[map] [subway directions]

Rating: 5/5

Notes:

- Burger: A damn good patty. Cooked to the ordered temperature and sized just right for the bun.

- Bun: The soft, brioche bun is grilled on both sides, which adds a nice crunch.

- Garnish: N/A

- Mess factor: Astoundingly little mess given the juiciness and liberal portion of gooey roquefort.

- Fries: These fries define shoestring: Thin, crispy and well seasoned with a touch of garlic. The fresh rosemary is also a nice touch. The Spotted Pig is not stingy with the fries, you’ll have plenty to share with your neighbor or pile on your burger.

- Price: $17 (stock presentation includes Roquefort cheese)

- Bordeaux: The bordeaux on offer were well beyond our price threshold. Instead, we chose a 2005 Zinfandel from Ridge “Three Valleys”. A drinkable wine–slightly upstaged by the roquefort. Those not dead-set on drinking wine may be better served by pairing this burger with one of the many fine beers available.

- Atmosphere: You could take a girl there.

- Overall: Don’t let these laconic notes lead you to believe that this burger isn’t worthy of more ink–it certainly is. But, the no-bullshit presentation of this burger deserves a similar writeup. Any establishment that sends their burger out sans garnish is confident that the sandwich can stand on its own. In this case, that confidence is well founded. Both the first and second floor dining areas are cozy and, well, publike. The Spotted Pig is no secret. This coupled with its no-reservations policy leads to multiple-hour waits. If, however, you sneak in early (before 6) or late (they serve until 2 nightly), you should be rewarded with a table rather quickly.

Entry Filed under: 5, West Village