We've done plenty of discussions about what's overrated and what's underrated in New York City. (Don't remember any of them? Check this out. Or this. And this and even that.) 

What we've never done, though, is actually offer you alternatives.

The quick and dirty version is that you should avoid Bare Burger. Sure, it's good, but it costs your unborn child and one month's rent. 

Need burger alternatives? Try any one of these establishments out. 

Where else should you avoid in NYC? Well, we've listed the places below. 

And instead of just leaving you high and dry by telling you what not to do, however, we listed where we think you should go instead. So, yeah you're welcome.

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1. Overrated: The Ramen Burger at Smorgasburg

Anyone who's ever been to Smorgasburg has seen it. The hot, sweaty line of hopefuls stretching around the Berg'n booth, all yearning to get their hands on the famous ramen burger.

Here's the harsh reality of the situation. The half hour wait is not worth the price of this sort of bland tasting burger. But getting thirty likes on Instagram makes it worth it, right?

Wrong.

Instead, get a scallion pork wrap at Outer Borough at Smorgasburg

Succulent, tender, and wrapped in a scallion pancake for godssakes, the scallion pork wrap at Outer Borough is every foodie's fantasy. 

For everyone who's looking for an explosion of flavor and a life-changing eating experience, get the scallion pork wrap instead of the ramen burger. Get it every single time.

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2. Overrated: Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery (various NYC locations)

We're not speaking a word of ill against Magnolia Bakery's banana cream pudding.

But let's face it. When it comes to their cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery just doesn't care anymore. They're rested on their laurels, and couldn't be bothered to show any interest in maintaining the delicious cupcakes for which they gained their fame.

There was a time when Magnolia Bakery had delicious cupcakes, but today, their cupcakes are dry, boring, and #NotWorthTheHype.

Instead, get cookie shots at Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring Street)

At Dominique Ansel Bakery, braving the lines and crowds are worth it. That's right, we said it. Completely worth it. They're flavorful and brimming with cold, hits-the-spot milk.

Dominique Ansel is a genius, and while you'd do well to keep in mind the cookie shots are only served after 3 p.m., you really can't go wrong at this fabulous albeit usually packed, bakery. If you get there before 3 p.m. get a frozen s'more. Your life will never be the same.

To top it off, there's a gorgeous, flourishing garden behind the bakery. Cookie shots and flowers? Does it get better than that? We think not.

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3. Overrated: The Downtown Boathouse (Pier 26)

It's really hard to refer to The Downtown Boathouse as "overrated," as it consists solely of well-meaning folks who all volunteer their time on the weekends to open NYC's rivers to the general populace. 

If you do decide to go to The Downtown Boathouse, you'll likely have a great time. The problem are the long lines and the 20-minute rides.

Instead, kayak at the North Brooklyn Boat Club (437 McGuiness Boulevard - Brooklyn)

If what you really want to do is kayak, become at member at the North Brooklyn Boat Club. It'll be money well-spent, as they host fast paced, 4-hour kayak and canoe rides for members. They also provide beginner kayak instruction if you want to learn to kayak.

They also host member cookouts, morning canoes, paddling, navigation, and safety skills. Plus, yearly membership is only $40.

The fact of the matter is, The Downtown Boathouse is for tourists who want to splash around and the North Brooklyn Boathouse is for people who are really serious about making kayaking a part of their lives.

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4. Overrated: Central Park

Again, it's a hard sell to call Central Park overrated. It's impressive by every definition of the word, surging beauty over its 843 acres, attracting 42 million annual visitors, and sprouting gorgeous foliage.

Here's the thing, though. Central Park is teeming with teenagers tourists which can mean infestations of selfie-sticks and a dudes from France rudely interrupting your jog so you can take their pictures and give them directions.

If you want a relaxed vibe, Central Park isn't exactly nirvana.

Instead, go to Prospect Park

For a much chiller vibe, the chill-seeker would be better suited to journey to Prospect Park.

Prospect Park's 526 acres bleed rejuvenation from every blade of grass. They've got the first urban Audubon Center, nature exploration programs and hiking, and a tour curated by the Brooklyn Bird Club. 

They've also got $15 per hour kayak rentals, which far outmatch the Loeb Boathouse's clunky (yet romantic) rowboats.

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5. Overrated: SideBAR (118 East 15th Street)

SideBAR can be fun. They have an especially cool name board, in which they randomly choose a girl's and guy's name, and everyone with that name gets to drink for free.

But did SideBAR forget about their patrons with unpopular names?

SideBAR is also a great time for when you're really, really drunk, or when you want to be packed into a huge crowd for events like SantaCon and Saint Patrick's Day. 

Or, if you're actually an underage college students who loves spending an hour waiting outside bars on Saturday nights.

Instead, go to 169 Bar (169 East Broadway)

For cheap drinks, good vibes, and delicious, reasonably priced food, 169 Bar is where it's at. They've got a psychic reader, a leopard pool table, and some of the most delicious dumplings this side of the equator.

The kitchen is open late, the ambiance is edgy, and everyone's out to have a good time.

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6. Overrated: Xi'an Famous Foods (various NYC locations)

Here's the thing about Xi'an Famous Foods. Their food actually is amazing, but when it comes to being shoved into a stuffy, thirty-minute line only to be rushed along and vie ruthlessly for a table, it's just not worth the hassle.

This problem can't be solved by bringing the food to-go. The food isn't good once you've brought it home and it's no longer hot.

Instead, go to Joe's Shanghai (24 West 56th Street)

Joe's Shanghai is the most delicious Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, and offers their satiating delicacies for relaxed prices.

Their soup dumplings are packed with tender meat, and flavorful soup, and their scallion pancakes are crispy and well cooked. Basically, Joe's Shanghai is as close to traditional Chinese food as you'll ever get in Manhattan.

While you might have to wait for a table at Joe's Shanghai, it'll be completely worth it once you see your bill at the end.

When it comes to Joe's Shanghai, we just have one piece of advice. Get. The. Soup. Dumplings.

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7. Overrated: SoulCycle (various NYC locations)

SoulCycle is really, really fun. But they charge over $30 a class and only give you a 45-minute workout. Who wants to pay extra money for a shorter workout?

SoulCycle is excellent for the elite, but they market themselves as a company full of soul, and that is quite simply not the case.

Instead, go to Yoga to the People (various NYC locations)

Talk about being full of soul. Every hour-long class at Yoga to the People is donation-based, as in, you never have to pay a single cent. At their grand opening for their Upper West Side studio (which is giant and gorgeous and completely worth a visit) they refused to accept a single cent in donations.

This hour-long workout will restore you back to your calm, centered self. Each class is concluded with a poem and the ringing of a singing bowl, while the class sinks back into a much deserved shavasanah.

We really can't say enough about Yoga to the People, who've made yoga accessible to everyone and are the ones who really think about soul.

Check out 5 Way Overrated Chain Restaurants & Where to Go Instead of More Authentic Eats in NYC. 

[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]