All Over Albany

Spill'n the Beans in Troy.

... said N on Nov 4, 2010 at 2:36 PM | link

Both my contractor and husband tell me that Juicy Burger is great.

Personally? Haven't eaten a burger in about 18 years. ;)

... said abby on Nov 4, 2010 at 2:39 PM | link

Spill'n The Beans in Troy. Best burgers (beef, pork and veal) and topping selection (firehouse jam, goat cheese and avacado, etc.) Five Guys and Juicy Burgers definitely go on the list but Make Spill'n the last stop or you might not go anywhere else.

... said sjb13 on Nov 4, 2010 at 2:54 PM | link

Lynn's Uptown Tavern on Colvin Ave in Albany has great burgers. Unfortunately, the service is not as good as the burger so don't go if you're in a rush!

... said jillya on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:04 PM | link

Juicy Burgers by far

... said Eb on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:06 PM | link

I thought they were called Steamed Hams here.

... said Chalmers on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:06 PM | link

@Chalmers- That's right. We call them Steamed Hams despite the fact that they are obviously grilled.

I'll have to investigate this Spill'n The Beans see how they compare with patented Skinner Burgers.

... said Skinner on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:23 PM | link

5 guys uses common cheap ground beef. Go to Hardees for the best value. They use only Angus Beef.

... said Ray on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:27 PM | link

Spill'n the Beans has great burgers if you like them well done and dry.

This really isn't the season for this kinda tour since you're going to miss out on all the great summer spots like Jack's Drive-In in Wynantskill.

... said the fuj. on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:30 PM | link

Oliver's in Glenville. I have lived in the area my whole life and it is by far the best tasting burger I've had. Anywhere.

... said Jesse on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:36 PM | link

Five Guys? Seriously? For me (a Kansas native/beef snob), no burger should be ordered without the next question being "how would you like it cooked?" The best burgers I've found are at New World Bistro Bar and the Pump Station. Otherwise? Meh.

... said Carrie on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:37 PM | link

The other night I had the best burger EVER and it was at Wine N Diner on Delaware. Everyone should try it.

... said Tara on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:42 PM | link

Gotta go Hill Street Cafe in Albany.

... said Where'sDaBeef on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:43 PM | link

Gus's in troy for cheap good drunk eats.

3 burgers 3 dogs

... said Paul on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:48 PM | link

Morette's in Sch'dy has a great cheeseburger deluxe. They grind the meat from the steak they use for the steak sandwiches. They're fantastic.

... said G on Nov 4, 2010 at 3:57 PM | link

Personally love Juicy Burger, but I have also heard great things about New World Bistro Bar's burgers.

... said vicki on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:00 PM | link

I have to say that Spill & Lynn's are both great burgers, but I have to say that the Pump Station offers a wonderful burger.

... said ned on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:03 PM | link

Not a burger connoisseur myself, but I hear great things about Sutter's.

... said Summer on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:16 PM | link

All I know is avoid that one burger shack on Delaware Ave.

... said Sean on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:28 PM | link

I've always enjoyed those little slider guys at gingerman.

... said Jackers on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:33 PM | link

@Summer - No, no, nooooo on the Sutter's burgers. They're preformed patties that aren't very flavorful. Also avoid The Ruck's. They're fine, but also the pre-made patty kind.

I think I'm going to have to give Spillin' the Beans a shot. I think Steve (Barnes) posted something about their burgers before, too.

... said Albany Jane on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:41 PM | link

Sutter's mill and mining is definitely near the top of the list. As is peach's cafe at the Stuyvesant plaza and the pump station.

Jack's, Gus', and Jumpin' Jacks' all fall into their own category. Maybe sliders? Tasty, but not fair to compare these with the thick, juicy, high quality meat in the above list.

Chain restaurants? Seriously folks, chains? Have some pride in your area and tell everyone on the planet that the best anything in the Capital District does not come from a chain store.

... said Mr. Salamack on Nov 4, 2010 at 4:50 PM | link

Oh C***!

I forgot about the Hill Street! (which is a great burger, I just have always had them after the third pint)

I still prefer the Pump Station burger.

... said ned on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:00 PM | link

Definitely add Chez Mike in East Greenbush to the Tour de Burger. Their burger is SOOOO GOOD (along with everything else there).

www.chezmikerestaurant.com

... said Meagan on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:02 PM | link

All I know for sure, is it is not sutters! That food is all out of the box/bag directly to your plate after a microwave. Last burger I ate there tasted like it had started to turn. Justin's has a great one (a breakfast version with an egg too for brunch). Also, Pepper Jack's makes some nice combo burgers as well. Good luck!

