Now that Spring has sprung, I wanted to take a look back at the top five burgers that kept me warm so far in 2014. Some of these burgers have been around for a while, and some are brand spanking new. No matter the case, you need to try them all.

5. BFB Highline – The Kramer / The Heisenburger

“[The Kramer] had perfectly balanced toppings, perhaps because instead of the typically used dijon mustard, this burger is topped with Sir Kensington’s Spicy Ketchup. The Swiss cheese was definitely abundant, so if you aren’t ready for that much lactose then pick another burger on the menu.”

“[The Heisenburger] is as pure a burger creation as [BFB Chef] Mitchell claims. The bacon, soft the way he likes it, adds a strong texture and flavor to each bite. Every part of the 10 ounce patty is expertly seasoned. Cheese, pickles, lettuce, and onion cover every inch (as do tomatoes, but I’m not big on tomatoes on burgers). The bun is intensely big, but soft and tasty and necessary for the heft that the Heisenburger brings.”

BFB is located at 55 Gansevoort in Manhattan, New York.

4. Ox Cart Tavern – The Alamo

“The Alamo comes topped with a fried egg, a huge onion ring, swiss cheese, and barbecue sauce. The hearty bun held up to the heavy elements of this burger, and once I cut it in half I was able to compress the thing enough to take a bite (a feat I thought might prove more difficult). The burger was stellar. The patty was cooked to a lovely pink color and wonderful texture. It was seasoned just right. The egg was flavorful, and the onion ring added a fantastic taste as well as a fun crunch. The barbecue sauce, poured within the onion ring, was far from lost in this sea of flavor.”

Ox Cart Tavern is located at 1301 Newkirk in Brooklyn, NY.

3. Fritzl’s Lunch Box – Cheeseburger

“The cheeseburgers came topped with abundant cheddar cheese, and chopped pickles and onions doused in special sauce. This relish was delicious and delightfully crunchy, but as good as it was it paled in comparison to the unbelievable taste of the patty. Wonderfully textured and remarkably seasoned, the meat blew my mind. The other Burgermeisters on this Burger Adventure were all equally pleased. The cheese oozed off of the burger, leaving me with marvelous cheese-only bonus bites. The soft, sesame seeded potato bun conformed to the shape of the patty, cushioning the burger in a way that only the most comforting of brunch burgers is able to accomplish.”

Fritzl’s Lunch Box is located at 173 Irving Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. 

2. Barley & Grain – B&G Wagyu Burger

“This burger was INTENSE. The eight-ounce grass-fed Wagyu beef patty is topped with barbecue pulled pork, and NY cheddar cheese. We’d all sampled the pulled pork during the appetizer portion of the meal to swoons and cheers, and to have it top the burger equally delightful. I left my Rabbit Food on the side, with the exception of the pickled cucs. The cucs added a fantastic crunch to the experience. As I write this, my mouth is watering all over again thinking of the rich, salty flavors.”

Barley & Grain is located at 421 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, New York. 

1. Strand Smokehouse – Brunch Burger

“I’d have to look back through the archives to see if I’ve described a burger as a flavor explosion before. I suppose the past is irrelevant, because the Strand’s Brunch Burger exploded all over my burger-loving soul. Every element was distinct and incredible. The sunny side egg oozed all over my hands and plate with my first bite, which I found enjoyable from a visual, tactile and gustational standpoint. The pepper jack cheese was kickin’ with a tasty groove. The burger was also topped with spicy mayo, which loyal readers will know gets automatic points from me.

The patty and the bun were stories unto themselves. The patty was significant in size, texture, and flavor. Though it broke in half under its own weight as I ate it, I enjoyed the messy game that was finishing this burger. The bun was also enormous, though the reason for its size was clear; this Texas-sized burger needed extreme support from a monstrous bun. Though it was moist and delicious, it was the one element of the burger I was unable to completely finish.”

The Strand Smokehouse is located at 25-27 Broadway in Queens, New York.