Let’s all agree, there’s nothing like a great burger. Whether it’s a solid diner burger, or a craft burger patty from a local artisanal kitchen, the carnivore in me is always delighted to find a new, killer burger spot. Different moods and cravings require different destinations – lazy takeout on a budget will gear me toward a local diner, while a Friday night outing with my (now) fiancé, will require something a bit more special. Maybe you’re in the mood for tapas before your burger, or searching for a local hot spot with great ambiance and cocktails. Or, are you simply tired of cooking in quarantine and need some takeout for the family? Whatever the case may be, I’ve got you covered! Years of research and dining out, have prepared me for this undertaking – identifying the top burgers on Long Island … all cravings and moods considered.

• All-American Hamburger Drive In, Massapequa
You can’t make a list of best burgers without including All-American. No frills, just good ol’ fashioned food. I always order the double cheeseburger & a thick shake and eat in the parking lot with friends. Every time you visit this iconic institution, it truly feels like Long Island summer. (Oh, and it’s super affordable!)

• The Brass Rail, Locust Valley
A local, hidden gem. Their jalapeño cheddar burger is worth the drive; delicious, cooked to perfection – and has a kick. Fun fact? The establishment was named after their antique bar – made by two German brothers during the late 1880's in The Bowery of New York City. A great burger with a side of history? Count me in.

• Cowfish, Hampton Bays
This one was unexpected, but deserved to be mentioned. While I generally frequent Cowfish for fish or seafood, the burgers are surprisingly outstanding. The Cowfish Burger is cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, bibb lettuce, tomato, and onion. The Gibbs Burger, my personal favorite, is gruyere cheese, Dijon, bibb lettuce, and caramelized onions. (Pro-tip: order the brussels sprouts as an appetizer – tossed with ponzu Dijon and caramelized onions!) 

• The Lark Pub & Grub, East Northport
A local sleeper, the Lark is a great spot for lazy takeout when craving a burger. My favorite on their burger menu? The ‘Bottle Caps’ – three sliders served with cheddar, pickles and secret sauce. I appreciate that they’re always cooked medium rare to my order – a very important consideration for a burger aficionado. If you’re dining in, they have an awesome beer list and some of the friendliest bartenders around.

• Main Street Café, Northport
A local institution, you can never go wrong at Main Street café. Their burgers are dense, cooked to perfection, and always comforting. (Pro tip: they may have the best fries in Suffolk County so if steak fries are your preference, order extra.) I build my own burger here –  beef patty medium rare, avocado, cheddar, and sauces on the side. The owner and staff are welcoming, warm and always fun to visit. If you haven’t been here for burgers yet, go as soon as you can.

• Off the Block, Sayville
Simply put: this place is so good. You cannot go wrong since the burgers are routinely juicy and inventive. I keep it simple with the ‘All American Burger’ – six-ounce beef patty, American cheese, pickled red onions (big fan), lettuce, tomato, pickles and Thousand Island Dressing. My friends are enthusiasts of the ‘Smokehouse Burger’ – Off The Block spice, bacon, frizzled onions, house-smoked gouda, and sweet pineapple BBQ sauce. (Pro tip – their sauces are liquid gold so order extra!)

• Old Fields, Greenlawn
This place is a gem stuck in time. No frills, good food, cozy setting. As they spend time refreshing their location this summer, visit their summer pop-up: Ella’s. They’re offering simple and to the point cheeseburgers – beef patty, American cheese, roasted tomato, lettuce, Ella’s sauce – simply delicious.

• Prime Burger Bar, Commack
New to Commack, Prime Burger Bar is bound to satisfy every classic American foodies taste buds! On their menu, you’ll find the most unique varieties of a traditional burger. A few of their signature chef picks include: the Burrata Burger, Bacon on Bacon Burger, Drunken Goat (topped with honey whipped goat cheese, candied bacon and cabernet sauce), Tex Mex Burger, Black N Blue and Breakfast Burger. Prefer spicy? Try the Fire Island Burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fresh jalapeño and chipotle aioli. Or, build your own burger experience by picking your protein, choosing your bun, and then your toppings!