... said Ben on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:09 PM | link

As a Texan in NY from a Black Angus cattle raising family whose meat ended up in very good Texas steak houses, I'm compelled to make clear that whether beef is quality or not is not at all determined by whether it was made from Angus cattle. Angus is simply a breed of cattle, and a common one in beef raising states at that. The current trend is all about marketing, and the assumption by the chains and grocers that most consumers don't know what "Angus" really means. It's a very good breed for meat, but is no guarantee of quality, because as in all things food related, quality is born of many, many factors.

Just FYI.

... said James on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:26 PM | link

I had a Spill N Beans burger today and it was rather uneventful and I didn't even finish it. I'll take a Five Guys burger over that any day.

... said Lisa Barone on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:47 PM | link

The Jack Burger at Jack's Drive In in Scotia.

No one's mention the Shake Shack yet!

... said Jessica R on Nov 4, 2010 at 5:49 PM | link

Juicy Burger made a convert out of my husband, who previously didn't care for burgers. Now I'm curious about Spill'n and New World.

I also enjoy the Pump Station's burgers.

... said irisira on Nov 4, 2010 at 7:23 PM | link

Thanks so much for all the suggestions everyone! My girl loved that I asked everyone for suggestions, and especially that so many people responded. Not only scored some major points, but now we have a Tour de Burger to keep us busy for a few months! Thanks again!

... said Ryan on Nov 4, 2010 at 8:29 PM | link

+1, Jack. We had some Angus and some polled Herefords when I was a kid (in Washington County), and they're just beef breeds. There's no magic in "Angus," and only suckers believe otherwise.

Back when there were still Grand Union stores in this area, the main benefit was the butcher section, where they'd cut anything for you and sold prime as well as choice. Price Chopper's answer became "Certified Angus." Me: "Do you sell prime?" PC guy: "We have certified Angus." Me: "Yeah, but is it USDA prime or choice?" PC guy: "It's certified Angus." Upshot: It's choice, at the price Grand Union charged for prime. Why would I pay that?

LQ

... said Lou Quillio on Nov 4, 2010 at 8:33 PM | link

I meant James, not Jack. Dunno where that came from.

LQ

... said Lou Quillio on Nov 4, 2010 at 8:55 PM | link

Juicy Burger beats the pants off Five Guys.

@LQ, I find Certified Angus at Price Chopper to be one of the major benefits of living in the Cap District. It is not USDA graded (grading is optional and costs money) but a side by side comparison with cuts of USDA Choice in the same butcher case will show better marbling and more consistent cuts. And if you watch the sale prices (or grab the past-date cuts like I do) CAB can be cheaper than Choice and vastly cheaper than Prime, if you can find it.

... said Otis on Nov 4, 2010 at 9:08 PM | link

"a Tour de Burger to keep us busy for a few months"

Months? Honestly that sounds more like a sabbatical than a tour.

Since there are two of you, perhaps I can make a suggestion. If you split the burger in half you should be able to hit four places a night, and only consume two burgers a piece. Two burgers IS a lot of food, but not over a four hour period.

Now that would be a tour.

There is wisdom in doing the separate brackets for the burgers cooked al the way through versus those that are cooked to a specified internal temperature. Although it is hard to imagine any of those burgers besting Five Guys in all of its beefy glory. Maybe the Shake Shack could come close. That could be the summer tour.

For the winter tour I too would put up NWBB since they have the grass-fed burger that I enjoyed. A lot of ground beef, even the stuff that is served in "restaurants" kind of gives me the willies. Are you familiar with the turn pink slime?
http://fussylittleblog.com/2010/01/04/pink-slime-you-know-for-kids/

When it comes to great burgers, knowing the source of the meat is important to me. There can be a lot of bad stuff in ground beef, so I like to make sure I'm getting the best quality meat around. And that doesn't mean prime, angus or wagyu. It means beef that wasn't sick and wasn't covered in poop.

My answer is looking for burgers that are sourced with beef produced on a smaller scale. Sometimes that's local, other times it's not.

... said Daniel B. on Nov 4, 2010 at 9:25 PM | link

The sliders at McGeary's! Fantastic...

... said Green Peccadilloes on Nov 4, 2010 at 10:19 PM | link

It seems crazy to order a burger at New World, when there are so many other good things on the menu. But they are so good! They get my vote for the best burger around.

... said Caroline on Nov 4, 2010 at 10:35 PM | link

Dave at Burgercentric on Delaware makes THE BEST-like my Mother used to make with the grinder attached to the chopping block. DELICIOUS!!! Get it to go.

