So I think I got caught up in the mystique/idea of it being some covert op finding this place... while it was good I would never rate it higher than Shake Shack or In & Out. None the less it sits fairly high on the burger honors and nothing I say will keep out the tons of domestic & foreign tourist from searching this place out. I think it's a fair guess to say that the Le Meridian front desk staff is tired of pointing towards the long velvet drapery, in which the glowing burger sign points to your stomach's salvation. TIP: bring a sharpie to commemorate your first vist. Tag everything... and don't worry because everything already is! read more

This place gets huge props for its clandestine operation. It's tucked away in a corner inside the Le Parker Meridian, which is a pretty swanky hotel. The joint itself is such a stark contrast to the hotel as it's fairly small and divey. They even have a lot of handwritten Sharpie notes on the walls, certainly the product of many patrons over the years. As far as the burger itself, it is nice and juicy. I ordered mine medium rare, and it was cooked to perfection. It even had nice grill marks on it, so you could taste a little bit of that smoke. It was thicker patty than most casual joints serve which is a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is that the patty itself was a little underseasoned. Just a little more salt and pepper would've taken this up a notch (and it certainly did, when I was able to add more of it tableside). There's not a lot of seating here, so be prepared to either wait a while to sit or just take it to go. Overall, a really cool burger joint. The burgers aren't mindblowing, but they are certainly better than most you'll find. Give this place a try! (If you can find it... haha) read more

Cool because it's hidden and trendy. The burgers are good but not exactly on my top 10 of most loved burgers - they are good though and would probably put this in my top 25. You will most likely have to wait in a long line though.. read more

What a fun and crazy place this is.. literally a dive-bar-like burger joint, hidden non-descriptively behind a huge red curtain at the Le Parker Meridien hotel. What? Yeah, that's what a said. You walk into the lobby, find the dark hallway between the red curtain and the reception desk and all you see is a tiny neon sign of a hamburger and an arrow. Follow the arrow, and you enter a room that is so NOT like the Meridien. Definitely fun to see. Unfortunately, the burgers aren't the best thing here. They are good, and I have to give them props because I ordered it cooked medium rare and they actually cooked it to medium rare. I don't find many burger places that actually cook to the doneness that was ordered. This place would be good to meet up with friends after work, have a beer and burger, just because it's a cool little place out of the way, but if you are hankering for a really good burger, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. read more

An Ordinary Burger after an Extraordinary Wait Burger Joint is located in the Le Parker Meridien, hidden behind a red curtain, making you feel like you discovered something excellent and rare. The line can be extremely long during peak hours but perhaps this could enhance the expectation of some forbidden carnivore-pleasing treat. When you finally make it in, you step up to the counter and place your order. The menu is simple with a few choices for burgers, fries, milkshakes, and beer. The cheeseburger was just ok. The pattie was pretty fatty and a bit greasy and the meat did not have any particular seasoning. It was pretty much just plain. The addition of cheese did enhance the taste though. The fries were pretty standard, not seasoned, but crispy. The vanilla milkshake was quite good. Thick and creamy. Overall, Burger Joint was a fun excursion but I wouldn't come back for the burgers. I can make the same thing at home and don't have to wait 45 minutes+ in line! read more

3.5 stars It's a very good burger -- and the fries are also very good. As others have noted a hidden burger joint in Le Parker Meridien is a very cool concept. I really enjoyed it and certainly would return, but it doesn't make the short list of best burgers. read more

What a great spot off the beaten path. Look carefully or you will miss it! There is no physical menu as your options are basically burgers, fries, soft drinks, beer, and "red wine." Vegetarians can have a grilled cheese which is basically cheese between hamburger buns. You can't beat this place for it's value! read more

Good burger. The restaurant is a piece of art, you should definitively check it. A bit pricy for what you get, so don't expect it to be the best burger in town. read more

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So delicious, the meat was great. And the fries too. We got lucky and found a table. Great burgers, for not too expensive. I was so surprised by the look of the place coming from the bar of the hotel. Totally surprised. read more

