It can be difficult sometimes to decide between going to a restaurant that has been around for awhile and a new restaurant. It feels like renting a movie - some restaurants that have existed for awhile feel like classical movies - movies that you just have to see and make time for. But, because they have existed for awhile, there seems to be no pressing need to watch that classical movie ASAP. Instead, you may be drawn to the new movie, the one that everyone is talking about so that you can be part of the current conversation. When I am choosing a restaurant, I am drawn to what is hot and new, so that I can be up-to-date on the restaurant scene. But there are still some classic restaurants, or even just restaurants that I have passed by several times, that I still want to try.
This weekend, I struck a balance. I finally went to The Burger Joint on Saturday, in Le Parker Meridien Hotel, which has been open for at least 6 years, if not more. The Burger Joint has been on my list for awhile now, but I just kept putting it off for new places, or burger places not known to have a line. On Sunday, I balanced my established restaurant experience at The Burger Joint with a trip to Nuela, a new Latin restaurant in Flatiron that has only been open since July. Both experiences were really great. Today, we will start with the old, The Burger Joint. Check back tomorrow for a full review of Nuela - I promise you will want to read about Nuela. If mouth-watering oxtail empanadas, a ceviche bar, and churrasco steak sound good to you, you are in for a treat.
The Burger Joint is a burger place in Le Parker Meridien hotel (pictures coming soon). The sell burgers, and that is really it. You may know Le Parker Meridien, and it is a pretty swanky place. When Rosie O'Donnell had her own show, all of her guests stayed at Le Parker Meridien. And my uncle works at Le Parker Meridien, and well, in my book that makes it the place to be. But, have no fear. This burger spot is far from swanky. It is like a dive bar. It is tucked away behind a curtain in the lobby. Once you go behind the curtain, off the fancy lobby, you will be in a little hole in the wall, where the walls are actually decorated with people's graffiti messages. You order at the counter, and then take a seat in a booth or at the hightop table. The restaurant seats about 40-50, so it is a small place. Because of this, The Burger Joint is known for lines.
I am wondering - who has waited in line for The Burger Joint this year? When I went, there was no line at all. I can't help but wonder if The Shake Shack has taken over as the place to wait in line for burgers. Either way, I was starving and happy that there was no line.
The menu has burgers, fries, milkshakes, beer, wine, and soda. That is really it. Literally, if you are not interested in a burger, you have no alternative. There is no grilled cheese or hot dog. If you like hamburgers and you are indecisive otherwise, this restaurant is for you. Other than cheese or no cheese, and lettuce, tomato, and onion, you don't have a lot of choices.
We ordered the food and waited about 3 minutes, and then it was ready. We got the milkshake, which comes with a hefty price - $5.05. It is totally delicious and worth it, but you may have to leave it off your list if you are trying to keep this meal close to $10. The cheeseburger is $7.35. It too is delicious. It is thick, but not oversized. It is quite compact, nestled under the bun with a little lettuce peeking out. It is super juicy, very tasty, and quite simple. If you are fantasizing about gouda cheese and turkey burgers, keep dreaming and go somewhere else. Is this burger the best burger ever? Nope. But it is really good. If you like Shake Shack, I think you will like this. If monstrous burgers like Five Napkin or Jackson Hole are your style, you may find this a little small and not to your liking.
The fries are kind of blah. They are $3.67 (that is expensive in my book) and they taste like frozen french fries. Hey, they might be frozen french fries. One order is definitely enough for two. They are nothing special. I don't expect them to be dusted with parmesan cheese and rosemary, but I expect them to have something cool about them, like they are crinkly, or curly, or thick. Don't order more than 1 order of fries. You don't need it. I get aggravated because I feel as though if the only thing you are really serving is burgers and fries, they better hit the ball out of the park and be top notch. Oh well.
It was a fun experience for sure. It was simple food, and a simple place, with great flavor, and no feeling of overwhelming sickness or fullness at the end. You will leave feeling satisfied, and capable of walking. I am glad I went, and if I am ever in the area and looking for a delicious burger, it would be a safe bet.
What are your thoughts on The Burger Joint?
Again, pics coming soon!
Have a delicious day!
NYC Menu Girl
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