What Makes A Great Burger?
As I eat some of New York’s most renowned burgers, I ask myself that question all the time.
Is it all about how big a burger can be? I ask because I recently ate at one of New York’s most acclaimed burger restaurants and I ordered their best and biggest burger – how did that pay off?
Let’s head to the lower east side to find out!
Paul’s Da Burger Joint” has received wildly positive reviews from burger afficianados, and I needed to find out if they were justified! First, a little about them.
Here’s how they describe themselves:
“Paul’s “Da Burger Joint” was established in 1989 by its namesake Paul. Originally called “Paul’s Palace”. It was a family operation run by Paul and his immediate family. To this day, it is run by the same people in the same manner. We can be described as a 50’s eatery with counter service, checkered table cloths and vintage decorations. Many people have described us as “their home away from home” because of the friendly cozy environment created by our hospitality and style. Regulars enjoy sitting at the counter, talking with the cooks that they know by name, while eating their big juicy burger and sipping their cold beer.”
And a “big juicy burger and a cold beer” was just what I wanted!
Little did I know that the giant burger outside the restaurant was about to be matched by what I was served! Let’s go inside!
The first thing you notice inside is that the restaurant is packed with signs, all warning you that they have an opinion about everything and aren’t afraid to share it:
The signs are funny, and the menu large…you can order burgers with hamburger, turkey, mushroom…literally any iteration you like!
I ordered the half pound bacon cheeseburger…it’s a burger that sets the standard for what a burger could be….and for mine, that was just the beginning – I added mushrooms and extra Canadian bacon as well….and when it arrived, I realized this burger was a MONSTER!
The burger is so big they don’t even try to put it together for you – you have to do it yourself when it arrives at the table!
Thick cut French fries surround the burger, and when I put it together, it towered above the plate – here’s a closer look:
Take a moment to reflect on this: there is in fact a bottom bun there, it is obscured by the massive fries and the meat, bacon, Canadian bacon, lettuce and tomato on top….this thing is huge!
Most importantly, how did it taste?
Well, it was delicious! The meat was flavorful, the bacon crispy, and the Canadian bacon and mushrooms were probably not needed but they were terrific as well!
The burger came with some traditional elements like lettuce and tomato, which were both fresh and offered a respite from the protein!
Also, the fries soft and fluffy inside…there is so much going on here but it is going on very well!
This is a solid “A” on th burger scale…I want to come back again and try a more scaled down version to see how that works – but you get a lot of food for a fair price!
I have had the chance to sample some of New York’s most acclaimed burgers, like the iconic J.G. Melon:
They also offer up a massive burger, but how did this one taste?
See my review here:
It’s all part of my journey though the burgers of the Big Apple:
The “Black Label” burger at Minetta Tavern is also acclaimed, so I had to try it as well! Here’s my review:
Not all great burgers need a sit-down reservation – some of the best in New York are literally “grab and go”:
A great Burger lover had shared a picture of 7th Street Burgers and so I had to try one – and you can see my review by clicking on my story here:
Most recently, an acclaimed Hamburger Historian opened his own place in New York’s lower west side – so I popped in and had him make me one of his famous grilled onion burgers – take a look:
The wildly popular “Hamburger America” is packed every day – but for good reason?
Read my review!
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Categories: Bacon, Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Burgers, Cheeseburgers, Eat This!, Fast Food, Food, Food Pictures, Food Porn, Recipes, Restaurants, Sliders, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
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These burger places are amazing. I think a person could spend a lifetime trying burger joints in NYC. Bernadette