Blue 9 Burger
- Nearest Transit:
3rd Ave-14th St (L)
Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
11 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Financial District
"Yummy! It was nearing the end of my I'M ALLOWING MYSELF TO EAT WHATEVER I WANT THIS MONTH WITH NO GUILT 2-month period before the New Year…" read more »
62 Reviews for Blue 9 Burger
SOOOOO GOOD! Was looking for a sports bar that served food. Walked into Nevada Smith's but the kitchen was already closed. They said we could bring outside food. Walked over to the Blue 9 to get a cheeseburger and fries. Took the tray and walked back into Nevada's and ordered a Heineken to wash it down - PERFECT MEAL!
The only cheeseburger that beats this is the World's Best Sandwich Truck on 20th (btwn Park & Madison).
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I loved Blue 9 Burger so much! It served as my East Coast "In & Out Burger" fix. So I was overjoyed when they started accepting credit cards (who in New York carries cash, especially now that Taxi's accept credit cards). That "overjoyed" experience turned down right underjoyed yesterday...
I had a coupon for one free burger so my meal came to $4.34. The cashier said there was a $5 minimu transaction amount.
**THIS IS A LIE! NEVER ACCEPT THIS RESPONSE B/C IT VIOLATES THERE MASTERCARD OR VISA AGREEMENT**
I explained that if a merchant accepts mastercard they have to accept it for any amount. The cashier asked if I wanted him to charge $5 to my card and I said "No, I want $4.34 charged to my card". He mumbled his response as he called his manager.
A twenty something douce bag runs in, barely looks at me, tells me there is $5 minimum amount to use credit cards. Again I explained he can not impose this rule and that I would report him to Mastercard. He said "Okay, next customer please".
Livid! LIVID! I hate when places impose this lie. And you should to.
If you are ever faced with a so called "minimum transaction amount" tell them that you will report them to Mastercard or Visa and they should accept your card. If they don't and you are a Mastercard holder go to: http://www.mastercard....
and report them to Mastercard. I did for Blue 9 Burger today and will probably once a week for the next month because I AM PISSED!
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I've been going to Blue 9 for the past 5 years and it's just a solid fast food style burger.
Made fresh to order, the cheese on the Blue 9 is always just oozing out the back and sticks to the paper which I, without shame, will delicately peel off for dessert.
Sometimes their fries are a little stubby, which can be obnoxious, however recently they've gotten better - so BOOYA!
The mango chili dipping sauce is awesome.
Recently they started serving beer here too which is a plus.
Something they've also recently added is this bullshit health shake thing, which I can only guess is the pussiest attempt to latch onto this global health awareness kick or whatever.
STICK TO YOUR GUNS!
DO YOUR GREASY BURGERS & FUCK THE HEALTH SHAKE SHIT!
YOU DON'T WANT TO END UP LIKE BETTER BURGER DO YOU!?!?
Jesus.
(i love you.)
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On taste alone, the burgers here are a strong contender for runner up after Shake Shack.
However, I'm not such a fan of their fries (which tend to be on the limp and greasy side), and they also lose some points for atmosphere - the place has taken on a decidedly dingy vibe recently
But the burgers are excellent, the prices are extremely reasonable, the mango chilli sauce is delicious, and they're open really late at night.
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Blue 9 deserves 3 1/2 stars. My husband didn't want spelt pizza so we made a burger pit stop for him. The burger reminded me of In-N-Out -- nice thin patty and lots of veggies. The shake was good. The fries were awesome. I can't even remember the decor. This seems like a popular spot for students. Though I found the prices to be a bit much for what they were serving.
P.S. My husband believes this place is 3 stars. He's not a Yelper.
Not that impressive- there are definitely better places to get a burger.
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This place is the closest thing to In-N-Out I've found here in NYC. I repeat In-N-Out!
For all those who have spent time in L.A. and were not anorexic while there, may this double cheeseburger replace your double double.
I left off a star for two reasons; it just doesn't have the grand fast food atmosphere I want if I'm going to sell my foodie soul out. If I'm eating white bread and pickles I want the branding to go with it. And it's more expense than my favorite Cally chain. That said, it's five bucks for the big boy. And a block away from the best soccer bar in the city, Nevada Smith's. Score.
