Westchester Burger Company, Mt. Kisco

At Westchester Burger Co., the eponymous burger comprises a 10-ounce patty topped with smoked mozzarella, tomato, pickles, frisée, and a secret sauce that has helped it receive local accolades. But it was quite a journey to get the burger to where it is today: the chef and owner, who has no formal training, spent many long hours in the kitchen using trial and error and complex algorithms to uncover the delicious combination.

That burger and the rest of the menu have proved to be so successful that three Westchester Burger Co. locations have opened in three years. They serve burgers nestled between grilled cheese sandwiches made with texas toast, Kobe beef burgers on a brioche bun, and italian-sausage burgers topped with a balsamic-vinegar glaze and broccoli raab. They also serve smoked Saint Louis–style ribs, vegetable lasagna, and root beer–braised short ribs.