Whether you crave a basic hamburger or a burger crafted from prime dry-aged beef and Brooklyn Brine pickles, you will be able to find several top-quality options in New York City.

Burgers have been my dinner of choice for as long as I can remember, even growing up with a vegetarian mother (sorry, mom)! When I discovered how delicious they could be served medium rare or with the delightful texture of a lightly-toasted potato bun, my obsession grew.

There are several excellent options in NYC, so please don’t default to that burger chain because you assume they know what they’re doing; like with most things, the very best can be hard to find, but it’s worth going for. The good news is you don’t need to spend big bucks to be served an amazing burger in New York. Below, I organize the best burgers into 3 price levels, from the high end special occasion burger to the everyday burger.

THE HIGH END BURGER (>$20)

These burgers may be expensive, but they are worth every penny. And the below restaurants are phenomenal culinary establishments in their own right, no matter what you order.

Breslin, $29

The first time you bite into the Chargrilled Lamb Burger at Breslin, a tear will probably come to your eye. It’s truly a phenomenal experience. And if you’re weirded out by lamb, you are not alone. I was nervous my first time back in 2010, until that first bite, when I realized I would never be the same. This burger is the most expensive on my list, but for a meal that makes you cry, you should go for it and save money somewhere else in your day.

Minetta Tavern, $25

The Minetta Burger is famous and on just about every New York burger list. However, knowing that I am often disappointed by such universally-acclaimed experiences, I tasted with some trepidation. I am here to confirm Minetta Tavern’s burger is worth it; worth the cost for such a quality burger, but also worth visiting the historic restaurant on the lively Macdougal street. Minetta Tavern is full of atmosphere with classic service (huge cloth napkins!) and old time portraits on the walls. I show up early and grab a spot at the bar.

Minetta Tavern: 113 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012

James, $23

James is a culinary treasure. Located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, the adorable corner restaurant on a residential brownstone street, serves up one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Although I have eaten most of the burgers on this list multiple times, I’ve visited James the most. It’s cooked perfectly every time, and the fries and pickles are delicious.

James: 605 Carlton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Red Hook Tavern, $22

This tavern in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is run by the BBQ expert Billy Durney. Durney serves up a fantastic burger. I really appreciate how the cheese is melted perfectly onto three sides of the dry-aged beef burger. All proportions and flavors are spot on! I wish they gave a few more fries on the plate, but that’s just me!

Red Hook Tavern: 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

THE MIDDLE RANGE BURGER ($15 to $20)

Buying a mid-range burger doesn’t mean it’s middle-of-the-road in flavor! The burgers below will all keep you dreaming of a return visit.

Henry Public, $16 to $19

Henry Public is an essential Brooklyn experience. You walk in and feel like you’ve stepped into an 1890’s tavern. You won’t find people on cell phones, instead you may find an eclectic mix of locals having actual conversations over a beer or classic cocktails. And they serve up just a few food items, but they have perfected each offering.

Henry Public: 329 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Bernie’s, $17

Williamsburg can be an anxiety-producing neighborhood to eat out in. It attracts a lot of tourists (something Brooklyn was not always used to!) and there are several bars and restaurants to choose from. Bernie’s flies slightly under the radar, and feels like a hometown place, stuck in the middle of this expensive hipster a paradise. People look happy and relaxed, and the food is to die for.

Bernie’s: 332 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

The Double Windsor, $15

This beer and burger pub in South Park Slope, Brooklyn serves up excellent food from a window in the back. Just order a fine craft beer from the bar, then wander to the food window and ask for a burger. This place is always busy, in an otherwise chill part of Brooklyn, for a very good reason.

The Double Windsor: 210 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

THE AFFORDABLE BURGER (<$15)

I couldn’t ignore the less expensive, but still delicious options that exist around NYC. These compare in quality and price to a Shake Shack or Five Guys burger, but have the local, non-chain vibe that I adore. Hit these up for a quick, anytime meal next time you’re hungry in Manhattan.

Corner Bistro, $11 to $13

Corner Bistro occupies a delightful corner in Manhattan’s well-loved West Village. You would think, if you looked at the prices of restaurants in this area, that anything served here would cost a ton. However, this bistro keeps costs low, yet somehow always comes through with a fun dining experience. Don’t expect a fancy place, food is served on paper plates and fries cost extra. But boy, the people watching from the windows here is worth something in itself.

Corner Bistro: 331 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014

JG Melon, $12 to $13

JG Melon has been around since the 1970s. Starting on the Upper East Side, this burger-centric establishment is dripping in old-school New York charm. Watermelon paintings crowd the walls. You have to give in to the charms of green and red decor, and to the quality of their burger. They recently opened a restaurant in Greenwich Village that is more spacious than the Upper East Side spot, but I still prefer the original location, if I can manage to get a seat!

JG Melon: 1291 Third Ave, New York, NY 10021

Burger Joint, $9 to $10

This place is a hidden gem— and it’s literally hidden! You have to walk into the luxury Parker hotel, then locate the large, red plush curtains. Behind them you will locate this uber-casual small producer of fast and delicious burgers! I enjoy going here before a Broadway show or concert at the nearby Carnegie Hall.

Burger Joint: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019