Very good burger and if the line isn't too long worth the wait. I got a single cheese and it was plenty for me. Fries are ok but clearly not the star of the show. Meat was perfectly formed and spot on consistency. Bun and other elements were secondary and supportive as appropriate. I like my burgers a bit on the salty side and a little fattier to make them juicy. But ever burger is different and these guys do this one well. Space is cool and low key if not a bit over "produced". I could be wrong but feels like a smart designer came up with the concept to create the illusion. But who cares - very good burger and on par with shake shack and other joints. Not quite there at five star status like NYC's corner bistro. read more

Pretty good burger. Temperature of the beef was just right, cooked perfectly medium rare. Very thick slice. A nice simple and classic burger. Fun atmosphere too. Would come back. read more

I paid $20 for a burger and fries because Anthony Bourdain told me to. After watching an episode of The Layover: NYC I wanted to follow in Tony's footsteps and grab a burger from The Burger Joint. I located it in Le Parker Meridien, just after the check in desk on the left. Order process was easy, luckily no one was behind me, and the wait for my burger and fries was about 3 minutes. All the tables were full, but a spot opened up quickly and I jumped in. Depending on when you go, you may have to share a booth with strangers or "new friends" because seating is limited. I got a Cheeseburger, cooked medium, with bacon, tomato, lettuce, a side of fries and a diet coke. Total was $19.75. The most I have ever spent for a burger and fries. read more

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I LOVE that they have a little neon burger as their sign. Makes me laugh every time. Burgers are great, service is fast, but finding a table to sit at is an issue. read more

If your in the mood for a quick bite, don;t come here. Even though it serves "fast food," your burgers, fries and shakes are made to order and may take a few minutes, especially sine the line is usually out the door. If you're willing to wait, however, you will not be disappointed. This place is the Burger Mecca. No gourmet frills here, just juicy, hearty, delicious greasy beef on a bun with your choice of fixins. I recommend the medium cheeseburger with the works and fries to sop up the drippings. Oh and CASH ONLY read more

Can I just say how refreshing it is to see that some things in NYC can still maintain it's old NY ways. I feel like the food comes second to the acutal experience of eating here. Walking into the crystal palace that is le Parker Meridian, only to snub past tourists and hotel whipping boys, heading directly towards the dark corner behind the magic curtain, to then be warped back into Happy Days era. I think every New Yorker who's sick of Whole Foods, Starbutts and the mess that is now the Red Hook Vendors....should go here. Hi. read more

Such a relief to know that totally authentic real honest to goodness simple burger joints exist in NYC. And all the more to grin is that its tucked away in the most distant corner of one of NYC's nicest hotels. The menu is rather simple...burgers and fries - one kind of beer Sam Adams or Soda and Lemon Aid. Plent of burger and great fries but a severe shortage of seats which sorta adds to the neat "we dont give a f*&k" atmosphere. When you go there you better have you order in mind as they dont tolerate slow ordering pp. And when your done eating get your bad-self on up and outta there because the place is marginally bigger than your average shoe box. Lil Tip, when going with a friend best to have one person in line while the other looks for a table. You gotta hit this place with a friend for a quick lunch or when looking for an utterly non-complex late night snack. read more

The location is not that great, the hallway can be very annoying when people need to get in and out. We blinked and missed the little neon sign. The wait was not that great and the burgers were eaten very quickly so they were pretty good but I'll have to give it another visit before I make more commentary. Burgers: Very thick, nice size patty and the flavor was good Fries: Straight cut, crisp, delicious Sodas: A little on the small side for the money. read more

Loved how this place is hidden in a fancy hotel. No signage of the Burger Joint, but a neon lighted burger beckoning your hungry stomach. The appeal of this place is definitely the fact that it's a "hidden gem". The burger and fries are tasty but definitely not the best burgers in the world. It's hard to find seating in this tiny place, and the wait is a bit long. I would have to say the appeal of this place would be its location and its "exclusivity". read more

