"With longhorn skulls on the wall and dark wood walls, we’d expect to come across Gotham Burger Social Club on a dusty street full of tumbleweed in the Old West. Instead, you’ll find this former pop-up at its permanent location on the Lower East Side, smashing burgers so good we immediately added them to our smashburger power ranking. These burgers are a masterclass in texture, with a hard griddle on the outside of the top bun, caramelized beef, and some punchy acidity from pickles and pickled jalapeños. Grab a double cheeseburger with a side of fried pickles, and a drink from the bar, or pop in for lunch—either way, sit at the counter so you can watch a cowboy hat-wearing grill cook make your meal." - Bryan Kim, Sonal Shah, Willa Moore, Neha Talreja, Will Hartman
