Best Burgers In Manhattan

By Dom Bewley

Burgers are love. Burgers are life. The age-old sentiment shared by people reading this blog all around the world. A perfect marriage of bread, veg, meat, and cheese. And sometimes, other more exotic things. Man Hattaners rejoice, finally you have a one-stop-shop for all your burger cravings. Finally. So fast for a day, and get ready to adorn your loosest belts. Here's our list of the best burgers in Manhattan.

Featuring:

  • Burger Joint
  • Emily
  • The Spotted Pig
  • J.G. Melon
  • And more...

Burger Joint

For the first burger on our list, you've gotta do a bit of searching. Head to Le Park Meridien hotel in Midtown West and raise your burger-seeking hand. Its light should guide you to a hidden room literally behind a curtain. Once there, feast on a no-nonsense, messy burger. Cooked to perfection. And then ponder on all the boasting you can do at work the next day. Because you will. And they'll hold you up, carry you through the office chanting "BURGER LORD". Or keep it to yourself, whatever.

Emily

Head over to the West Village to try the taste sensation that's sweeping the nation. PRETZEL BUNS. Truly as decadent as it sounds, Emily's delicious take on the American classic needs to be seen to be believed. Just look at that picture below.

The Spotted Pig

If you're familiar with the West Village, you're probably aware of The Spotted Pig already. It's a burger joint to the stars and is Dorsia-levels of hard to get a table. However, unlike Partick Bateman, resist the urge to take our frustration out on your co-workers. Even if they don't appreciate the magnificence of Huey Lewis. Simply persist, hungry one. Their noodle-cut fries are to die for. In hindsight, perhaps that's the wrong way to phrase it. Easily one of the best burgers in Manhattan, if you can get in the door.

J.G. Melon

Looking for a burger without any of the overindulgent trimmings? A classic burger. A burger that embodies the simple truth of the American Dream? Well, J.G Melon's might be just the thing. Just beef, lettuce, onion, pickles and cheese in a bun. It's simple. It's fantastic. Rumour has it that the J.G stands for Just Great. It probably doesn't. We just made that up.

BarBacon

Ever heard of a bacon flight? For the uninitiated, a bacon flight is a taster plate of bacon from different places, cured with different techniques, all with unique tastes. If that sounds like the best thing ever then you're right. It is. And BarBacon, in Hell's Kitchen, should be on your bucket list. Along with their salivating bacon flights, they also do burgers. Damn good burgers to boot. Why not compliment said burger and said bacon flight with some fried pickles? Then simply run around Manhattan for about 2 days to burn off all those amazing calories. Easily deserves its place as one of the best burgers in Manhattan.

Burger & Barrel

This SoHo joint doubles up as a 'winepub', so if you want to trick a date into thinking you're sophisticated, take them here. Alongside their diverse and delicious wines, they also have a signature 'bash burger' that's topped by a handsomely-sized portion of onion rings. A burger so good it's won the NY Food & Wine Festivals Event a grand total of five times. Just make sure to do all your neanderthalling in the bathroom. No one needs to see you picking stuff out of your hair and smelling it.

Le Rivage

Bonjour, mes amis. Want a little taste of the tricolor with your American burger? Le Rivage has you covered. It also has a French onion soup burger, covered in cheese sauce and onions. All of that between a decidedly English muffin, and topped with a pickled onion. Mon Dieu! Grade school French is finally paying off.

Keens Steakhouse

As you'd expect from a prestigious steak house like Keens, their burger is a meaty force to be reckoned with. A thick, juicy patty that would put some steaks to shame is partnered with lashings of cheese, onion, tomato, and pickle. If you don't have much work to do after lunch, go order one from the bar and then vegetate in the office until the end of the day.

Whitmans

Ever thought to yourself 'I'd love to eat a cheeseburger where the cheese is inside the patty'? How oddly specific of you. However, you are indeed in luck. It's called a Juicy Lucy, and it already exists! And thanks to the good folk at Whitmans, you can now pick one up on your doorstep, or thereabouts. With locations in the East Village, Hudson Yards and SoHo, you're sure to find an oozing patty within walking distance.

4 Charles Prime Rib

We end this list, last but certainly not least, with this intimate supper club in the West Village. While not a burger joint per se, their American Cheeseburger is one of the best around. It's simple yet sublime, no gimmicks necessary. It's also served with a steak knife right through its heart. Definitely enough to sink your teeth into. Van Helsing would shed a tear. Apologies, I'm done with the vampire shenanigans.

And that's our list of the best burgers in Manhattan. If these aren't enough to pique your fancy, then what the hell is wrong with you? Of course, Manhattan is teeming with delicious burger joints, so let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments below. Looking for something to do after you eat? Why not check out the best jazz clubs in town?

