Bougie Burgers: Minetta Tavern

I've been wanting to eat at Minetta Tavern for years now.  It can be hard to score a dinner reservation, but I had no problems getting a table for four for brunch.

Mr. and Mrs. PropTart met us at this old-school establishment.  Minetta Tavern touts itself as "a Parisian steakhouse meets classic New York City tavern."

Fairly accurate description.

We shared a few starters.

Mesclun salad with warm goat cheese ($14).

Simple and tangy greens.  The warm goat cheese stole the show.  Of course.  Mmm.

Duck hash ($9).

Cast-iron awesomeness.  Beautifully browned.  Tender.  Juicy.  Salty.  Wonderful.

Thick cut bacon ($9).

Look at it.  Look at it some more.  Yeah.  You know it.

I didn't photograph the PropTarts' meals, so they could enjoy them immediately.  Mr. Monkey was not as lucky, but he's used to my nonsense.  Obviously.

Minetta Burger with cheddar and caramelized onions ($17).

Fabulous.

Black Label Burger -- selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions ($26).

Even more fabulous.  This is the one to get, folks.  This is the burger.

Tarte demoiselles tatin -- caramelized upside-down apple tart with crème fraîche ($9).

Sugary fruity happiness.

Coconut layer cake with crème fraîche pastry cream and toasted shavings ($9).

Even this coconut hater loved her bite.  Really nice cake.

Was the famous Black Label Burger everything I dreamed it would be?  Some consider it the best burger in the nation.  I enjoyed it very much, and I felt fine paying $26 for it.  That's a pretty good endorsement, right?