1 - Stand [Burgers]

LAST VISIT: 12/2008     http://www.standburger.com/

I was sorely disappointed with my Stand experience. I had decided to take two of my friends here mostly because Stand has pumpkin milkshakes, a love that my girlfriends and I shared from seasonally Burgerville back in Oregon [http://burgerville.com/]. So when I heard that the Stand had pumpkin milkshakes we hightailed it over there. First off, the milkshake was the grossest thing - a milkshake is supposed to be sugary, fatty and delicious. Stand's tasted like I scooped a piece of raw pumpkin straight out of the gourd. YUCK!!! When I told them that I thought something was wrong with it, they didn't seem to care at all and made me pay for it. To be honest with you I don't even really remember much about my burger and fries except that they were just bland. We left saying that we would never go back and I felt bad that I had psyched my friends out only to have a bad experience. Fellow friends, avoid Stand...stick to Burger Joint, even if they don't have pumpkin flavored shakes!

2 - Shake Shack

LAST VISIT: 2/2010 http://www.shakeshack.com/

I like Shake Shack, but not as much as Burger Joint, thus the "2" rating. The burger is decent, the crinkle fries are not my favorite (a little lacking in flavor), the frozen custards and shakes are good. Shake Shack provides a fun NYC experience, but you really have to wait in the line at Madison Square Park versus going to the W 79th St location. I know any diner will like the food, but I cannot guarantee that it will be thought of as amazing and worthy of a "3".

1 - Jackson Hole

LAST VISIT: 11/2008 http://www.jacksonholeburgers.com/

Honestly, thinking about the two burgers I have tried at Jackson Hole makes me feel ill. Look at the picture...see how thick the burger is? The picture's burger is thinner than each one I have tried. The meat is not good and they don't cook it to your specifications. This is NOT quality meat. I have nothing good to say about this place...when I walk by one of their locations I feel like cringing.

3 - Houston's / Hillstone's

LAST VISIT: 5/4/2010 http://www.hillstone.com/hillstone/

Not only does this salad look like a jungle - but it tasted like a jungle - a jungle of yumminess in my mouth!!!!! I had been to a Houston's in Florida in 2003 and remembered it being good, but not as good as last night's tour! The Dip Duo was fantabulous as well. As I sat with my girlfriend enjoying our meal we couldn't help but drool when when saw all the plates being delivered to each table in the restaurant. Everything looked AMAZING. The burgers were HUGE - I can only imagine how tasty they are! I want to go back so bad!

3 - Big Daddy's Diner (up from a 2)

LAST VISIT: 3/2010 http://www.bigdaddysnyc.com/

Seriously - I used to think Big Daddy's Diner was just like every other diner...but, now I can't stay away. Their pancakes are stellar...fluffy-mcduffy...melt in your mouth!!! Tater tots ("TOTS"), Chicken-Lickin Sandy, Very, Very Veggie Burger, and the Big Daddy Sundae are among my favorites. If you want a hearty meal, big portions and deliciousness - hit up the Big D's!!! :)

3 - Burger Joint

LAST VISIT: 2/2010 http://parkermeridien.com/eat4.php
This is hands down the best burger/fries/shake restaurant. I could go there again, again and again. When I haven't been in a while and decide to go it takes everything I have not to return the following day. The atmosphere is terrific too. A special place in NYC - known mostly by word of mouth - it wouldn't be better if it was larger inside.
-Medium well, no mustard, extra pickles, fries and a strawberry shake, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!