It is indisputable that NYC has history. Hidden in plain sight among the sky rise apartments, nail salons and Starbucks, a handful of NYC’s historical watering holes can be found. These old school bars remind us of how things used to be and when you step into one, you know it. The musty smell that comes with a 100+ years of history and the walls covered with photographs from yesteryear, so many caked on layers of paint the shape of the walls have been formed with character. Also found within most of these bars lies another American staple – the bar burger. Here is our short list of the best bar burgers in NYC!
PJ Clarke’s
Founded in 1884 P.J.’s is an Upper East Side staple. P.J.’s bar burger can be considered true perfection through simplicity – about a 6-7oz. patty, thin slice of raw onion served under the burger, a pickle on the side and that is it. For a buck extra you an add cheese which of course you would!
P.J.Clarke’s
www.pjclarkes.com
915 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
P.J. Clarke's
JG Melon
A bit farther north we have another UES institution J.G. Melon. Unlike P.J.’s, J.G. has a straight up Cheeseburger. About a 7 – 8oz patty with American cheese, red onion and pickles on the side. J.G.’s burger has a lightly toasted, yet still soft, potato bun. Like P.J.’s burger J.G.’s is not massive and will leave you satisfied for a quick lunch, late night snack, or anything in-between.
JG Melon
www.jgmelonnyc.com
1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
212-744-0585
JG Melon
Minetta Tavern
Originally opened in 1937, Minetta Tavern almost shuttered its doors a few years ago. Thankfully for us investors swooped in, kept the lights on AND maintained Minetta’s charm in the process.
Minetta’s burger could be considered a ‘traditional’ pub burger…taken to the next level. Minetta starts with ground dry aged LaFrieda ribeye and is finished simply with caramelized onions on a lightly toasted brioche bun that Balthazar Bakery built specifically to house this burger. Coming in at $28 its worth every penny!
Minetta Tavern
www.minettatavernny.com
113 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012
212-475-3850
Minetta Tavern
Corner Bistro
While Corner Bistro doesn’t have the history of all the Bar’s on this list, it makes up for it in character! This legendary institution is not really a bistro but a tavern that has been in this iconic area for ‘the better part of this century’, serving as a hang for artists, bohemians, and musicians. Corner Bistro was at one time know for ‘Manhattan’s Best Burger’, serving thick, juicy cheeseburgers cooked right behind the bar. The Bistro Burger comes in at 8oz, has a lightly toasted sesame seed bun and is topped with crisp bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion.
Corner Bistro
www.cornerbistrony.com
331 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
212-242-9502
Corner Bistro
Peter Lugers Steakhouse
Dating back to 1887 and based on the heart of Williamsburg, pretty much everyone has heard of Peter Luger Steak House. What everyone might not be aware of is that Peter Lugers serves great burgers. The Luger burger consists of prime grade chuck with a smattering of dry aged trimmings from their renowned steaks. While the actual burger make up ratio is a trade secret we do know that their burgers are cooked in the same 800 degree broiler that is used to produce their heavenly seared steaks. The burger comes in at 8oz and you can add cheese and bacon for a few bucks extra. What makes Lugers burger so amazing is the quality of the beef which comes as no surprise.
Peter Lugers Steak House
www.peterluger.com
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-387-7400
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