Burger Joint
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 245-5000
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Directions:
- F; N, Q, R, W at 57th St
- Specialties:
- French Fries, Hamburger
- Best of Citysearch:
- Hamburger 2005
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11am-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am
Editorial Review for Burger Joint – by Katie Heffernan
The Scene
Around a curtained corner in the posh Le Parker Meridien, a neon burger sign points the way to the city's secret obsession. Suits, tourists and foodies pack this crowded hole-in-the-wall, where names are etched into walls next to kid's drawings and movie posters. Even though it's decorated like a regular's hangout, no one sticks around--the few coveted booths are hovered over shamelessly.
The Food
So what if orders are taken quickly and strung from a flimsy clothesline--the system works, and you better not slow it down. Thankfully, a succinct menu leaves little to ponder--and, despite the high churn, burgers always arrive as specified. The hard-working grill leaves its flame-flavored stamp on every morsel, and cheeseburgers get two types of cheddar for added effect. Complete the experience with an order of shoestring fries that arrive in a grease-stained paper bag, and don't miss the moist but not overly sweet cocoa brownies.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoYou pay a price for this privilege--the burger bill will set you back at least $11 with fries and a drink.
On the MenuAfter 2:30pm, add a strawberry, chocolate or vanilla milkshake to your order. Pitchers of Sam Adams, the only beer sold, go for $17.
When to GoSneak in before noon and get not only a shorter wait, but also one of those hard-to-snag tables.
The ExtrasVegetarians can order the joint's grilled cheese sandwich--a slightly charred hamburger bun sloppy with melted cheese.
User Reviews for Burger Joint
07/19/2008 Posted by pleasegodnotme2
I have to say I AM NOT on expert on burgers. I don't like cheese so therefore no cheeseburgers and I am from California, which means that to me an In 'N' Out hamburger is as tasty as they come and even though I like big, beefy flavor as much as your average American, my burger tastes can be rather simple. I will admit that it's location is cool and does account for much of the charm of the place. Entering from 57th Street and walking the "hall of mirrors" type environment does make you wonder exactly where the place is. But I spotted the curtain people had described and saw a little line, so I figured we must have found the right place. You have to know this place is small, but surprisingly we found a booth with relative ease (though we were lorded over afterwards by a group of guys wanting to sit which led me to licking the ketchup off my wrapper so I could claim I was eating). We each had a burger and chocolate milkshake (their menu advertises Strawberry but none was available, which peeved me since restaurants think they can get away with just saying "we don't have it" with no explanation). The food-the burger was good. I ordered medium rare and was very pleased. High-quality meat, tasty pickles (you can choose your toppings from an adequate menu), though the bun left something to be desired (and it was average size, even small by some standards - the burger that is). The milkshake was good, if unspectacular. Not up to the standards of even a Johnny Rockets. However, what leads to my 3-star rating is the price we paid for this modest meal. 24 DOLLARS FOR 2 BURGERS AND 2 SHAKES!!! Only in NYC. Over all, it was NOT WORTH IT if you truly just want a good burger and don't need a scene. I'm not a fan of Corner Bistro, but I would prefer it over this. Right now my fave burger is at a place called BXL Cafe on W.43rd Street. Great buns, great taste, and a size to match the dollar amount you are paying for it. Beware!
Pros: You can say: "LOOK EVERYBODY!!! I FOUND A HAMBURGER BEHIND THE CURTAIN!!!"
Cons: You'll leave saying: "CAN I BORROW TEN BUCKS?"
06/20/2008 Posted by meeft
Don't understand the number of haters out there about this place. This is the best burger- and better than Shake Shack. Only adds to the allure that it is so well hidden, and a great place to feel like an NYC insider. But the burgers themselves are classic, no frills- and surprisingly the best tasting hamburger I have eaten in town. I keep going back. I've eaten all the "Top 10" burgers and plenty of others. Looking for a classic burger is a very specific thing, and has to be done right. Plenty of other places have lesser quality meat, or too many bells and whistles, also using lesser quality ingredients. Another thing I note- plenty of burgers in town give me leave me belching long after the meal, an unpleasant reminder of an otherwise good meal. No nasty belches at Burger Joint! Don't listen to the haters, they are nuts. All the "Top 10" burgers are great, but I prefer Burger Joint the most.
Pros: my favorite burger
Cons: too busy in the rush hours- try and plan to avoid the lines
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