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Burger Joint
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Burgers American (Traditional), Burgers [Edit]
Le Parker Meridien119 W 56th St
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 708-7414
- Nearest Transit:
-
57 St (F)
57 St - 7 Av (N, Q, R)
7 Av (B, D, E)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 11:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1173 reviews for Burger Joint
Review Highlights
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"Shake Shack comes close though." In 153 reviews -
"Located in the meridian hotel lobby." In 42 reviews -
"This hard-to-find place (behind a curtain in the lobby) is..." In 62 reviews
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1171 reviews in English
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Review from Helen L.
5/22/2012 2 photos
"It's like a Burger Speakeasy!"
That's pretty much all she said to peak my interest. Then she walked me through a high-ceilinged cocktail lounge of a hotel, pass the front desk, and turned me into this dark, narrow hallway, confronting a tiny neon light in the shape of a burger. The hallway was strangely quiet, but once you turned into the entrance of the burger joint, it was popping!
Every booth and seat was filled!
There was a line of people who all knew exactly what they wanted!
You better know your order, too!
Or according to the hand-drawn menu, you have to "go to the end of the line!"
The menu was small and simple with three steps to follow:
1) Hamburger of Cheeseburger?
2) How D'ya want it cooked?
3) What D'ya want on it?
Once you get up there, you can also tell them whether you want fries with that.
Cash only. Be ready.
I ordered a cheeseburger, medium, the works and it was nothing short of FABULOUS! (I was drunk though, so my taste at that state might be questionable.)
We were lucky enough to find a booth in the back, right in front of the celebrity wall. We didn't realize it was the celebrity wall at the time and since we're encouraged to write on the walls and whatever surface that can hold the inks of pens and markers, we tried to write on that wall...but then got in trouble for it since we're not famous. Other than Jasmine Guy, I didn't recognize any of the other famous names. Just saying. -
Review from Troy K.
Brooklyn, NY
5/14/2012
We've all been there. You find yourself stranded in midtown after being in central park and, after all that walking, you're now starving. Mediocre diners and tourist traps surround you as well as chain restaurants you swore you would never eat in again. Alright, maybe we all haven't been there but I have. Several times. And each time my answer is to walk a few blocks south to the Parker Meridien hotel to grab a burger and fries.
I don't know if you can really call this restaurant "hidden" given that there is typically a long line protruding from behind a large red curtain and the smell of hamburgers permeates the lobby of the hotel but it still does manage to give off that vibe mostly thanks to the neon burger sign above its entrance. The inside decor is interesting to say the least. A motley collection of posters (from the Ramones to Steven Seagal: Lawman) grace the walls in addition to thousands of signatures written in sharpie which is in start contrast the fancy hotel lobby you just came from.
The dining area itself is very small and you have to be rather aggressive about finding seating, even if that means shooting evil glares to the people who think it is alright to sit there and talk after they have clearly finished their meals. I would not recommend going here with more than 3-4 people in your party or else it will be a headache.
The menu, transcribed on a piece of cardboard and hanging above the cash register, is very simple . Burger +/- cheese +/- pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, mustard, ketchup (maybe mayo as well but I cannot remember) and grilled to your liking. The patties are of similar size to shake shack and are pretty greasy (read: delicious). Overall, I find the burgers to be pretty tasty and enough to fill you up but not to the point that you feel like you overate. Which is perfect because your order is not complete without having french fries here because they are pretty stellar. Given the high serving/turnover rate, the fries are pretty much always hot, fresh, and crispy.
Overall, will this be the best burger of your life? No..probably not but it is a solid dining option in the area and a great place to bring people from out of town as well. Reasons for not giving 4 stars is the line and the seating and this just isn't a 5-star burger (see my review of Mile End for that one....shameless self promotion). -
Review from Meri S.
5/8/2012
Somewhat of a burger snob, I have been wanting to try this place for a very long time. I found myself in midtown, a mere few blocks away from the Parker Meridian and after a few drinks, my friend and I knew a burger would hit the spot.
The restaurant is aptly named as it is, in fact, a "Joint" in the middle of a fancy hotel but I kind of liked the dark and crowded atmosphere.
As for the burger, it was good but not "great." It was flavorful and I liked the toppings. I got "the works." It wasn't of overwhelming size but I certainly was not hungry for more.
