Cheeseburgers and their offshoots—from veggie to seafood renditions—are like pizza.
They’re always pretty good and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. These varieties are some of the best out there and will appease the most gourmet of palates. 
Smoke Shack Burger
Shake Shack: This souped-up version of the classic Shack Burger adds all-natural, smoked Niman Ranch bacon and cherry peppers to the original combo of cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato and Shack Sauce. Vegetarians will love the ‘Shroom Burger, a fried Portobello mushroom filled with muenster and cheddar cheeses.
Go there: Yonkers, NY, Westport, CT and NYC, shakeshack.com
Bacon Avocado Club
Smashburger: This all-white meat chicken burger starts with applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing and mayo, and you can customize it by ordering the chicken grilled or crispy, and subbing in a gluten-free bun for the multi-grain one it comes with. With 20 varieties of beef and chicken burgers, plus a choice of salads, fries, shakes and malts, this is a menu you’ll want to revisit.
Go there: White Plains, Mamaroneck and Scarsdale, NY, smashburger.com
Insanewich
Melt Mobile: This aptly named sandwich at this popular grilled cheese truck consists of six ounces of Angus beef with bacon, lettuce and tomato, sandwiched between two grilled cheeses and finished with the truck’s signature Melt sauce. “It’s insanely delicious,” says co-owner Darlene Andersen. “When someone orders it, the window person screams ‘We are going insane!’” Go there: Stamford, CT, melt-mobile.com
Veggie Burger #2
Elevation Burger
Grass-fed, free-range beef burgers are at the core of this upscale quick-service joint’s menu, but veggie burgers and chicken options round out the offerings. This version is made with organic rice, oats, corn and other vegetables, and clocks in at only 320 calories. Finish off your patty with toppings like jalapeños and caramelized onions.
Go there: Yonkers and Rye Brook, NY, elevationburger.com
Waldorf Burger
Flipside Burgers and Bar
This favorite local eatery has a full bar with specialty cocktails and a diverse menu with comfort food staples like burgers, hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese and milkshakes and floats. While the atmosphere is casual, the food isn’t humdrum. A prime example: the Waldorf Burger, made with sirloin topped with Gorgonzola cheese, fresh apples, candied walnuts and cranberry aioli.
Go there: Fairfield, CT, flipsiderestaurant.com
The Bacon, Egg and Cheese Burger
Little Barn
This breakfast-inspired burger comes with Applewood smoked bacon, a sunny side up egg and American cheese, served on a perfectly toasted brioche bun. Not feeling a burger? Other Little Barn favorites include the fish ‘n’ chips, lobster club, and baby back ribs. Wash it down with something off the innovative drinks list, like the Black Rock Lemonade, made with Tito’s vodka, fresh lemonade and black cherry-jalapeño purée.
Go there: Westport, CT, littlebarnct.com
