If You're Looking For NYC's Best Burger, Try Swoony's

Carrol Garden's best hidden (not-so-secret) secret

From the outside, you’d probably think I’m the main foodie in this relationship—and you wouldn’t be wrong. But my boyfriend, Lucas, is a very strong contender. While I’m always on the hunt for the next best dessert to bake or try, he’s constantly searching for the next best restaurant. And trust me, his standards are high (which, luckily, works out in my favor).

While I’m busy saving my silly little restaurant recs from Instagram and TikTok, Lucas goes full research mode—somehow discovering spots I’ve never even heard of, whether they just opened last week or have been neighborhood staples for decades. Maybe that says more about me than him, but his deep dives have led us to some pretty incredible meals—and, more importantly, some amazing burgers.

His obsession with restaurants, restaurant groups, and chefs is what led him to Chef Sal Lamboglia and his restaurant, Swoony’s—which, in our opinion, serves one of the best burgers in NYC. I’ll admit, I could’ve taken a much better (and more detailed) photo to show you—but keep reading to find out exactly what makes it so perfect.