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The NYC Subway: Tips for Beginners

The New York City subway system is the largest of its kind in the entire world. With 472 operational stations, the underground trains provided nearly two billion rides in 2017 alone. So suffice it to say: the subways can get pretty complicated. Cabs are expensive and usually slower due to traffic, so whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll likely have to traipse down the concrete subway stairs at some point. But before you descend into the bowels of America's largest city, here are some tips for beginners. Finding your station. There are a total of 36 different subway lines shuttling passengers across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. As the name suggests, most subways operate below ground. However, there are a few lines which travel above. Nonetheless, odds are you will be going underground. The key is to look at the signs above each station, indicating which subway lines it services and the direction each train is headed. Note: subway lines are either numbers or letters. Usually, there are two entrances on either side of the same street. Each entrance puts you on a different track. It's important to know which direction you want to go and to enter that entrance accordingly, because not every station allows passengers to which sides of the tracks without incurring additional fees. If you do board a train headed in the opposite direction , don't freak out. Get off at the next stop, walk up to street level, cross the street, and switch routes. It happens to the best of us. How much does it cost? As of Fall 2019, one ride costs $2.75 USD. Every time you enter a subway station you have to swipe your ticket (MetroCard) to access the train tracks. You can purchase a ticket at the automated vendors or by talking with the teller at a booth. MetroCards hold either a finite amount of credit or you can buy an unlimited week/month pass. Every rider needs their own individual MetroCard. (Babies do not require a separate MetroCard.) If this is your first time visiting NYC, I suggest getting a 7-day unlimited MetroCard. It only costs $32 USD and allows you room to make directional errors without incurring additional costs. Plus you will find yourself using the subway several times a day, and at $2.75 per ride, that will add up to the cost of an unlimited MetroCard quickly. Cut your losses! Note: Unlimited MetroCards can only be swiped every 15 minutes. Don't think you can buy one and use it for your entire family. Good idea, but the Metropolitan Transit Authority already thought of that. Sorry! How do I know when to get off? Newer subways will have light-up graphics indicate which stop along the route you're on. However, older trains will not. Don't worry, the conductor will always announce which stop you're arriving at and which stop is next. If you don't understand them or miss the announcement, you can look out the window and see signs for which station the train has just pulled into. There will be several. Additionally, there are maps of the entire subway system in each train car. Does the subway stop running? The NYC subways and busses operate 24 hours. However, early in the AM, they do run less frequently. Is it safe? Yes. The New York City subway system is relatively safe. A good thing about "the city that never sleeps" is that, at almost any given time, there will be other passengers riding with you. Note: homeless men and women often sleep on the subways late at night. They usually shouldn't bother you, but if you see a train car that has just one person in it -- it's best to get onto another car. Are there bathrooms? There are no bathrooms on subway trains or in the station. Be sure you've gone before you embark on your journey. Are pets allowed? According to the MTA website, small pets are allowed, but must be in a bag or carrier. However, Service dogs are allowed to ride with passengers. How timely are the trains? Different subway lines run at different rates of frequency. Delays and reroutes are common, unfortunately. Add an extra twenty minutes to your travel time to account for any public transit mishaps. Additional rider tips: When you are about to enter a subway car, like an elevator, let the people who are already on the train get off before you enter. On station staircases, bear right. It's not uncommon to see subway performers, both on the platform and train itself. If you hear someone shout, "Showtime, showtime!" It's an indicator they're about to perform, and you should step to the side of the subway car. The trains move very fast, and while you think you don't have to hold onto a poll -- do it. Nothing is more frustrating to New Yorkers than a tourist who falls on top of them. Subway seating is limited, therefore be sure you're not spreading your legs and taking up more room than necessary. Don't place your bag beside you on a seat, put it between your legs on the floor. The local rule of thumb is, if you see an elderly person or pregnant woman, you offer them your seat. The trains get very crowded during rush hour. Backpacks take up a lot of standing room, so be sure to take them off and hold them between your legs. New Yorkers can be very brusk, if someone is rude to you or shouts, it's best to let it go. No need to ruin you and your fellow passengers' commute by getting into a fight. Wondering where you should take the subway to? Check out some must-see NYC sites here.
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Best Breakfasts in New York