... said Lauren Darman on Nov 4, 2010 at 11:08 PM | link

Its a bit of a drive, but the best burger I've ever had was at the Market Market Cafe in Rosendale.

... said Alex on Nov 5, 2010 at 12:06 AM | link

I've eaten at 5 Guys and Juicy Burger and like them both, but Poopie's in Glens Falls is equal to or better than both of them. Just order the soup first or Jerry may get pissed and swear about you. Not at you though. Ha! Great fries as well. Pax, PhilthyRex

... said PhilthyRex on Nov 5, 2010 at 12:48 AM | link

Brown's in Troy. But where are the veggie burgers at??

... said spencer on Nov 5, 2010 at 7:45 AM | link

There is something about the seasoning they use at Juicy Burgers that I don't like, I feel like I'm eating watery meatloaf and I really don't like how they oil the roll before they grill it, it ends up being way too greasy. I've asked them not to oil it before they grill it and they seemed confused on how to do that when I asked(really?) so they just didn't toast it at all.

I highly recommend the grass-fed burger at New World Bistro and Bar, the best tasting beef burger I've had, plus the awesome roll they put it on puts it over the top.

... said C on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:22 AM | link

For Daniel B., looking for burgers from humanely raised cows: Roadfood just did a review of Poppy's in Beacon NY across the river from Newburgh:
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Review/7416-8126/poppys

It might be exactly what you're looking for.

... said Amy on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:23 AM | link

Juicy Burger gets my respect. Circus Cafe in Saratoga is also very very good.

... said Paul C. on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:28 AM | link

sutters mill & albany pump station

... said shy on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:31 AM | link

AOA folks----how about a Tournament of Burgers?

... said Ben on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:47 AM | link

Graney's on New Scotland Avenue in Albany. The beef is perfectly seasoned and they're not afraid to serve it to you rare.

... said cmm2581 on Nov 5, 2010 at 8:56 AM | link

If we expand the grid to the region, I would be remiss not to mention the Old Schoolhouse in Downsville, where the burgers are made from their own herd of Longhorns they keep out back.

http://bit.ly/LonghornBurgers

It was a magnificent burger. I'm not Texan enough to debate the merits of Longhorn versus Angus. But I am curious to hear from the pro-Angus camp.

... said Daniel B. on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:00 AM | link

Sutter's in Albany used to be the best by far (proven by the fact that they won the Timesuseless and Metroland best of something like 13 years in a row and like 80 out of 81 years lol) but they have slipped in the last few years. I dont think they have won anything since like 2004.

Thei burgers are still good though, especially if you add the "creamy cheddar sauce" and bacon.

Or if you go on Monday night for burger night when the 'steer burger' (8oz) is $3.00

No longer the best really, but still real good.

Don't listen to the five guys people, you can make a burger just as tasty in like 15 minutes at home for half the price. The reason to go to five guys is the bacon wrapped, jalapeno and cheese stuffed half pound hot dog.

... said Bill (Albany) on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:14 AM | link

A great spot for a burger and beverage is JT Maxie's on Wolf Road.

... said Bob B on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:18 AM | link

I find the burgers at The Towne Tavern in Averill Park to be the tastiest I have had by far. The Sand Laker is my absolute favorite.

... said Rae on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:26 AM | link

I've sampled burgers all over the world in my quest for the best burger, and I keep coming back to the Ale House in Troy. Like everyone, they have an off night now and again, but the burgers are generally awesome. Thick, home made, juicy, fresh veggies, quality cheese, tasty bacon...Om, nom, NOM!

And the fries with turkey gravy...Well, let's just say I hope they find one lodged in my arteries at my autopsy.

... said komradebob on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:52 AM | link

A new item to albany, Shy's sliders at McGeary's are pretty damn good. Not a classic White Castle slider (had one of those last night, yum), but a mini cooked to order hamburger.

... said MattW on Nov 5, 2010 at 9:58 AM | link

I concur with Meagan. The burger at Chez Mike is crazy good. But I've never had a Juicy Burger. I may have to check them out this weekend.

... said Jenna on Nov 5, 2010 at 10:06 AM | link

I can't claim to be an aficianado here, I usually skip burgers, especially when wings are on the menu (mmmm wings... my kryptonite). But in Albany proper, I think you're missing out if you don't do Wine N' Diner (a solid lineup of specialty burgers) and Pump Station (the only place I order a burger by default).

Lark Tavern's burgers were always kickass, so now that Tess is at Graney's I'd say hit that too. I embarrasingly admit that even though I live on the block, I haven't had a burger at Burgercentric or New World. Well, thanks, now I have something to do this weekend.

