THE STORY Stand is the brain child of Jonathan Morr, famous for his involvement in Bond St, Union Square’s Republic, APT and more. The spacious location near NYU, serves all kinds of burgers with beef from Pat LaFrieda and bun’s from Amy’s Bread. You can order them delivery, get them to go or, as we did, dine in. Stand offers your choice of beef, turkey, veggie, chicken or salmon burgers. They also have a decent selection of sides, salads, soups and beverages from alcohol to floats to homemade sodas.
With 5 burgers eaten in the last 5 days, I had decided to go all veggie this week. When you eat as many burgers as I do, you need some counter balance. A whopping one meal into my veggie week, my business partner Mark busted into my office and demanded we have lunch at Stand. Who needs will power with friends like these?
THE BURGER
In an attempt to be “healthier,” I opted for a turkey burger, instead of beef, which comes with onion marmalade, lettuce, tomato, and pickled shallot sauce on a whole wheat bun. Olive oil is spread on the bun and grilled before the contents are placed within. The burger wasn’t as juicy as I expected, but the sauce and marmalade more than made up for that. The burger itself had a clean, fresh natural taste but could’ve used a little black pepper. The bun was tasty and full of flavor, making me think, “why would I ever order this on white bread?”
Mark talked me into the turkey meat ball soup which was absolutely delicious, instead of french fries. I did pass on the fried pickles though…YUCK!
THE STORY
Built in 1913 and originally named Weeghman Park, Wrigley Field opened up as the baseball park that houses the Chicago Cubs in 1916. From 1920-1926 it was called Cubs Park and then renamed after the William Wrigley Jr. known for his chewing gum company. From 1921 until 1971, the Chicago Bears football team shared the stadium with the Cubs. Wrigley Field is the 2nd oldest park in the MLB (Fenway in Boston is the oldest) and the oldest in the National League.
Located downtown in a section called Wrigleyville, it’s a part of the neighborhood and the only park that has roof top seating available on top of surrounding buildings. Local business thrive of the crowd it attracts and even the Taco Bell and McDonald’s next to it are dressed up to match. Bars are named after the team, the players and even their very famous announcer, Harry Caray.
You can see it in the movies “The Blues Brothers,” “The Natural,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Rookie of the Year,” “A League of Their Own” & “The Break-Up.” It’s also been in episodes of many TV shows: “ER,” “Crime Story,” “Chicago Hope,” “Prison Break,” “Perfect Strangers,” “My Boys,” “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” and most recently on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” as he ran through the turn styles on the premier episode of his show from it’s Hollywood location.
You will be hard pressed to find a park more nostalgic and fun than Wrigley. People love this stadium! Wrigley is a unique piece of both America and baseball’s history and there is no other park like it.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD!?!?!??!
In the modern era of parks, food and dining options have gone way beyond hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks in an attempt to increase revenue by appealing to food fanatics of all kinds. Jackie, Cara and I were on a mission to find out.
THE BURGER
After a late night and early morning Kuma’s Corner burger, I can’t say I was dying for another, but that is what I do for YOU! The Wrigley Field cheese burger is reminiscent of a fast food chain burger, say more like a Whopper than a Quarter Pounder. It was a little dry but definitely had the salty flavor you want from a burger. I’m sure the American cheese was some standard massed produced grade of cheese but it has a great flavor that adds to the overall savory flavor of the sandwich. Wrigley offers ketchup (yuck), yellow mustard (nice) or spicy mustard (hell yeah!) if you want to top your burger. While this wouldn’t be my food item of choice at the park, it wasn’t bad.
6 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
OTHER DIGESTIONS
Italian Beef Sandwich with hot peppers – 8 out of 10 (I will eat this EVERY time I go to Wrigley!)
Italian Sausage with Onions and Peppers – 7 out of 10 Connie’s Deep Dish Pizza – 7 out of 10
Pulled Pork Sandwich with Fried Onion Strips – 8 out of 10 Old Style Beer – 8 out of 10. OLD STYLE RULES!
