Strolling through Chelsea one day, a simple chalkboard sign outside Peter McManus Cafe caught my eye, boldly proclaiming “Best Burger In Town.” Having known Peter McManus as a long-standing and respected Irish bar in NYC, famous for its vintage charm and cozy atmosphere, particularly during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with its corned beef and cabbage, this burger claim was intriguing. Could this classic Irish pub really house the city’s best burger?
The thought lingered, sparking a debate in my mind. On one hand, the sheer number of exceptional burgers across NYC made the claim seem audacious. On the other, the allure of discovering a hidden gem, a place where the burger search could finally conclude, was undeniably appealing.
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Stepping into Peter McManus Cafe: Ambiance and Expectations
A few days later, curiosity led me back to Peter McManus Cafe. The front bar was bustling, a lively scene typical of a popular Irish watering hole. Moving through, I found myself in a more subdued dining room, adorned with classic oil paintings, decorative plates, and Irish memorabilia, reinforcing its heritage. Settling into a comfortable corner booth, I observed the after-work crowd enjoying beers and plates of nachos – a quintessential pub scene.
When the waiter arrived, the “classic burger” was the obvious order. Priced at $12, it seemed reasonably priced, especially for Chelsea. What arrived, however, was not the typical burger assembly. It was a unique configuration, hinting at a possibly traditional approach. This prompted thoughts of exploring other long-established Irish bars in the city to see if this burger style was a common thread.
The Peter McManus Burger: A Unique Taste
The Peter McManus burger featured a generous half-pound of fresh beef, accompanied by tomato, bacon, and raw onions. Notably absent were lettuce and cheese. This minimalist approach focused on the core components.
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Served with a choice of steak fries or tater tots, the tots were the irresistible choice, arriving in abundance, perfectly browned, and remarkably crunchy. But the burger itself?
It was substantial and cooked rare, as ordered. The bacon added a subtle smoky note, while the raw onion was prominent, lending a sharp, almost steak tartare-like flavor to each bite. While ordered medium-rare, it leaned towards the rarer side. Leaving Peter McManus, satisfied, the burger was undeniably good, a quality offering. But “best in town”? The question remained open.
The Burger Quest Continues: Suprema Provisions
Two days later, while in the West Village, another burger claim emerged. Suprema Provisions, an Italian grocery, deli, and restaurant, advertised its hamburger as the “highest rated burger in NYC.” Is “highest rated” synonymous with “best”? Or was this a subtly different boast?
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Intrigued, and still on the burger quest, a visit to Suprema Provisions was necessary, at least to compare it to Peter McManus’s offering. A burger at an Italian restaurant seemed less expected. The Suprema burger, priced at $19, featured black garlic sauce, aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes, and Iberico Bellota jam. Intriguingly, it was jam, not the famed ham itself.
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Suprema Burger: Flavor Over Presentation
Served with Brussels sprouts, the Suprema burger was visually overwhelming. A generous amount of black garlic sauce (or melted cheese) cascaded down the sides. The tomato and jam added distinct sweet and savory notes. Despite its messy appearance and challenging handling, the flavor profile was undeniably impressive. The sauce, reminiscent of generously applied mayonnaise, contributed to a rich taste.
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While flavorful, the “highest-rated” claim was attributed to the Gotham Burger Social Club, described as “Gotham’s premier burger club.” A members-only, men-only society dedicated to finding the city’s best burgers, according to the New York Post. Should such a select group’s opinion be the definitive word?
Conclusion: The NYC Burger Search Continues
Ultimately, both Peter McManus and Suprema Provisions offered burgers that boasted top-tier status, yet neither definitively claimed the title of “best.” Peter McManus Cafe provides a classic, no-frills, high-quality burger experience in a historic Irish bar setting, a must-visit for any NYC burger enthusiast. The search for the ultimate NYC burger, however, remains an ongoing and delicious endeavor. Readers, are there other NYC burgers making similar “best in town” 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
