Red Coat Tavern, Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI (north of Detroit). Low fat Piedmontese burger.

Zinc, Orchard Lake Road, W. Bloomfield, MI

P. J. Clarke's (haven't been in 10 years)

Harry's Bar, Venice. (20 years ago-you pay for the view)

Last edited by stylestudent (2007-03-06 11:37:53)

Funny you should ask.  As a burger "connoisseur" (cognoscento?), I always have an eye out for the very best burger in NYC, and I do believe I found the burger that surpasses all others, coincidentally, today:  Mangia, a rather pricey (but well worth it) take-out food purveyor on 57th St., between Fifth & Sixth Aves.  I've been going to Mangia for years and today, quite by accident, learned they do burgers, and, indeed, just finished scoffing it down.  It is the size of a manhole cover, absolutely fresh, grilled to perfection, on a grilled kaiser roll (not the lame buns served by the much-hyped Parker Meridien Hotel), served with 3 huge tomatoe slices, Bermuda onion slices, and a kick-ass Kosher pickle (also, in contrast to the $5 burger served by the Parker Meridien, with no trimmings whatsoever).  All for $7.95.  It's not on their daily take-out menu, so you need to request it.  I have to restrain myself from going back today for another one.

This blog on hamburgers (yes, there is such a thing), coincidentally, highlights the best-burger listing in New York magazine...

http://www.ahamburgertoday.com/

Shake Shack (in Madison Square Park, reopening near the end of March. The burger is not the best but still pretty good for elevated “fast food.” Good balance between meat and bun. Crinkle fries are likely frozen, could be better. Good hot dogs, shakes, etc., and they serve booze, albeit ludicrously overpriced. Lines are insane so best avoided during the week, especially between 12-2pm)
Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien (I like the burgers better here than Shake Shack. Similar problem with lines though. Go on a weekend at like 3-4pm. Portions for sodas, shakes, etc., are smaller than at Shake Shack. Fries are smaller, cut straight, and seasoned better than Shake Shack's.)
P.J. Clarke's (classic – make sure you get a beer)
Corner Bistro (ditto)
JG Melon (ditto)
BLT Burger (better than the reviews)
Union Square Cafe (lunch – great service and very good fries, both of which are too often an afterthought)
Delmonico's (massive burger. Slow service. Expensive – only go if you can bill it to a client/expense account.)
Bobby Van's (ditto)
Bull & Bear (good meat, good fries, good portions. Expensive.)
‘21’ (have not been as often as I’d like because I prefer for other people to pay )
Rare Bar and Grill (huge selection of burgers and beers)

I am basically indifferent to:
Burger Heaven
Most diners (prefer breakfast food at these kinds of places)
Johnny Rockets
goodburger
Junior’s

Burgers that are talked about but which I don't recommend:
Better Burger (too dry, attempting to be "healthy")
New York Burger Co. (prices are too high for the “fast food” atmosphere)
Blue 9 Burger (pale imitation of In-n-Out)
Jackson Hole (too big and sloppy)
Big Nick's (okay but a greasy, fetid atmosphere that does not inspire confidence; if you must try, get it delivered)
PopBurger (for vile Meatpacking drunks only)
Silver Spurs (do not order this from Seamless if you work downtown - you will receive cold, sloppy, flavorless grey mystery meat and they will find a way to fuck up your milkshake, too)

I need to try:
Peter Luger (only available at lunch, and it’s in Williamsburg…hmm…)
DuMont (also in Williamsburg)
DB Bistro Moderne (not on my own dime though, heh)
brgr
Stand
Burgers & Cupcakes
The Stoned Crow
zipburger
67 burger (Ft. Greene)

There are so many more burgers to eat and talk about but these are just my preliminary thoughts.

If in Hartford:


Shady Glen
Manchester, Connecticut either on Middle Turnpike East (44) or in town at the Parkade.

the cheeseburger is impressive and unique to the restaurant, and the place sticks to its original 50s look and fare without becoming a theme restaurant.  Also great shakes and ice cream, they have their own, which one can also buy by the quart and half gallon.

The "Plan B" Burger Bar in West Hartford is good as well.


They say Lou's in New Haven invented the American burger.

Last edited by Coolidge (2007-03-06 18:28:18)

Last edited by Patrick Bateman (2007-03-06 17:11:40)