I still think the Shake Shack has them beat. -
Review from Paul C.
SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY
5/4/2012
For me, the Burger Joint really isn't about the food at all. Sure it's a solid burger, cooked to your liking with assorted topping options, but it's really the whole experience of it all.
The "speakeasy" feel with no written signs, the line wrapping around without knowing what awaits you inside, the contrast between the posh space that houses the Joint itself and the low-fi decor inside the actual eating area. It's more like a ride or shall I say a space-warp of some sort; one minute you are in a fancy hotel lobby, the next you are transported to a divey college haunt.
Will you have a life-changing meal? Doubtful, but you will have a good burger and a better story about the place you had it at.
As in life, the Burger Joint is really more about the journey, than the destination itself. -
Review from Lauren K.
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love burger joint. Always have, always will. I was surprised to see I had not yet written a review for it. The burger is juicy, and the fries are perfectly greasy. Bun is nothign special, but just the right size and moisture when mixed with the toppings. They come with a plethora of toppings, which I love.
All that being said, I think Burger Joint has gotten more expensive in the last few years, and also a lot more touristy. Every time you walk in you're bound to be surrounded by Euros, wearing capri pants and velcro sneakers.
I think that the burger is on par with shake shack, and definitely better than blue 9. -
Review from Wahed K.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars
This may be a popular spot for tourists due to its location, but they still serve up a pretty decent burger. It's been a couple of years since I last went and I was glad to see they haven't lost their touch. I read some of the complaints about it being too expensive but I think $7.35 for a cheeseburger is pretty standard in Manhattan - some would even say it's on the cheap side.
Anyway.. onto the burger. I got mine medium with the works and it came out almost a perfect medium. The quality of the meat was fine and though the patty was very slightly on the dry side, it didn't matter too much cuz there was enough juice in the pickles and tomato to balance it out. The bun, though nothing to write home about, was just the right size. I also liked their fries a lot. I always feel like good fries doesn't require ketchup and these didn't need any.
Overall, I would say although Burger Joint's burger doesn't quite have the same punch as Shake Shack or the Juicy Lucy at Whitman's, it's still pretty solid. However I do have some beef with their slow moving line (heh...). I was the 5th person on the line and had to wait almost 20 minutes before I could put my order in. There is also the inconvenience of having to strategize from beforehand so you can find a seat.
The location of the hotel they are in is right opposite to the HRC gym which I go to. Blessing or curse? I can't decide. -
Review from Hello K.
Fremont, CA
5/5/2012 1 photo
Was recommended to try Burger Joint while visiting NY and ended up finding it randomly when we got lost in Manhattan! It is located behind a red curtain in the Parker Meridien Hotel, look for the light up burger sign.
There was definitely a lunch crowd here but we didn't have to wait too long to order and get our food. Its small inside so you're lucky if you're able to snag a seat or booth.
I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. Overall my meal was good (but I'll say that I definitely liked Shake Shack better).
Would recommend if you're in the area and looking for a reasonably cheap lunch in a swanky setting! -
Review from Donald R.
Studio City, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is good enough to be inside of a nice hotel in NYC. I was taking off for a flight and had a chance to call an order in rather wait in line for a burger. So it took me 10 minutes rather 40 minutes to get a burger and fries. The burger tastes similar to an In and Out burger in Cali, and the fries are just normal. Don't really know the hype about the spot but I'd prolly pass the next time I visit NYC.
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Review from Cindy C.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/17/2012
I've been going to Shake Shack for their SHACK STACK and I can't go back... I don't seem to remember what Burger Joint's burger tastes like anymore...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/26/2010
Hole in a wall tucked inside a fancy schmancy hotel... Genius! Those chic folks need some burger… Read more »
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Review from Eric L.
Manhattan, NY
5/8/2012
Burger tasted good but it seemed like there was something missing taste-wise. Relatively bland comparatively to other other burger joints.
Good to have again but no need to seek it out. -
Review from Wendy Y.
4/24/2012
If you want a no muss, no fuss burger, you should come here.
Inside Le Parker Meridien hotel, Burger Joint is tucked away past the the concierge. The lines are sometimes longer than I would like, but once you get into the door and you're getting closer and closer to putting in your order, all of that goes away. I usually get the Cheeseburger with everything, a side of French Fries, and a soda. Food is ready for you to pick up in a few minutes. The burger and fries are tasty and just hits the spot.
