A good compendium of notable area burgers from the folks at Grub Street. Since my wife and I (back when she was my girlfriend) spent a lot of time in search of the city’s best burger, I’m happy to say I’ve eaten a lot of these — 19, to be exact.
Said wife used to judge the hell out of me for frequently ordering burgers in relatively upscale (by our standards) restaurants. But I’ve always held that, since I have high standards and a distinguishing palate for burgers, the burger is like my litmus test for a restaurant. If it’s awesome, I’ll probably go back and try something else. Or maybe just eat the awesome burger again.
Hat tip to Brad for the link.
Tedquarters 
Any specific recommendations? Will be in the city for a few days after Christmas and hope to hit a few of these.
Certainly. Burger Joint, Corner Bistro and Shake Shack are good for classic (if slightly overpriced) fast-food style burgers. Telepan is real good if you want to go more upscale. And Westville, which is sort of mid-range in terms of price, is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. If you go there, make sure you get the mac and cheese with bacon. (Duh.)
Nice, thanks. I’m convinced if I try to go to Burger Joint I’ll wander around looking for the “secret” entrance like a jackass.
I shared your concern, but it’s really not all that hard to find. There’s a small neon sign with a burger on it that’s a dead giveaway. And if you can’t find that, there’s a concierge desk right there where they’ll point you the way around the corner.
I hit up Shake Shack in Madison Square Park with a friend this past Saturday evening; it’s tons less crowded than when the weather is nicer, as you might guess, and they have those gas-burning heaters so it’s not a bad place to sit and chat. (Plus they have beer.)
My count is a disappointing 10 (not counting trips to listed restaurants where I haven’t had their burgers, of course), and now I want a burger for dinner.
wow proud to say i’ve had 17 of these. my lady and i also were on the same quest, which is a good one to have when you’re a 20-something in the city on entry level salaries.
a notable one i’ve had that isn’t on this list – the burger at nolita house. great artisanal cheese selection to put on top of the monster and they make some solid sangria.