THE STORY
If you don’t like burgers, maybe you shouldn’t be reading this site. If you don’t like heavy metal, maybe you aren’t my friend. If you do love metal and you love metal, maybe we should go do karate in the garage. Shadows Fall, a band I manage (burgers are not my day job…yet!) was playing Chicago and that was a good enough excuse to re-visit one of my favorite burgers, Kuma’s Corner. For those NOT in the know, Kuma’s is gourmet burger joint on the North West side of Chicago that has named all of their burger selections after heavy metal bands. All the more reason to throw an after party there on a night Shadows Fall plays the town. So, Jackie, my wife Cara and I hopped a flight from New York to do just that that.Sometimes the planets align for the sole purpose of showing you how amazing life can be and that is exactly how I would describe Kuma’s Corner. I never knew that life could be this awesome until I had my first visit here. So with Shadows Fall and a bunch of great people in tow, I knew we were in for a night of epic proportions.
THE BURGER
Knowing that Kuma’s does not take reservations, it was clearly a long shot when I called and tried to book an after party for the show. However, Sous Chef Luke went far and above to let it be known that they appreciated our business. Shortly after we were sat at 3 different tables (large parties are impossible at this intimate spot) we all delved deeply into the burger menu. As we perused the options, a pile of Pig Destroyer Fries (covered in pulled pork, cheese and scallions) arrived courtesy of the house. God Damn it…they were amazing. We then quickly placed our order for “Make Your Own Mac & Cheese” opting for fried onions and chicken. Upon arrival, I treated the apps like a plow does a snow covered street. plow or be plowed. So freakin good!!!!
When it came to burger choices, I tried to not pick based on my love for music and more so on my appreciation for food. That being the case, it was all about the “Iron Maiden,” a burger covered in avocado, jack cheese, cherry peppers and chipotle mayo and ALL burgers at Kuma’s are served on a pretzel roll. 666, this was the burger of the beast, especially no avocado (I love it, but felt it was unnecessary). Seriously, gourmet meat, specialized bun and toppings that enhanced every flavor. There is just nothing like this any where else in the world. In fact, Kuma’s burger is so good, that if even if you can’t stand metal (die) but loved good food, you would still be blown away.
“For some strange reason there are people who don’t care for eggs when they have hamburgers….. I for one, enjoy a little extra protein on my burger, therefore the Kuma burger rocked! Personally, directly after playing an hour set of blazing metal, I would have rather dined to some jazz instead of non-stop blaring death metal (love the tunes, but not when I’m trying to eat) but I do understand that that contributes to Kuma’s ambiance! Beggars can’t be choosers!!!”
– Jason Bittner, Shadows Fall
THE STORY
If I had a nickel for every time I got an email that read “I am coming into town, let’s get a burger,” I would buy the Shake Shack. If I had a nickel for every time our good pal Aaron Wolff from the band Solitary Sun sent the same email, I would have only a nickel! Hell yeah Aaron, we will definitely go out for a burger with you!!!! Aaron was coming into town as he is filling in vocals for Burnt By The Sun on their upcoming European tour and needed to rehearse with the band.
Adam had been telling me for sometime that former Wing-Off contender, Croxley Ale House had a great burger and was worth getting. Known more for their wide array of craft ales and hot wings, Croxley is a fave for beer snobs and sports fans, but isn’t really on the burger map. Aaron, Jackie, Adam and I are all part-time beer snobs and with a free happy hour wing buffet, how could we possibly go wrong?
THE BURGER
I asked the bartender if the burgers were fresh or frozen and although his working knowledge of the ales was pretty impressive, he did not know the answer to the question. But after a few rounds of tasty craft beer and even more tasty wings (I had one plate but Adam elected to ONLY eat wings) we said “WTF” and ordered up some burgers. Jackie opting for a left turn move got a turkey burger while Aaron and I went with the 1/2 LB “Big Ben Burger.” Want to make in an Angus burger for only $2 more? “YES PLEASE.”
I was skeptical at first but quickly proven wrong. The Croxley Big Ben Angus Burger is big, beefy, juicy and has a real nice flavor even if it was cooked past my request for medium-rare. It’s served on a tasty bun that holds up throughout the sandwich. With some very green lettuce, red onions and American cheese, this burger proves to be a good’un. Opt for onion rings, sweet potato or my fave, Cajun curly fries instead of regular. Why not, you are worth it!