There is limited seating, so you should order quickly, find a seat, enjoy your food, and let the next person who desperately wants to enjoy their food too, sit down. -
Review from Rhon d.
Bayonne, NJ
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not too shabby, but a bit gimmicky. A burger joint that ONLY takes cash in a 4-star hotel in NYC. Really? Cash ONLY? This hotel doesn't even allow you to make a reservation without a credit card, but heaven forbid you order a burger on credit.
Maybe I don't know the true history but I came up with this scenario in my head.
Maybe the original owner was struggling, lost his lease, but made a mean burger. Luckily, by word of mouth, a Le Parker Meridien relative caught wind of this phenomenal burger and thought to give this burger maker a shot at the big time, while selling the idea of creating a "hole in the wall establishment' in a prestigious hotel in NYC by posting them up in the tiniest part of their lobby at the same time giving the hotel patrons the option of fine dining or the experience a "real" NYC burger "joint" by dressing up the small restaurant in customer graffiti, limited food options, limited space, and to top it all off, accept no credit cards. All for a decent burger and a great story. Who knows.
To me, Corner Bistro serves the best burger in town. In Jersey City, New Park Tavern is king. The similarities and base of judgement are the works of the oversized beef being the primary ingredient to their success.
Burger Joint beef is awesome, but is overwhelmed by everything else. The difference between Corner Bistro and the Burger Joint is the beef. Burger Joint doesn't have enough of it. When I bite into Corner's burger, the beef falls apart and has no remnants of cartridge anywhere. It's pure ground beef. The finest kind. The burger at the Burger Joint had the potential to show that quality, but it didn't expose the beef as the primary flavor of the burger. It reminded me of a typical prime burger of California, where the toppings overshadowed the burger. I guess what I am saying is Mo' Beef flava, Mo' Betta assessment, Mo' Betta review. -
Review from Enoch H.
New York, NY
Updated - 4/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'll reiterate some of what I said from my previous visit and keep it simple. Burger Joint has the best consistently cooked meat out there in the category of fast food burgers. After a few tender and very juicy bites, you'll wonder where your burger disappeared to. Answer: your belly. But once again, as good as the meat quality is, it still needs more flavor. That's the only flaw in an otherwise perfect fast food burger.
For my second visit, we came around 8pm on a Monday night. The not-too-ridiculous line moved quickly and our orders came out fast. We were lucky enough to secure a booth to enjoy our pitcher of beer and fries. When we were done scarfing down our meal, a low rumble told us our hunger had not subsided. Luckily, the line had dwindled down to just a couple deep. Unable to pass up the opportunity, we decided to go for round 2. The medium rare cheeseburger was just as good and consistent as the previous ones, but the fries were not as fresh. Can't have everything I guess. All in all, Burger Joint killed it again.Listed in: Best Burgers in NYC
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2012
Like almost all the other supposed hidden-gems in NYC...there will be a line to get in. On a… Read more »
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Review from JoAnna D.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Walking in Central Park, hungry for an early dinner, & craving meat, I looked to Yelp to direct me & my boyfriend to an amazing burger experience. First on the list? Burger Joint, a divey restaurant hidden in the lobby of the Parker Meridien hotel.
We followed the directions, found the dark, hidden hallway past the red velvet curtain, and got in line under the tiny neon burger sign. We slowly inched our way inside to find a tiny, wood-paneled room packed to the brim with mismatched booths & hungry patrons. The graffiti on the walls gave us the names of the lucky people who have successfully found this burger cave, as well as their friends, and their friends, and their friends. Movie posters hung on the walls offered no clear theme or reference to the restaurant's history. Wood-paneled speakers belted out the most comprehensive playlist I've ever heard, from Guantanamera, to disco, to Middle Eastern, to blues, and everything in between.
"This place is either going to be amazing, or a complete disaster," my boyfriend said, looking around. I agreed. Surely this Burger Joint was nothing more than an old break room for the hotel's staff, converted into a successful cash cow (pun intended).
As encouraged by the handwritten signs, we chose our burger toppings while we waited: hamburger, medium, lettuce, onion, & tomato; hamburger, medium rare, lettuce, & tomato. Two fries, two root beers, & a vanilla shake.
