New York City is known for its diverse food scene, from bagels to pizza, but it’s also a burger town. Chefs in the city have created some exceptional burgers that have gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. From high-end restaurants to fast-casual joints, these burgers are worth the wait and the hype.
One of the top burgers in the city is the Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern in the West Village. Former chef Dan Silverman and chef Rocco DiSpirito both rave about this burger, which is made with prime dry-aged beef and topped with sweet caramelized onions. It’s a special occasion burger with a pronounced dry-aged flavor that is truly unforgettable.
Another must-try burger is the Dry-Aged Cheeseburger at Cozy Royale in East Williamsburg. Chef Calvin Eng loves the umami funk of this burger, which features two smashed patties, raclette cheese, arugula, bacon jam, Calabrian aioli, and pickled red onions. Cozy Royale only serves 10 of these burgers a night, so be sure to get there early to snag one.
Shake Shack, founded by Danny Meyer, is a fast-casual burger chain that has become a favorite among New Yorkers. Chef Bryce Shuman recommends the ShackBurger, an Angus beef smashburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. It’s a classic burger that hits the spot every time.
For a unique twist on a cheeseburger, head to Rolo’s in Ridgewood, Queens. Chef Eunji Lee loves the double cheeseburger at this neighborhood spot, made with New York state grass-fed beef, cheese, grilled onions, dijonnaise, and pickled long hot peppers. Pair it with crispy potatoes smothered in mayo, spicy peanut sauce, and white onions for a truly indulgent meal.
Nowon, a Korean restaurant with locations in the East Village and Bushwick, offers a Legendary Cheeseburger that is a favorite of chef Lucas Sin. This towering sandwich features two umami-packed beef patties, American cheese, a kimchi-based special sauce, caramelized kimchi, white onion, and pickles on a sesame milk bun. It’s a luxurious burger with a Korean twist that is sure to impress.
For a plant-based option, Superiority Burger in the East Village is a must-visit. Chef Brooks Headley’s veggie burger is made with quinoa and chickpeas and topped with Muenster cheese, pickles, iceberg lettuce, mustard, and a tangy burger sauce. It’s a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
Whether you’re a burger purist or looking to try something new, these nine best burgers in New York City are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. Brooks made something so good, thoughtful, and special that even meat eaters love it. One such example is the Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger from Red Hook Tavern in New York City. Owned by Billy Durney, the restaurant is known for its thick, signature burger made with a blend of 45-day dry-aged New York strip and hanger steak. The burger features melty American cheese and a slab of raw white onion, creating a unique and flavorful experience. According to Chef Trigg Brown, the burger tastes like a dry-aged steak, with the fat carrying that distinctive flavor in a palatable way. The crispy bun and fresh onion add to the overall enjoyment of the burger, making it a favorite among both meat lovers and burger enthusiasts.
Another renowned burger spot in New York City is Hamburger America, owned by George Motz, a celebrated “burger historian.” One of the standout burgers on the menu is George Motz’s Fried Onion Burger, inspired by Oklahoma-style burgers where thinly sliced onions are flattened onto the ground beef as it cooks. The result is an ultra-crispy patty topped with American cheese and served on a soft potato bun. Chef Rich Torrisi praises the burger for its intense beefy flavor and molten cheese, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite for burger aficionados.
For a high-end burger experience, Le B in Greenwich Village offers the exclusive Le Burger, a 45-day dry-aged masterpiece created by Chef Angie Mar. The eight-ounce patty is made with a proprietary blend of 90% dry-aged rib eye, short loin, brisket, and chuck meat, topped with triple-cream d’Affinois cheese from France and Cabernet onions caramelized for eight hours. Served on a brioche bun, this burger is a luxurious treat that transports diners to the flavors of France. Chef Anita Lo praises the Le Burger for its rich and airy bun, perfectly complemented by the flavorful meat and decadent toppings.
In conclusion, these exceptional burgers from Red Hook Tavern, Hamburger America, and Le B showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that make them stand out in the competitive burger scene. From dry-aged blends to crispy onions and gourmet toppings, these burgers offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience that even meat lovers can’t resist. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and self-awareness. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that supports the idea that meditation can have significant benefits for mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and emotional well-being, the practice of meditation offers a wide range of benefits for both the mind and body.
One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common factor in many people’s lives, leading to a variety of physical and mental health problems. Meditation can help to calm the mind and body, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. By practicing meditation regularly, individuals can learn to manage their stress levels more effectively and develop a greater sense of inner peace.
Another key benefit of meditation is its ability to reduce anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing feelings of fear, worry, and unease that can be debilitating. Studies have shown that meditation can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the future, individuals can experience a sense of calm and control over their thoughts and emotions.
Meditation has also been shown to improve focus and concentration. In today’s digital age, many people find it difficult to maintain their attention on a single task for an extended period of time. By practicing meditation, individuals can train their minds to focus on the present moment and block out distractions. This can lead to improved cognitive function, better decision-making, and increased productivity in both work and daily life.
Emotional well-being is another area where meditation can have a positive impact. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and self-awareness, individuals can develop a greater understanding of their thoughts and emotions. This can lead to improved emotional regulation, increased empathy, and a greater sense of compassion towards oneself and others. By practicing meditation regularly, individuals can develop a more positive outlook on life and build resilience in the face of challenges.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous and well-documented. By incorporating meditation into their daily routine, individuals can experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, and enhanced emotional well-being. Whether practiced alone or as part of a larger mindfulness program, meditation offers a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being.