If you’re cravings call for wings and a burger washed down with a craft beer, Croxley is the place for you.
THE STORY
How does the old saying go? “If at first you don’t succeed, fry, fry again. ” After 2 failed attempts at finding a good burger at Yankee Stadium (May 7, 2009/Sept. 12, 2009), I had written off the ball park as a burger destination. That aside, it’s a great park, with lots of delicious food options and one kick ass of a team and I would happily go to game! So when my business partner Mark, asked not only if I wanted to join him and our friend’s Rob and John G at a game but to also sit in the Legends Seats, you bet your freakin’ ass I jumped at the chance!
What are Legend Seats you ask? Cushioned seats, located in the 25 sections closet to home plate. They come with access to 2 private lounge, in-seat wait service and as much food as you can stuff into your slop gullet in the 2 floor Legends Suite. This also includes free soda, water, juice and a couple of grab and go food items like candy, popcorn and peanuts. Bottom line, it’s some high-priced, fancy-pants, big-pimpin’ style fun. .
THE BURGER
I made my way around the buffet, scoping out all the food available, plotting and planning the order and quantity of which I planned to stuff myself with. Each night in the Legends Suite they switch around what is served in the Legends Suite and it just so happens that on this night in particular, they were hand-making gourmet sliders! I think someone told them I was coming. With an array of spices and sauces, things were looking good for Yankee Stadium. Then I found out that the big bowl on the end was filled with “bacon sauce” and my mouth started to water. With 2 sliders covered in “bacon sauce” and assortment of cheeses and a mixed greens salad with blueberry dressing, I made my way back to our table.
damn. Damn Damn. DAMN THESE ARE GOOD! Patience is truly a virtue and I finally found a tasty burger at Yankee Stadium!! The meat was juicy and flavorful but not greasy or too salty. The bun had a slightly sweet undertone and all of mixed well with the savory “bacon sauce,” which I think was a mixture of bacon, onions, tomatoes and spices. They needed nothing else to augment the taste. These suckers were darn tootin! I wanted to eat a dozen more as I knew I wasn’t going to get the opportunity to be in the Legends Suite any time again soon. My curiosity got the best of my burger cravings and I moved onto roasted potatoes, a chocolate chip cookie and some amazing sliced sirloin in cracked pepper and bacon. As I furiously crammed my face with food, Mark, looked at me and at 7:02 pm (3 mins before game time) said “Rev, don’t get too full here. There is a lot more to eat.” I love the way he thinks, but I finished the steak first
7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
OTHER DIGESTIONS
Classic Roast Peanuts – 7 out of 10 Carl’s Cheesesteak – 7 out of 10 (would normally get an 8 out of 10 but you can’t custom order from the Legends Seats. It came with provolone and I am fan of extra Whiz.)
Veggie Burger – Ask Rob, he ate it!
Stadium Nachos – 6 out of 10 (so buttery!)
Buffalo Chicken Fingers and French Fries – 8 out of 10
Popcorn – 6 out of 10
Thanks to Mark for treating us to an awesome night of baseball and the ability to make a massive mess of our seats and stomachs.
There is no way you could sit in these seats and not be excited! Any closer and we would actually be in the dug out! As an added bonus, my favorite player from a baseball joke was right in front of us. as the Royals First Base Coach.
Q: What do the old Tigers and old ladies have in common?
A: Rusty Kuntz!
