I haven't had Mimi's in a while, but it definitely always was a reliable plain slice. Don Filipo on Lex btw 78 & 79th has great topping pizzas like Chicken Pesto or BBQ Chicken. They also have a slice called "El Diablo" for the adventurous. These two places don't compare to DiFara/Lombardi's/Grimaldi's, but they are solid neighborhood options.

Cottage fries, extra crispy, at Melon's is a treat.

Definitely forgot about Houston's. That's a solid burger.

1. J.G. Melon
2. Buger Joint (Le Parker Meridien)
3. P.J. Clarke's
4. Shake Shack
5. Martell's (though it apparently has closed)

Overrated: Corner Bistro (average), Jackson Hole (awful), Prime Burger (decent)

Always a fun debate. I excluded places like '21' because as great as the burger is there, it's really a steak. Donovan's is a great place, never had the burger though. I look forward to hearing your lists.

Veniero's serves the best cannoli in the city. Period.

Paul's is decent (2nd Ave and St. Marks). Shake Shack (Madison Square Park) is pretty solid. If you want to go a little smaller (but tastier/jucier) try Burger Joint in Le Parker Meridian Hotel (6th and 57th), PJ Clarke's (54th and 3rd Ave), or my favorite JG Melon's (74th and 3rd Ave). Jackson Hole is big but terrible.

This is a tough place to find a cheap eat. However, having worked in that neighborhood for a while, I have a few places to offer:
Burger Joint (Parker Meridian)- great burger (57th and 6th)
Fresco's- Great for lunch only, go to the take out one as it's much less expensive (52nd btw madison and park)
Prime Burger- Decent, cheap (51st btw 5th and madison)
Cafe Duke/City 75- Great lunch places

Must go: Blondie's on 72nd btw Broadway & Amsterdam. Best wings in the city.