Since the “best cake” thread sparked some great conversation, we are going to keep it going with some more “best” threads. This one is for our community to opine about our favorite burgers in NY/CT. Where can your favorite burger be found, and what makes it so great?
This thread is for ALL of NY (including Westchester and LI) and CT.
My absolute favorite burger requires a trip down to Raoul’s in Manhattan (the au poivre sauce on the side is ridiculous) but lately I’ve been loving the burgers at Bareburger. Yes, it’s a chain, but they use quality meat and they actually cook it how I ask. I like the standard with colby cheese, pickles, and special sauce.
When I hit Rivermarket for cocktails (see the BEST COCKTAILS thread!) I usually get a burger there. They also use quality meat that is locally sourced. Village Social does a great burger too and I’m looking forward to trying Pubstreet’s (their sister restaurant).
I’m a big fan of the burgers at Squires in Briarcliff - in particular, their mushroom and swiss burger. Juicy and flavorful. Another great burger worth mentioning is Burgers, Shakes and Fries in Greenwich. They also make the absolute best Buffalo chicken sandwich ever! Perfectly seasoned and spicy and topped with creamy blue & gorgonzola. (Off topic, I know, but I had to include it!)
I haven’t been to squires in ages-- gotta get back there! And BSF sounds great too!
In no particular order for Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The regular burger at Minetta. The black label is good, but for me the regular hits the spot just fine.
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 475-3850
https://goo.gl/maps/3yTTeEcs7HP2
The lunch burger at Peter Luger.
Peter Luger Steak House
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 387-7400
https://goo.gl/maps/RKuXE1kv5wm
The lamb burger at the Breslin.
The Breslin
16 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
(212) 679-1939
https://goo.gl/maps/SFKcUcVPB4p
The frenchie burger at Bar Bolud.
Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
(212) 595-0303
https://goo.gl/maps/zhUqtJdbzdD2
The cheese burger at JG Melon
JG Melon
1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
(212) 744-0585
https://goo.gl/maps/Pdn863tEJtT2
The cheese burger at Sea Witch Tavern.
Sea Witch
703 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(347) 227-7166
https://goo.gl/maps/1e56j9XGKCr
If you go Sea Witch you need to order fries and the pickle plate to go with.
In New Haven CT, I like Louis Lunch.
Louis’ Lunch
261 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 562-5507
https://goo.gl/maps/i2HemW7MN2t
Warning, it gets busy.
Best burger I had in Westchester,was at ridge hill- 5 napkin burger,sadly gone but still in nyc- definitely worth trying. Also Tarry market has patties from their trimmings during the week,they make for a good burger(also have a Pat LaFrieda grind -never tried it and when i was there did not look s fresh). The national in Greenwich (I think it is still there) is supposed to have a good burger at lunch but $$$. Do not get the"bargain" triple-double at smashburger - only thing it is good for is an oil change - pure grease. I do think their classic is ok though
We haven’t gone out for burgers much since we moved up here, but the best I’ve found is at Hudson Social in Dobbs. Their main draw is really location - right on the water near the Metro North station, beautiful views. The menu is basically bar food and the non-burger items we’ve had there (a couple of appetizers and salads) were only average, but their burgers are SPECTACULAR. Really juicy and flavorful meat, a brioche-y bun worth eating (I almost always remove burger buns for low-carbing purposes and rarely feel I’m missing out on anything - in this case, I would be!), and served with delicious herb-roasted potato wedges. Also, I love what they do with the cheese - instead of melting it onto the burger, they melt it onto the top bun (presumably using a broiler or salamander), so the cheese drips over the edges and onto the top of the bun and caramelizes there, creating lovely crunchy bits on the edge and top. It’s a little overpriced IMO, but the view makes up for it.
That sounds great
This is on my bucket list:
All American Hamburger Drive In
4286 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758
(516) 798-9574
https://goo.gl/maps/dhDGuSkLoGn
I love old fashioned drive ins like this.
On a sad note, ours is closing.
Circus Drive-In is closing – that’s so sad! I’m sorry. There really is no respect for history and restaurants like these should be given landmark status. 
The original Carvel in Hartsdale (started by Tom Carvel himself) was demolished years ago and the Nathan’s in Yonkers is no more - just a sad, quick-serve version of its original self. sigh
If you’re ever in Putnam County, NY Red Rooster Drive-In in Brewster is right up your alley - a great drive-in burger and you can play a round of mini golf next door. Another bucket list drive-in is The Sycamore in Bethel, CT. A true classic - order at least a double or triple burger because the patties are super thin. Skip dessert there and head to Dr. Mike’s nearby for their chocolate lace ice cream. 
I have driven by this place a million times and have always wanted to stop - glad to know the food is good! I will have to make a point of it next time we’re headed up north. It’s so kitchy, I love it!
@richb51 I remember someone,maybe @jfood, posting about the National. I don’t get to CT often but sounds tempting. Tarry market serves hot sandwiches?
vikingkaj-
respectfully disagree, went once ,thought it was one of the worst ever. Barely remember what was wrong, but i’m pretty sure couldn’t even get ketchup to improve it.Their real claim to fame is that they “invented” the hamburger.My feeling is that evolution improved the breed.
Oh, yes. They make a prime rib sandwich - fantastic! It’s dry aged prime rib. And the roll is dipped in the jus. Fabulous!
Tarry Market does serve hot sandwiches. Personally,I preferred the ones at Citarella and to me a more interesting market.Neither place can remotely be considered affordable (much like the thankfully shot down health care). Granted Citarella is in CT, but it is certainly less than ten minutes up U.S. one from Tarry Market. As far as burger patties for home,Tarry market is far better than Citarella (imo)
FYI The National in Greenwich closed shortly after they opened!
The National was open for over a year, but a fire closed them a few months ago. Supposedly they are reopening, but I’m skeptical.
Here is a link to my CTBites review of the Top Ten burgers in Fairfield County, http://www.ctbites.com/blog/2017/6/9/southwest-connecticuts-top-ten-burgers-for-2017
Louis is funky, I’ll give you that.
Very plain hamburger with cheese, onion and tomato on toast for $ 6.25. They also don’t season them, so you need to add salt and pepper.
But I like em. It’s an honest sandwich.
New Haven is otherwise kind of a waste land, so whenever I have to be there for something at Yale it is either Louis or Frank Pepe for a clam pie.
Definitely worth a stop. I love it too - great for my fellow young-at-heart types.
