Carriage House offers a beautiful upscale yet casual setting tucked away on a quiet West Village street. The burger is one of the biggest sellers on their menu, and for good reason. 

  • The Burger: The CH Burger (Tier 2). Double smashed Wagyu, dijon aioli, bread and butter pickles, and American cheese served on a custom-made Milk brioche sesame seed bun. This carefully crafted bun provides a sturdy foundation with a soft, pillowy interior that perfectly contains this hearty burger. These generously proportioned patties (I estimate 4oz each) are paired with onion just before they’re flipped, providing a unique balance of raw and caramelized flavors. The aioli’s blend of mustard and lemon undertones adds a tangy and creamy element, while the sweetness from the bread and butter pickles completes this distinctive flavor profile. 

  • Pro Tip: The burger is only available at the bar. Fries are not included, but their Everything Bagel Fries with a side of Caviar aioli are a worthwhile addition.

  • The Occasion & Vibe: At The Counter. Beyond its stunning bar and exceptional burger, come here for a date night, drinks, or a fun night out with friends in a chic, modern setting.

  • The Location: West Village, West 10th Street between Waverly Place & Greenwich Avenue.

David’s Cafe
now closed

David's Cafe offers a cozy setting, serving up a burger that’s fit for royalty. The NYC Wine & Food Festival’s 2016 Burger Bash Champion, and for good reason.

  • The Burger: The Burger Queen Deluxe (Tier 2). Double patty, special sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle, on a seeded Orwasher’s Bun. 

  • Pro Tip: You can substitute Swiss cheese, but don’t. And if you’re someone who doesn’t like veggies on your burger, this one will change your mind.  They have a fantastic menu with another seemingly fordable burger, The Frenchy Burger, but the Burger Queen is so good I have never strayed.

  • The Occasion & Vibe: At The Counter. David’s Cafe is always hopping and features an intimate dining room. Secure a table reservation, or enjoy at the counter just the same. 

  • The Location: East Village, St. Mark’s Place between 1st Avenue & Avenue A.

Frog Club
now closed

Frog Club has a reputation for being one of the city's most intriguing spots, housed in a location steeped in rich history. As a result, opinions about it vary widely, and it's become a topic of much debate and discussion. While it was once shrouded in mystery, my visit was less dramatic. Notably, it was after the no-photo policy had been lifted, and reservations were available on Resy (before that was done via email). Worth visiting? I think so.

  • The Burger: Hamburger with Whipped Butter (Tier 3). This burger is a true original, one of one. Usually, a burger is put in front of me and I know instinctively what to do, but not with this one. The appearance is non-traditional, featuring a homemade English muffin, butter, frog sauce, and no cheese. This English muffin is remarkably thick, with a soft interior full of nooks and crannies. Its consistency is reminiscent of a biscuit, offering a pleasant chew without scraping the roof of your mouth. The beautiful patty shines with a crispy exterior, a nicely charred crust, plenty of pepper, and high-quality meat cooked to a juicy medium rare. The absence of cheese is a testament to the meat's excellence. To enjoy this burger, simply butter it, add frog sauce, and indulge. The result is a dripping, savory masterpiece. The butter melts to perfection, dissolving instantly into the meat. The frog sauce, a cross between hot sauce and steak sauce, leans toward the former, with a flavor profile similar to Frank's RedHot. This burger is incredibly filling. The Sidewinder Fries are a delight, with a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy interior.

  • Pro Tip: For dessert, the banana chafon pie is the sole offering, but it's a standout. This airy, light treat features Nila wafers at the bottom, a graham cracker sprinkle, cherry on top, and chunks of banana. Delicious. 

  • The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. The unique, exclusive feel is enhanced by tight quarters, a small bar, and limited tables. Dim lights and a green hue throughout create an intimate ambiance, while frog paintings and eclectic decor add character. The upbeat music and continuous flow between the dining room and bar maintain a lively yet relaxed vibe.A notable charm is the large stuffed animal frog, Bedford, who's available for photos.

  • The Location: West Village, 86 Bedford Street.

Mister French
now closed

**THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED**

Mister French is a sophisticated restaurant with an unmistakable burger and ambiance. Need to impress a date, but really want a burger? This is the place. 

  • The Burger: Le Burger Au Fromage (Tier 2). Two dry-aged patties, gruyere cheese, and red onion jam house special sauce on a sesame brioche bun. This burger is absolutely dripping with their house sauce, and you won’t want any of it to go to waste. This burger is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before, a unique symphony of flavors and textures that hits just right.

  • Pro Tip: Cocktails, cocktails, cocktails. Mister French delivers some of the best drinks in the city. 

  • The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and mirrors from the walls bring an unrepeatable French atmosphere. Some nights also feature cabaret and burlesque shows. 

  • The Location: Flatiron, Broadway & 21st Street.

Verōnika
now closed

Verōnika delivers a burger experience that's truly an experience. The restaurant is hidden within the walls of Fotografiska, a Swedish photography museum with rotating exhibits that’s a must-do, either before or after your meal. 

  • The Burger: Bar Verōnika Burger (Tier 3). A Dry Aged and Pasture Fed Short Rib Burger topped with Zuni Pickle, Butterkaise Cheese, and Beaujolais Onions between a house-made potato bun. Served alongside plenty of Hand-Cut Fries and sweet caramelized onions, this elevated burger is beautifully presented on an elegant dish. Despite its substantial build, it's surprisingly easy to relish every bite. The flavors, though subtle on their own, come together for a harmoniously smooth experience. The buttery, squishy bun steals the show, offering a hint of pretzel-like goodness that perfectly complements the juicy patty.

  • Pro Tip: Reservations must be for Bar where the burger’s only served, not the Dining Room. Cocktails are a must. 

  • The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. Verōnika offers a compelling ambiance steeped in posh European elegance, making it ideal for a romantic date night. The space is adorned with beautiful chandeliers, setting the stage for an intimate dining experience. 

  • The Location: Gramercy, East 22nd Street & Park Avenue South.

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