Tonight I grabbed a bite at Minetta Tavern, Keith McNally's hot spot in the West Village. I have been reading a lot about their $26 Black Label burger, which has been getting rave reviews. Two months ago I tried their cheddar cheese burger ($16), and decided tonight was time to check out what ten more dollars buys me.

The burger was really good. The meat is a selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts, and probably the richest- in taste and price- burger I have ever had. It was topped with carmelized onions, and came with a side of bland fries that needed seasoning.

Minetta Tavern is definitely a cool restaurant. It's bustling and hip, and what I'd call "cozy chic". Would I go back for that burger? The richness does linger in my mind, but I can't say I would crave it, especially at $26. It is not a good bang for your buck. I would love to go back and try everything else on the menu, sit back with a glass of wine, and enjoy the scene.

Minetta Tavern
113 Macdougal Street (bet. Bleeker and West 3rd)
New York, NY 10012
212-475-3859