Burgers

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Blue 9 Burger [92 Third Ave. (bet. 12th and 13th Sts.) 212-979-0053]
Although it's definitely no In-N-Out Burger, it's probably the most similar thing you can get on the East Coast. The menu is simple and the burgers are greasy, but as long you eat them while they are hot, you will enjoy yourself. Make sure to get the "special sauce," which, like at In-N-Out, is some variation of Russian dressing. The fries are solid as well.

burger joint [Le Parker Meridien, 119 W. 56th St. (bet. 6th and 7th Aves.) 212-708-7414]
Tucked into a corner of the lobby of this fancy hotel, this place makes one of the best burgers in the city...and at a reasonable price ($5-6). A burger, fries, and a coke should run you $10-11. Expect a long line at lunchtime, but it is worth the wait. You may even spot Bob Costas there.

Corner Bistro [331 W. 4th St. (at Jane St.) 212-242-9502]
Strong competition for the burger joint (and my personal favorite), this downtown landmark is cheap, delicious, and open late. You may have to wait for a table in the back (at any time of day or night), but you can drink cheap beers while you do so. Don't mess around with something like chicken or chili. Get a burger and fries. Your taste buds will thank you.

JG Melon [1291 Third Ave. (at 74th St.) 212-650-1310]
This Upper East Side hot spot is always mobbed around dinner time, but if you really want to eat there, it is open until 4 am every night, so you should have plenty of chances to feed your cravings. And this is a good idea because the burgers here are juicy and delicious. There's a reason that people come here from far and wide. Finally, for once, I would highly recommend ordering the fries. They are among the best I have had in New York.

New York Burger Co. [303 Park Ave. South (bet. 23rd and 24th Sts.) 212-254-2727]
Maybe I'm missing something, but these are NOT the best burgers in the city, as once voted by AOL Citysearch. They are certainly good and worth your time if you are in the area, but I wouldn't recommend a special pilgrimmage. I did think the french fries were much better than most though.

Paul's [131 Second Ave. (bet. 7th St. and St. Mark's Pl.) 212-529-3033]
This burger is about as greasy as they come, but it's also very good. It's big and juicy and I recommend that you get it on an English muffin. I know that sounds weird, but trust me on this one. If you want fries, try the sweet potato variety. However, just a burger should be enough to fill you up.

P.J. Clarke's [915 Third Ave. (at 55th St.) 212-317-1616]
Totally old-school New York. And totally fantastic burgers. Bar in the front, tables for eating in the back. You can even enter on 55th Street (the Sidecar entrance). Also, the staff is friendly and they serve burgers until 3 AM.

Shake Shack [Madison Square Park (at 23rd St. and Madison Ave.) 212-889-6600]
Your arteries will not thank you for going here, but your taste buds will. I would try the double Shack burger with that special Shack sauce (similar to every other delicious special sauce it is Russian dressing-y). Make sure to ask for your burgers rare or medium rare, because medium is the default. Also go for a milkshake.