Die-hard devotees of Shake Shack should stop reading this right now.  With that said, the editors at DS (while always in search of the “best of” anything), are not yet prepared to anoint Bill’s Bar & Burger our favorite new burger joint…yet.  While first impressions are important, we’re in this for the long haul and we need to revisit this pressing issue a few times before we come to a final conclusion.  Still, one thing is unquestionable—Bill’s Classic with American Cheese is worth getting to know (very well).  Made from a custom blend of Pat LaFrieda beef, the burger patty is well seasoned and has great flavor, especially considering how relatively thin each one is (we suspect the spatula is expertly used with a heavy, yet discerning hand).  The result is a crispy beef patty covered in a melted slice of American cheese situated in between a soft bun and the requisite accoutrements of lettuce, tomato and pickles.  Our Bill’s Classic with American Cheese was perfectly cooked and though not substantial in size, was nonetheless quite filling.  While the french fries were crispy, salted just right, and arrived piping hot out of the fryer, we loved the beer battered onion rings even more—with a superbly crunchy texture, they were the ideal complement to our burger.  Wherever you may go to satisfy your burger fix, we suggest you give Bill’s Bar & Burger a legitimate chance to become the purveyor of your new favorite burger in the city.

If the editors at DS were to sit down and imagine the perfect bar, it’d have to include a well-edited selection of beer and whiskey, good music, a few flatscreens to catch the game, a pool table and a dart board, some classic board games and a little outdoor patio for when the weather got nice.  If our thoughts resonated with yours, then it’s time to head to Park Slope, Brooklyn and check out Dram Shop.  They’ve also got some outstanding bar food, including a great burger (the double is the default).  And since reservations aren’t accepted, head over there early to stake out a sizable booth for you and your fellow gamers, and settle in for a night of good food, drink and a competitive game of Jenga.  For the cruise-deck contingency, there’s even a shuffle board for your gaming pleasure.