NYC's Best Burger

Along with New York City's best pizza and bagels, the "best burger" is one of the most hotly contested titles in the five boroughs.

Recently, Time Out New York came out with its list, crowning Donovan's Pub the top hamburger in the Big Apple. Pictured above, I have to admit that at a mere $5.75, this juicy, beefy giant is a lovely specimen - and the friendly, old-time Irish atmosophere of this Woodside, Queens favorite, nestled below the #7 train, only adds to the burger's undeniable appeal.

However, the rest of their top ten leaves something to be desired:

2. P.J. Clarke's
3. Soup Burg
4. Pastis
5. J.G. Melon
6. Rare Bar & Grill
7. Fanelli's Cafe
8. Paul's
9. Blue Ribbon
10. MetroCafe & Wine Bar

And, although they did give kudos to the burgers at two of my usual hangs, Five Front and Waterfront Ale House, the editors completely ignored my all-time, number one pick in the metropolitan area.

Drum roll please...

Cafe de Bruxelles in the West Village. This tried and true, lace-curtained Belgian bistro doesn't serve up your typical all-beef patty on a roll. Oh, no. This oversized, perfectly-charred hunk of top-grade beef is served open-faced on a grilled piece of baguette. Alongside is a delicate butter-leaf salad, homemade garlicky mayonnaise, a sweet onion confit and the restaurant's justly famous, supremely satisfying frites.

It may not be a typical burger experience. But folks, this is New York City. Typical isn't the norm here. And, the same should be said for our finest hamburger.

Other burger "King" suggestions? Offer them up!