May is many things, but to the food-obsessed world that enjoys any munch-centered occasion, May is NATIONAL BURGER MONTH. Oh yes, an entire month to revel in the juiciest meal between two buns. Here are 10 to keep you noshing all month long. Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer
1. JG Melon (no website) 1291 Third Avenue nr. 74th St.
The best burger in the Big Apple, period. Old school, classic and consistent. Everything from the homey pub atmosphere to the cheap prices to the literally mouthwatering (read:drool-inducing) burger is spot on at this Upper East Side spot. There is something about the simple griddle-cooked beef, American cheese, sliced red onions, dill pickles, and toasted white bun with cottage fries that is unrivaled by all the fancy burgers around town. I'm not the only one who knows what deliciousness JG is serving up - expect a wait.
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| Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern Photo: Yelp |
2. Minetta Tavern 113 MacDougal Street nr. Bleecker St. I love sitting at the bar at Minetta Tavern chatting it up with tourists, regulars and Mark, the coolest bartender in town. More than anything, though I love sitting at the bar with Minetta's infamous Black Label burger placed right in front of me. The price is steep, given its $26 price tag, but the first bite alone will justify the cost. This burger is all about the quality - prime dry-aged beef patty drizzled in clarified butter and topped with caramelized onions. Combine these ingredients inside a sesame seed brioche bun and you've got yourself a burger that is otherworldly.
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| The Spotted Pig Photo: Flickr |
3. The Spotted Pig 314 W. 11th Street nr. Greenwich St.
The Spotted Pig started off as a neighborhood place but it's short-lived under-the-radar status has long diminished, and the burger is partially to blame. For $20, sink your teeth into this super juicy burger topped with creamy Roquefort cheese. I hope you like French fries too because you'll have to search underneath all the shoestrings to find your burger. I promise it's worth the occasional 2+ hour wait.
4. The Toucan and the Lion 342 East 6th Street nr. 1st Ave. Go ahead and be skeptical at the list of ingredients in this burger- I admit I was too, but that's what got me to try the amazingness between two bao buns in the first place. Just think; a patty smothered in creamy cashew nut butter and topped with applewood smoked bacon with fried pickles to boot. Yes there's a lot going on there, but somehow the sweet and salty combo works. And it works in the most delicious way possible.
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| El Doble Burger at Txikito Photo: Yelp |
5. Txikito 240 9th Avenue nr. 25th St. Don't get fooled by the minimalistic and simple décor at Txikito because the "El Doble" burger is bursting with flavor. Come in hungry because this burger gives you not just one but two meaty patties, topped with a smokey Basque sheep's milk cheese and "salsa especial." For $11, you get the most untraditional yet successful burger in town. It's only available for brunch and lunch, so plan this into your afternoon schedule and plan for a siesta immediately after.
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| Shopsin's Sliders Photo: Roboppy.net |
6. Shopsins Stall 16, Essex Street Market, 120 Essex Stret nr. Delancey St. Sure, you might get yelled at or even kicked out, but Shopsin's sliders are worth the risk. Order three incredible sliders oozing with cheese and caramelized onions for a measly $10. I recommend eating them as is, but if you wish to add toppings, you can chose from chipotle, jalapeno and bacon for $3 or pixie stix, fried onions, and mac & cheese for $4. Don't want the soft and sweet potato roll bun? You must be nuts. But don’t fret, you can get your sliders served on mini mac n' cheese pancakes or cinnamon donuts for an additional $5.
wEE Recommendations at Shopsins: Check out the menu before you go because you'll need to order fast, don't bring more than four people, and whatever you do, don't use your cell phone. You have been warned.
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| Lamb burger & fries at The Breslin Photo: Eatery Expert |
7. The Breslin 16 West 29th Street nr. Broadway
I'm a sucker for presentation, but this burger could be served on a paper napkin and I'd still crave it just as much. The $21 chargrilled lamb burger at the Breslin comes standing tall on a wood plank, with a round tin full of "thrice cooked" chips aka awesomely fried but not greasy French fries, and a housemade cumin mayo for dipping or spreading. The gamey burger is exceptionally juicy which is perfect given the thick bun ideal for soaking up the drippings. A slice of feta tops the lamb burger and is a surprisingly pleasant alternative to other cheese options, giving the burger the perfect amount of salty creaminess.
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| The Juicy Lucy at Whitmans Photo: Yelp |
8. Whitmans 406 East 9th Street nr. Ave. A
Have you met my best friend Lucy yet? If not, it's about time! I introduce you to the Juicy Lucy, hailing from Minneapolis. This burger concept is as delicious as it is fun - the pimento cheese is cooked inside rather than on top of the beef-short rib blended patty. Expect oozing deliciousness with every single bite. Beyond oozing cheese, you also get carmalized onions, spicy pickles, lettuce, tomato and a special, signature sauce all inside a bun from Blue Ribbon (another EE favorite!) for $10. Think lava cake, but in burger form.
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| Bacon Cheeseburger at Little Owl Photo: Yelp |
9. The Little Owl 90 Bedford Street nr. Bedford St.
Available only at lunch, the maple-cured bacon cheeseburger at The Little Owl is a homerun. The succulent patty is a unique blend of short-rib and brisket spiced up with cayenne and curry powder. It pairs perfectly with the sweet bacon and cheddar cheese all served in a buttery housemade bun. Oh how I wish this burger was on the dinner menu!
10. Lyon 118 Greenwich Avenue nr. 13th St.
It's possible if you don't frequent the streets of the West Village you haven't seen or heard of this casual french bistro, but the succulent and salty burger at Lyon is a true gem and in time, will put it on many a burger lover's radar. The bouchon cheeseburger comes topped with caramelized onions, chipotle mayo and your choice of cheese (cheddar, fontina, gruyere). wEE recommend gruyere!
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