Haute Top 5: Best Burgers in Boston in 2017

There are traditional beef burgers, and then there is the Social Burger. This decadent burger might be the most expensive one in town ringing in at a pricey $23. The patty is made with dry aged beef combined with flank and skirt steaks, not to mention short ribs and it's all topped with caramelized onions and melted cheddar. Even its cutting board presentation is impressive served with a bag of crispy fries that are also worth every indulgent bite.

It's such a secret to find this burger, it's not even on the menu at Craigie on Main, but for those in the know (now you) who arrive early will get a taste of one of the city's best burgers. Chef Tony Maws only makes a handful of them each night and they are served exclusively at the bar. This juicy bite of beef heaven is made with leftover meats, which may include brisket, hangar steak, short ribs and bone marrow. The delicious combination is grilled then topped with creamy cheddar, homemade ketchup and pickles.

Burgers come in all shapes, sizes, flavors and toppings at MET Back Bay where their burger bar is a true city standout. Start off by choosing the type of burger you prefer (Met prime blend, salmon, turkey or falafel) and then take a culinary journey around the world from classic DC with toppings of American cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato and mayo to Paris where toppings get more decadent (think brie, a fried egg, caramelized onions and truffle mayo). The soft brioche roll here is an added gem. (Note: the Dedham and Natick locations recently started offering a specialty burger of the month like the Dublin made with brisket; a Nashville version with fried buffalo chicken; and Maryland's tempura fried soft shell crab).

The secret is now out that Alden & Harlow has one of the best burgers over the bridge. This eight-ounce Secret Burger is served on one of the best buns in town (think golden, buttery and grilled). The burger itself is made with a flavor filled combination of Creekstone brisket, short rib, and beef that is then topped with homemade bread and butter pickles, aged cheddar and a specialty sauce. The restaurant rang in the New Year right with their specialty Baller Burger (pictured here) complete with bone marrow whip, shaved white truffle, Bentons double-smoked bacon, lobster and a French 75., all for $95.

Some of the best things in life are also the simplest. Take, for example, The Bristol Burger, which has been a staple in Boston's burger scene and for good reason. The burger here is a combination of grass fed beef, a thick slice of creamy, handmade Vermont cheddar cheese, savory cognac-bacon onion jam topped with thousand island dressing, and garnished with a side of ever-popular truffle fries.