My mood changes like the weather, and so do my burger cravings. Sometimes I want an aged steak vibe, other times a smash patty that hits my stomach just right. Consistency, accessibility (reservations!), and price—because I’m not dropping $400 on one burger—also matter. Here’s where I keep coming back:
The List
- Au Cheval – Chicago
Legendary diner/bar energy. Get the double-stacked “single” (yes, that’s two patties). Runny egg, perfectly cooked bacon, melty cheese, and a soft bun soaking up every drop. Pure burger heaven. - Red Hook Tavern – Brooklyn
10 oz dry-aged patty, plush brioche bun, just the right amount of onion. Every time, perfect. - Gotham Burger Social Club – NYC
Smash patties done right. From Blackstone-top pop-ups to brick-and-mortar, they’ve leveled up without losing consistency. - Minetta Tavern – Manhattan
Old-school 10 oz thick & juicy burger. People argue for the Black Label… they’re wrong. Classic wins. - Le Rivage – French Onion Soup Burger
Melty cheese + onion soup richness stacked on an English muffin. Messy, gooey, unbeatable. - HALL NYC – Japanese Wagyu Burger
A5 Wagyu + sansho peppercorns + tamari = love at first bite. Impossible to get a res, but worth the chase. - Gui Steakhouse – Midtown
Sat at the bar, bit in, and it just hit. Rich beef, layered flavor, spot-on execution. - Hawksmoor Steakhouse – Notorious B.E.E.F. (Bar Only)
Semi-smash double patty, house-made cheese, pure juice, and goo. A sleeper favorite. - Wall Street Grill (Kosher) – FiDi
Top-quality meat, avocado sauce twist, consistency every time. My only gripe? Closed on Fridays, aka prime burger craving day. - San Mateo Pizzeria e Cucina – Upper East Side
At Wine & Food Fest, they served a burger on pizza dough buns. Unique, chewy, cheesy, and genius
The Banana Juice Theory
Burgers are like banana juice—you don’t drink it the same way every day, and you don’t always want the same style. Sometimes you crave a sloppy smash patty that melts into the bun, other times you want a thick dry-aged steakhouse beast that takes two hands and a napkin roll to handle. The beauty of burgers (and banana juice) is in the variety: the right one hits because of the mood, not in spite of it.
As always, this is just the opinion of some Fat Guy from Brooklyn. What do I know? If you want to read more about my adventures in steakhouses or any of the other Top 10 lists click on the words.