell of a tasty burger. When one can enjoy a burger with nothing more than the meat, cheese, and bun, it says a lot . (To those that got upset with me in the other reviews, did I do better that time fellas? :-( )
Not meaning to go off topic, but I must comment...
"I prefer griddle-cooked burgers, the one here makes a compelling case for charbroiling."
I am a huge fan of charcoal grilling, and love to make my own BBQ. I used to say a burger off a charcoal grill can't be beat. No way. no how.
A few weeks ago I decided to use my cast iron skillet to make burgers with a recipe mentioned on another site. I was going for that thin patty double with cheese. What I ended up making, was burger similar to one I saw on Diners, Dives, and Drive Inns. The one with cheese forming a round crust after covering and steaming everrything.
I swear that burger blew every burger I ever had away. All tht was needed was the burger, cheese, and bun. Anything else ruined it. I am not sure if you can call a cast iron skillet cooked burger "griddle-cooked", but by God, I am a changed man. I'll still make burgers on the grill, but I'm not sure I can top what I did that day. I even made it that way again to make sure, and the results were the same.
Raiders757 at 8:10PM on 11/21/08
I take back my comment above. I had the Veselka burger again the other day. Ordered rare it came out just like Nick's, and it was superb.
blt76 at 10:02AM on 12/01/08
Was excited to try this as it is on Top 10 lists. It is a far cry from belonging on any 'best of' list. Plenty of gristle and I'm still burping it up six hours later. Plenty of other good eats there -- do yourself a favor and pass on the burger.
BPstyler at 8:40PM on 09/13/09