THE STORY I’ve been on a mission this summer to eat my way around the MLB ball parks in search of great food and especially a good burger. With only the Mets’ Citifield living up to the challenge, I was beginning to think that one of America’s Favorite Pastimes was not synonymous with one of America’s Favorite Foods. That’s not to say great food can not be found at America’s ball parks just that I having trouble finding a great burger in any of them. That’s no reason to stop the quest, so on a recent trip to Pittsburgh, I jumped at the opportunity to pay a visit to PNC Park, home to the Pirates. Rumors were abound that this was one of the best parks in the league and I couldn’t wait to eat my way around it like I was Pac-Man. When I booked the trip, I had no idea that the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit would be in town. I didn’t care what the world’s leaders had to discuss, I wanted to go to a game! Although the game wasn’t cancelled, the city was definitely closed off. No entrance into the Three River city was open, it was as though the city had been quarantined due to an outbreak of the Umbrella virus, or perhaps Dr. Crane had succeeded in polluting Gotham’s water supply with the hallucinogen. Regardless, nothing was going to keep me out of the park. I shared a taxi from hotel in Station Square with some like minded Dodgers fans who had driven into town from Columbus just to see the game. EFF the G-20…FEED ME!!
THE BURGER While I waited for my friend Jason to fly in from New York, I popped myself into Atria’s located on the Federal Street side of the stadium. Atria’s was started in the 1930s, originally as a grocery store until after prohibition when their original location in Mt. Lebanon, PA turned into a restaurant. With a mix of pub fare, Italian and German (Oktoberfest) foods, it’s become a Pittsburgh classic. A friend inside the Pirates organization had given Atria’s a hefty recommendation and really, when do I turn down a good burger?
I popped in, grabbed a table near the bar and the windows and ordered up an “Award Winning Cheddar Burger” cooked medium rare. I sucked down a tasty Penn Gold beer while I waited to eat. Without taking a single bite I thought “this might finally be the burger that puts the MLB on the Burger Conquest map!” It was at least a quarter pound and it looked scrumptious. With exception of the unnecessary mustard (this coming from a huge mustard fan) the burger was awesome. Big, juicy, meaty, savory and bursting with flavor and served on a toasted sesame seed bun. Someone at Atria’s put some serious love into this bad boy! I would eat this burger every time I came to a Pirates game.
8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
Normally after such a big meal, I call it a night but not this night…
THE PITTS-BURGHER CHEESE STEAK #2 BEST SELLER
Around the same time as Atria’s Beer Hall began to serve food, Joe Primanti opened his sandwich cart feeding truckers. Shortly there after he opened a store and on one fateful night, he fried up some potatoes, slapped them on a sandwich and thus was born the famous Primanti Sandwich. 70 years later, Primanti Brothers has 14 locations, including PNC Park. From eggs and cheese, knockwurst, bacon, capicola, turkey, fish, pastrami and more, every Primanti Brothers sandwich comes on fresh made, thick-cut white bread and topped with coleslaw, tomatoes and french fries. It’s a true Pittsburgh institution and absolute must for foodies.
Each location has it’s own menu with some places offering pizza, wings and burgers but the location at PNC Park only offers 3 sandwiches, one of which is the “Pitts-Burgher Cheese Steak #2 Best Seller.” When Jason asked “what’s the #1 best seller?” the lady working the counter smiled and pointed to the Iron City Beer tap. Even though we were warned A. not to get them at the stadium and B. don’t ask for the sandwich without coleslaw as it’s heavily frowned upon. We broke both rules, because that’s how we roll, Bobby Brown style. The lady turned around and yelled out “one #2, no grass” and a few moments later, the behemoth sandwich was handed over.
The traditional cheese steak has either chopped or sliced steak and the Primanti Brothers cheese steak is more like a steak burger. After disposing of what looked like a very fresh tomato, we loosened our jaws and clamped down on this legendary eat. The bread was so soft and fresh including the still sturdy crust. The fries were greasy and bursting with salty flavor. The cheese provided a a juicy creamy middle man to the savory Pitts-Burgher patty. I don’t doubt a Primanti Brothers sandwich at one of their actual locations is much better but throw this into a stadium menu and it stands above the rest. Admittedly, could’ve done with about 20-30% less fries to let the beef and cheese have more prominence but that might just be nit-picking.
7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
SHOOT SOME HOT DOGS
Between the 3rd and 4th innings, a song begins to play in the stadium. “It’s Time to Shoot Some Hot Dogs,” over and over. At first I thought it was some kind of joke but then I looked up at the jumbo-tron and I saw the cartoon complete with bouncing ball for singing along purposes. Then the 2 team mascots, the Parrot and the Pirate take position a top either teams’ dug out. Accompanied by a Pirates girl and a hand held cannon, they stuff a hot dog into the gun and begin to shoot them across the stadium. At first I couldn’t believe it but then I watched excitement sweep the crowd. Everyone was leaping out of their seats and screaming at the top of their lungs. One might’ve thought they were launching stakes of $1000 bills but no, they were launching hot dogs right into people’s faces. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life!