• Reese’s 1900 Pub, Patchogue
Order the ‘1900 Burger’ and thank me later. Fresh ground beef, broiled, then topped with crisp bacon and your choice of bleu, Swiss, cheddar or American cheese. This place makes me nostalgic for Ireland, which is why I always order a Guinness when I visit. If you’ve never tried this spot, now’s the time. 

• Rustic Root, Woodbury
The holy grail of burgers. Seriously, it took me a long time to confess it’s my #1, but the verdict is out. There’s just something so ridiculously awesome about this one – simple, high quality and delicious. Grass-fed beef, raclette cheese, gem lettuce, tomato – that’s it. Sounds basic, but the experience is out of this world. Served with salt and vinegar fries and house-made pickles, this is my go-to, always-craving burger. The rest of the menu is equally impressive, so definitely opt for an appetizer and maybe even a dessert.

• Seven Quarts Tavern, Northport
Under new ownership since the last time I visited a few years back, their ‘1656 Burger’ is a memorable one. Kobe, brisket, angus rib cap, boneless short ribs, gruyere cheese, caramelized onions – decadent and super satisfying. The owner and bartenders here are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which always makes for a great dining experience.  Run don’t walk.

• The Shed, Huntington
My all-time favorite brunch burger in the area. Beef patty, American cheese, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion jam (swoon) and shed sauce. This place has a fun ambiance, and great cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to kick off the weekend and enjoy a solid meal. (Pro tip: if you’re going for brunch, try the Bloody Mary. You won’t regret it.)

• Vauxhall, Huntington
Still my local neighborhood favorite, and so dear to my heart – Vauxhall is a must try. I’d say this is closely tied for #1, and sentiment has nothing to do with the decision. I can’t pick just one single burger here because I love them all. That’s right – any burger on their burger menu is incredible. Craving something simple? Order ‘The Villager’ – bacon, cheddar, and tomato jam. My usual is the ‘Evil Sal’ – spicy ghost pepper marmalade, vinegar onion crisps, ghost pepper jack cheese. (Pro tip – ask for pickled onions and throw them on too!)

    It’s September… back to school time already! Boy did that breeze by quickly, but I hope everyone enjoyed a few lazy, hazy days of summer. There has been a lot of uncertainty as to our schools reopening. However, as we transition and prepare, my goal is to help lessen your stresses of meal planning and back to school. Whether or not our children resume school in the classroom or at home, this nutritious meal is flavorful, yet simple and good for the learning brain. It’s an easy and delicious dish that can be made for dinner and is perfect for lunch the next day. 
    Couscous is made from steamed balls of semolina flour. Although we normally think of it more as a grain, it’s technically a pasta. Fast, easy and versatile, couscous goes wonderfully with many combinations of food.
    So, choose to serve it warm, cold, or room temperature. Also, don’t forget to experiment and interchange ingredients, this way you satisfy everyone in your family’s taste buds!

Ingredients
• 2 boxes of couscous (I use Near East brand – 5.9 ounce boxes)
• Chicken broth 3-4 cups 
• 2 bunches of green scallions sliced thin (use some green tops too)
• 2 yellow zucchini diced
• 2 bags petite frozen peas
• 1 roasted chicken (I bought cooked in market) cut into bite size chunks
• Fresh chives, fresh parsley chopped
• 2 pints of tri-color cherry tomatoes cut in 1/2
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 packet (or more of Goya Sazón seasoning depending on taste)
• Fresh pepper and salt

Cut up the roasted chicken into bite size pieces and place them in a bowl. In a frying pan with some olive oil, place the zucchini pieces with the sliced scallions and sauté until soft. Add the Sazón seasoning and mix well, now add all fresh herbs and seasonings. Toss with chicken. Prepare in a pot the couscous according to directions (about 5 minutes). I replace the water with chicken broth in preparing the couscous to give it added flavor. Toss everything together and add fresh tomatoes. Taste for more seasonings and DONE! Enjoy! Wishing everyone a HAPPY and SAFE ~ New School Year! xoxo Denise