Drawing: What's your favorite burger in the Capital Region?
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
This week we have a string of burger-related posts lined up -- sort of a fast-casual theme week. And to get things started we thought it'd be fun to have a drawing in which we ask about your favorite burgers.
The prize: a $50 gift certificate to the establishment that makes the favorite burger mentioned in your comment. (You know, so you can go enjoy that burger with a friend.)
So...
What's your favorite burger in the Capital Region?
Please mention just one burger at one place in your comment. If you'd like to top your answer with a sentence or two about why it's your favorite burger, we'd very much appreciate it. We'll draw one comment at random, that person will the get the gift certificate.
One important restriction: The burger place must be in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady county.
We're looking forward to hearing about your favorites.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2015 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Thursday and must respond by noon on Friday, October 23.
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Comments
Jumpin Jacks cheeseburger with sauteed onions
... said Tim on Oct 19, 2015 at 5:47 PM | link
The burger deluxe at New World Bistro Bar!
... said Fred on Oct 19, 2015 at 6:08 PM | link
The comfort burger with a fried egg at Comfort Kitchen. It is juicy perfection.
... said CS on Oct 19, 2015 at 6:12 PM | link
The New World Bistro Bar burger deluxe!
... said bb on Oct 19, 2015 at 6:14 PM | link
Cheeseburger with grilled onions, Gardner's Ice Cream & Coffee, Stephentown - Simple, very tasty grass-fed burgers you can eat at a picnic table while looking at the very cows, out there in the field behind the driving range chewing up the grass, that will soon be your cheeseburger. Farm to picnic table doesn't get much closer than that!
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Oct 19, 2015 at 6:46 PM | link
Roasted red pepper burger @ Juicy Burgers & More
With pesto & mozz.
... said Kristofer on Oct 19, 2015 at 7:14 PM | link
The Hollow burger. Perfect combination with a fried egg and their habanero ketchup.
... said Amy on Oct 19, 2015 at 7:44 PM | link
WingBurger at the Ruck!!
... said Spoon on Oct 19, 2015 at 7:51 PM | link
Oscar's Smokehouse's hand-formed all angus patties - especially the mushroom and swiss.
Perfect for bringing up to the campsite up in the ADKs.
... said Josh K on Oct 19, 2015 at 7:51 PM | link
Five Guys. The fries and milkshakes win me over too.
... said Naomi on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:03 PM | link
Hmmm... This is a tough one. Five guys. Or homemade sliders for the family.
... said Chris on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:23 PM | link
Capital City Gastropub has the best burgers! Grass-fed beef, local cheese, thick cut bacon, and fresh veggies. Plus you can't beat the poutine on the side
... said Marshall on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:47 PM | link
Druther's! There's no place I'd druther order a burger in the area. Delish!
... said Catherine on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:52 PM | link
I have actually been won over by BurgerFi; their double cheeseburger with sauteed onions (those are popular so far! inasmuch as two people is popular) is fantastic.
This is just after I've started going to Burger21 a lot though. I keep floating back and forth, but BurgerFi is slightly ahead of the curve for the fact that they use white onions and not red ones, and their portions are a bit smaller.
... said Rue on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:06 PM | link
Crave in Albany, their crave burger is delicious (reminds me of shake shack in NYC, except this burger is way bigger)
... said daf on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:10 PM | link
Gastropub! So, so good. Love $10 burger Wednesdays!
... said gmf on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:15 PM | link
Juicy Burgers on New Karner Rd...they are extremely juicy and cooked to temperature
... said Vicky on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:34 PM | link
New world Bistro has th best Burger, but Pump Station is a close second.
... said Jenn on Oct 19, 2015 at 9:45 PM | link
New World Bistro Burger!!!
... said Ron on Oct 19, 2015 at 10:21 PM | link
Five Guys cheeeeburger
... said Fred U on Oct 19, 2015 at 11:24 PM | link
I'm a fan of the bacon cheesy slider burger at Burger 21. Top it with some Cajun mayo, yum.
... said Jenn on Oct 19, 2015 at 11:52 PM | link
Juicy Burger's Teriyaki Onion Burger.
