Is there anything better than an ice-cold beer and a big burger with melty cheese? Maybe. But, for me, there usually isn't. I live and breathe burgers — they are the perfect affordable, anytime meal. You can brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night munch on this all-American delicacy (yes, I'll eat one with a fried egg in the early morning hours, what of it?).
And what better place to do that than in NYC? The city that never sleeps has certainly had ample time to perfect its grilling, topping, and bun-ing game. So I've rounded up a few of my favorite burger joints in the Big Apple — and since there are quite a few juicy options, I'll be updating this story regularly with can't-miss spots.
Corner Bistro
Tucked away in the West Village, this establishment is far from a bistro; it's a bar, darkly lit and buzzing. This is your ultimate anytime spot to grab a beer and a damn good burger. The classic Bistro Burger costs $10.75 and comes served on a paper plate with bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and sliced pickles. No frills, all flavor.
Corner Bistro, 331 West 4th Street (at Jane Street); 212-242-9502.
Photo: Via @partyfartman.
Bar Sardine
The Fedora burger at Bar Sardine is everything you want and more. The scene is small, chic, and comfortable — and the burger is uniquely and undeniably delicious: served on a pressed potato bun with smoked cheddar cheese, special BBQ mayo, thinly sliced pickles, and onions, all topped with crispy shoestring fries.
Bar Sardine, 183 W. 10th Street (at 7th Avenue); 646-360-3705.
Photo: Via @gothamburgersocialclub.
JG Melon
A true New York classic, the JG Melon burger is not messing around with fancy sauces and toppings. This perfect pile of bacon and melty cheddar on a bun is served up in a casual, checkered-cloth setting.
JG Melon, 89 Macdougal Street (at Bleecker Street); 212-460-0900.
Photo: Via @mollytavoletti.
Wilma Jean
If you've never been to Brooklyn, go now. Wilma Jean's double bacon burger smothered in secret sauce and pimento cheese is the stuff dreams are made of. The sesame bun is pillowy and slightly toasted and the patties are charred to perfection. This Carroll Gardens joint is casual, friendly, and worth the trek.
Wilma Jean, 345 Smith Street (at Carroll Street) in Brooklyn; 718-422-0444.
Photo: Via @rgkuzma.
Emily
Don't be fooled by the pizza-focused menu at Emily; this burger is legendary. Served on none other than a buttery pretzel bun, the Fleisher's patties are lovingly pressed together with melty Grafton cheddar and adorned with caramelized onions, secret sauce, and pickles. The $26 price tag is well worth the investment — it's decadent.
Emily, 919 Fulton Street (at Waverly Avenue) in Brooklyn; 347-844-9588.
Photo: Via @gothamburgersocialclub.
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