Celebrate with some tasty American eats
There’s nothing more American than a hamburger, a hot dog and some sloppy barbecue. Luckily, New York City has plenty of places to eat it all.
BURGERS
P.J. Clarke’s
This classic eatery, featured on “Mad Men,” has been in operation since 1884. The burgers are simple and delicious, and P.J.’s recently celebrated the opening of its outdoor dining area on the Hudson River. Outdoor burgers and beers? Yes, please! Other summer menu items include oysters and deviled eggs. 4 World Financial Center, and various locations, pjclarkes.com
Shack Shack
The ever-multiplying Danny Meyer burger spot wows patrons with delicious simplicity and cheap prices. Just check out the lines, which at lunchtime and especially at the flagship Madison Square Park location can be quite long. But one bite, and you’ll forget about waiting in the hot sun. The secret weapon, in our opinion? The tangy sauce. Madison Square Park, and various locations, shakeshack.com
Bareburger
Bareburger promises choices galore. From elk burgers to ostrich burgers and Wisconsin blue cheese to cucumber mint yogurt sauce, Bareburger is taking fast(ish) food to new, foodie levels. Try the Roadhouse burger, topped with pepper jack, country bacon, avocado, fire-roasted red peppers, sweet apple grilled onions and smoked paprika mayo. 33-21 31st Ave., Astoria, and various locations, bareburger.com
HOT DOGS
Nathan’s
A trip to Coney Island isn’t complete without a stop at Nathan’s Famous for a hot dog (and maybe some cheese fries). The salty flavor, the snap of the casing — it’s delicious and nostalgic for all New Yorkers. 1310 Surf Ave., nathansfamous.com
Crif Dogs
Known for their outrageous toppings, this mini-chain has been a favorite of NYU students for years. With a new outpost in Williamsburg, hipsters are devouring dogs topped with everything from avocado and sour cream (the chihuahua) to cream cheese, scallions and everything bagel seeds (the jon-jon deragon). 113 St. Mark’s Pl., and various locations, crifdogs.com
Asia Dog
Asia Dog has won over hot dog connoisseurs by treating the dog in a bun as a blank canvas on which to build a masterpiece. They are just what they sound like: hot dogs with Asian-inspired toppings. Try the VINH: a Vietnamese banh-mi style dog, topped with aioli, pate, cucumbers, pickled carrot and daikon, cilantro and jalapeno. 66 Kenmare St., pop-up locations, asiadognyc.com
BARBECUE
Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue
Thick-cut, juicy spareribs and pulled pork are what you order here, but if you truly want to luxuriate in barbecue, order the brisket, too. 103 Second Ave. at Smorgasburg, mightyquinnsbbq.com
Hill Country Barbecue
This lovingly prepared — and award-winning — Texas-style barbecue impresses. Try the beef shoulder. And don’t miss dessert: the banana cream pudding is luxurious. 30 W. 26th St., hillcountryny.com
Fette Sau
This hot spot has long lines, rotating kegs of craft beer and some of the best dang barbecue around. Order the “Berkshire Belly,” aka bacon. 354 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, fettesaubbq.com