The man ahead of us in line encouraged me to claim a booth as a couple got up to leave. "Get it while you can!" he urged. "Seating's a rare commodity here." I pressed a wad of cash into my boyfriend's hand & weaved through the crowd to secure our seats.
Fifteen minutes later, my boyfriend triumphantly returned with our food. Two round paper packages & two small brown bags. We both looked at each other from across the dimly lit booth; we knew these burgers had to live up to some pretty high expectations. We unwrapped -- smelled -- tasted -- looked up:
"Wow! This is really good!"
"I know! Cooked perfectly too. Yours?"
"Yes - perfect. Have you tried the fries?"
"So good. I added a little salt."
"Oh nice. Wow. This really hits the spot."
The burgers were delicious, and so were the fries. The vanilla shake was super thick & tasty. The smaller burgers turned out to be perfectly sized. The fries were fresh, crunchy, & not as greasy as the oil-stained paper bag led us to believe. Our meal left us satisfied, but not stuffed. Exactly what we were looking for.
Almost too soon, we finished our meal, cleaned off our table, & picked up our things. A girl, waiting in line with her friends, saw our commotion and looked over with hopeful eyes. I waved her over. "Go ahead," I told her, "we're just leaving."
"Really? This is great! Thank you!"
"Oh you're welcome. I know how hard it is to find a seat in this place." -
Review from Alonzo Z.
Las Vegas, NV
4/29/2012
Hidden gem inside the lobby. You can smell how good the burgers are.
Be ready to order. Juicy & Decent size. Must visit when in NY. -
Review from Keith O.
New York, NY
4/25/2012
Honestly I expected more from the place because this was constantly talked up by friends, family and television shows. I honestly think 90% of the appeal is that it looks like it belongs off the side of an interstate, even though it's inside a pretty swanky hotel in midtown Manhattan. It really is a big jolt to walk from a granite floor lobby to literally, a joint that sells burgers.
The meat was decent, but the bun didn't do the burger justice. It felt a bit stiff and stale, like it was lying out in the air for too long. I thought maybe I just got a bad batch, but the people around me didn't seem to mind. The lucky few who were able to get seats seemed to be enjoying the burgers, which only heightened my sense of disconnect.
I will probably return to see if the general good reviews of this place have any merit. I always give a place two attempts at my wallet. -
Review from Justin W.
Manhattan, NY
4/20/2012
The simplicity of Burger Joint is its shining characteristic in my eyes.
In an era of reductions and drizzles, a place like Burger Joint stands proud, with its basic menu inked onto a piece of cardboard.
There isn't much to choose from here, but then again, there shouldn't have to be. Burger or Cheeseburger, Lettuce Onion Pickle Tomato, Mustard Mayo Ketchup. Fries? Soda, Lemonade, or Beer?
Done.
The burger itself perfectly evoked for me the type of burger that I might get at a big family barbecue on a summer weekend. There's no room for going overly gourmet when you need to make burger after burger for a whole army; but you don't have to skimp out on meat quality or burger size. Buns? You're buying 100 of them, might as well just stick with potato bread.
You get the picture. The burger here is easy to understand, easy to devour, easy to enjoy. This is not by any measure a presumptuous burger place, but you get that as soon as you walk into the graffiti covered nook the restaurant resides in.
Don't come here looking for the best burger in the city, because it isn't. There's no culinary master at work here, no secret sauces or ingredients. It's just a burger joint. Enjoy it. -
Review from Burger W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/25/2012
We are all about the experiences shared while on Burger Adventures, and places like Burger Joint don't foster those kinds of experiences. Though we are primarily about the burger, we feel that we're often influenced by the level of fun that can be had at a Burger Adventure. We don't get to spend as much time hanging out and enjoying our food at places like Burger Joint. Burger Joint was a particularly bad offender, where the line was ridiculous and one almost feels the pressure to eat and run so that other customers can have a seat and not stand around awkwardly. Kudos to them for bringing in business, but it's a major letdown when you want to just let loose for a little. And straight up, the burger is just not that good.
for more: http://www.burgerweekl... -
Review from D K.
Baltimore, MD
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Burger was very tasty no doubt. But I say that about almost every burger joint I go to. I may not have a discerning taste but I have passed through the Yelp filter and am posting this.
I have eaten burgers from all reaches of the country. There's a great place called Burger King, another called McDonald's, others include Five Guys, Red Robin, In n' Out, you name it (with a few hundred exceptions...).