... said Rick on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:02 AM | link
Cheeseburger with sauteed mushrooms at O'Tooles in the Kohls plaza in Colonie
... said Dave on Oct 20, 2015 at 5:12 AM | link
518 Burger at the City Beer Hall
... said Shawn on Oct 20, 2015 at 6:50 AM | link
New World Bistro Burger is by far the best I've had in a long time !!
... said Christie on Oct 20, 2015 at 6:52 AM | link
the brown bag
... said spencer on Oct 20, 2015 at 7:55 AM | link
Jackburger at Jumpin Jacks
... said Dave R. on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:10 AM | link
The veggie burger at Capital City Gastropub. I'm not even vegetarian and for the better part of a year my go to meal was the veggie burger with bacon, onions and bleu cheese. Oh now I'm hungry.
... said ethan on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:11 AM | link
The wonderful New World Burger! So tasty!
... said MargieC on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:16 AM | link
Abbey Burger at the Bier Abbey in Schenectady!
... said Laura on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:23 AM | link
I don't eat meat, but one of the best veggie burgers I've had recently was the Vegefi burger (with everything) at Burgerfi in Latham. Tasty sauce, great tasting quinoa burger, and toasted bun with yummy toppings. Teamed with onion rings and a chocolate shake...delicious!
... said Sarah S on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:26 AM | link
Deep fried buffalo burger at Swifty's
... said MikeH on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:34 AM | link
The Hollow Burger from of course The Hollow!
... said Kerry on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:37 AM | link
burger @ NWBB (New World)
... said JES on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:43 AM | link
Ted's
... said Ashley on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:49 AM | link
Jumpin Jacks!
... said Tess on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:01 AM | link
Capital City Gastropub burger. So good.
... said Raelee on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:02 AM | link
The Abbey Burger at the Bier Abbey in Schenectady
... said EC on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:09 AM | link
The Bleu Cheese Charburger at Ralph's Tavern. Literally every bite manages to taste somehow both refined and home-cooked. I've never been disappointed by a single item on their menu, but their burgers warm my heart (and definitely my stomach).
... said Trish on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:22 AM | link
Jack's in Wynantskill. Sliders.... mmmmmmm!!!
... said Marcia on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:24 AM | link
I always enjoy the Stuyvesant Burger - bacon and blue cheese crumbles - at Peaches Cafe. :-)
... said Lilly on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:26 AM | link
City Beer Hall. The 510 Burger is amazing.
... said steve on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:26 AM | link
Crave has the best burger and an incredible selection of unique burger variations!
... said Su on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:28 AM | link
Love the burgers at Spill'n the Beans in Troy! Juicy Perfection in every bite!
... said Megan on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:30 AM | link
Druther's makes a really good burger. I've had both their veggie, and meat, was extremely satisfied with both options.
... said Mike on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:30 AM | link
Definitely Juicy Burger on 155. Tried and true.
... said SuburbanSlumming on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:31 AM | link
The "518 Burger" at The City Beer Hall
... said JG on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:31 AM | link
I think McGearys has the best burgers around. Especially the "Big Ass Burger" with the steak knife holding it all together, the best!
... said Christine on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:32 AM | link
I love the chicken nacho burger at Druther's but they just took it off the menu, it's deliciously spicy. I hope they bring it back sometime soon!
... said Kate on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:45 AM | link
New World Bistro Bar. Mmmm now I'm hungry.
... said Jamie on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:51 AM | link
My favorite burger is the Low Beat Burger, BECA style - that's an epic burger with bacon, egg, cheese and avocado. I don't know how the egg is always perfectly cooked. Regardless of how long it takes me to get there to pick up my lunch order (ten minutes or eek a half hour), it's waiting for me - hot, fresh and the egg is still perfect...plus the onion rings are amazing, and I don't even like onions.
... said capgirl on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:54 AM | link
New World burger delux!
... said Dan on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:54 AM | link
Southwestern burger at Spillin the Beans in Troy
... said Keith on Oct 20, 2015 at 9:55 AM | link
Breakfast Burger at Olde English Pub
... said Brian on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM | link
50/50 burger at Mohawk Taproom. Can't say enough good things about this establishment and their food.
