Red Hook Tavern

This is a straight-up, no-nonsense burger. Forget the lettuce, tomato, and fancy toppings. This bad boy just throws down the essentials: a hefty, juicy patty, a single slice of melty cheese, and a sharp onion ring for some bite. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity, though. This burger’s a beast. They ditch the broiler at Red Hook Tavern, opting for a slow sear on the griddle. This gives the patty a killer char on the outside while keeping the inside a luxurious, medium-rare. It’s like a savory, peppery crust protecting a juicy, almost-pâté-like core. The raw onion cuts through the richness and keeps the bun from getting soggy. And that dry-aged beef? Is the star of the show. It hits you with a deep, funky tang at first, then steps aside to let the juicy goodness shine. This burger is all about the quality ingredients and perfect cooking techniques. Instant top 5 burgers of this kind in nyc, along with the heavy weights with Lugar’s, Corner Bistro, and Minetta.