Up-and-coming restaurant chains that could be the next Shake Shack

Fast-casual dining is here to stay, as evidenced by the popularity of Shake Shack and Chipotle.

Zagat, the acclaimed restaurant-review guide, has recently released its first ever fast-casual survey, detailing what America looks for in restaurants that prove fast food can also be good food. 

Zagat has compiled a list of the top-rated fast-casual restaurants with two or more locations in 16 US cities.

Here are Zagat's 11 hottest NYC fast-casual chains, from lobster pounds to salad shops, in no particular order.

SEE ALSO: This is Shake Shack's biggest dilemma

Schnipper's Quality Kitchen

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New York City-born Shake Shack might soon face some stuff competition from Schnipper's Quality Kitchen. The brand says it is looking to corner the simple, classic American food market. Created by the cofounders of Hale and Hearty Soups, Schnipper's is expanding quickly, with four NYC locations serving up big, hearty burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and handcrafted milkshakes in a dizzying variety of flavors.

Red Hook Lobster Pound

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Red Hook Lobster Pound was founded by Brooklyn resident Susan Povich and her husband, Ralph Gorham, in 2009. Inspired by family in Maine, Povich knows lobsters, especially lobster rolls. Just one of the chain's six locations (plus a food truck!) can sell over 5,000 lobster rolls a day. And with a new stall opening in the much-anticipated UrbanSpace Vanderbilt food space near Grand Central Station, the brand is sure to gain even more exposure — and fans. 

Mighty Quinn's Barbeque

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Reading the rave reviews for the barbeque fare at Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, one gets the idea that this is no ordinary barbeque chain. At Mighty Quinn, led by French Culinary Institue graduate chef Hugh Mangum, every meal involves the uniquely balanced flavors and techniques of two great American barbeque traditions, Texan and Carolinian. Brisket, corn fritters, and sweet-potato casserole are all succulent options in any one of seven New York metro locations. 

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