... said John on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:03 AM | link
In the fast casual realm, I like a Smashburger - their buns are super tasty.
... said RMH on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:08 AM | link
The GRIP N RIP at Park Pub.
... said Lucy Lawless on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:10 AM | link
It's actually the Bacon Cheddar Ale burger at the Merry Monk. I know it isn't what they're known for, probably, but that's the best I can remember eating locally in the last 10 years or so!
... said Alex on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:15 AM | link
New World Bistro Burger
... said Sarah on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:24 AM | link
The Cajun Burger at Hill Street Cafe. They'll cook it exactly like you want it (I don't like my burgers overcooked) and every bite is delicious. Add any toppings you want to create the burger of your dreams.
... said Matt on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:29 AM | link
The Chicken Nacho Burger at Druther's. Soooo good!
... said Keri on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:30 AM | link
Pub burger from Olde English
... said Eric on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:34 AM | link
My favorite is the Tex Mex Haystack at Burger 21. Those crunchy onion straws put it over the top! Plus the gouda! YUM!
... said Erica on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:37 AM | link
So many good choices in the capitol region! Juicy Burger is definitely one of my go-tos.
... said Kristina on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:37 AM | link
I'll go with the '518 Burger' at the City Beer Hall.
... said -R. on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:37 AM | link
Bacon Cheeseburger at The Man of Kent!
... said Amy on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:41 AM | link
Capital City Gastropub
... said Brian on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:48 AM | link
The EO burger at the Ruck in Troy (after some of their legendary wings as an appetizer, of course).
... said RDM on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:49 AM | link
Juicy in Guilderland.
... said John M on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:53 AM | link
The Ruck...the Slick-a-Licious is da bomb!!!!
... said llcwine on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:55 AM | link
I am a fickle pickle when it comes to burgers, but I want to eat the People's Burger (with lamb or beef) from Umana all of the time. It has goat cheese AND Sriracha. It comes with plantains. You can get it in miniature form or in full-size burger form. You can have it served on naan. It's perfect just the way it is, and I hope it never ever changes.
... said Nicole on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:59 AM | link
Jack's Drive-In in Wynatskill
... said Jessica R W on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:00 AM | link
Highbrow: New World Burger Deluxe (!!!)
Lowbrow: Five Guys 'All The Way' Cheeseburger
New World's burger is in a category of it's own. Besides them, the other fancy burgers in the area don't seem worth the money over the tried-and-true-and-delicious Five Guys.
... said Paul on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:01 AM | link
The wing burger at THE RUCK!
... said Marissa on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:06 AM | link
Capital City Gastropub does a burger with fried egg like no one else. Plus I love knowing how committed they are to local and fresh meat.
... said Katie on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:11 AM | link
The Pump Station Burger at the Albany Pump Station is my favorite in the area! The beef is mixed with their brown ale and covered in bacon, pepper jack chee and chipotle ranch. It's delicious and it goes great with one of their beers.
... said Matt Gwizdala on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:18 AM | link
I've always been a big fan of the burgers at The Pump Station. They are always cooked perfect and taste great! (It doesn't hurt to enjoy a nice flight of Albany beer either!)
... said Alicia on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:20 AM | link
The Jack Daniel's burger at Junior's is my guilty pleasure, though I definitely have some new places to try after reading these comments!
... said Schuyler on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:22 AM | link
Another vote for the delicious burger deluxe at New World Bistro
... said Jeff Williamson on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:22 AM | link
I'm going to go with the Ale House in Troy!
... said Michael H on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:27 AM | link
Park Pub
... said Sarah on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:32 AM | link
New World Bistro! Sooo good
... said Sara Ann on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:35 AM | link
The Merry Monk
... said RJM on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:50 AM | link
John Wayne Burger at Bun & Bean
... said seneca on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:55 AM | link
Another vote for the New World Bistro burger deluxe! Burger-Fi might be a second.
... said Jennifer on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:01 PM | link
The Surf & Turf burger at the Hollow is to die for!
... said C. on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:05 PM | link
Juicy Burger, absolutely no rival.
... said Christine on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:06 PM | link
The veggie burger at Dave's Gourmet Exotic Burgers on Fuller. Made with Indian spices and special sauce, and served with a side of Dave's notorious commentary.