Paid $25 for two cheeseburgers, two fries, and two sodas. Straight cash, homey. Not exactly the best value for what you get...
Five Guys, In n' Out, Red Robin are better with more options, more dining space, and the ability to use a credit card. I don't HATE Burger Joint burgers but it is really not anything special according to my non-discerning palate. But it's still good... -
Review from Scott S.
Manhattan, NY
4/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would give this place 4 stars but the queue is too long (Sat evening). They could actually speed thing up if they really wanted to. Had a cheeseburger with the works and fries and shake. Burger and Shake were great, fries ok.
It's slightly better than Steak & Shake but pricier with and it took an hour to get food. -
Review from Keith J.
4/3/2012
I can't decide if this is my favorite burger place or not. As for the food itself, probably not the best, though definitely in the top three. It is just a cool, unique atmosphere, sort of edgy and underground. This place is basically hidden, in very fancy hotel, Le Parker Meridien.
There is not much seating and always a line. It sort of reminds me of the Seinfeld episode, "The Soup Nazi" This is because of their ordering instructions which they have posted on the wall, yet people don't read, and well, "No burga fo you!" Cash only, and be ready when you arrive at the counter or else type stuff.
I would say everyone should check out this place. Back in the day, this was place was frequented for models and rock stars. Now days a little more touristy. But the signatures adorned on the wall, tell of a more glamorous time. -
Review from Anika H.
Dallas, TX
4/19/2012
Omg this place is a gem! I wasn't expecting an off the hook old school burger joint when I walked into an upscale hotel in NYC. The burgers were delicious, they really had the mom/pop shop cooked with love feel. I'll definitely be going back the next time I visit New York.
I had to take a star off because we couldn't carry on a conversation inside because of all the loud construction in the area. -
Review from Tea S.
Staten Island, NY
3/24/2012
Let me preface this by saying my reviews tend to be bias toward any place that is 'hard to find'. There's just something refreshing about it in an era where billboards and commercials are rampant. Also, cash only which is a dying practice.
I find it hilarious that Burger Joint is located inside the swanky Parker Meridian. Firstly, the only indication that its there is a neon cheeseburger sign. Well, that and the giant line. Secondly, the inside of this place looks like it belongs in one of my friend's parent's garages in the suburbs. Its decked out in old movie posters and they serve pitchers of Sam Adams. The walls/tables are written all over and carved into. Guilty.
Lastly, and most importantly, their burgers are what we call BANGIN. Best in New York, coming from a lifelong New York City kid. Made to order, made fast, and perfectly constructed within a paper wrapper. One of my favorite things to do in NYC is going there with friends (no more than 4 total if you want seating), scouting out a table and grabbing it, getting burgers, fries, and a pitcher. Heaven. Oh, and carving my name and year into where ever I'm sitting.
The trick to getting a table is to be a Ninja. You stalk people while they eat for signs that they are leaving (don't worry, its acceptable), walk over and ask politely if you could throw a coat over one of their chairs until they are ready, and jump in victoriously. Ignore the dirty looks from haters who weren't as slick as you. Enjoy!!! -
Review from Jenny S.
Burger Joint is a "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant hidden behind a curtain to the right of the check-in desk at the Parker Meridien Hotel
word on the street is the line can get INSANE but we went at 6pm on the weekend so it wasn't too long and went pretty quickly, SCORE!
once you get inside, you realize you're most likely gonna take the burger to-GO since the SEATING IS VERY LIMITED (we sat at the benches in the lobby area to enjoy it)
the burger came out FAST
---- too bad the nice, thick patty was pretty tasteless and disappointing
I feel like the whole hidden burger joint is just a gimmick! i much prefer shake shack or steak n' shake any day
CASH ONLY -
Review from Shoe S.
Austin, TX
4/6/2012
After all the positive Yelp reviews, and little interest in traveling to Brooklyn for another burger joint...we decided to try this place. Luckily, our hotel was right around the corner and after working our way through the somewhat labyrinth style hotel, we finally found the LINE. Holy balls batman, this place has a line for days. We must have waited about an hour, only to find out none of us were carrying cash. Yowza!
