Venturing through Chelsea in New York City, a curious chalkboard sign outside Peter McManus Cafe caught my eye. Established in 1936, Peter McManus is renowned as a quintessential Irish bar in the city, celebrated for its timeless charm, from the classic barroom upfront to the inviting dining area in the back. While familiar with McManus as a St. Patrick’s Day destination for traditional corned beef and cabbage, this particular sign boldly proclaimed something new: “Best Burger In Town.”
The claim gave me pause. Could this long-standing Irish bar truly serve the best burger in a city overflowing with burger contenders? Doubt warred with intrigue. The prospect of discovering a hidden gem, a burger that could simplify the endless quest for the perfect patty in NYC, was too compelling to ignore.
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Peter McManus Bar, a Chelsea Landmark
A few days later, curiosity piqued, I returned to Peter Mcmanus Bar New York. The front bar buzzed with lively chatter, leading me into the more subdued dining room. The decor spoke of history and heritage, with walls adorned with vintage oil portraits, commemorative plates, and Irish mementos. Settling into a comfortable corner booth, I observed the after-work crowd enjoying beers and plates of nachos.
Ordering the “classic burger” ($12), I was met with a presentation that deviated from the norm. This wasn’t the typical burger build. It felt rooted in tradition, perhaps a nod to how classic Irish bars in New York have interpreted this American staple over time. The burger featured a generous half-pound of fresh beef, accompanied by tomato, crispy bacon, and raw onions – a deliberate absence of lettuce and cheese.
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Classic Irish Bar Ambiance at Peter McManus Cafe
The Peter McManus burger deal was made even sweeter with a choice of steak fries or tater tots. The tots, naturally, won. They arrived golden brown and remarkably crunchy. But the burger itself?
It was substantial and cooked rare, as requested. The bacon added a subtle smoky flavor, playing a supporting role to the dominant raw onion, which lent a sharp, almost steak tartare-like edge to each bite. While I had ordered medium-rare, it leaned towards the rarer side of the spectrum. Leaving Peter McManus Cafe, I admitted it was a very good burger, a solid offering from this Chelsea institution. But was it the “best in town” as the sign proclaimed? The quest continued.
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The Classic Burger at Peter McManus: Simple yet Satisfying
Just two days later, while in the West Village, another burger claim surfaced at Suprema Provisions, an Italian deli and restaurant. Their menu declared their hamburger the “highest rated burger in NYC.” Intrigued by the comparison, and the proximity, a taste test was in order.
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Suprema Provisions in West Village, NYC
The Suprema burger ($19) was a more elaborate affair, featuring black garlic sauce, aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes, and Iberico Bellota jam. Served with Brussels sprouts, it was visually striking, albeit in a messy way. The black garlic sauce (or melted cheese) cascaded down the sides, and the Iberico jam added a unique sweetness.
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“Highest Rated Burger in NYC” Claim at Suprema Provisions
Despite its untidy appearance, the Suprema burger delivered on flavor. The sauce, reminiscent of a generously applied mayonnaise, tied the ingredients together. It was undeniably good, but “highest-rated”? The claim originated from the Gotham Burger Social Club, a “members-only, men-only society dedicated to seeking out the city’s best burgers,” according to the New York Post.
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The Suprema Burger: Flavorful and Unique
Ultimately, both Peter McManus Bar New York and Suprema Provisions presented compelling burgers, each with its own distinct style and claim to burger fame. While neither definitively claimed the title of “best” in my book, they both offered memorable and enjoyable burger experiences. The search for the ultimate NYC burger continues, and reader recommendations are always welcome at [email protected].
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