I liked that this was a basic burger menu in a tucked away corner of a beautiful hotel - what a cool NYC juxtaposition. The price is right, the cash only thing bugs, but most of all - for a "good but not great" burger, the rude staff taints the whole vibe. Asked if they had anything other than beef burgers (I eat turkey, sometimes veggie) - the guy was like, "Nope, nothing but beef" with way too much attitude. I found out afterwards they have Grilled Cheese (which I would have MUCH preferred). What an A** ... thank god I only paid $12 for my meal. read more

I'm sorry, but OVERRATED. It's kind of cool that it is actually very hidden in a corner of Le Parker Meridian hotel. You really have to ask one of the employees there where it is; I don't think I would have just wandered into a dark corner on my own accord. And, when you find it, it's like finding another world. You step right out of the beautiful Le Parker Meridian and into a fake-dingy, packed-with-people burger joint. It's a good gimmick. I approve. We came here because, in my quest to become the fattest person alive, I had found a list of the United States' best burgers (on Oprah.com or something, I don't even remember). This place topped the list so I was expecting something stupendous. It wasn't stupendous. It was very good, don't get me wrong. The Burger Joint prides themselves on using real meat -- none of that hamburgler stuff here! It was definitely very good but it was --le sigh-- just a plain burger. And not even a very big one. The toppings were dull (onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, mustard, cheese), the bun was just a hamburger bun to me, the meat was excellent but I had a sneaking suspicion I could buy ground beef and make it myself on a grill. It was good, it just wasn't everything I had expected (I had previously had dreams of insane sauces --aioli!-- and fancy toppings --avocados! at least mushrooms?-- instead I had a not-big plain hamburger). I felt a little sad and not completely full after a burger, fries, a diet coke and a chocolate milk shake. I eat a lot. I have to admit, 2 stars may be a little unfair. It wasn't so much that it was actively bad - but, well, "meh. I've experienced better" fits my sentiments so perfectly. Finally, they only take cash. And bring a friend so they can go claim a table while you stand in line. They're hard to come by (tables, not friends). read more

Best burger in the city, hands down. Just the right greasiness and flavor. Fries are decent but don't hold a candle to this juicy burger. It's great if you can get one of the few tables in the place, that way you can have a beer and really enjoy the burger and fries. It's located in the Parker Meridien which is kind of crazy b/c it's a shack placed smack dab in the middle of a nice hotel! I don't like waiting in line but this burger is worth it. Much better than the burgers at shake shack... read more

75% of why one goes here is just the cool factor, the juxtaposition of a fancy hotel lobby with this burger joint. The burger was definitely good but, try as I might, it didn't amaze me. Normally I don't cite cost, but it was pricey - $8 for a Shake-Shack-sized burger (which are almost half the price) and $5 for a small milkshake!? I guess it is basically the same rule that applies to drinks in a nice hotel. I'm normally anti that as well; I find the inflated burger prices even harder to digest. Obviously a personal decision though. Lastly, "cash only" is a lame policy when you are a) in a hotel that is already set-up to process credit cards and b) overpriced. read more

Absolutely amazing!! Very charming burger joint in the Le Parker Meridien. Nothing you would expect to find in the lobby of such hotel. The Burger Joint has the look of a Lower East Side restaurant, yet it is pleasantly hidden behind curtains next to the hotel front desk. It is one of those places you can only expect to find in NYC. The menu is simple... burger, fries, and beer, and they have mastered each and every item. Everything is DELICIOUS!! Whether you're a tourist of a native New Yorker, you must experience Burger Joint. You won't be disappointed!! read more

So I think for the price it is just ok. Maybe 3.5 stars to be fair. I know the look is dive burger joint in fancy schmancy hotel but $15 for a burger, fries and coke?! Burger was fresh, fries are like McDonalds (in a good way) and not a whole lot of seats. I would take my fat ass back to Shake Shack next time. read more

