Best Burgers in New York City

If you are wondering how the recession is truly effecting our eating habits, look no further than beef to explain away some of our nation's recent dietary trends. It's pretty hard to pay $20 or more for a decent steak in New York City when the town is awash with massive job cuts on Wall Street and as the real estate market folds like Bernie Madoff investments. But that hasn't stopped New Yorkers from enjoying the very meat that saw this country thru wars, civil and revolutionary, as well as political and social movements-not to mention other recessions. What meet is that?

Beef!

It's what's for dinner!

However, during these economic times, beef is not too popular in T-Bone or Filet Mignon form. Heck, the New York Strip isn't even too popular in New York City these days. Instead, the burger, far more affordable than steak, has seen a major resurgence over the past year and half. In fact, as of this past January, the number of New York City restaurants offering burgers was up 7% compared to two years ago. Perhaps you should take advantage of it.

Sure, you could hit up the usuals; you know, the Blue 9's, the Shake Shacks and the Five Guys of the world. But now, some places are serving up burgers made from Kobe beef, New York steak, and short-rib patties, causing the "delectability factor" of burgers to reach an all time high.

So where can you find these mouth-watering treats? Here are just a few of the choices out there:

Bar Artisnal

How can you say no to the burgers of Bar Artisanal? Of course, the burger of choice there is unquestionably the Artisnal Blend. Raved about in New York Magazine, the Artisanal Blend burger combines short rib with chuck beef in a combination so flavorful and juicy that you won't believe you're eating a burger. Served with house-made remoulade on brioche, the Artisanal Blend burger is just as classic as it is rare, and that's a hard combination to come by in the world of hamburgers. So Tribeca's secret is out. The Artisanal Blend burger is not just for the bankers and lawyers down on Wall Street looking for a lunch prix-fixe. Now you too know about this beef delicacy, which can be yours for the relatively low price of $13.

Five Napkin Burger

Yes, the name of this burger-joint does coincide with its dietary concerns-or lack thereof. Five Napkin Burger caters to an extremely carnivorous crowd that likes to get dressed up before they scarf down their greasy-yet extremely tasty-treats. Their signature burger, the "Original 5 Napkin Burger," is their signature burger for a reason. This greasy, juicy, sizzling, 10-ounce, beef monstrosity comes covered in rosemary aioli, Comte cheese and caramelized onions. Made from fresh-ground chuck, the Original 5 Napkin Burger oozes with flavor, which is possibly addictive, because I keep going back to pay the $13.95 just to taste God's gift to burger-lovers every where.

BRGR

I know BRGR can seem like a pretty trendy place that probably doesn't have a decent burger in the joint, but that perception couldn't be further from reality. With a selection of burgers and burger toppings that combine to give you a multitude of personalized options, BRGR is second to none when it comes to "having it your way." That said, do it my way and try the Rainforest Burger, which is made of grass-fed beef, gruyere, avocado, mayonnaise and L&T. FIT students and Chelsea residents are already familiar with this place, which is why BRGR is making out like bandits with the Rainforest Burger and all of their menu options. So don't be the last one to check it out. For just $9 you can try my favorite burger from here, and for as little as $7.55, you can choose from an array of signature burgers and toppings and still have enough money left over to pay for the cup of coffee you'll need just to prevent the itus from hitting you on your way out the door.