Best Burger Joints on the Upper West Side

The mighty 'hamburger' being the traditional, unofficial American "pie'ce de re'sistance" is indisputedly the ageless icon of Americana cuisine. Being an amateur appreciator of fine cuisine, like all good Americans, after having newly relocated to the upper west side, I discovered some fascinating and lively hamburger joints. No longer only just the icon of years long past, the burger has put on some new clothes and lives and thrives with a new rhythm and beat amidst the quaint hustle of these famous New York streets. Here are four of the best samplings of the all-american hamburger that I have escaped to after a long and sometimes frustrating day. Give them a try and see if their scrumptious delights can tempt your palate as much as they did mine.

5 Napkin Burger

2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

http://www.5napkinburger.com

(212) 333-4488

The famous 5Napkin Burger restaurant, well known as the undisputed maverick of the novel burger of the past few years has only a few lows points amidst its titillating menu. Hamburger-wise, it's practically impossible to beat the delectable, juicy, tender, suspense-filled surprise that awaits your taste buds and cravings. The only drawback I would give to this otherwise brilliant restaurant is the wait. Yes, you read correctly. That's the low point, waiting for a free table. Unless you've got star power on your side, you might be looking at anywhere from a 30 to 120 minute wait for a table at night, significantly less during the lunch hour. The polite polished demeanor of the servers, a décor fit for royalty, a culinary experience extraordinaire, are well worth it, if you can spare those few extra minutes of waiting. I promise you will not leave disappointed. I didn't.
Rating 7.5 out of 10

Amsterdam 106

938 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

http://www.amsterdam106.com/

(212) 280-8070

Great service, drinks, affordably priced large grilled hamburgers, nestled in the ambiance of an a cozy tavern combines to create an experience to repeat. This is just one humble way to describe Amsterdam 106. They have every right to boast an assorted menu of reasonably priced meals and a friendly atmosphere to match. This well-known pub and grill is located near the top of the upper west side. Enjoy lunch or dinner with friends, or relax with a drink while catching a ball game. The scrumptious meals served in this laid back restaurant are easy on the wallet with prices ranging from nine to twelve dollars for a burger. You can't go wrong. Don't believe me? Try one!
Rating 8 out of 10

Big Nick`s Burger Joint

2175 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

www.bignicksny.com

(212) 362-9238

Big Nick's is the quintessential burger and pizza joint of the Upper West Side. A wonderful, small restaurant caters to your lunch needs of the day. Indoor seating or relatively fast delivery, the choice is yours. I prefer the buzz of dining in this lively restaurant belying bits of history and memoirs of the upper west side. Not only does it make for a better meal, but the joint has some of the best prices in the neighborhood which makes it unbeatable. Feel it from the first step you take through the door, entering the world Big Nick's Eateries reaches beyond just a restaurant to be one that cares for its customers. Six dollars flat will provide you with the means to help yourself to a mouth-watering beef burger. If you've been looking for a real all American burger, Big Nick's is the place for you. With the warm atmosphere, extra large portions, reasonable prices, why go to Mc Donald's when you can eat here?
Rating 8.5 out of 10

EJ's luncheonette

447 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

http://www2.seamlessweb.com/food-delivery/ejs-luncheonette-amsterdam-new-york-city.2053.r

(212) 873-3444

This exuberant diner located in the heart of the upper west side has a large menu spread consisting of everything between mouth watering pancakes to a variety of choice burgers and sandwiches. A recommended locale if you're looking to enjoy a quiet spot to have an above average meal. With indoor and outdoor seating it's the perfect place for family or friends. I ate here with my girlfriend, who couldn't forget the delicious taste of the multi-grain flapjacks. I genuinely enjoyed the char-broiled cheeseburger. They won't accept credit cards, but don't be alarmed, there is an ATM inside the restaurant and the friendly waiters readily point it out for you. This food is scrumptiously delicious averaging around fifteen bucks for a meal, including drinks, all of which makes it perfect if you're not working on a too tight budget and are looking to experience the upper west side. EJ's Luncheonette is the place for you.
Rating 7.5 out of 10