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Brooklyn, New York
 67 Burger Located @ 67 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718)797-7150 this
is one burger joint worth the trip no matter your residence within the
5 boros. I ordered the classic American cheeseburger and was blown
away by the consistency in taste and the quickness of service. The
fries which can be had seasoned and curly, sweet potato or regular
(I ordered the regular and they were salted to perfection). You have
your choice of eight different cheeses including feta and goat. Oh
yes, this burger spot pushes the envelope and opens up the imagination
as well as the palette. Although I ordered a beef burger, I had my
pick of turkey, veggie or grilled chicken all made to order. Salads
where also on the menu with a variety of dressings and fillers. The
atmosphere has a diner feel but the interior color scheme is a bit
warmer than that. No reservations are needed but the seats tend to
fill up fast. If you're in a rush you can get it to go. So next time
you've got a craving for a burger made fresh, fast and juicy head to
67Burger. For more info check out their website @ www.67burger.com.
 Night Of The Cookers Located @ 767 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11217-1610 (718) 797-1197. If you're looking for a cozy bar vibe and some great food in Brooklyn, then Night Of The Cookers is your spot. Friday nights boasts a live band while patrons gather around the bar. The brick lined venue is a favorite for the working class after work and on weekends. No dress code to speak of but most of the frequenters are stylished dressed whether in jeans or blazers or the combo. I had the grilled salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Each entree only comes with one side but the extra I paid for my greens was worth it, I actually finished my spinach first, my grandmother would be proud. The potatoes were light buttery and whipped into submission and the salmon, which was large in portion and sported dark grill marks, was exactly how it looked. An moist yet firm with a hint of charred flesh that makes truly grilled food delectable. As I dined, the house band played on, some tunes famiiar and some not but all music to my ears. To top off my meal I had a slice of carrot cake that, to my surprise, was served warm. My total was in the neighborhood of $35 dollars but not overpriced. They do offer appetizers and finger foods for those who want to eat light and stay by the bar. Dining is avalable towards the back of the venue as the bar takes up the front. Seating for large parties is available but I would call ahead. Whether you go it alone, on a date or with a group, Night Of The Cookers is definitely a spot worth checking out.
 Man-Sized Taste... Five Guys Burgers
I've encountered many a big burger in my lifetime, from Jackson Hole to stuffed Hollis Famous Burgers but the double burger at Five Guys Burgers give them a run for the money. I recently moved downtown Brooklyn and one day while wondering my new neighborhood I stumbled upon Five Guys Burgers' 138 Montague Street location in Brooklyn Heights, NY. I need to start off untraditionally by describing the french fries. These fresh cut potato fries are the epitome of french fry perfection. Lightly salted and fried just right, the type of fries you can eat slightly cold. The spot only cooks up beef burgers so vegetarians and turkey heads will be disappointed. However, if you venture into the red meat arena every once and a while this might be one of the places to consider when having a change of heart. Every burger is cooked to order so you will wait for your order unless you call ahead but the results are worth the wait.
So if your downtown brooklyn and your girl runs into the MAC store down the street, or you don't feel like taking in one of the several venues on this restaurant lined block, run into Five Guys Burgers.  The taste is sure to please and your jeans will fit a little tighter. Don't cancel your gym membership but indulge once in a while. Eat well and enjoy. Five Guys Burgers - (718) 797-9380
Red.71
Harlem, New York
Amy Ruth's (Southern Cuisine)
Amy Ruth's - Located in Harlem @ 113 West 116th Street (212-280-8779), this cozy establishment is an experience not to be missed. Established in 1998, Amy Ruth's is reminiscent of Grandma's Sunday dinners. The fried chicken is golden brown and is served anyway you like, with white rice with onions, steamed brown rice for the health nuts, macaroni and cheese.. so cheesy.. or with a big belgian waffle.Sauteed string beans, hand mashed potatoes and big chunks of cornbread are just a few of the staples in this joint. And if you didn't know this joint is jumpin'!!! While most night they shut the doors @ 11pm, on the weekends (Friday and Saturday nites) they are opened 24 hrs. You may have a little wait @ 4:30 Saturday morning after party goers have left the clubs and a drive thru just won't do.
Other honorable mentions are the salmon croquettes, turkey wings and the catfish. I haven't tried everything but I haven't been disapppointed yet. This spot does not serve alcohol so I always order the lemonade.. which is always just sweet enough.
The atmosphere is pleasant and cozy although the seating arrangement is a little close. The average entree is about $15 and service is prompt and accurate. Definitely one of my favorites.