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The advantage of Blue 9 is that the burgers and fries are made to order from scratch. The disadvantage is that while it is a pretty decent burger, it's nothing particularly special. Given that it's all they do, the fact that it's not stellar is rather unfortunate. It's better than the fast food joints, but compared to other burger places, it falls short. The smoothies, however, are pretty excellent.
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Nice try, but you can never be the original.
it's a great burger. it's yummy. it has special sauce. the fries rock.
the end.
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I'm from California and love In-N-Out. Blue 9's good, but there's no comparison. It's pricier and takes longer, but definitely worth the visit if you're in the neighborhood and craving a good burger.
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Since I graduated from 'fast food' burgers to 'restaurant' burgers, it's rare - okay, medium rare - that I've ever gone back.
But sometimes you just don't need THAT much burger and that's where Blue 9 comes in.
Aspiring for the highest reaches of fast food-dom, Blue 9 prides itself in using fresh (not frozen) beef, fresh toppings, and fresh-cut fries. While a bit pricier than other fast food joints, the #1 combo of double-cheeseburger, fries, and (refillable) soda still comes in lower than most restaurant burgers ($8).
Although the burger can be a bit messy, I find it rather satisfying and higher in quality than nearly all other fast food burgers. It may not be quite at In N Out level but that's a minor quibble. And the fries are nice and crispy.
But the coup de gras here is the mango chili dipping sauce. So good. It's the first sauce that I ever dipped both my burger and fries in. While I'm not sure what the sauce is made of/from (I think it's mayo-based), I AM sure that I don't want to know. B/c I finally found the joy that others find in ketchup...(minor aside: i find ketchup to be the lowest common denominator of American food. Salty, sweet, and overpowers the taste of every food it ever touches. Hate it. Great article on it...http://www.gladwell.co...).
So if you're in the mood for a burger but don't feel like eating the 6-9 oz. variety, check out Blue 9 Burger. And embrace the mango chili dipping sauce...
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Blue 9 has the tiniest burgers next to White Castle.
Jackson Hole and In-N-Out have forever ruined it for me. If Blue 9 was a little bit cheaper (try 1/2 the price) it would be good but for the price of their burgers, it's kind of a rip off. I got a cheeseburger and a 12 oz smoothie. They both ended up being the same price. In the long run, I probably would have gotten a better deal getting the value meal with fries and a soda but I didn't want their fries or a soda. I wanted a burger and the #14 Blue 9 smoothie comprised of mango, strawberry, banana, yogurt, and soy milk.
The bun was soft and tasty but not quite bun shaped. The meat patty was small, the lettuce was chopped ugly, and overall the burger was tiny. It's only saving grace was that it did not contain pickles and I ordered it Mango Infusion style. Oh my god it made the burger really spicy. I was happy I got a smoothie because my lips were burning. The person behind me in line said that Firecracker Style was ungodly spicy. This was like a San Loco stupid sauce moment. It made the burger different and a nice experience.
However, if we continue to compare Blue 9 to In-N-Out, I may have to quit Yelping. Blue 9 does not compare at all. It's a two star joint but since they've got their signature styles, they get an extra star. Oh and might I add, the burgers do have that fresh taste.
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I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for this one. When I entered, I smelled In N Out, much to my delight, and indeed the burger I got smelled like a burger from that hallowed chain. Sadly, the fragrance deceived - the actual taste and texture was not nearly as good as In N Out's.
The good:
-fast, friendly service
-delicious grilled onions, toasted bun
-the spicy mango sauce (mayo based, at the help yourself condiment bar) is absolutely fabulous - I licked the container clean!
-cheap!
The bad:
-the burger is mediocre - dry, and not particularly tasty
-the tomato was, as my mother would say, anemic - I removed it
-their special sauce was not that great and it turned the top half of the bun into a soggy mess
-HYDROGENATED OIL
I really wanted to try their french fries, for which I had a huge hankering, but after asking what type of oil they fried in (note: 'vegetable' is NOT VERY INFORMATIVE!), and being told I could not see the container as it was downstairs, I was able to glean enough of a description (white, solid fat) from one of the cooks to ascertain that they do indeed fry in the despicable TRANS FAT. So, minus a star for that. Get with the program - trans fat is not okay. Plus, it loses you business.
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NYC's version of In & Out.
California, happy and sunny. In & Out, happy and sunny.
