2010 Burger Shootout II: East Coast

After 2009's LA-Chicago Shootout and this April's Texas Shootout, fans have complained that there was a dearth of representation from the burger boys of the east. And thus your voice is heard: over a period of 10 days, I have trekked along I-95 in search of the good stack. And here are my rankings:

1 (tied). Shorty's 32 (New York, NY)

1 (tied). Stella (Boston, MA)

3. The Breslin (New York, NY)

4. DBGB (New York, NY)

5. Goodburger (New York, NY)

6. Five Napkin (New York, NY)

7. Audubon Circle (Boston, MA)

8. Tunnicliff's Tavern (Washington, DC)

9. uburger (Boston, MA)

Goodburger stands out with its charred aromatics and assertion to be green and certifiably organic. The lamb burger at The Breslin has basically eliminated my heretofore bias against non-beef burgers. Shorty's 32 and DBGB show how to do serious food in a laid-back environment. Due to time constraints I wasn't able to revisit The Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien or Mr. Bartley's (who was closed on the day I visited, on June 1, allegedly so that he could spend more time coaching and prepping Elena Kagan, a Mr. B regular, for the upcoming confirmation hearings), or try out Shake Shack which my friends in the City have raved time and again. Nevertheless, I am glad to report that the burger scene in the east coast is alive and well and, with the gastro-pub movement thriving (The Breslin, Spotted Pig and DBGB being good examples), even better days shall come.

A private vegetarian kitchen

Zucchini puree, topped with crotons and
cream drizzles; spinach quiche with a wholegrain crust.

The puree, served hot, was delicate but not runny. Red chili flakes
added a subtle layer of zest and heat. Amazingly, the crust
of the quiche was made without a single dab of butter. After
three pieces of quiche, I was barely able to move. But with a great
ambiance and all the great company, why should I?

Tunnicliff's Tavern (Washington, DC)

Tunnicliff's Tavern
222 7th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-5680

Burger: the Bacon Cheeseburger.
Architecture: bun, bacon, pickles, Cheddar, patty, tomato, lettuce, bun.

Tunnicliff's, located just across the street from East Market, is a DC
institution. Known for good booze and big burgers, this place has been
a fixture in Capitol Hill forever, attracting politicians, Hill staff,
and others who just want to relax and have a good time. The bacon
cheeseburger was a good old-fashioned American burger with plenty of
flavorful trappings. Even though it arrived at the table a little more
cooked than desired, the beef remained moist and juicy.

Sardis Pollo A La Brasa (Beltsville, MD)

Sardis
10433 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705
(301) 595-3222
www.sardischicken.com

One Peruvian charbroiled chicken, rice and beans, fried plaintains,
green beans, fried yuca, fries -- to go. Great Peruvian food at great
prices. And Bryan approved.