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The Greenwich Village outpost of this all-organic burger joint is set back off the LaGuardia Place sidewalk by a small plaza. But unlike the other drab businesses in that row, Bare Burger calls out to NYU students and other passersby with a cheerful yellow exterior and a large, inviting deck. The space here is larger, but the menu and decor (barnyard chic) recalls the original Astoria location. Diners are met with a choice of grass-fed elk, ostrich, bison or Piedmontese beef patties to complement with toppings like artisanal cheeses, onion rings, and grilled pineapple. If you feel like experimenting, go with the elk—the others are too dense and dry—though the plain, old chuck trumps the more exotic options by far. Meal-sized salads have their own section, but seem to know their place as second-string and don’t strive to impress. Brunch-time presents the concept of carrot-cake French toast, more appealing in theory than in too-sweet practice. Instead, a meal made of a towering, cheese-oozing burger, a tray of salty fries, and a thick chocolate milkshake or a cold draft beer proves that simple is usually the best. — Edna Ishayik

Bare Burger supreme, $10.95; chocolate or banana milkshake, $5.95