Red.71
Oklahoma Smoke(BBQ)
Located @ 231 W. 145th St.
New York, NY 10039 (212-862-5335)..., Harlem's jumped into the barbeque fray with this tiny storefront. The co-owner, Paul Packard, hails from Tulsa, Okla., and brings with him a recipe that’s been in his family since 1936. The meats are smoked for two hours using five different kinds of woods, and then braised afterward with sauces and drippings. For a showstopper, order the pork ribs (it’s a towering creation), along with worthy sides such as cucumber-and-tomato salad. Just don’t skip on the sweet stuff: their cheesecake alone is worth the trek to 145th Street.
Hours: Tue-.Thu. 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Red.71
Pee Dee Steak II (Steakhouse)
Located in Harlem @ 50 West 125th Street between 5th Ave./Lenox Ave. (212-996-1081), this little steakhouse was a pleasant surprise for me on one of my many excursions through Harlem. This small seat yourself ; almost cafeteria style spot is small on decorum but big on taste. As you enter you place your order and choice your sides and/or salad. As in most steak joints, seafood is also available alone or in combinations. From Monday through Friday, (11am-3pm), the steak special is only $6.99 and that includes an 8 oz. sirloin steak with your choice of baked potato or rice, plus cole slaw or a salad and garlic bread. Definitely a great lunch time deal, especially for those working within the currently changing face of Harlem.
I ordered the steak on one occasion well done and was please when it arrived charred on the outside but tender on the inside. I did say one occasion because I have left my native borough of Queens several times in pursuit of the Pee Dee’s experience. On other visit, I ordered a Giant Pee Dee Burger which was more than filling and good to the last bite. So, if your on 125th Street one day soon and decide you want to grab a steak without the wait... hit Pee Dee Steak II. By the way, Pee Dee Steak I is located @ 2006 Third Avenue near 110th St. (212-996-3300) Sun – Thurs 11am – 11pm ; Fri – sat 11am – 12am
Red.71
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Located @ 646 West. 131st Street between 12th Ave./Broadway (212-694-1777) has a very country feel to it. From its wooden fixtures and checkered table cloths, its feels like you are at an indoor picnic. This isn’t too far from the truth either, since there are actually picnic benches placed outside for outdoor seating when the weather permits. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is that place to go when you want your portions large and messy. The wings come smothered in BBQ sauce with plenty of napkins on the side. A meal for two is around $35. They do have a bar with plenty of drink specials. Closed on Mondays but open every other day. Reservations are not mandatory but there can be up to an hours wait on the weekends so make sure you bring your conversation with you. So, when your happen onto the West side of Harlem and get that finger lickin’ feeling then stop in @ the Dinosaur and let your appetite run wild.
Red.71
Midtown/Downtown, NYC
 Home of the Goodburger
Put GoodBurger "Home of the Goodburger" located @ 23 W. 45th Street btwn 5th/6th Avenues is one of midtown Manhattan's best. All orders are cooked when you order so you know it's fresh. They also use 100% Hereford beef but turkey burgers are also available. Although the name speaks volumes goodburger offers a variety of other tasty items. You can have a chicken sandwich, portobello mushroom sandwich or pick a salad and your fillers. The beverages range from foutain soda to fresh squeezed lemonade, store-made Rootbeer, shakes or a Lime Rickey. Delivery or catering is available.
Citrine
Located @ 59 W 21st St, near 6th; 212.727.7775 Citrine Happy Hour begins Thursday at 6pm, and runs thereafter 6-10pm Tues-Friday.
The club-lounge is part-time operating as a happy hour annex for downstairs Markt, offering a limited selection of the Belgian brasserie's dinner menu (grilled sirloin burger on brioche, steak tartare w/ frites, poached oysters...), plus mostly half-price hooch, including $4 beers down from $8, $8 cocktails (from $16), and $9 premium drinks ($12-$15). Bonus: 2-for-1 booze from 5-6pm, for white-collars just coming off work, and shiny-collars just coming off roofies.