... said B on Nov 5, 2010 at 10:22 AM | link

Pig Pit BBQ right on the Cohoes/Green Island line. It's BIG....SLOPPY....and DELICIOUS!!!!!!

... said Lwoodbluz on Nov 5, 2010 at 10:57 AM | link

burgers at the standard are actually quite good.

... said scott on Nov 5, 2010 at 11:23 AM | link

Anyone who has live din Albany for long enough knows there is only one "best" burger to be had in Albany. Surprisingly I did not see it mentioned above, although I did not read every comment. And the winner is.....Dan's Place (Two).
The emmy bull burger is where it's at. Hours are not always consistent, but usually open late night. However, if you use any foul language or behave unruly, you will be kicked out without a doubt or a doggy bag.

... said THINK on Nov 5, 2010 at 11:23 AM | link

The first burger I had after being vegan for 8 years was at the cafe at Indian Ladder Farms. Sinc it had been so long I might not be the best judge but I remember it being the best burger I've ever tasted.

From what I recall the burgers are hyper local, meaning you could see the farm and the cows that the meat was from out of the cafe window. Has anyone else gotten burgers there?

Also want to second whoever said the Hill St. Good burgers and good selection of fixings.

... said Dylan on Nov 5, 2010 at 11:32 AM | link

@ CHALMERS;

NICE!

... said Jules on Nov 5, 2010 at 12:50 PM | link

There are too many suggestions to possibly try out. Tournament of Burgers, please.

... said Paul on Nov 5, 2010 at 2:33 PM | link

The Pump Station is great- the beef is local, humanely raised grass-fed from Gordon Farms. The difference shows in the quality and flavor of the meat.

... said ellen on Nov 5, 2010 at 4:37 PM | link

1. Dans Place 2 on Washington Ave has the Emmy Bull which is the best burger ever. no question it's number one! RESPECT
However the hours are weird and place is a dump.
2. Spill the beans makes very flavorful burger on the small side.
3. Juicy burger and 5 guys deserve mention.

I will have to check out chez mike and new world. Thanks
Not including Marisa's place in the pizza shootout is a disgrace.

... said burger time on Nov 6, 2010 at 2:43 PM | link

1. I have HUGE respect for the Lamb and Feta burger out of Chez Mikes with the Chickpea Fries. Would that count in a 'Tour de Burgers?'

2. I used to love Sutters, until I ordered a burger mid rare and it came out charred with an utterly uncooked center. I sent it back with humble apologies, and it came back hockey puck style. One chef having a grumpy day is not a reason to write off the establishment as a whole, but I will echo the inconsistency of their output these last few years.

3. I adore the Pump Station Burger. It is dripping, juicy deliciousness, with a perfect blend of toppings. Pair it with a pint of Kick A$$ Brown and you have heaven.

4. Is it fair to compare an upscale place like NWBB (or Chez Mike's for that matter) with down home places? On the other hand, wouldn't it be interesting to watch them go head to head with the local greasy spoons? I haven't heard anyone mention the Cheeseburger Club out of The Fireside in Schenectady yet. It could give any local $15 hamburger a run for its money.

... said Leah the Nosher on Nov 6, 2010 at 10:18 PM | link

New World Bistro Bar, no contest.

... said Laura on Nov 7, 2010 at 8:09 AM | link

Another vote for Burger Centric on Delaware in Albany.
Bonus: if you get the nachos, ask about the owner's Indian food topping (no idea what it's called but it's delicious)

... said Chip on Nov 12, 2010 at 6:40 PM | link

i went to juicy burger in albany last night. lots of toppings, very good bread, but the beef itself wasn't that impressive. the fries were also run of the mill mcdonalds or burger king. but they DID have nice sauces, a variety of cheeses, and good toppings.

five guys still wins easily. much better meat, far better fries (esp the cajun). it's less expensive also.

... said vijay on Dec 9, 2010 at 12:29 PM | link

Love the burgers at O'Toole's!

... said Carolie on Jun 9, 2013 at 6:32 PM | link

J&A Prep Kitchen in Crossgates (I know, I know, but if you park in the right place you can go right in without having to deal with the mall) makes a really great burger. They have a separate menu of special burgers right now and the ones we had were great!

... said Amy on Jun 10, 2013 at 11:36 AM | link

BUILDABURGERPUB.COM Central ave in Colonie. Hot side hot Cold side cold & you get all the toppings FREE

... said Michelle on Jun 26, 2013 at 11:39 AM | link