After some serious drama, and hauling ass to the nearest ATM, we finally ordered. The burger was insane good, rivaling any burger I've had here in Texas. The fries were perfect, and I actually appreciated Burger Joint's desire to keep things real and not compromising. We all enjoyed it so much, we went back right before our flight on our last day in the city. I will definitely add this to my list of things to do every time I'm in Manhattan.
Pro tip: CASH ONLY -
Review from Andres A.
Manhattan, NY
4/22/2012
Im really in between "A-OK" and "Im a fan" with this place.
I will start with the burger itself, It definitely delivers with the taste, it is a good burger period, the fries are average, nothing special at all there.
Now lets step back and look at everything else that surrounds this burger. As pretty much everyone else mentioned, if you dont know that the place exists you will not bump into it walking down the street, it is literally tucked in a corner of the Meridien hotel lobby, its like the burger place was there before they built New York City and then they just dropped a fancy hotel on top of it.
Yes there will be a line when you get there, and there will be some waiting in that line, but I kind of appreciated that line and I thanked it (thank you line, I said that), the standing in line gives you time to absorb the place, lets you realize that you are standing in a line with a bunch of people inside of some hotel u probably would have never entered , waiting to have a taste of a burger that is invisible to the city but everybody knows about.
Then you get to the door and you start peeking inside and you have to love it, its cozy, its busy but its not hectic, when you walk in all these strangers look at you (the place is small its impossible not to notice anyone) with a look on their face like "oh u made it here? I made it here and Im eating the mystery burger"... all the tables are always taken, so you have to start wondering where will you sit to eat your burger, so you have to start paying more attention to the people who is eating because u want to claim their spot as soon as they get up, but its cool, everything kind of flows and somehow nobody ends up eating standing up. I was by myself so I just asked a group that had just grabbed a table if I could take the remaining spot, they said cool, so there you go. Sat down ate my good burger with a beer, music was great. So there you sit eating your invisible burger looking at the line of strangers looking around and you look at them thinking "oh u made it here? I made it here and Im eating the mystery burger". -
Review from Bill S.
Updated - 3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
After seeing Shatner on Broadway on Saturday, my sons screamed: Shake Shack!
I said, please stick a fork in my eye. I don't want to wait on line, in the cold no less.
Wait a second, how about Burger joint?!
They say ok but its 10 blocks away dad..
Aww poor babies! Would you like for me to massage your shoulders and whistle a toon while you eat your french fries?
Here is the deal with BJ. It's like Clinton St Baking Co. All these tourist books tout this place as the best burger ever and so all these European tourists flock to get an "American fatty pants Burger"
Its not such a big deal. Cold potato roll out of a bag with lettuce, tomato and pickles.
What a concept! Just like I can make at home.
I do have to give mad props, Burger Joint does make a great milkshakes and fries.
The space is limited and I have a two methods of getting a table.
First I have my youngest son with his puppy dog eyes and Oliver Twist voice say:
Sire, my belly is empty and I would like to sit down and partake in my one meal.
Me? I stand in front of these dopey, rude European tourist with my outrageous Brooklyn accent and say:
Hey! Almost finished?
So I had this couple, I'll call them Gwen and Sven sitting in a booth and down to their last three fries. So I look at them and said, Finished? They look at me like I broke down the cold war wall.
(The Prince lyric comes into my head, Animals strike curious poses..)
Then Gwen does something that will forever remain with me.
She picks up the ripped, empty bag of fries, where they squished ketchup and she
licks the ketchup spot.
What. the. EFF!!!
If I had my Star Trek phaser on me, I'd set it to kill...Listed in: The Best "I" Eve Ate - Burgers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/5/2010
I cant believe I had this burger yesterday!
Just on a whim I poked my head in to Le Parker Meridien… Read more »
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Review from M H.
4/1/2012
I tried many burgers in New York and this is among the best ones. The fact that the the Burger Joint is in the Le Parker Meridien adds a little bit of extra to the experience. It feels like a shabby burger place but is in a luxury hotel. The place itself is not heavily advertised (just a burger sign next to the reception, there is however most often a line so should be easy enough to find) but a lot of people still find it. I heard complaints of the service before but when we were there I had no complaints. Prices are rather reasonable and saving the receipt gave us 2 for 1 coffees Knave (the excellent cafe/bar at the hotel, granted it is ridiculously expensive to start with so the 2 for 1 just makes the price 'normal') so it is a good deal.
