When you read a description of the chain restaurant Hillstone, whose website boasts sushi and steaks, a great veggie burger is definitely what would NOT come to mind. Like too many chain restaurants, I would have imagined that Hillstone would treat vegetarians as either an anomaly or an annoyance.
Hillstone rises above its chain competitors by serving one of the most complex (and massive) veggie burgers I have ever had - not only in NYC, but around the country. Their veggie burger combines savory and sweet with black beans, rice, beets, and a "soy glaze" to really nail a well-rounded meal (or three, based on my leftovers).
They also don't skimp on the burger add-ons like many places can do with veggies burgers, with a good amount of jack cheese, ripe and vibrant tomatoes, onions, pickles, and shoestring fries complementing each order. And even better for someone who suffers from nut allergies, the Hillstone veggie burger is nut-free!
They also have a number of other vegetarian options on their menu, but why bother? The veggie burger is that good!
There are two Hillstone locations in NYC:
Hillstone - Midtown East
153 E. 53rd St. (entrance at corner of 54th / 3rd Avenue though)
1 block from the E/M at 53rd/Lexington and 2-3 blocks from the 6 train at 51st
Hillstone - Flatiron
378 Park Avenue South (at 27th)
1 block from the 6 train at 28th Street