This is the one spot in Charleston that I wish I could do all over again.
We had just eaten two meals, but we had to pop in to try the burger (shaved among four people).
The burger was simple, and small. It was also, however, delicious, as were the garlic fries. I wish I had more of an appetite, because I would have liked to try the steakhouse bacon, the coulotte steak, and a few other items. Next trip I will definitely go back here.
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
710 King St
Charleston, SC 29403
This Italian burger joint just opened in Soho, and we hosted an Electric Wednesday there with some ebike guys. Check that out HERE:
You can also check out my Ride & Review HERE:
But here’s a quick writeup:
I started out with what was probably the best food I’ve eaten all year. Pittule. These are fried balls of dough/fritters, like zeppole, only they’re made with olives, capers and sun-dried tomato, and then covered with stracciatella and crispy speck. UNBELIEVABLE! I’m already craving more.
I tried the Campano burger next. The burgers here are sort of like flattened meatballs, in that they are seasoned with spices, breadcrumbs, and contain other meats like pork. This particular burger was topped with mortadella, mozzarella and some really nice pistachio sauce. I very much enjoyed it as a unique way to consume all of the various delicious Italian food items. The bun is house made and almost tastes like a sweet buttered biscuit. I think it would be perfect for an Italian breakfast sandwich. And the fries are like curly thick cut potato chips. Really good!
I also tried the tiramisu, which is served in a huge coffee tin. It’s super fluffy and light.
I’ll be back here for sure!
CANTIERE HAMBIRRERIA
41 Kenmare St.
New York, NY 10012
Holy Cow has been on my radar to try for a while. Last night, I finally made it in there to try both a burger and a chopped cheese.
Both were mediocre, but the burger was slightly better due to the crisp on the patty, and the overall flavors/special sauce. The buns were strangely dense and hard. The seasoned fries were great though.
Probably won’t be back, but definitely glad I finally tried it.
HOLY COW
34 Canal St
New York, NY 10002
First, check out my Ride & Review video HERE:
The Wayland is a nice bar at the corner of 9th Street and Avenue C that serves up some great deals at Happy Hour. Namely, $1.50 oysters, and a $12 “beer and burger” deal.
Both are top notch quality, and they really do a nice job with cocktails too, like this shallot infused gin gibson.
I can’t wait to go back and try more stuff. That “Lost Lady” burger was a killer double patty with American and a great special sauce. Nice and simple. Get here!
THE WAYLAND
700 E 9th St
New York, NY 10009
First, check out my Ride & Review video HERE:
This newly opened smash burger joint offers up a nice variety of smash style burgers (regular, Oklahoma, etc) at really great prices ($6 for a single).
My wife and I tried a regular double smash and some fries.
The fries were a little soggy, but the burger was somewhere between good and great. I would definitely go back and try some more stuff, especially their shakes.
BURGERS ON B
168 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009
First, check out my kickass Ride & Review video HERE:
We started with some cocktails. My wife got the walnut whiskey sour, and I got a classic martini. Both were excellent.
Next we shared some apps. The fried shrimp were head-on, which was nice, but they needed a little salt.
The burger was delicious. Aside from the lack of adequate cheese melt, I really enjoyed. The pickled green tomato is a great way to introduce both pickle and tomato into the burger’s flavor profile without using ketchup (garbage, but it is nostalgic).
It was cooked to a nice medium rare. Right on the money. One other negative here was that the fries were a little too salty. I didn’t mind much, since that sort of balanced with the shrimp.
For our mains we had the Iberico pork “Secreto,” which is a shoulder cut if I’m not mistaken, as well as the lamb rack. We both liked the lamb better.
The pork was still good, I think it just needed a chimi sauce or something. Also maybe another minute on the grill. I like this pork medium rare, but this was straight rare so it ended up being a little chewy at times unless you cut it up small. Broccolini was charred with lemon, just how we like it.
The strawberry shortcake dessert was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
One other negative to note here: there was some sort of eyelash or eyebrow hair in my wife’s amaro. We didn’t say anything, but the level of service here was incredible so I’m sure they would have gotten us a new pour if we asked. It was late, and we were tired, full and otherwise very happy. The staff definitely pays attention to the notes you put on your reservation. A few different people made conversation with us a few times about it being our anniversary. Great staff! I will be back for the steak options.
CECCHI’S
105 W 13th St
New York, NY 10011
This St. Marks staple serves up a thick-ass burger for under $10.
Although both a bit under-seasoned, the burger and fries combo for under $14 is a steal, especially if you go on your birthday like I did, and save an extra $5.
PAUL’S DA BURGER JOINT
131 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
This joint serves up great pub food for a great price. I came here with a gang of miscreants late night after a whiskey event in Industry City, and I must say: Salty Dog did not disappoint.
I shared the fried chicken sandwich and burger with my wife. Both great. Excellent onion rings and fries too.
SALTY DOG
7509 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11209
First, check out my Ride & Review video of this place HERE:
This place used to be the original location of Black Iron Burger, I think.
My wife and I stopped in on a mini food crawl and gave it a shot. It was good!
The 6oz patty was cooked properly, with a nice crust from the flat top. The toppings were well portioned, and the bun held up, for the most part.
Fries could have used a bit of salt, but the onion rings were perfect.
I would definitely go back. I really like the cross between a luncheonette and a pub vibe that they have going here, and the staff was delightful. Next time I’ll try their signature burger that has brie and caramelized onions.
LE BURGER
540 E 5th St
New York, NY 10009
Connected to the Moxy hotel near Penn Station is a pretty cool bar and grill that serves up a great burger, named after my friend Dave from Golden Packing, their meat supplier. Check out my Ride & Review video HERE (second stop in the video):
You may think this doesn’t look too great. I thought so too. The cheese isn’t melted and the tomato is too thick. But it is DAMN GOOD! It’s made from ground prime NY strip steak. It’s more like a steakhouse burger than a standard bar burger. Go give it a shot! But skip the “wagyu” pigs in a blanket. They were dry!
LEGASEA BAR & GRILL
485 7th Ave
New York, NY 10018