The burger was made exactly as order(mine medium rare and my partners medium) and was truly excellent. So the question is why is the rating a four and not a five.Easy - fries were a disappointment and the milkshake was only decent (too sweet and felt artificial). Make some decent fries and really good milkshake and it will be a solid five. -
Review from Stacy S.
Manhattan, NY
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am convinced that this place is what the How I Met Your Mother episode "The Best Burger in New York" is based on! Neon "burger" sign, secret entrance, autographed pictures, amazing burger! What do you think?
I'm not sure if it is the best burger in New York, but it might be! I absolutely loved it. It was so juicy and flavorful. The menu is so simple, and they specialize in making one thing fantastic! The brownie was really good too! The only drawback is that there is usually quite a long line, but you might get lucky if you come at an off-hour.
I will be back! -
Review from Kamran Y.
Manhattan, NY
4/11/2012
After waiting in line for 30 mins, I expected "the best burger everrrr." In the end, what I got was an overpriced burger that was slightly above average, on a bun that disintegrated before I could even finish (word to the wise: don't underestimate the value of a good bun). They may have salvaged themselves with VERY good french fries.
I don't know how this place sucks people in, because you could get a decent burger anywhere in NYC (probably naive tourists?). Burger Joint did nothing to separate itself from any other burger shack in the city. Odds are I won't go back here. -
Review from Jason G.
A little hard to find the place, it's in the Le Parker Meridien hotel and sort of behind a curtain. It's also cash only with not much seating. The menu is pretty simple, basically burgers. The cheeseburger itself didn't have that much flavor and was a bit greasy to the point that the bun was soggy.
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Review from Nathan L.
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The burgers are really good. Simple and delicious. I would definitely come back to get another buger here. The place actually threw me off for a second as I originally thought this was a sitdown restaruant. Apparently I didn't read enough of the reviews. As we were waiting in line, we were constantly looking for an open seat to open up which can add a little elemnt of stress into the situation since no one wants to eat their burger standing up. There is limited seating from what the line generates. The entire burger joint looks like it was decorated with under 100 dollars as there is random grafiti on the wall and posters that were hanging in your room when you were a little kid. Not to worry though, it works here.
I really like this spot but if youre going during prime time, it kind of sucks that someone is hovering over your shoulder waiting for you to get up so they can eat their burger. Go in the off hours if you want to check this spot out.Listed in: NYC Burger list
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Review from Bill T.
New York, NY
3/20/2012
Quite literally: "meh, I've experienced better", a lot better, no less. I honestly didn't even know this place was so popular until after I checked into LPM. And I still don't understand why it's so great.
There was no line today, so i decided to give it a try. Had my burger medium rare, and didn't think it was anything special at all. It was just what it was, a burger with the right temperature. None of the toppings were amazing, neither was the bun. The fries were like McD, and the milk shake was just bad.
I am not even a fan of shakeshack, but it is a lot better.
I would probably opt for Chipotle across the street in the future, and only go back if I am too lazy to change.
Check it out if you feel your life is incomplete without this "experience", otherwise, try something else. -
Review from Sarah C.
New York, NY
3/8/2012
Small, divey, but OOOOO SooOOO good!
Tucked away in the back right corner of the Le Parker Meridien Hotel, this place may boast the best burger-for-the-value in NYC. Age and social status have no standing here. Cash only, come as you are, and feels a little like a college campus dining experience.
If you want a great burger, cooked to your liking, fries and a Sam Adams, this is the joint.
Finding a seat can become a contact sport if the ratio of locals to tourists tips to the tourists; but when you're there with the locals, the common law of first-come first-sit still stands up.
I find my way there at least once every five or six weeks when I'm craving a great burger.
YUM!
S~ -
Review from Christopher M.
Manhattan, NY
This place is fantastic. I like their simple menu and their hole in the all method of advertising. In a battle to the death between them and shake shack I do not know who would win, however the only problem with this place is their limited lack of tables. Maybe it is by design. Once I was done eating there I went home and I really appreciated my table at home a lot more than before. It appears to me that not only are they serving excellent burgers and fries but they also make you look at your life and realize that life is not all about material things, it is about true happiness and regardless if you have nice things or not that should not dictate how you feel about life. I think this place is a front to teach you an important lesson. Sometimes in life you are born into situations where you might not have all the things you need or think you need. Maybe you are born into a wealthy family that not only has a kitchen table but a dinning room table and a ping pong table. Others maybe brought into this world with no table at all. But in the end you cannot take the ping pong table with you. All you have is your experiences and memories. Some of the best memories I cannot remember. I blame that on Tequila which they do not serve at the Burger Bar. However this is the only place that not only gave me a good burger but also made me really think about life. I would have paid one million times more for this experience. This was like Tony Robbins sealed up in a juicy burger. Thank you Burger Joint. Thank you for making me realize that life is a gift.