Dirty Bird To-Go
Located @ 204 W. 14th St. Phone: 212 620 4836 Dirty Bird To-Go, a new eatery with Southern fried chicken flair, has set up shop. Allison Vines-Rushing (late of Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar) will be manning the stoves…er…the deep-fat fryer. Free-range chicken will be brined, buttermilked and fried. And then, just for good measure, fried again. For dessert, don’t forget your bag of “fresh-baked bad-ass cookies.” Dirty Bird To-Go, offers the convenience of fast food, but prepared slowly, with healthy, organic, seasonal ingredients in a take-out and delivery setting. The critically acclaimed Chefs Allison Vines-Rushing (honored recipient of the highly-coveted James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award) and her husband Slade Rushing, in partnership with Joseph Ciriello, have created the restaurant’s fresh concept and simple menu of soulful comfort food, including fried and rotisseried free-range chicken with southern-inspired side dishes. Allison and Slade’s recipes at Dirty Bird To Go offer an exciting alternative to conventional fast food, which will satisfy families and foodies alike.
Hours of Operation:
11:30 am - 10:30 pm
New York, NY 10011
Atomic Wings
311 Broadway
(between Duane & Thomas)
New York, NY 10007
(212) 571-7667
Monday - Friday: 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11am to 10pm
Jessica Simpson, eat your heart out: This popular wings spot sports no buffalo meat -- just eight scrumptious varieties of Buffalo (as in the city upstate where they originated) chicken wings. Catering to the true connoisseur, these wings are prepared the same way as at the Anchor Bar, where they originated in 1964. If you believe yourself to be sane, stick with the mild, medium or hot varieties. For the true masochist, however, there are the "abusive," "nuclear," or "suicidal" versions. Or just eschew the hot spice altogether and get honey-mustard or barbecue wings. For lighter fare, the Chicken Littles are not fried and are jazzed up with everything from horseradish dip to sweet-and-sour sauce. Also on the menu are grilled-chicken-breast sandwiches and burgers (including veggie varieties). And unlike other Manhattan joints, wafer-style fries actually come with that burger.
Ashley Lederer
Queens
 Mad For Chicken Before filming brief interviews with DJ Driis and DJ Pete Rock last week @ a disclosed location in lower Manhattan, I had the pleasure of trying something new and exciting. I arrived early feeling a little peckish but didn't want to leave and miss my subjects as they arrived. As my stomach began to bellow, in walked Ty Phipps with a beautifully packaged box of chicken. The packaging wasn't nearly as impressive as the taste. The Mad Combo consisted of drumsticks wings that knocked the taste buds off my tongue. I am a breast man and never usually journey into dark meat territory but hunger and aroma took over quite to my satisfaction. I felt no shame devouring the chicken down to the bare bone, inconcerned with remarks at how quickly the flavorful fowl disappeared. My brain had been stimulated and I had official gone Mad For Chicken. So for all you who enjoy a great piece of fried chicken with a twist you need, rather must, visit Mad For Chicken at either their Flushing, 718-321-3818 @ 157-18 Northern Blvd., or Manhattan location, (212) 221-2222 @ 314 5th Avenue 2nd Floor. Warning: If you can't handle spicy food then ask for the Hot & Spicy sauce on the side. It is muy caliente.
 Hollis Famous Burgers
The establishment was recently opened this summer on the corner of 203rd St. and Hollis Ave. this past summer in Queens, NY. Hollis Burgers also serves as a memorial for the late and beloved Jam Master Jay aka Jason Mizel of Run DMC. The walls are covered with autographed photos, album covers, and memorabilia from various Hip Hop artists and personalities. JMJ possessed a strong sense of style and street savvy and many of this childhood friends frequent the place.
On regular days Hollis Famous Burgers offers burgers, beef or turkey, plain or stuffed with almost anything u can imagine, have you ever had a turkey burger stuffed with shrimp? Probably not but if you would like to try it Hollis Famous Burgers is the place. The burgers are pretty big and are cut in half to ease your burden of successfully getting it into your mouth.. They also have hot wings and other finger food to keep your taste buds wanting more.  Try their signature Obama iced tea but only if you're ready for change.
So if you haven't heard of them or haven't decided to visit them, make sure you put Hollis Famous Burgers on your to do list. Not only do they serve great food at very reasonable prices but they also serve a large plate of pride, respect and love for their community.
 Golden Chicken(Rotisserie)
Located @ 179 - 44 Hillside Ave. (718-206-4669) has the best rotisserie chicken this side of Queens. They definitely stand by their name, the chicken is golden in color, full of taste and very juicy. The yellow rice and beans perfectly compliment the rotisserie chicken. Each bite is just as delicious as the first, the seasoning is thorough. As many health conscious folk remove the skin when ordering chicken, not to worry you don't lose a bit of flavor. I am a white meat type of guy which tends to be the driest part of the chicken but the juices flowed. A meal for two is around $25 with gratuity. They do not have a bar but do have plenty of natural juices to choose from.
 Red.71
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