New York's Best Burgers?

New York's Best Burgers? Here's What You Say: Richard Vines
2008-02-25 03:21 (New York)

By Richard Vines
Feb. 25 (Bloomberg) -- What does Bloomberg's London food critic do when he steps off the plane at JFK? He heads for Manhattan's burger joints and then tells New Yorkers what's best. Well, that's what I did. What I didn't do was risk admitting that some of my own favorite burger places are in London. And I didn't suggest that British chefs are a match for Americans. That might have been going a step too far. Nevertheless, my burger roundup seemed to have hit a gastronomical nerve. It was one of the most-read stories on the Bloomberg for Feb. 21, eclipsing such reports as a U.S. missile hitting a spy satellite, the latest saga of Societe Generale SA and tax evasion in Germany. And readers -- lots of them -- were quick to offer their own opinions. Here's some of that feedback:

``You are out of your mind: the Burger Joint burgers (similar to the Shake Shack) get all their reputation from being served in a cool location. The actual burgers are mediocre at best. I 100 percent agree with all your other recommendations though so please keep them coming.'' -- Andy Devries, New York.

``I would also check out Island Burgers and Shakes (51st and 9th Ave.). Huge variety of burgers, top quality meat and fantastic milkshakes (try the black & white). No fries, though, which is a bummer.'' -- Mark Rosen, New York.

``Next time you want a burger in NYC, try JG Melon's (74th and 3rd Ave.). Great classic version.'' -- Craig Bergstrom, New York.

``I think you should try the Electric Cinema in Portobello Road, London. They do REALLY great burgers, the best I have ever tasted.'' -- Stuart Colley, London.

``Too bad I live in Paris, and no one's ever thought of discovering and publishing the best burger joints here.'' -- Marc Nasser, Paris.

``What you left out: Jackson Hole. Very good and one of the best in the city: BLT Burger on 12th and 6th Ave. Well, tied with Corner Bistro.'' -- David Nowakowski, White Plains, New York.

``Did you get a chance to try the burger at Resto?'' Thomas Rein, New York.

``Five Guys only cooks meat one way -- well done, hockey-puck style. Get it to me rare!'' -- Kim Fonseca, West Palm Beach, Florida.

``I think you missed one that is a special treat, Daddy-O's. That bar in the West Village serves not only the best burger I have ever had, but also Tater Tots on the side!'' -- Robert Bacon, Stamford, Connecticut.

``You forgot JG Melon's.'' -- Joshua Greenwald, New York.

``I think you nailed it, especially the Corner Bistro. But why no love for Dire Straits? What could be better with a nice burger than some chill tunes?'' -- Dan Green, New York.

``Great article, although they didn't even have beer when I was last at DB Bistro Moderne so you couldn't even have a cold beer with your `burger.' I think they should call it something
else because it's not really a true burger with all that fancy jazz. Also, someone should try to copy In and Out Burgers and open one in New York, animal-style.'' -- A. Cooper, New York.

(Richard Vines is the London food critic for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

--Editor: William Ahearn, Jim Ruane.