New York, gritty and grimy. Blue 9, gritty and grimy.
Givin that I don't have the ability to hop on a plane real quick and grab up the greatness that is In & Out, this place will suffice, I suppose. The burgers are pretty similar but generally it's pretty run down looking and the staff leaves little to be desired. Pretty much the opposite experience you get at In & Out.
I once saw my friend eat a 10x10 at In & Out. It was pretty disgusting, but not as disgusting as the roach I saw at Blue 9.
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I love the Blue 9 burger. Very reminiscent of In and Out or Steak and Shake.
Moist, tasty, messy, mmm.
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A good In-N-Out substitute. I like the sloppy sauce on the burgers, and they cooked the fries "well" for me when I asked.
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The In n Out comparison just cannot be avoided, considering that this place is so heavily inspired by them. Unfortunately the food isn't In n Out priced, though what can you expect in NYC. I like coming here when I happen to be in the area and am hungry for burgers. I personally prefer a balanced burger rather than a burger containing a big hunk o' meat inside. Blue 9 serves its purpose. It tastes different than In n Out, which for me is a good thing. I love In n Out but I like that they are their own. Also, like many others have said, the mango chili sauce is awesome!
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Another blessing from god, being around the corner from this gem. I've looked long and hard for a good burger in the city, and what a relief that the search is over!
Ok, let me first say that I'm from California and grew up with In-N-Out, so I am definitely down with the similarities. Go right ahead and copy the whole damn menu for all I care! The menu is short and simple, the burgers are flavorful, the fries have that same natural look and taste, and simple no-frills decor. But hey, it has a TV, so I guess it's not entirely identical.
As for the others burger joints I've tried, I would say Shake Shack was pretty good. Paul's...eh, not so good (an instance where size does not matter). The taste of the meat is what sets Blue 9 apart, and that's really what matters, right?
So I'll definitely be going here a lot, especially when I get homesick.
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Very underrated burger. I thouroughly enjoyed my burger "medieval style" (with pickles, onions, lettuce and special sauce). Well cooked with great flavor. The fries were ok, but I still think Burger Joint has the best.
The burgers are made to order, so it takes awhile for them to arrive and seating is somewhat limited. But, this place is definitely one of the better burger places in the city.
I was pretty stoked to try this place out because it was likened to In-n-Out, which I sorely miss. For the record, I like skinny patties and smaller burgers.. so this place did it for me.My cheese burger was a freshly prepared bundle of sloppy goo.. and my BF's Blue 9 (aka, double-double animal style) made him quite the happy one. After all, it was him who woke up randomly with a burger craving.
Don't come here for the decor, the fountain soda or the hygiene levels. Do come here for the really yummy, creamy mango chili sauce, the fresh-fried fries, and the sloppy burgers.
Also!! I didn't even get a stomach ache from lunch! I was totally expecting and waiting for it when I saw that the person preparing my burger was wearing pretty much what he'd wear when hanging out.. Back-turned basecall cap, baggy polo shirt, 3/4 baggy pants, and chunky sneakers. In. The. Kitchen. But then again, I love eating off the street carts. So just mayyyybe my stomach has gotten more tolerant to dirt.
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It's superior to In-N-Out, at least based on my few visits to the chain. Nice and juicy, albeit equally small patties, grilled to perfection just for you. Blue 9's edge lies in their mango infusion technology. Whatever kind of burger you order, you should get it mango infusion style. I would describe it as a tangy dressing with a mayoesque quality to it (but with the low viscosity of a sauce). Be clear about what you want. I have gotten unwanted cheese once or twice.
This is among the best of breed fast food burgers in New York (Five Guys, Shake Shack, Burger Joint) and I am privileged to have it in my neighborhood. The smoothies and fries are worth a try too.
I've never been in In-N-Out. My only experience with it comes in the form of a certain movie starring Jeff Bridges.
That being said, I'd go back to Blue 9. I had a single hamburger (two patties....there's something WRONG about that--and I love burgers), medieval style-- which meant lots of lettuce, pickles, and mustard. Ideal.
