New York’s Burger Wars

New York has seen it’s share of food trends these days, particularly when it comes to street food and dishes normally reserved for a greasy spoon diner.  There was the Banh Mi boon, the fried chicken revival, and now the battle for the ultimate burger bragging rights is up for grabs. The return to comfort food has been going on for some time now,  and with the recent opening of the new burger joint, Fresh-N-Fast smack dab down the street from Shake Shack, you can almost smell blood and Worcestershire sauce in the water.

After a recent jaunt to LA where I got my In-N-Out fix, I always die a little inside on the plane ride back knowing there’s no In-N-Out when I get home.  Sure there’s plenty of delicious burger options here in New York, but the price cut off is usually $8 and up. Fresh-N-Fast, is promising what their name says, with quick service, no frozen patties, and of course their own version of “special sauce”.  There’s been some chatter over their familiar-looking logo, but you bet your ass I’ll be waiting in line come November 23.

For those who like to actually sit down and eat their food rather than shovel it, there are two new other burger contenders.  Bill’s Bar & Burger, is the newest venture from restaurateur, Stephen Hanson, who hits include Dos Caminos and Blue Water Grill. Like Shake Shack, it’s all about high-quality meat cooked to perfection on a hot griddle.  Bill’s Classic, just over $5 seems to be the runaway hit but if you’re feeling adventurous try the Fatcat with caramelized onions on a English Muffin.  And for the truly indulgent burger lovers, or if you’re just trying to get laid, take someone out to the new Patty & Bun.  It certainly aint cheap, with their most basic burger going for $12, but that gets you three kinds of meat and chimichurri pickled cabbage.  The line-up also includes Lamb, Monkfish, and Wild Salmon all with some interesting toppings.  But despite all the frills, a burger is still a burger and a cheap, good, one is a basic American right.  So let the burger wars wage on, because the more options there are, the harder they’ll have to try to please the public.

And please, skip the White Castle; your body will never forgive you.

Photos courtesy of:
New York Magazine
Flickr