In any other town, grabbing a beer and a burger would be an extremely casual affair, no matter where you choose to dine. In New York, it can be that—or it can be the kind of affair that requires a collared shirt, a few hundred dollars, and a moment of silence for the organic cows that kindly gave their lives for your meal. To wash down the meat, you might find yourself choosing between a Budweiser and a beer, homemade kombucha cocktail. Drink at your own risk.

Located on the busiest street in Williamsburg, this joint has managed to steadily attract passersby for several years thanks to not just the burgers, which come sandwiched between brioche buns, but also the alcoholic milkshakes. Beers are reasonably priced, and the ambience is very casual—with outdoor seating—but also boasts an air of refinement. (314 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 718-384-6127)

My personal favorite diner in the city for reasons relating to both nostalgia and the general vibe, Gemini has a full bar (affordable beer included) and the kind of burgers you can happily eat for breakfast or as a midnight snack. It helps that the place is open 24/7. (641 2nd Ave.; 212-532-2143)

The kind of chain that doesn’t quite feel like one, Bareburger is as pretentious as a burger joint can get. Still, the burgers are packed with enough out of the ordinary ingredients that they’re worth the $12 each. Plus, they’re all organic—and the restaurant won’t let you forget it! (85 2nd Ave.; 212-510-8610 and several other locations throughout Manhattan)

If you’re into novelty food items, why not eat your burger between patties made of ramen? And the beer to wash it down? Make that any in a selection of 11 tasty sakes. (271 Smith St., Brooklyn; 718-643-0781)

Another high end/low end food option in Bushwick, Fritzl’s actually does boast very good, juicy burgers. As per such establishments, the beer selection is typically varied, featuring several names you’ve never heard of alongside a short list of beer and wine cocktails, including a Morning Beer (“house-made kombucha and Founders IPA”). (173 Irving Ave., Brooklyn; 929-210-9531)

You just got off Grand Central and you’re hungry for some meat. You haven’t had a drink in hours. Don’t be stupid; go to Beer & Buns. Famous for its $250 Indulgence Burger, this Murray Hill burger oasis sports beer from all around the world, as well as an ever-rotating line of Asian inspired burgers and sliders. Phuket Fantasy, Osaka Breeze, Kuala Lumpur Zest—where am I? (The Court Hotel, 130 East 39th St.; 212-592-8888)

Mark Burger
It’s sliders only at Mark Burger, but at $2.75 apiece ($3.25 with bacon), you can get enough to fill you up good. Draft beers go for $6, or you can opt for a little wine. It’s like White Castle, but it actually tastes good and offers alcohol. And happy hour, don’t forget about happy hour. (33 St. Mark’s Pl.; 212-677-3132)