PS… and they've raised prices…. burger is $8ish now….. bummmer.
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In the last two days, two burgers. First, Paul's Da Burger.
Actually the burger itself wasn't as good as Uruguayan. But if you don't want to settle for a basic burger, this place has choices. And the prices are reasonable. Got out or there with burgers and fries for under $15. And the burger was GOOD. However, my first complaint is "bun collapse". They need to have bigger bun that can encapsulate the chunk of meat they are serving. Lastly, I asked for "medium well", but got a "well done". Medium well should have a little pink in it. Mine was totally cooked throughout. In looking at the grill and how they cook, I don't think they are set up for this nuance. They put a cup over all the hamburgers; pretty cool; probably keeps them with maximum moistness and regularity. But it doesn't allow for good observation of cooking doneness.

Last night my wife and I went to JG Melon's. Place was hopping. Ended up eating at the bar. No downside there. I always enjoy watching the bartender interact with people. Service was good. The burger was definitely not the best in NYC. The meat was good. And it was cooked medium well. But it was on the smallish side. Because it was on the smallish side, the smallish bun pretty much handled it. And the bun was nothing to write home about. I ordered my normal bacon cheese burger. My wife, a cheeseburger. Don't get me wrong, it was a reasonably good hamburger but we both agreed it came nowhere close to stacking up against the Uruguayan. And Paul's is definitely a more focused burger joint. Of course if you can't get off the UES, it will have to do. With drinks, a single order of cottage fries (definitely not French fries), and tip, the two of us got set back an even $50.

Grandma, thanks. Will head your way sometime in the next week.

Folks, keep the recommendations coming. I'm enjoying the journey.

Also, which PJ Clarke's should I look into? West at W 63rd or east at 3rd Ave?

Not aware that "medium well" is pink in the center. That would be medium.

Medium well is brown all the way through but not heading into dried out (well done).