New York's Best Burgers

Pop Burger shares space with a lounge, but head straight for the counter; prices there are half of what you'll pay in the back. The menu isn't extensive, but you know … what you're there for. Burgers come with a layer of Russian dressing that's their own answer to McDonald's special sauce. [link]

The burgers at Royale are meaty diamonds hidden in a sports bar rough. Royale exists as any sports bar does, despite its downtown location; the decor consists mainly of … beer adverts, the TVs screen show night's top games, and the crowd (with the exception of a few burger enthusiasts) is more interested in the plays than the food. Royale is a place where medium rare still means something, and perfectly charred patties amaze on buttery brioche buns. [link]

Goodburger's charm is as its name advertises, though it's by no means a leisurely experience (due to the cramped seating area and the rapid-fire orders). A visit … delivers a high-quality hamburger in minimal time. Add on a whole pickle, side of fries, and a milkshake, and you've got some heavenly park bench cuisine. There's another location on 2nd Avenue and 43rd Street. [link]

A visit to Burger Joint is an experience in juxtapositions. Push aside a heavy curtain in the lobby of the elegant Le Parker Meridien hotel, and you'll find a … vinyl-covered greasy spoon, a site worthy of a visit by that virtue alone. But there's another secret hidden here -- you can chow down on the same burger Parker Meridien guests pay $20 for via room service. For a ballroom burger at a living room price, you can't beat this place. [link]

Corner Bistro's burger takes the prize for serving up the heartiest burger for an amazingly reasonable price. Six fitty buys you eight ounces of perfection, piled high … with cheese and raw onions. Whether you eat at the classic "old New York" bar or at a table, make sure you grab that paper plate with both hands, because that's quite a load you're haulin'. [link]

Dumont is famous for two dishes: their buttery burgers served on brioche buns and their creamy, sharp "DuMac & Cheese." The amazing flavor and sturdy construction of … these heavy-duty burgers offer stiff competition to the restaurant's other comfort food. [link]

The French restaurant in Fort Greene packs the patrons in with their $10 Tuesday night all you can eat mussels, but the real power player of their menu is a hamburger. … Actually, it's a spicy lamb burger with goat cheese. If other meats besides beef are allowed to vie for spot on the list, than this one is surely deserving. [link]

For the health-conscious burger lover, Better Burger is a haven of delicious burgers and wise decisions. Workers cook beef, chicken and turkey burgers in such a way as to … drain our excess fat. Noshers can even afford to pile on Better Burger's own version of McDonald's special sauce; it's made with Muir Glen tomatoes and vegannaise. They have two other locations in Midtown and Murray Hill. [link]

Few dare to order a lowly burger from Brooklyn's famous steakhouse, but those who do are (often) handsomely rewarded. Eschewing ground beef for porterhouse, the quality … of beef surpasses the average burger. Served on a large sesame seed bun with a slice of raw onion and fries, the burgers are simply amazing here, on par with the steaks for sure. Consider ordering medium rather than the medium-rare usually recommended for high-quality cuts, as the burgers are sometimes undercooked. [link]

The Shake Shack stand in Madison Square Park is a NYC institution. Closed throughout the winter, its opening in April is a local holiday, prompting extra, extra long … lines and countless blog posts on the subject. The burgers here are unpretentiously delicious, thumbing their meaty noses at their snooty, more gourmet NYC brethren. Wrapped in wax paper, they're perfect on the go or for eating at one of the tables in the park. [link]

Blue 9 takes the cake for best in show for the fast food burger category. The burgers are always made fresh and cooked to order, never from frozen patties. Freshness … seems to be the motivation for everything at the big blue, from the fries to the potato wedges, and comparisons to In-n-Out are inevitable. If you pay a visit, try the creamy mango chili sauce. [link]