... said Michelle on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:08 PM | link
Another vote for New World...I like the regular burger with NY cheddar, green salsa, and mushrooms. I used to love Junior's burgers but it's been so long since I ate there I have no clue how they are anymore.
... said Kizzi on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:11 PM | link
Brown Bag, hands down. The Dirty Hudson or any of their special burgers - you can't go wrong. My favorite sorrry-not-sorry un-guilty pleasure.
... said Sarah on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:15 PM | link
Dan's place 2 and the Emmy Bull Burger
... said DAn on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM | link
Burger deluxe at new world! Grazin is great too but that's Columbia Greene county I think
... said Amy on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM | link
Brady Burger at 15 Church. Or Juicy Burger for the value vote.
... said Burnt My Fingers on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM | link
It's hard to beat Five Guys. There's just something special about the flavor, topping options and bun/burger ratio. Hits the spot every time.
... said Andrew Gregory on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:20 PM | link
New World. You always feel a little ridiculous ordering a burger there because there's so many other interesting and more unique menu items...but it's SO good.
... said Alex on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:28 PM | link
Any of the burgers at The Ruck, but hte WingBurger for the win!
... said CAOD on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:30 PM | link
As much as I'd love to write NWBB to win a gift cert there, I haven't had their burger.
My best burger (that I have had) is the bacon cheddar ale burger at Merry Monk.
... said Jeff D on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:32 PM | link
I really, really miss the black and blue (bacon and blue cheese) burger at the old Lark Tavern (when it was run by Tess). That, combined with sweet potato fries, was an easy, close and affordable take out dinner!
... said Abby on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:35 PM | link
Cap City Gastropub.
... said Ed on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:44 PM | link
None of the above.
Bill Gray's in Rochester.
... said Dan Roesser on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:49 PM | link
Grazin, Warren Street, Hudson NY
... said mike on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:58 PM | link
New World Burger deluxe.
... said Andrew on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:10 PM | link
BurgerFi in Latham!
... said Tory on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:12 PM | link
The Greg Allman Burger at 20 N.Broadway Tavern Schenectady
... said Amelia on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:18 PM | link
I'd love me a Hawaiian Burger from the Grog Shoppe in Schenectady, it's been too long!
... said Graceful J on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:19 PM | link
The Hangover at Slidin Dirty in Troy along with their avocado fries...delish.
... said colleen on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:19 PM | link
Lately it's a customized Western burger from Junior's on Madison Ave. in Albany (my version comes with lettuce, tomato , mayo, bacon, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and fried onions).
... said Tom Murnane on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:26 PM | link
Junior's cheeseburger panini!
... said Julie on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:28 PM | link
The Bison Burger at the Merry Monk.
... said Laura on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:33 PM | link
Pump station!
... said Melissa on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:34 PM | link
Cheeseburger from druthers is my favorite. So yummy!
... said Becky on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:37 PM | link
Druthers, hands down.
... said Jillian on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:43 PM | link
"The Local" at Bailey's in Saratoga. Rising Sun Farm, Angus, grass fed beef, dry aged. for two weeks. Amazingly, naturally tasty without the need for added extras.
... said Frank on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:51 PM | link
Gastro-burger from Gastropub!
... said RC on Oct 20, 2015 at 1:53 PM | link
I like the bacon cheddar burger at Pump Station. I'm constantly looking for the best burger in the area and I've yet to find one that tops Pump Station
... said Ray on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:00 PM | link
The Merry Monk has the best burgers!! The dipping sauce options makes it that much better!
... said JJ on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:01 PM | link
Wingy burger at the Ruck
... said Brian on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:11 PM | link
The burger at Ale House in Troy!
... said RR on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:28 PM | link
Pesto burger from Juicy Burger...best, hands down.
... said Manny on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:29 PM | link
I've tried a lot in the local area, but I would have to say the burger from New World Bistro is the best...
... said Louise on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:30 PM | link
Sweet Potato and Legume Veggie Burger from New World. It's hard to find a vegan burger around these parts that's actually made in house.
... said Liz on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:58 PM | link
New World Burger Deluxe with a side of the aioli.
