Top 5: Nick Solares' Favorite Burgers in New York City
Posted by Nick Solares, October 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Note: Today we're introducing a new feature where we ask burger-loving food reviewers from major cities around the country what their favorite local burgers are. Starting with the AHT crew, here are the top burgers from our New York City-based correspondent, Nick Solares.
"Anyone who doesn't think that their home town has the best hamburger place in the world is a sissy."—Calvin Trillin
As much as I hate top lists, I can understand the value of them. Indeed, when I travel I invariably consult a list or two to get ideas on where to eat. But I understand that all lists are invariable flawed because how can anyone possibly try every hamburger (or pizza, or hot dog) in a particular city? Here is my top 5 list, not of the best burgers in the city but of my favorite burgers in the city.
1. Minetta Tavern: The $26 Black Label burger is made from dry aged ribeye. Unlike prior efforts at constructing the ultimate hamburger that involve using extraneous ingredients such as foie gras, the Black Label blend from Pat La Frieda is an earnest attempt to elevate the hamburger experience while staying true to the fundamentals of burger-craft. [Review] 9 Minetta Street, New York NY 10012 (map); 212-475-3850; minettatavernny.com
2. Shopsin's: When Josh Ozersky named Shopsin's sliders the best in America I remember Kenny calling him an "a-hole" and following it up by stating that he had "bad breath." I expect to be spared no quarter for calling Kenny's not only my favorite sliders in the city, but also one of my favorite hamburgers anywhere. [Review] 120 Essex Street, New York NY 10002 (map); 212-924-5160; shopsins.com
3. Shake Shack: I order my burgers commando style at the Shack—no cheese or anything else. The beef is so superb, the bun so perfectly executed that the burger needs nothing else. [Review] Madison Ave and East 23rd Street, New York NY 10010 (map); 212-889-6600; shakeshacknyc.com
4. HB Burger: Newcomer to the burger wars HB Burger serve a hamburger with the most impressive crust I have ever had. Add to that a juicy, flavorful patty and a classic potato roll, and the result is one of my favorite burgers. [Review] 127 West 43rd Street, New York NY 10036; map); 212-575-5848; hbburger.com
5. J. G. Melon: A classic burger that has stood the test of time. [Review] 1291 Third Avenue, New York NY 10021 (map); 212-744-0585
I totally agree on the Shake Shack commando call - the quality of the ingredients really sings when you give it a straight shot. Plus, more money for that concrete!
I write about the Minetta Black Label on my blog basically once a week, at minimum. Some say I am a bit obsessed. I've actually got a rezzie for friday night so that I can enjoy some of that goodness that Lee is crankin' out.
I put JG melon number 2, only because I have sentimental attachment to that place, and it was my all-time favorite in the city prior to having the BL at minetta.
The other three can fall out from there as they may, but I must say that the UWS shake shack location increased my personal consumption by about 1500%.
@pastry262 I have nothing but admiration for Joey Campanaro and his cooking. However, I confined my list to burgers that I have formally reviewed so that the reader might have a fuller picture of my opinion. On the one occasion that I tried a Little Owl burger it was cooked medium which is far beyond my preferred temperature. Also the burger has bacon on it which I do not care for.
I think Nick needs to get to the little owl. Joey will make him the rare burger he loves this time. I'd also be interested in seeing if Bill's makes the list, either with the standard Bill's burger or the Fatcat, which I got to try yesterday and which was sort of an overwhelming experience.
On the whole I agree with this list, except for JG Melon, which is actually a pretty poor product. Nick has a sentimental spot for old time places the same way I do but I don't think their burger can compete with the ones he lists. (Nor for that matter can PJ Clark's, Molly's, Donovan's, etc.)
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12 Comments:
Minetta Taverns Black Label Burger & Shake Shacks Shack Stack are on my must hit lists when I visit NY.
jojoprice at 12:39PM on 10/13/09
Geez, now I'm drooling all over my keyboard. Thanks, Nick.
klg19 at 2:10PM on 10/13/09
I totally agree on the Shake Shack commando call - the quality of the ingredients really sings when you give it a straight shot. Plus, more money for that concrete!
James Boo at 3:30PM on 10/13/09
I write about the Minetta Black Label on my blog basically once a week, at minimum. Some say I am a bit obsessed. I've actually got a rezzie for friday night so that I can enjoy some of that goodness that Lee is crankin' out.
I put JG melon number 2, only because I have sentimental attachment to that place, and it was my all-time favorite in the city prior to having the BL at minetta.
The other three can fall out from there as they may, but I must say that the UWS shake shack location increased my personal consumption by about 1500%.
burgerblogger at 4:19PM on 10/13/09
Shopsin's and Shake Shack are on my list too. WOOHOO. The only reason the other ones aren't is because I haven't eaten them yet.
Robyn Lee at 4:37PM on 10/13/09
I'm kind of surprised not to see The Little Owl's burger on your list, as that seems to be on the top of many lists.
pastry262 at 9:17PM on 10/13/09
@pastry262 I have nothing but admiration for Joey Campanaro and his cooking. However, I confined my list to burgers that I have formally reviewed so that the reader might have a fuller picture of my opinion. On the one occasion that I tried a Little Owl burger it was cooked medium which is far beyond my preferred temperature. Also the burger has bacon on it which I do not care for.
Nick Solares at 1:14AM on 10/14/09
I think Nick needs to get to the little owl. Joey will make him the rare burger he loves this time. I'd also be interested in seeing if Bill's makes the list, either with the standard Bill's burger or the Fatcat, which I got to try yesterday and which was sort of an overwhelming experience.
jozersky at 9:25AM on 10/14/09
On the whole I agree with this list, except for JG Melon, which is actually a pretty poor product. Nick has a sentimental spot for old time places the same way I do but I don't think their burger can compete with the ones he lists. (Nor for that matter can PJ Clark's, Molly's, Donovan's, etc.)
jozersky at 9:27AM on 10/14/09
Thoughts about Old Town Bar's burger? Maybe just because it's near my office, but they do a great one at the bar.
UpperWesterner at 10:16AM on 10/14/09
I have had all of these burgers and you are high off your ass if you don't think Shake Shack is the BEST burger in the universe.
wiley at 3:08PM on 10/14/09
glad to see HB in there...i was afriad i was the only one who dug their burger. they get mucho points for using the potato roll too!
Goner at 1:21PM on 11/05/09