Originally Posted by jackal

Be sure to check out Shake Shack, which at first I pooh-poohed as an overhyped standard Midwestern burger shack burger brought to the middle of Manhattan, but subsequent visits to the other (non-Madison-Square-Park) locations have revealed my initial impressions to be incorrect. It is a darn good burger, even if it is basic. I can't speak for some of the uptown Manhattan branches, I've found that the Brooklyn location has a short line that moves very quickly.

As for other burgers in NYC, I'm sure you've done a ton of reading, and every foodie site has their own list, but IMHO, it comes down more to the butcher than to the restaurant. Any place on any list that serves a burger made from meat ground by Pat LaFrieda is guaranteed to be spectacular. I've had them at several places around the city as well as cooked at home and they never disappoint.