Cheryl's Global Soul, Brooklyn

I wasn't expecting to find a burger at what had been described to me as just "a good sandwich shop." Cheryl brings more to the table than your average sandwich. I was tempted to order the baguette stuffed generously with cured meats that the man next to me was indelicately devouring, but being in a burger mood...

There's not much to Cheryl's burger (with cheddar) but it comes out with that free-form look of having just been patted together in the kitchen rather than taken from a frozen stack. VW recently told me how much she likes burgers that are not quite in the round- this way some edges cook a little differently and you get some crispiness on the outside and a nice tenderness at the center. I think she makes a really good point and I agree wholeheartedly. This is what made Cheryl's burger pleasant. But it wasn't enough to make it great- just good. Usually I'm not a fan of the brioche bun, but Cheryl has a nice one. I added some spicy mayo to my burger and this gave it a little more interest- but you have to ask for it. The fries were delicious and there are plenty to share.

Cheryl's Global Soul
236 Underhill Ave., Brooklyn
347 529 2855

Black Iron Burger Shop, New York City

Exposed Edison bulbs and slow-drip Heinz Ketchup bottles set the stage for a good ol' fashioned burger at Black Iron Burger Shop in Manhattan's Lower East Side. I'd like to move to this quiet street between Avenues A & B just to be close to this well seasoned paddy on a grilled sesame bun. Here, the bartender really is your best friend- he'll pour your drink while grilling up your burger of choice. So be nice to him. The menu is small which is generally how we like it at weloveburgers. They have a few simple signature burgers like the "Black & Blue" (blue cheese & Cajun seasoning) or the "Black jack burger" (jack cheese, jalapenos & chili) or you can assemble your own. We went at 2:30 on a cool Friday afternoon, well after the lunch hour rush. With just a hand full of patrons there, our burgers were well attended and came out deliciously seasoned and cooked close to how we wanted them. My medium-rare was a bit more medium but still juicy and flavorful. Next time I may attempt to tip the scale with the "Iron horse", a double patty with horseradish cheddar and grilled onions. Why not?

540 East 5th Street
Blackironburger.com
t. 212 677 6067
Open late.

Snug Harbor/Port of Call, New Orleans

The burger at snug harbor took my nighttime burger cravings to an all new high.

The burger is tender and juicy, with all the perfect fixins. Of course New Orleans knows how to do a burger, and this is the best of the best.

Port of call and Snug Harbor have the same owners, and just so we don't mislead you, we made sure to try both burgers while in town. While port of call is the more popular choice, the food is the same and we had much better service at snug harbor (its much less crowded).

I will say though, you can get a drink to knock you out at port of call... so choose your fancy.

And the best part... the burger comes with a loaded baked potato. Be sure to ask for bacon and chives.

www.portofcallneworleans.com

www.snugjazz.com