We assumed these must be the most heavenly hot dogs on the planet, at least based on the reaction from the crowd. When we found out you could get one for only $1, regardless of how full we were from all the other tasty treats, we had to get one for ourselves. The dogs looked as though they were hardly cooked and after only 2 bites, we figured why they were so cheap and being shot from guns; they were terrible.
A bummer way to end and amazing streak of food but I will say this, PNC Park is one of the best baseball parks I have ever been too. It’s beautiful, has great scenery with the city skyline peaking out from behind the back wall, it’s not too big, in a decent neighborhood and filled with great food.
Oh .. and has some delicious burgers!!! As fro G-20, I think our presence helped them to work out a global cheese burger relief fund and a beer stimulus package.
THE STORY
Oil City is historically significant for 2 things, A. it was one of the first places where Oil was discovered in America and became one of the original headquarters for Penzoil, Quaker State and Wolf’s Oil and B. it’s home town to my Grandma and birthplace of my father. Which in some sort of 5 degrees of Kevin Bacon type of way, Oil City is linked to the beginnings of Burger Conquest!
I was paying a visit to Grandma Dot when she asked, in her best Penn-accent, “you want to go out for a hamburg?” While driving around downtown, a local, “Dealin’ Dave” suggested we hit Famoore’s Family Restaurant. Dot then informed me, that is where she goes to eat after church on Sunday.
THE BURGER
Famoore’s is an old school, small town luncheonette located in the small heart of Oil City. Open primarily for breakfast and lunch, Famoore’s is a very popular spot on the weekends. Topping out the burger section is the Famoore’s Famous. A burger served on a white bun with swiss, bacon, lettuce, onion and tomatoes. State and county regulations prevent ordering beef anyway but medium well to well done so my wishes of medium-rare were not possible. Grand Ma ordered a regular burger with only “cat-sup.” When the server asked if she wanted fries, Dot simply replied “Nope. I’ll just eat his.”
A few moments later, our food arrived and without hesitation, my Grandma snagged off a couple of my curly fries. As I started to snap off pictures of our burgers Grandma asked me “what are you doing? Can’t you just eat your burger?” After an attempt to explain Burger Conquest to my 89 year old Grandmother, I gave up and started to eat. The burger was ok. Nothing really special. The bacon was good but the burger was dry, over cooked and didn’t have that fresh, juicy, salty flavor that makes a the right burger so great. But it was nice to have a burger with Dot and enjoy a little chat since I don’t get to see her that often.
As we walked back to the car, Grandma leaned over to me and just under her breath proclaimed “that wasn’t too good was it? Not juicy enough and I’ve had better.” Good to know the the old burger doesn’t fall far from the griddle!
THE STORY One time Burger Conquest special guests, Shadows Fall, were celebrating the release of their newest album “Retribution” by performing a free in-store show at Looney Tunes CDs in West Babylon, Long Island, NY. After their blazing performance, Karl, the owner of Looney Tunes suggested we get some wings and beer. As Burger Conquest hosts the NYC Wing-Off, we have trouble saying no to good wings!
Only a short drive from the store, the Post Office Cafe is literally a converted US Post Office into a restaurant. They’ve been serving up bar foods of all types to the Babylon Village for the last 25 years. I wasn’t anticipating a Burger Conquest but when I saw the specialty burger of the day, served with grilled sliced ham, gravy and mashed potatoes, I had to run out to the car and grab my camera!
THE BURGER
After knocking back a couple dozen of the flavor-filled, hot and tangy Post Office Cafe wings, my burger arrived. My eyes opened as wide as the Grand Canyon. This was not what I was expecting. No bun, no standard toppings like lettuce, onion and the like…it was literally a burger patty, topped with melted cheese, grilled and sliced ham, gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes. This was certainly one of the most unique burgers I have ever had. I could barely stop my hands from shaking to get my first bite.
