Venturing through Chelsea one afternoon, a simple chalkboard sign outside Peter Mcmanus Cafe caught my eye, sparking a culinary quest. Established in 1936, Peter McManus is a name synonymous with authentic Irish pub culture in New York City, celebrated for its vintage charm and welcoming atmosphere. While I’d previously enjoyed their St. Patrick’s Day specials, particularly the traditional corned beef and cabbage, this sign boldly proclaimed something new: “Best Burger In Town.”
Intrigued and slightly skeptical, I initially walked past, thoughts of countless “best burger” claims echoing in my mind. New York City is, after all, a burger mecca. Yet, the claim lingered. Could this unassuming Irish bar truly hold the key to the city’s best burger? The prospect was enticing, potentially simplifying the endless pursuit for the perfect patty.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19744227/IMG_20200109_185051.jpg)
Returning a few days later, the vibrant bar area of Peter McManus was bustling, a testament to its enduring popularity. Stepping into the quieter dining room felt like entering a different era. The space was adorned with classic Irish decor – oil paintings, commemorative plates, and various pieces of Irish memorabilia, creating a warm, nostalgic ambiance. Office workers filled the tables, unwinding after work with beers and plates of loaded nachos.
Settling into a comfortable corner booth, I ordered the “classic burger,” priced at a reasonable $12. What arrived was not the typical, trendy burger one might expect in today’s gourmet burger scene. This was a burger with a story, perhaps a nod to simpler, more traditional times. It featured a generous half-pound of fresh, high-quality beef, accompanied by ripe tomato slices, crispy bacon, and sharp raw onions. Notably absent were lettuce and cheese. This unconventional combination hinted at a historical recipe, prompting thoughts of exploring other long-standing Irish pubs to understand their interpretation of a classic burger.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19744228/IMG_20200109_185156.jpg)
Adding to the value, the Peter McManus burger came with a choice of steak fries or tater tots. The tater tots were an obvious and delightful choice, arriving in abundance, perfectly browned, and exceptionally crunchy. But the burger itself?
It was undeniably substantial and cooked to a beautiful medium-rare, just as requested. The bacon topping, while plentiful, offered a subtle smokiness rather than an overpowering flavor. The raw onion was the dominant element, lending a sharp, pungent taste that, at times, leaned towards a steak tartare profile. While cooked medium-rare, it bordered on the rarer side. Leaving Peter McManus, satisfied, I conceded it was a very good burger, a solid offering in Chelsea. But the “best in town”? The jury was still out.
My burger journey, however, continued. Just days later, in the West Village, another bold burger claim emerged. Peeking at the menu outside Suprema Provisions, an Italian grocery and restaurant, I noticed their hamburger boasted of being the “highest rated burger in NYC.” Intrigued by this competing claim, and the implicit challenge to Peter McManus, a comparison was necessary.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19744236/SupExterior.jpg)
The Suprema burger, priced higher at $19, presented a stark contrast to the classic simplicity of Peter McManus. It was described as featuring black garlic sauce, aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes, and Iberico Bellota jam. This sounded far more elaborate and gourmet, a departure from the traditional Irish pub burger.
Served alongside Brussels sprouts, the Suprema burger was visually striking, albeit in a somewhat messy way. A generous amount of black garlic sauce (or melted cheese) cascaded down the sides. The roasted tomato and the dark, sweet jam added complex flavors. Despite its unwieldy nature and less-than-perfect presentation, the Suprema burger delivered a powerful flavor punch, with the sauce resembling an intensely flavored mayonnaise.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19744237/SupSign.jpg)
It was indeed a good burger, but “highest-rated”? The claim, it turned out, originated from the Gotham Burger Social Club, described as “Gotham’s premier burger club.” Apparently, exclusive burger clubs are a thing, dedicated to discovering the city’s best burgers. The New York Post even characterized this club as “a members-only, men-only society.” Whether to trust their judgment is another question.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19744234/SupBurger.jpg)
Ultimately, both Peter McManus and Suprema Provisions served burgers that boldly declared themselves among the city’s best. While both were enjoyable and noteworthy in their own right, definitively crowning either as the absolute “best” remains subjective. Perhaps the true best burger in NYC is still out there, waiting to be discovered. Do you know of any other New York City burgers making similar claims? Your recommendations are welcome!
Peter McManus
152 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (212) 929-9691 Visit Website
Suprema Provisions
305 Bleecker Street, Manhattan, NY 10014 (646) 964-4994 Visit Website
