5 Napkin Burger - A 1 Napkin Victory

5 Napkin Burger
http://www.fivenapkinburger.com/
630 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036

When this Hell's Kitchen eatery opened, my interest was instantly piqued. A name like "5 Napkin Burger" automatically sets the bar pretty high for expectations. A great burger really should be greasy and should provide some level of difficulty in maintaining clean hands while consuming. With curiosity killing the cat, we made a reservation (yes I just said a reservation at a burger joint!) and prepared for the mess.

The restaurant has a vibe that is hard to place but came across more like a French Bistro than your standard short-order diner burger joint. The staff, although very, very friendly, weren't all that attentive. Our server, who was very pleasant, passed our table no less than a dozen times while we had empty glasses or plates. But onto the meal!!

Onion rings - Great breading and interesting presentation but the onion inside was flavorless hot yet it tasted uncooked.
French Fries - crispy and well cooked but nothing special.
5 Napkin Brew "Nut Brown Ale" - DELICIOUS!! I suggest heavily
'Smores Shake - rich and creamy

and for the star of the evening ...
Original 5 Napkin Burger 10oz. fresh ground chuck, comte cheese, caramelized onions, rosemary aioli, soft white roll.
I have to say, it lived up to it's name. It was greasy, full-flavored, cooked perfectly and was damn tasty. The bun held up well against the onslaught of grease, cheese and oils.

The burger is served with a steak knife and out defiance, I refused to cut the burger and it's the same obstinate attitude that kept me from using more than 1 napkin. Although honestly, both items are recommended.


8 out 10 ounces
-Rev

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy thanksgiving everyone! Its mini-burgers for all as the BCHQ this year! Just like the Pilgrims used to make.

-Rev

Henri - order your burger by the oooonce - oooonce - oooonce

Henri
Jorge Luis Borges 2095
Palermo
Buenos Aires, Argentina
http://www.buenosaires-argentina.com/restaurants/Henri.html

On the first night of my honeymoon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can imagine my excitement when I found a burger restaurant only 2 blocks from our apartment. Burger Conquest is a calling and this only further proves it! Henri "Lomitos - Hamburgesas" which means "steak sandwiches and hamburgers" in trendy Palermo Soho is a corner cafe that specializes in lunch and late night sandwiches.

My wife, our friend Jeremy and his friend stopped by for an outdoor, sidewalk Sunday brunch. Admittedly, I was unable to dedicate to just a burger. I had to split one and a steak sandwich. The burger was covered in eggs, ham and cheese. It was pretty good and realizing these people have never had the experience that we at BC have had, it was still a pretty good burger. The steak sandwich on the other hand, sooo good. Go with the 4 cheese and grilled onions. Fries had great taste but needed to be cooked a little longer.

My only complaint, the bad 80s dance club mix. I kept reaching for ketchup and mustard expecting to find a glow stick in the condiments.

6 out of 10 ounces
I would still recommend if your here.
-Rev

The Iron Horse - Holy Meatrimony

The Iron Horse
http://www.theironhorseonline.com/index2.html
20 Washington Ave
Westwood, NJ 07675

What better way to celebrate my wedding with 26 friends and family that have traveled from out of town? Stuffed cheese burgers!

The Iron Horse is located in North East New Jersey (near the NY State line) in a refurbished 19th Century Hotel. The place has a homey-rustic vibe, kind of like your family's cabin "up state." Their specialty is a stuffed cheese burger. Pick your cheese and they cram it in the middle.

This month's special was stuffed with havarti horseradish cheese but I chose the gourmet; smoked gouda, havarti, cheddar and swiss. There's no more exciting moment of anticipation then when you gently squeeze a burger and a cheesy lava flows from within. Although over cooked, the burger was greasy and delicious.

A serious A for effort here and great service.

7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

Lucky's Famous - When words loose their meaning.

Lucky's Famous
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/41940909/
370 West 52nd St
New York, NY

On this historic election day, I did my part as a US citizen and voted for the presidential election. I then thought I would do my civic duty as a bugerist and report one in for you. An educated voter is the best kind!

I love the vibe of this 1950s futuristic vision of a burger shop in Hell's Kitchen. Only a couple seats and stools and a small, short order menu. That's a sign of dedication. Unfortunately, the excitement ends there.

$9 gets you Lucky #1; a cheese burger, fries and a fountain soda. The fries are nothing special although cooked perfectly. The best part about the not so big burger was the Lucky Sauce. A buttery kind of maybe 1000 island style dressing. Avoid the chipotle mayo. It tastes like cigarettes and cayenne in mayo. The burger itself was good but not great.

I'm not sure how they got "famous" but its not because they have "The Best Burgers On Earth!" Maybe its the perfectly round slices of lettuce!

Worth it if you want a fast, greasy burger but not if you are looking for something special.

5 out 10 ounces
-Rev