... said am on Oct 20, 2015 at 3:14 PM | link
Lani's Cafe has the best burger ....Bacon Cheddar Chipotle Burger
... said Thomas Bober on Oct 20, 2015 at 7:09 PM | link
My favorite burger in the Capital Region is the Gastro-Burger at Capital City Gastropub. Any burger with pork belly AND a fried egg is a winner in my book. But the way they crisp up the pork belly... perfection.
Also, I'm amused at how many people here have failed to follow simple directions in order to enter.
... said Bacon is my Master on Oct 20, 2015 at 7:19 PM | link
The bacon cheeseburger from Juicy Burger - with grilled onions and BBQ sauce. (Juicy burgers always cook my well done burger right the 1st time, unlike most of the other places which can never get them well enough)
... said Hope on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:27 PM | link
Five Guys for the win!
... said Greg on Oct 20, 2015 at 10:21 PM | link
I'm down for the upstate burger at Crave in Albany. It is the right combo of juiciness, saltiness (from the prosciutto), and sourness (from the banana peppers). As a burger place, it is near the top of my list.
... said Melissa on Oct 21, 2015 at 4:51 AM | link
The Wagon Train burger from Wagon Train BBQ! So good!
... said R on Oct 21, 2015 at 6:14 AM | link
The dp burger at DP American Brasserie, the delicious Wagyu beef is topped with local Foie Gras, shaved Truffles and applewood bacon. My mouth is watering just from thinking about it
... said Jordan on Oct 21, 2015 at 7:21 AM | link
Five Guys dbl bacon cheeseburger with onions, peppers, and mushrooms
... said Adam on Oct 21, 2015 at 8:12 AM | link
The 518 Burger from City Beer Hall. And don't forget to add the fried egg and bacon!
... said Claire on Oct 21, 2015 at 9:37 AM | link
My favorite is actually the turkey burger at The Recovery Room…It has guacamole and Havarti cheese on it…LOVE!!
... said Debi on Oct 21, 2015 at 9:49 AM | link
Hard choice, but I'd have to go with the burger from New World
... said linz on Oct 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM | link
My favorite used to be the Hombre at Brown's Brewing in Troy! It was huge and had bacon, habanero cheese, fried onions, jalapenos and chipotle ketchup. So SPICY and delicious. They don't make it any more but if I win, I am going to go to Brown's anyway!
... said Kaitlyn on Oct 21, 2015 at 11:21 AM | link
Bacon Burger at Juicy Burger
... said Matt on Oct 21, 2015 at 12:31 PM | link
Have to go with the burger at New World Bistro Bar!
... said Tara on Oct 21, 2015 at 12:42 PM | link
Cap City Gastropub
... said Adam on Oct 21, 2015 at 12:50 PM | link
The pump station burger at, well, the Pump Station!
... said Karen on Oct 21, 2015 at 12:55 PM | link
Hands down, my favorite burger is the 518 Burger at City Beer Hall - add bacon to it, and it's absolute perfection!
... said Katrina on Oct 21, 2015 at 1:05 PM | link
NWBB's burger. Love the aioli
... said ellen on Oct 21, 2015 at 1:05 PM | link
City Beer Hall!
their kilcoyne grass fed beef is awesome, and always cooked to perfection!
... said Josiah on Oct 21, 2015 at 1:20 PM | link
Cheeseburger from Brown Bag in Troy: with mandatory side of brussels sprouts and bacon choco chip cookie!
... said laura on Oct 21, 2015 at 4:18 PM | link
The El Diablo, at the most underrated Burger joint in all of Albany—Bun and Bean.
... said Steve N. on Oct 21, 2015 at 7:49 PM | link
Cheeseburger at world of beer
... said jennifer on Oct 21, 2015 at 8:58 PM | link
Jumpin Jacks - jack burger
... said dan on Oct 21, 2015 at 10:00 PM | link
Finnbars Pub in Troy
... said Brit on Oct 21, 2015 at 10:36 PM | link
The Grille at 138. Gorgonzola.
... said David on Oct 22, 2015 at 5:24 AM | link
The Henhouse @ Cafe Hollywood
... said Natalie on Oct 22, 2015 at 10:59 AM | link