My blood boiled. I was livid. My immediate boss wouldn't let me go to a Spike TV function. I didn't want to fight. Everyone left except for the three interns (including myself). Even the front receptionist left. Fuck this shit, I'm leaving, I said to myself. I think I actually said aloud, "Oh, my stomach hurts so bad. Nancy! Nancy! (She was another intern). I'm dying. I'm so sick. I have to go. Good bye." I pulled a Yossarian. Truth is, my stomach was aching. It need to be filled with some good food. I went on an adventure to find the Burger Joint. First I walked into Le Parker Meridian Hotel. A $500-to-a-few-thousand-dollars-a-night place. It's Snoop's joint when he needs to smoke a doobie in Midtown. It was swank, chic, posh, haute, whatever the new trendy word hipsters are saying these days. White on white everything with high ceilings. Every aspect of this place looked and felt expensive. Then, there was the Burger Joint. There was no signage anywhere telling me where to go. I knew it was in this hotel but I couldn't find it. I asked one of the many security guards and he hastily pointed north. I went around the lobby desk and saw plastered on the wall near a narrow corridor a neon burger sign. I walked towards it and stepped down a flight of stairs. Dive-ier than anything Guy Fieri would ever step into. I loved it. Greasy, no-frill burgers where I can be a mess like I usually am. This place was for me. Wooden tables surrounded by hanging movie and music posters. One cashier, one line. The menu sat next to the cashier that read: THE WORKS: BUN, MEAT, CHEESE, LETTUCE, TOMATO, ONION, PICKLES, MAYO, MUSTARD. NO SPECIAL ORDERS. YOU GET IT AS IT IS. IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE ANYTHING OR DON'T UNDERSTAND, GET IN THE BACK OF THE LINE AND TRY AGAIN. $5. CASH ONLY! The other options where sides. Coke or shake and fries. That's it. KISS: keep it simple stupid. I appreciate that motto. Because it's such a small place, it's crowded no matter what hour you go. I couldn't find a table so I took my burger up to the roof. Le Parker Merdien has a roof top pool on the sidelines of Central Park. The weather was warm, or at least it was to me (I was wearing a suit at the time). For some odd reason, I was wearing my Nike Dri Fit Pro Spandex underneath. I think I was going to hit the gym after work that day. It looked like an appropriate swim suit, so I got undressed, pulled up a comfy pool chair, put on my iPod, and scarfed my burger down. This was a true moment of bliss. Washed it down with a thick all-natural ice cream shake and crunched on some ruffled extra crispy fries. I made a few drunk-off-of-good-food phone calls to family and friends bragging about where I was and they weren't. After a good 45 minutes, I took a dip in the pool. I had to seize the moment. The pool had my name on it and I was already using the hotel's robe and towels. Seize the Carp. read more

5 stars for AWESOME concept, totally in-the-know vibe, love the drastic ambiance change from the hotel lobby to the burger joint. Very nicely executed!! Minus one star for actual execution of a good burger and fries. Burger was soggy, didn't hold together, and lacked any charbroiled taste. Nothing notable about this burger. Fries come in generous portions but lack any taste, might have no salt added. I prefer at least a sprinkle. Minus another star for ridiculous prices. Shake Shack lacks the uniqueness and flair of this place but kills it in terms of quality and taste. read more

Love the location: down an obscure hall with only a glowing hamburger lighting the way. I'm lucky, the first two times I stopped in...no line (not peak hours). Third time, the charm, was a very long line; If I didn't know better, I would think this was a line for a swanky club. Once you've made it through the threshold the line moves fast, start reading the menu located above the kitchen... Burgers are consistently good, fries are consistently good. Fun place to take newbies! read more

Burger Joint - American Near Me - New York, New York

Every time I visit NYC, I have to stop here at least twice. Burgers are simple and super. Great tasting and the only draw back is the long lines but they move pretty fast. Staff is all business. But if you listen they are having fun and it shows in their food. Thanks for the good meals. P.S. have your order ready or go to the end of the line. read more

