| 10 Burgers to Go |
|
|
|
 The Shake Shack in Madison Square Park always draws a crowd $11 for burger, fries and drink Corner Bistro 331 W. 4th St. (between Jane St. & 8th Ave.) (212) 242-9502 www.cornerbistro.citysearch.com  The Bistro burger is the best-looking burger of them all by far. Four stars for presentation. Taste-wise, it runs with the best of 'em. Their burgers come with a large beef patty along with fresh, crisp ingredients. Don't let Corner Bistro's laid-back, quiet West Village location fool you--Lines typically run past the front door during peak hours. Grab a quick bite for lunch or kick back at the bar with a cold one.$9 for bistro burger and fries Paul's 131 2nd Ave. (between 7th St. & St. Marks Pl.) (212) 529-3033  Located in East village, the burgers are affordable, the no-nonsense service is unpretentious and speedy, and the atmosphere is laid back. The menu is packed with more burgers than you can remember. But they are all enormous, generously-packed creations that will hit that spot like only a great burger can. The patty's overflowing juices cause the bottom bun to soak up and disappear. Yum.$8 for burger and fries Blue 9 Burger 93 3rd Ave. (between 12th St. & 13th St.) (212) 979-0053  Go to Blue 9 Burger for a good all-around burger. Their burgers are fresh, just the right size, and most of all, inexpensive. It's probably the best deal around for a quality burger. Grab your friends and go if you feel like good food but want speedy service a la fast food joints. If you're a college student, you'll feel right at home. An added plus: 99 Miles to Philly is just next door.$9 for burger, fries and drink Burger Joint 118 W. 57th St. (between 6th Ave. & 7th Ave.) (212) 245-5000 www.parkermeridien.com/burger.htm  You have to go at least once, if not for the burger, then for the experience. Hidden away from those not in the know within the posh Le Parker Meridien hotel, you move beyond the curtains and find yourself literally in a hole in the wall. The burger is a moderate size--somewhere between a slider and a traditional burger--but is tasty enough to leave you satisfied. Don't expect quality service, though. You're there to eat!$11 for burger, fries and drink Big Nick's 2175 Broadway (at 77th St.) (212) 724-2010 www.bignicksnyc.com  Big Nick's is the perennial truck-stop burger joint/diner. The interior is cramped and can be stuffy, but you'll get lost in the sea of signed memorabilia covering the walls. The burgers are big and greasy and come with fast, impersonal service. Big Nick's has a lot of things going for them: It's open 24/7 for late night munchies and it boasts a ridiculous menu with everything on it from pizza & pasta to the monstrous Sumo Burger.$10 for burger, fries and drink Trailer Park Lounge & Grill 271 W. 23rd St. (between 7th Ave. & 8th Ave.) (212) 463-8000 www.trailerparklounge.com  The most unique feature of Trailer Park has to be the thematic setup. From the screen door-entrance to the various trailer-culture memorabilia adorning the walls, the mere visit is an experience in itself. Food comes with friendly service and a filling portion to keep you happy. Head over on Mondays and Tuesdays to take advantage of their $7.49 burger and beer special. $10 for burger and fries Ziggiz 333 3rd Ave. (at 25th St.) (212) 683-3663  Ziggiz is a nice place to stop in for a quick bite if you're not sure what you're craving but want a variety of options. They serve burgers, burritos, cheese steaks, and a whole lot more. The burger itself is not too shabby and more-or-less affordable. I'd go back but not when nearby Shake Shack is in season.$6.50 for double cheeseburger
|
This small hole-in-the-wall joint in West Village does a burger that's served on a soft Portuguese bun. It's well-portioned and overflowing with juices, but make sure to ask for the lettuce, tomato and onions or you won't get it. They also claim to have the best hot dogs in NYC. The menu is surprisingly eclectic for such a tiny place and the prices are reasonable. Eat in or take out. 
First of all, the service wasn't particularly great the night I went, and it wasn't even busy. But I have to remind myself that with burger joints, it's all about what goes in the tummy. The burger is simply great--it's big, fat, juicy and smothered in cheese to perfection. And the fries are potato chip-like, tasty slices of heaven. Having said that, the hefty price tag will keep me returning only on special occasions. 
