Our Faves for NATIONAL BURGER MONTH

We've searched the New York metro area to find the most delicious craft burgers for "National Burger Month" in May. And it's not just all about the best beef. Many of the restaurants we selected have a nice selection of veggie burgers, turkey burgers, and other savory selections.

It's a great time of year to stop by one of these eateries for a satisfying meal or do a grab and go and picnic in the park. The best burgers are cooked just the way you like them and these spots are meticulous about serving them to perfection.

Burger & Lobster (Flatiron) No surprise that this is a burger lover's spot. Just in case your dining companions prefer lobster, that works too. Burger & Lobster's 10-oz. "Original Burger" has lettuce, tomato, house made pickles and B&L's secret burger sauce. Visit: https://www.burgerandlobster.com/.

Kings of Kobe (Hell's Kitchen) Burger fans will unite around this eatery that serves all-natural American Wagyu "Kobe Style" Beef. Their signature burger, the "King's Standard" has roasted tomato, white cheddar, pickles, and cherry pepper aioli. Add bacon for a small charge. Kings of Kobe has eat-in, takeout, and delivery. Visit: http://kingsofkobe.com/.

The Anthony (West Village) Created by Executive Chef Max Renny (Fatty Crab), the "Tony Prime Burger" features a Pat LaFrieda Prime Select dry-aged patty, topped with housemade creamed spinach cheese, signature steak sauce and crispy red onions on an Orwashers bun. Accompanied by a generous helping of fries, it's a substantial meal with layers of flavor. Visit: http://www.theanthonynyc.com/.

JG Mellon (Upper East Side) A neighborhood favorite since the 1970's, they've been doing something right. Well known for their burgers, we suggest their Bacon Cheeseburger. For a slight charge, you can add a topping of sautéed mushrooms. Visit: http://jgmelonnyc.com/.

August (Upper East Side) The stylish, yet approachable restaurant offers a house specialty. Their "August Burger " is a dry-aged Angus blend with bacon-onion relish and topped with American cheese. Visit: https://www.augustny.com/.

e's BAR (Upper West Side) This spot offers food, drink and lots of smiles. Their "e's Burger" includes grass fed beef, cheese, and special sauce or try the "Da Lux" which includes applewood smoked bacon, onion, lettuce, pickles and fries. Pair your burger with drinks like the Peach Mule, Strawberry Bourbon Sour or e's margarita. Visit: http://e-barnyc.com/.

Empire Steak House (Times Square and Midtown East) The "Kobe Beef Burger Special" is available at both locations. For only $12.95, grab a seat at the bar or a table with friends and enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth American Style Kobe Beef Burger and fries. The offer is available Monday to Friday at lunchtime. It's a great lunch deal whenever you're in the neighborhood. Visit: http://www.empiresteakhousenyc.com/.

5-Napkin Burger (Multiple Locations in NYC and Boston) Stop in for a burger this month dedicated to meaty goodness. Leave it to this premium burger restaurant to make sure there's a burger for everyone, with over 12 unique burgers on the menu including their infamous "Original 5 Napkin Burger." To celebrate National Burger Month, Executive Chef Andy D'Amico heats things up with the debut of the "Spicy Baja Burger," 10 ounces of Angus Chuck topped with Mexican Pimento Cheese, Chorizo Chili and crispy Jalapeños all on a Potato Bun. Visit: http://5napkinburger.com/.

Just Across the River in NEW JERSEY

TAPHOUSE 15 (Jefferson) We like their "Jamaican Jerk Burger" with their House Burger Blend, Jerk Spice Blend, grilled pineapple, Pickapeppa Aioli and shredded cabbage on a Hawaiian bun. Visit: http://taphouse15.com/.

Halifax (Hoboken) Brand new to the weekday lunch menu at this Hudson River-adjacent hot spot by Chef Seadon Shouse are two next level burgers: the Halifax Burger with bacon-onion marmalade, spicy fresno chili sauce, white cheddar and butter lettuce on a brioche bun; and the nutritious and delicious Quinoa Veggie Burger crowned with arugula, tomato and balsamic mayo on a sweet Portuguese bun. https://halifaxhoboken.com/.

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar (Multiple Locations in NJ and along the East Coast) Check out their outstanding variety of burgers. We like the "Big Bad Blue" with Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, Baby Arugula, Dijoinaisse and Fried Onion Strings. Visit: http://www.zinburgereast.com/.

Avenue (Long Branch): Enjoy the perfect pairing each week with Bar Burger and Craft Beer Thursdays: from 3pm-close get an 8-ounce freshly ground sirloin burger or veggie burger (made with black beans, mushrooms, kale, roasted red peppers and quinoa) with fries for just $9. Pair it with a craft beer for $4 or a glass of Syrah-Grenache Blend for $5. http://www.leclubavenue.com/.

BURG (Newark) BURG is now open in the city's Military Park. They serve some of the Garden State's favorite burgers along with a fantastic selection of wine, beer, cocktails, sides and desserts. We like their Chipotle Burger with guacamole, lettuce, green-chili relish, tortilla crisps and spicy mayo. Visit: http://www.burgnj.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy The Anthony

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