Looking for the best breakfasts in New York? Of course you are. Whether it's the classic eggs, toast and bacon, or perhaps something with avocado, breakfast – as mom knows – is still the most important meal of the day. And with our recommendations for the best breakfasts in New York, it can also be the best. Sadelle’s Sadelle’s bagel tower will give you reason to live – or at least, to get through your day. It’s the ultimate you-can-take-your-grandma-but-you-can-also-take-your cool-cousin place to go for brunch or breakfast. You must order that bagel tower—the bagels are reasonably sized, not giant, so you won’t feel guilty if you eat, say, six. You’ll also want whitefish salad, or perhaps some smoked salmon. Get several sticky buns to start—yes, it’s that kind of place. It has just the right vibe of homey and trendy, so get those cameras ready – this will be all over your feed before you’ve had coffee. Definitely one of the ten best breakfasts in New York! Sadelle’s bagel tower is now a New York must-be-tried classic Barney Greengrass If you’re looking for one of the best breakfasts in New York, walk into Barney Greengrass. When you enter Barney Greengrass, the famous New York institution that’s been around since 1908, you’ll be greeted by scratched tables, piles of boxes, and narrow pathways. Anywhere else, that might be a sign to leave. Here, it’s a sign that you’re in the right place. The “sturgeon king” is the place to go for lox, eggs, and onions, bagels and cream cheese, potato pancakes, and classic matzoh ball soup (preferably all in one meal.) You’ll feel stuffed and comforted when you leave, but you should probably get half a pound of rugelach (crescent-shaped pastries) to take with you, just in case you want a nosh later. Boqueria One of the best-kept secrets at the buzzy Boqueria is their stellar breakfast. You can go with the prix-fixe option or put together your own spread. You’ll find the traditional (eggs, potatoes, toast) but why not try specialties like house-made chorizo, a tortilla Espanola, or Arroz Negro—black rice, avocado, poached eggs, spinach and fresh herbs? And definitely save room for the churros with chocolate. Whether on a sandwich or in your eggs, avocados are everywhere at breakfast CIinton St. Baking Company There are pancakes...and then there are the pancakes at Clinton St. Baking. Order the blueberry or chocolate chip – they’re so indescribably good, you’ll wonder what you’ve been eating all these years. Slather on plenty of the warm maple butter because... warm maple butter, duh. The fried chicken and waffles is also a solid choice, as is the Brioche French toast. But those pancakes...One caveat: Be prepared to wait. And wait. No matter when you go, there’s a line. It’s worth it. These are pretty much the best pancakes you will ever have, and by far one of the best breakfasts in New York. Impossible-to-resist fluffy pancakes are worth seeking out Westway Diner Sometimes you just want diner food. When that urge strikes at breakfast, head to the Westway Diner. This is the place to go when everyone wants something different. You and your BFF can get scrambled eggs and hash browns, Aunt Mary can have a waffle, and your sister can have the cheese blintzes with sour cream. The menu is extensive, the food is good, and the prices are bearable (it’s still New York, remember.) And just in case you feel like a walk on the wild side, friend shrimp and stuffed grape leaves are also available in the morning hours. Sarabeth’s Another of New York’s best breakfasts is at New York institution Sarabeth’s, which is beloved both for its inviting-yet-homey interior as well as the done-right comfort foods. At breakfast, the oatmeal is stellar, the fat and fluffy French Toast (their words) is, yep, fat and fluffy, and the omelets are delicious. Though the restaurant gives off a faint ladies-who-lunch vibe, just dive in and order the Four Flowers Juice (orange, pineapple, banana and pomegranate) and start your day off right. One of New York’s 10 best breakfasts includes oatmeal with a variety of mix-ins! Buvette The lovely Buvette is the place to go when you’re in the mood for Parisian vibes – or just avoiding your actual life by spending a long time sipping espresso and gazing into space. You can sample the dreamily named “Les Oeufs vapeur" (steamed eggs); “Oeufs Americaine" (is there is a hint of reproach in there?), or just be chic and nibble on an almond croissant. Don’t forget to sigh heavily and make lots of comments about your screenplay. Try an egg – or three – in one of New York’s stellar breakfasts Marlow & Sons When it’s time to feel impossibly hip, head to Marlow & Sons in Brooklyn. Of course it’s in Brooklyn. You can try the egg sandwich (cheddar, pickled chili mayo, and sautéed greens or salad). Or perhaps the egg and rice bowl? It’s filled with kimchi, greens, and furikake (a dry Japanese seasoning typically made with dried fish, seaweed, and sesame seeds.) You can also get a croissant or a muffin – but just know that your coolness factor will go down exponentially if you do. Head to Brooklyn to find one of the city’s best breakfasts Community Food & Juice When you think of the word “breakfast,” you probably think of the kind of food that’s served at Community Food & Juice. Try the biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese and sausage (you’ll never have a fast-food version again); the Eggs Benedict, or the oatmeal, although it’s hard to go wrong. It’s all served in a big, airy space that invites lingering--and linger you will. Definitely one of our picks for one of the best breakfasts in New York! Start your day right with a great breakfast before heading out exploring the city with The New York Pass®. You'll make great savings on attraction admission vs. paying at the gate.
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