Bowery Burger, NYC

A 100% grass-fed cheeseburger on a brioche bun for only $5 bucks in NYC? I checked the Bowery Burger menu board twice to make sure I hadn't hallucinated. Located in the Bowery Whole Foods, it also serves turkey burgers and hot dogs plus gluten-free and vegetarian options. I bypassed the $2 hand-cut fries (choose from sweet potato or regular) but spied them on another customer's plate. The portion appeared generous.

I'm a fan of burgers with discernible searing and top-notch buns. The bottom of mine was wimpy and not sturdy enough to support the toppings I chose. Despite that, it tasted delectable. In addition to the price, the array of toppings available besides standard lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles also made my burger a great deal. I'm talking garlic aioli, chili, whole slices of grilled onions, and premium cheese choices.

They say you should never buy groceries on an empty stomach. I agree, and grabbing a Bowery Burger should be at the top of your shopping list.

Doc Chey's Noodle House, Atlanta

Doc Chey's mainly serves stir fry dishes. It's the hangout of choice for my nephews whenever they sleep over if I'm not in the mood to cook. Entrees come in a variety of combinations based on starch and protein preferences.

My current fave, Thai Coconut Red Curry, features peanuts, eggplant and mild curry sauce. I sometimes delve into the vegetarian version sans tofu but often choose the succulent shrimp.

The Thai Iced Coffee is a creamy, chocolatey concoction that I crave. One of this restaurant's best offerings is its commitment to community in the form of charitable events. Doc Chey's also gives back to customers who sign up for Karma Cards to rack up rewards.