Oh my god…this thing is amazing! Whomever came up with the creation deserves some kind of ribbon, metal, trophy or handshake of thank yous and congratulations. Every day since I had it, I have considered the 1 hour and 15 minute train ride from NYC to get another. The burger was perfectly cooked and it’s juiciness combined with the hot gravy and melted cheese to create a moist, succulent and savory base to the grilled ham, which in this case is a bacon equivalent to the burger sandwich. The mashed potatoes tagged in for the standard french fries burger companion and in this case became a fantastic dip for every delicious bite.
THE STORY
For Mother’s Day, my wife got her Mom tickets to see a Yankee’s game. That means I got to go too! With 3 prior visits to see the Yankees this summer, I thought I had eaten my way around the stadium but was still looking forward to Carl’s Steaks, Lobel’s, garlic fries and any of the other tasty treats inside the home of the Bronx Bombers. The night before, Derek Jeter made an astonishing accomplishment by tying Lou Gerhig for most hits all-time at Yankee Stadium. Electricity was definitely in the air for the game and our seats in front row, upper-tier right behind the umpire, were perfect to catch Jeter’s first hit on base that day.
THE BURGER
Shortly after Jeter’s whopper, I noticed the couple sitting at the end of our row eating what looked to be a delicious burger. Even though I had already taken down a Carl’s Cheese Steak like hawk descending upon a field mouse, (while waiting in line, I pointed at the grill and said ” that’s my happy place!”) the site of a burger got the tummy grumbling. I excused myself from the seats, grabbed 2 cold Yunegling’s and got in the long Nathan’s line, smacking my lips in anticipation of a burger. I got an order of chicken fingers, cheese fries, a corn dog and one Nathan’s cheese burger. The server unwrapped the burger in front of me and as I was about to question the move, she turned around and whacked the patty with a dollop of the ever so tasty cheese used on the fries. I started to tremor with excitement.
Upon returning to our seats, I handed Cara and her Mom the other food items and got in burger eating position. Next at bat, 1 Nathan’s burger with cheese. I took a bite and almost froze in place. Was it possible? I looked at Cara and said “this is so burnt that it tastes like a charcoal briquette.” I took a 2nd bite and it was not only burnt, hard and crunchy but it actually tasted like charcoal. Not even the world’s best cheese sauce was saving it. Cara looked at the disgust in my face before deciding to take a bite. “This tastes like a hockey puck covered in gravel and then deep fried in dirt.” That was it. I couldn’t take another bite. I wrapped the burger up and threw it away as if to shame it from existence.
Thankfully the corn dog, cheese fries and chicken fingers were SPECTACULAR, otherwise I would’ve have left totally bummed out.
Dear Yankee stadium,
I love you deeply. You are filled with many delectable comestibles but it seems none of them are a burger.
THE STORY
It’s been nearly a year since Royale, in New York’s East Village made it into the Burger Conquest ‘TOP 5 IN NYC” list. So when the band we manage, Upon A Burning Body came into town from San Antonio, TX to record their new album with Will Putney at the Machine Shop, it made for a great excuse to go back for another “Royale With Cheese.” So we grabbed Danny the singer and Sal, one of the guitarists and headed over. Royale simply put is a just a “neighborhood bar” that serves great burgers. You can sit in the bar, at the bar or out in the garden at one of their many picnic tables. The garden is covered and heated so it’s open all year round.
THE BURGER
You can get the regular Royale (no cheese) , Royale With Cheese or a Bacon Royale (cheese and bacon) and no matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong. Me, I went Royale with American Cheese, cooked medium-rare. One bite confirmed, the Royale with Cheese is DARN TOOTIN! It’s juicy, has the right amount of beefy-saltiness and comes on fantastic sesame seed bun. The fries are pretty good but the onion rings are the side of choice.
“The burger was nothing short of amazing! Cooked just perfect it most def hit the spot! Cant wait for another!”
-Danny Leal, Upon A Burning Body
“It was a tasty burger!”
– Sal Dominguez III, Upon A Burning Body