I just stayed at the Le Parker Meridien this past weekend, and I can promise you, the seemingly never-ending line for the Burger Joint has no boundaries in regard to time. It seemed as if there was a line that started at 8AM and continued till 2AM... so be forewarned, you will have to wait... but it IS worth it. In terms of choice, there isn't much of one; the burger comes with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup... what they call "The Works." If you'd like to create a scene, and a potential riot, ask for some sautéed mushrooms or a fried egg on top your burger... I can only imagine the result haha. The burger itself is very good, I believe they grind a pretty decent quality of meat up and create a very loose patty. Their mix of condiments goes very well, but I'd say there is something special added in that they don't mention. The fries are also very good, but the real "star" at this place is the burger... No pretzel buns, high end rolls, or any other type of modern day burger ingredient. The burgers come on, what can only be described as a McDonald's type bun, and this is to let the burger shine, which it does. The only reason I cannot give The Burger Joint 5 stars is because the price. I usually do not factor price very heavily, but in this case it must be considered. Even though this is New York City, $50 for 3 burgers and 2 Sam Adam's is a little steep. If this were a NYC high-end burger bar maybe... maybe it's be more comprehendible, but this is definitely not the case, and they shouldn't be charging as if it were. Although this burger lunch isn't cheap... it's worth it and I would recommend trying it to anyone. read more

I found this place to be sub-par. Nothing special here at all. Go to 5 Napkins if you want a truly amazing burger within walking distance for almost the same money. The spot is hidden in the Le Parc, and I mean hidden. Even after entering the lobby, I had to ask where it was. This might be cool, but it didn't come off that way. The concierge seemed annoyed by this obviously all to common request. The service was turse, a sign here say that you should know what you want or you will be sent to the back of the line should have been a clue that it would be. But they weren't very busy and I never appreciate rude service unless I go there for that and your restaurant is called "The Bad Waitress". When I got my totally smushed burger it was overdone and totally unexciting. Only marginaly better then fast food. Considering the price, hype and location, I expected something more distinctive. The fries were soggy, oversalted and tasteless. (I left most of them behind). There was also a coupon on "Local Eats" for a discount here, but they didn't recognize it at all, much less honor it. Boo! That's what brought me here. Any savvy restaurant would have honored it anyway. It's just good business. Additionally, the environment is very claustrophobic. There are no windows, and it looks like a bad cowboy bar. There are signatures on the wall, (some may be famous?) but another sign says not to write on the walls. Is this sarcasm? If so I'm missing it, possibly due to the otherwise utter lack of charm here. read more

Love how the only way people can find this place is by a neon burger on the wall adjacent to the joint. Love the taste of the burger and fries. HATE HOW OVERPRICED IT IS. I mean, I guess this makes sense, since it IS in a high-class hotel. But, I can't afford to go here until after college when I get a real job. read more

I love the fact this is a secret nook - makes it really fun to take visitors here....makes you seem like you're "in the know." I was craving a cheeseburger, and I was not disappointed. Perfectly cooked and a good balance of the toppings. The fries are also good -- actually remind me a lot of McDonald's fries, which I like. The only downside is the anxiety that with the long line, you won't get a table. But somehow it works out and by the time you're in front of the line, a table opens up. Not sure how that works, but it's convenient and you don't end up feeling rushed. It's also a tad dark and a little stuffy - but that adds to the feeling that you're in a secret place, so I'm fine with that. read more

Five stars for a place that sells burgers??? I can't really believe it myself. I dream of these burgers in the same way I used to dream of McDonald's fries as a kid. I discovered recently, it's very much about that pitcher of beer along with the burger and fries (and sometimes vanilla shake). The stars are for burger quality, old-school milkshake taste, McDonald's-like fries, Sam Adams beer and cave-like atmosphere (the Meridian Hotel wraps itself around this hole-in-the-wall which is veiled with a heavy velour curtain). read more

I'm not one for giving a place 5 stars just because it's an open secret and/or you have to wait in line for hours. But a recent experience compels me to finally write Burger Joint's review. My first visit was probably around two years ago. I came with two other people, and we waited in line for God-knows-how-long until we finally got to place our orders. Eating here is a little stressful because the whole time you're worried--will we even have a place to sit once we get our food? But anyhow, it all worked out all right. Since I don't usually like to make my meals a multi-hour event, I stayed away from Burger Joint after that. However, a couple of my friends wanted to try it, so off I went. And there we were again, three people waiting in line (though it went much quicker this time). What. A. GREAT. Burger. I am positive the reason I didn't come back for such a long time, the reason I didn't want to review this deliciousness, was because I didn't want to have to think about how long I would have to wait in line to get another one. (I hates waiting in line). Now, I'm not saying the wait or the chaotic seating is a non-issue (you still have to be prepared for that), but the end result is totally worth it. My choice is a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. And fries, please don't deprive yourself of fries. PS Don't worry about finding Burger Joint in the hotel lobby. It's not hard at all. You will probably see the line before you even find the burger sign ;) read more

