Final Word on Corner Bistro, A Burger Saved by Toppings

July 1, 2009

Whenever the conversation about Manhattan’s best burger arises, Corner Bistro, the self proclaimed “last of the bohemian bars in west Greenwich Village,” always seems to get a mention. My question is always “why?” Despite being broiled, the burger is par-cooked and flavorless. The only saving graces are a plethora of toppings which divert attention away from a lackluster patty. I respect an old school bar that offers $2.50 beers all night and serves burgers until 4AM, so if you’re looking for a drunken nightcap, head on over. But to call Corner Bistro one of the best burgers in Manhattan is a disservice to all of the finely crafted ones out there.

Last week I dined on one of their $6.75 Bistro burgers (toasted bun, American cheese, deep-fried bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and raw white onion beneath the burger) for the first time in almost two years. My theory was confirmed. The burger was juicy and cooked-to-order medium rare but lacked any hint of spicing, even salt or pepper. I’m not usually one to pile on veggies with my bacon, cheese and beef, but this burger necessitates it. The towering burger below was the final result of my resurrection of the Corner Bistro burger. I don’t know if it was my hunger or the pleasure of seeing something so gloriously gluttonous, but with all those toppings piled on top, plus a heap of Heinz, this was finally a tasty burger.