Maybe it was because I was starving, but that burger tasted DAMN good. I wanted another one immediately-- it wasn't tiny, but it wasn't huge, either. With some more food in my stomach, OR with a shake and/or fries accompanying it (I was too cheap last night), it'd be the perfect size. Alone...I was still a little hungry. But, not everyone needs to feel like they can never eat again after the go out. I generally do. ;)
Good simple burgers and fries at a price that won't break your bank. Unfortunately, eating burgers from Blue 9 only make me miss In~N~Out even more.
If you've never had In~N~Out, then you're in for a real treat. If you have, Blue 9 is the next best thing.
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For under $4, the Blue 9 Burger isn't too bad. Grabbed a couple of cheeseburgers before a concert at Webster Hall on a Thursday evening. No line to order at all. Though the storefront and clientele are suspiciously dingy, the cheeseburger was melty and craveworthy, with a nice cohesive potato bun. Finishable in a few bites. Mango dipping sauce is provided gratis for the fries (which we didn't order this time). Standard milkshake flavors available, as well as several "specialty" burger varieties ("mango chili" and a couple of other combinations I don't remember).
I last had In-N-Out about 8 years ago, so can't vouch for any similarities or lack thereof with Blue 9 (although I recall liking Fatburger better than In-N-Out, anyway!) But if you're looking for quick eats in the EV, this -- unlike the much-hyped newer burger joints opened of late -- is a good place for some efficient, no-fuss satisfaction.
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After a long, long night of drunken debauchery in pouring rain, I walked--no, tripped--into here to ask for a hamburger in my docile, even-softer-than-usual drunk voice. Normally, I try to avoid hip-looking burger joints, having had a disappointing experience at Goodburger. But, my hunger and my bladder ruled me. Miracle 1 was that cashier understood my mumbles the first time through. Miracle 2 was that I got my order in very little time. Miracle 3 was that I got exactly what I asked for. And Miracle 4 was that I wasn't initially disappointed. Yes, their burgers are perfect for holding, good especially since I don't think I'd ever spend much time there (it's rather dirty), and they don't taste bad either. And, by the end of it all, I didn't feel like I just consumed a pulping mass of cholesterol and iceberg lettuce.
I give these moist, delish patties 1.5 thumbs up. Gotta work on a cleaner restaurant though.
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I was excited to try this place out after a night of drinking but I was sorely disappointed. The burger was okay, smallish and nowhere as good as In & Out burgers. I thought the fries were awful - I didn't get the dipping sauce other talked about. Maybe it was the fact that it was late at night but the food was below sub par and the staff seemed like they had no idea what they were doing.
Maybe I am missing something but there are TONS of better burger joints in NYC. Frankly, there's TONS of better fast food places in the village alone
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Me loves their fries --- they be good!
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I should have listened to the other reviews about the delivery service.
As a westcoaster, like many others here, I miss In-n-out style burgers. I found Blue 9 a pretty good substitute, though the first time I went there the lettuce was a bit wilted and the bun wasn't as toasty as In-n-Out. I'm not a fan of their fries, but overall the food hits the spot.
Now, last night I decided I wanted a burger so I decided to get delivery. I only live about 5 mins walking from Blue 9, yet my food came after an hour and 30 mins. The delivery guy didn't bother ringing my buzzer, but proceeded to call me a bunch of times AFTER I buzzed him in. After I got my food, it was soggy. The burger and the fries. I was really disappointed, especially since I've had better food delivered to me faster from places much further away.
If you want to eat here, skip delivery and make the trek.
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Blue 9 is your one-stop neighborhood shop for greasy deliciousness. Everyone compares Blue 9 to the infamous West Coast shop In-N-Out, but there are some distinct differences:
- The fries come with mango-chili dipping sauce (SO good).
- The burgers are a little bit smaller.
- It's more expensive than In-N-Out.
- There's no secret menu.
- There are no bible verses on the bottoms of the cups.
- No matter how hard you try to fool yourself, you're not in L.A.
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I really enjoyed my visit to Blue 9 Burger. The staff was preoccupied but nice, and the food came fairly quickly. When you're in the mood for a normal sized burger and some decent fries, Blue 9 is definitely the place to go.
The price isn't bad and you get to fill your own cup, which is one of my favorite things in a fast food restaurant (I hate not having control over how much I want to drink or having to ask for refills -- just put the machine on the other side of the counter!).
The hours also seem to be good, and it's a great place to stop by on your way home from the bar. There is seating, and though it's minimal, it's available. And with the simple menu, you can order quickly.