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Review from Yolanda G.
Austin, TX
4/5/2012
Being the good Texas born and bread woman that I am, dining at one of the top 3 burger places while on my NYC vacation was a must. Now understand that I'm already bias to the fact that I already am skeptical that you can't find better beef then in Texas, so this lead me to doing some pretty labor intensive research of best burgers in Manhattan. This place made it in the GQ article of the Top 20 burgers you must eat before you die, and on Oprah's show.
Thanks to all the hundreds of Yelpers who gave good instructions of where to go upon entering the lobby. Found it in .5 seconds. The line was only 6 deep when my party arrived and moved fairly quickly. With cash in hand, I knew to keep it simple and get a single pattie cheeseburger medium with the works. $12, not bad, what do you expect for a well renound burger place? Everyone is right, if you come with more then one person, utilize the buddy system and have one or two people order while others stake out the seating sitch.
*Drum Roll*...... Mmmmm, damn, this Texas woman is pretty impressed! Just the correct amount of meat to sauce to bun ratio. For a moment, I couldn't tell if this was some sort of special sauce but think it was mustard, ketchup, and mayo mixed together. I hate to admit, that somewhere mid burger the neuro transmitters stopped flowing and I came off my serotonin high and then reevaluated that the burger tasted pretty average. Don't get me wrong it was still good, and I don't regret coming here at least once to taste the hype. However, In and Out burger animal style still holds that special place in my heart. Thanks Burger Joint for the memories and reaffirming that beef in Texas still is the best but you definitely come close to holding your own. -
Review from Josh W.
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
The burgers here are pretty good. I had the cheeseburger and ordered it medium rare and I have to say it was a good burger. At $8, it's a little pricey, but it was definitely very good. It was cooked fairly quickly as well and there was almost no wait (around 10pm on a weekday).
Overall, solid burger in a town where there a lot of those. I don't know if I'd pick this place over Shake Shack, but it's definitely worth it to try. -
Review from Brian L.
2/21/2012
Not worth the price of admission/length of wait.
My gf loves this burger, thinks it is the best in the city. Me on the other hand, I think that is far from the truth. For $7+, you get a single patty burger the size of a quarter pounder with cheese. Sure, the flavor is much better, but it is quite easy to drop $30 on a meal for 2 and not even be full here. I'd much rather pass, go somewhere else, and still have $10 extra to spend. -
Review from Rebecca S.
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
The true definition of a hidden gem... or dive, I suppose.
You have to walk through a fancy, fancy hotel, to a dark hallway illuminated by a burger sign and bam! a noisy, crowded, divey burger joint!
Cash only here, with a limited menu. Burgers, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and fries only.
Food was great, ambiance was surprising based on the walk to get there, and service was alright - but be sure you know what you want before you walk up to the counter!Listed in: New York
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Review from Joshua V.
2/25/2012
Finding this joint was the equivalent of finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, only having to wait in line for a half-hour only to get your paws on some of the treasure.
That being said, I can understand why there's a long waiting line. The novelty of having the location somewhat of a "secret" adds enough appeal for people to wait and see what exactly it is that they're waiting for...
Oh, and the burgers are pretty tasty as well. The burger patty itself is cooked well and is extremely tender, with the option to put your favorite fixings to have it your way a la Burger King®.
The bun and fries are nothing to rave over, but they serve their purpose. The fries are McDonalds-esque, shoestring thin and leaking grease (no complaints from me).
In the end, I wish I could've gotten more burger for my buck, but with the steady stream of customers, it seems that most people are willing to pay that little bit extra for the goods provided and the uniqueness of the location.
Considering the price, taste, and other factors... the burgers this joint is known for are definitely worth taking a bite out of, I just wish that the wait wasn't so long and that the price was a tad more reasonable for the amount of food provided.Listed in: Der Berger
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