Everyone has enjoyed the widely lauded burgers at Dumont and Mullane’s, but have you savored Brooklyn’s unsung burgers? Get on the patty wagon with this handy GO Brooklyn guide to the borough’s most underrated burgers:
Grand Canyon
Back in the day, this Montague Street diner was the first of the “gourmet” burgers, a seven-ounce monster that brought hamburgers back from exile in greasy spoons and school cafeterias. Sure, Grand Canyon’s novelty has worn off a bit, but the oddly sized burger remains a mouth-watering classic ($7.95, complete with fries. Cheese is $.90 more). And the order is practically on your table before you can say, “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.”
Grand Canyon [141 Montague St., between Henry and Clinton streets, (718) 797-1402].
Back in the day, this Montague Street diner was the first of the “gourmet” burgers, a seven-ounce monster that brought hamburgers back from exile in greasy spoons and school cafeterias. Sure, Grand Canyon’s novelty has worn off a bit, but the oddly sized burger remains a mouth-watering classic ($7.95, complete with fries. Cheese is $.90 more). And the order is practically on your table before you can say, “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.”
Grand Canyon [141 Montague St., between Henry and Clinton streets, (718) 797-1402].
The Brooklyn Paper / Bess Adler
Pete’s Waterfront Ale House
When you’re ready to get away from Brooklyn’s bourgeois burgers and their fancy accoutrements, head to Pete’s for a hearty, utilitarian meat mound. Forged from a half pound of angus, the “Waterfront Super Burger” ($10.95, plus $1 for cheese) is a thick, succulent sandwich with no frills — just flavor.
Pete’s Waterfront Ale House [155 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 522-3794].
When you’re ready to get away from Brooklyn’s bourgeois burgers and their fancy accoutrements, head to Pete’s for a hearty, utilitarian meat mound. Forged from a half pound of angus, the “Waterfront Super Burger” ($10.95, plus $1 for cheese) is a thick, succulent sandwich with no frills — just flavor.
Pete’s Waterfront Ale House [155 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 522-3794].
The Brooklyn Paper / Bess Adler
Bonnie’s Grill
Everyone knows Bonnie’s Grill serves a juicy diner-style cheeseburger, but the hidden gem at the neighborhood haunt is actually its portobello burger ($7.95). Though Bonnie’s classifies this vegetarian-friendly offering as a sandwich — relying on its decent veggie burger to fill the role of prime produce patty — this meal on a bun boasts a succulent and complex flavor that might as well be meat. Take it to the next level with sauteed jalapeno peppers.
Bonnie’s Grill [278 Fifth Ave. at Garfield Place in Park Slope, (718) 369-9527].
Everyone knows Bonnie’s Grill serves a juicy diner-style cheeseburger, but the hidden gem at the neighborhood haunt is actually its portobello burger ($7.95). Though Bonnie’s classifies this vegetarian-friendly offering as a sandwich — relying on its decent veggie burger to fill the role of prime produce patty — this meal on a bun boasts a succulent and complex flavor that might as well be meat. Take it to the next level with sauteed jalapeno peppers.
Bonnie’s Grill [278 Fifth Ave. at Garfield Place in Park Slope, (718) 369-9527].
The Brooklyn Paper / Emily True
Skinflints
This beloved family restaurant is off the beaten path for many Brooklyn foodies, but Yellow Hook residents know that Skinflints grills the best burgers in the Bay Ridge. Served pub-style on a toasted English muffin, this juicy burger is the epitome of good bar food. If you’re wondering, the word “skinflint” means a miserly person — and that has nothing to do with the size, quality, or price of these perfect patties ($6.75, plus $.20 for cheese).
Skinflints [7902 Fifth Ave. at 79th Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 745-1116].
This beloved family restaurant is off the beaten path for many Brooklyn foodies, but Yellow Hook residents know that Skinflints grills the best burgers in the Bay Ridge. Served pub-style on a toasted English muffin, this juicy burger is the epitome of good bar food. If you’re wondering, the word “skinflint” means a miserly person — and that has nothing to do with the size, quality, or price of these perfect patties ($6.75, plus $.20 for cheese).
Skinflints [7902 Fifth Ave. at 79th Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 745-1116].
The Brooklyn Paper / Bess Adler
Building on Bond
Burgers might be an American staple, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be spiced up with some international flavor. The geniuses behind the patties at Building on Bond have added chorizo to the mix, resulting in a smoky, juicy burger with a rich flavor ($9, plus $1 for cheese). Served on a buttery brioche and topped with a bit of Gruyere, it’s one of the finest — and most forgotten — burgers in the borough.
Building on Bond [112 Bond St., at Pacific Street in Boerum Hill, (718) 853-8687].
Burgers might be an American staple, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be spiced up with some international flavor. The geniuses behind the patties at Building on Bond have added chorizo to the mix, resulting in a smoky, juicy burger with a rich flavor ($9, plus $1 for cheese). Served on a buttery brioche and topped with a bit of Gruyere, it’s one of the finest — and most forgotten — burgers in the borough.
Building on Bond [112 Bond St., at Pacific Street in Boerum Hill, (718) 853-8687].
The Brooklyn Paper / Mike Short