Bottom line: This is not a burger that will change your life, but it is a good burger and some good fries for a decent price. And you get to fill your drink yourself. Nice.
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We had about an hour to kill before the Lily Allen show at Webster Hall so we came here to grab a bite. we probably would've been better off if we had just gone to Mickey D's or even Burger King.
While it was okay, the burger was nothing to write home about. It wasn't huge so obviously it didn't fill me up. The fries were okay but again nothing special.
I would say come here only if you're curious to see what the hype is all about. And if you're really broke and have less than $10 then this is an okay place.
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As a native of So Cal and a devoted lover of In-N-Out burger it was about time I tried this spot. The burger was very good and it did remind me of In-N-Out. The patty size, cheese and grilled onions are a dead ringer for the original. Some work is needed on the bun for authenticity. Fries are good - although different from the original out west. Overall I really enjoyed the burger. Perfect size, well seasoned, cooked correctly, tasty. The decor is awful here. The place is filthy and is desperate need of a fresh coat of paint. Service is unfriendly and robotic. Come for the food only. 3.5 stars.
I've been here a few times now and I really like the burgers. It's a bit small and the bun falls apart, but it certainly satisfies my cheeseburger crave.
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I concur with the masses: it's reminiscent of In-N-Out (although a little bit greasier), and the mango chili sauce is a must. I like that their burgers are the perfect size to hold in your hand -- good size to keep your tummy happy without lurching you into a food coma straight after.
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This used to be our go-to food spot whenever my bf and I were in this area, but I think I've finally come to my senses. Do I like the burgers? Yeah, they're okay. They do their job. Do I like the mango chili dipping sauce? Yes, it's very yummy and a great alternative to ketchup (which I'm not a huge fan of anyway). Do I always have to immediately find a clean and suitable bathroom after consuming a Blue 9 burger? Oh Hell Yes. And this is why I don't think I'll be dining here anymore. I guess wisdom does eventually come with age. Besides, if I want some really good dipping sauce for fries, I might as well just go to Pommes Frites.
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Waiting for my food, I began reading the story explaining "how it all began" for Blue 9 Burger. Apparently Blue 9 is the brainchild of a group of Indiana University MBAs, who for a class project, developed a business plan for a mediocre hamburger business in the East Village, naming it after their class group name, Blue 9. First, let me just say that you would be hard-pressed to find another story that evokes more character and culinary flavor than one that explains the origins of a New York restaurant as a b-school money making venture started by a bunch of investors in Indiana. I can see it right now: "Katz's Deli was started in 1888 by investors from Citibank who, based on a series of focus groups, determined that pastrami sandwiches could account for up to 80% of the meat-based sandwiches consumed by Lower East Side residents (see PowerPoint slide) "
Aside from the totally clueless marketing, the transgressions from eating the food are too numerous to relate here. In short, the food just kind of sucks, and it doesn't take an MBA to figure that out.
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Okay, I'm just going to come out and say it: I don't really like In-N-Out burgers, or In-N-Out style burgers, which seems to be what all of the most hyped, most popular burger joints (Shake Shack, Blue 9) in NYC are aping. I find them kind of small and sad. I prefer my burgers to be thick, hulking masses of beef. I also like these attributes in my dates! Haiyoooooo!
Uh, anyway. I got delivery from Blue 9, and, uh, wow, way to be speedy there, guys, and by speedy, I mean not actually speedy at all. It took more than an hour. My fries were cold, but the burger was pretty good. I like the spicy mango sauce they offer (and the extra tub of it that was included for my fries). It's not my preferred style of burger, but it was still pretty good, and at a good price ($8 for a double cheeseburger, fries, and a soda.)
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I come here to try and fill that void left by In-n-Out when I left LA, but I've really got to stop torturing myself. This is not In-n-Out. At In-n-Out I'm greeted by suspiciously cheery teenagers who do not charge extra for Animal Style or offer tasteless mango chili sauce that is really just pinkish mayo. In-n-Out has a drive-in and they ask if I want to eat in my car. In-n-Out has lap mats.
I'm sorry, Blue 9. Your burgers are fine. I just need more.
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I really like this place. The small burgers are delicious and keep neat while eating. I like the chocolate soda. Kind of like an egg cream. Spacious and cooked in front of you. Can't complain.
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