National Cheeseburger Day: The Best Cheeseburger We Ever Had in NYC

Previously, the Untapped staff did the dirty work of taste testing some of New York City’s finest burgers, which has culminated in our list of burger superlatives. Now in celebration of National Cheeseburger Day, we’re highlighting another must-try — what we believe to be the best cheeseburger currently being dished out in New York City. (We realize this is a point of contention for many, but yes — it’s that good). Carnivores rejoice, as The Capital Grille has announced the return of its Wagyu & Wine event in honor of the restaurant’s new burger selections this year.

From September 14th to November 19th, hungry patrons can enjoy a gourmet Wagyu burger, paired with wine, hand-selected by The Capital Grille’s Sommelier Brian Phillips.

The selections this year include a Wagyu Cheeseburger with Havarti, fried egg and crisp onions; a caramelized Onion Wagyu Burger, featuring Jarlsberg and Mozzarella cheese and shallot mayor; and the Wagyu Cheeseburger with applewood smoked bacon and Vermont Cheddar, paired alongside Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley); Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands); and Emmolo Merlot (Napa Valley).

Wagyu Cheeseburger with Havarti, fried egg and crisp onions. Image courtesy The Capital Grille

Caramelized Onion Wagyu Burger with Jarlsberg and Mozzarella cheese and shallot mayor. Image courtesy The Capital Grille

“Using Wagyu, we’re delivering a memorable take on the classic burger to create an unforgettable dining experience,” said The Capital Grille’s Executive Chef Michael LaDuke.

To satisfy our ravenous appetites, we opted for the Wagyu Cheeseburger topped with candied applewood smoked bacon. If a spectrum for burger quality were to exist, The Capital Grille’s iteration of an All-American classic is the exact opposite of what we previously selected for the best drunk burger — White Castle’s reliable, though sub-par patty, soggy bun and all.

As foodies can testify, a first bite into a good dish can be sensory experience. For the applewood smoked bacon Wagyu Cheeseburger, it’s as much about the melding of sweet and savory flavors as it is about textures: a soft bun is complemented by the crisp bacon and a perfectly cooked, juicy patty. The addition of the wine, crafted by the Wagners (one of the oldest, most established winemaking families in California), is the cherry on top.

If you want to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day the way it should be celebrated — with mouthwatering eats — head to The Capital Grille, which has several locations throughout the city. Particularly noteworthy is the Chrysler Center outpost, which houses the restaurant in its Trylon Towers, a seven-story glass and steel pyramid designed by renowned contemporary architect Philip Johnson. Another location on Wall Street, in the historic Equitable Building, once housed a mighty bank vault, which is now the highly coveted Calloway Room.

Next, check out The Top 14 Food Courts to Check Out in NYC and 10 NYC Food and Cocktail Superlatives: The Biggest, Most Expensive, Oldest, and More.