pros: Conceptually, this is great. Coming in here -- a restaurant? -- it almost feels like you're walking towards the wall and lifting up a curtain to go in. It's magic! cons: It's not so great paying for this meal. A shake costs 5 bucks here. Even without it, a burger and fries are over 10$. Had this review only been for the food, I would give it 2 stars. That's right -- two stars for the same number of bites it took me to finish my burger. overall: A cute place to show people, but not necessarily a great place to eat. read more

Not all it's hyped up to be. Try Five Napkin Burger in Hell's Kitchen or UWS for a better burger. Still, for around $6 this burger is alright. Patty could be thicker with more options for toppings. Fries came out soggy. Try asking for "no salt" to get the freshest fries available. That way they have to make you a new batch. read more

Located behind a curtain in the Le Parker Meridian hotel, Burger Joint is def a sassy little place making decent burgers. I didn't experience the wait since I came before the lunch rush, but I don't think the burger is worth a one hour wait. It's decent, but not the best burger I've ever had. If this is one of the best burgers NY has to offer, I'll just stick to In-N-Out since I always have access to that good stuff as a west coaster. This is a place to try (and try to find) if you want a decent burger and fries, but don't expect fireworks. read more

A must if you're craving a good semi-greasy burger in midtown. The atmostphere is cute, but come early! Also their milkshakes are fantastic. Cash only! read more

Meh... Good burger, definitely well seasoned and cooked properly. The bun left something to be desired, as with the veg. Service is prompt, and about as friendly as to be expected. I think the idea of this place is great, tucked and hidden away, grungy looking - but clean. I think I may have been too hyped up when I came here, My friend brought me, telling me this was the best burger he's had (and he knows burgers) flaunting that In-N-Out had nothing on it. Granted, it was a good burger, but it paled in comparison to what I had come to expect. I'll have to go back without such high expectations to re-evaluate, but really, I found it to be rather unimpressive, considering the amount of other BETTER places to get a burger in the city. read more

I've been dying to give The Burger Joint a try for years now, and how lucky this Sunday evening was when two friends, the boyfriend and I had trekked our way to the Le Parker Meridian Hotel after a long afternoon skating at Wollman Rink. As we made our way through the lobby, down an alleyway and behind a curtain to enter the restaurant, I couldn't help but resist salivating once the aromas of the crisp French fries and juicy burgers made their way up my nostrils. The space, although small- 6 booths, 3 tables and 6 bar stools.. definitely has character. There are writings and carvings of initials and short messages all about the walls and tables from previous patrons. Even though it may be a little tough to scout for seats, our party did not have much of a problem. We were able to land a booth in the corner just as our orders were rolling in ready. I suggest that if you decide to visit with a group larger than 4- be prepared to grab your orders to-go if you come on a busier night. They spell out the menu for you.. plain and simple- either a cheeseburger or hamburger, choice of toppings and how you'd like it prepared. Best to have your order ready as you approach the counter in order to help the long line continue to move swiftly. I ordered the cheeseburger with everything except the mayo (I personally dislike mayo) a side of fries and a pitcher of Sam Adams to share ($15). The burger was cooked to perfection! and the grilled onions, pickles, lettuce and tomato definitely made the burger all the much better. As we all were finishing our last few bites, each of us seriously considered on ordering another two to split between the four of us (too bad the line was still out the door). All in all, I have nothing bad to say about my first finger-licking experience at The Burger Joint! I left with an extremely happy belly and do plan to make future visits whenever I'm in the neighborhood. P.S.- THIS JOINT IS CASH ONLY! read more

Burger Joint - American Near Me - New York, New York

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