Hamburger 'MURICA! When we want a no-frills, affordable NYC smashburger instead of a fancy viral one, we have two go-to spots. While the other place might make a slightly better burger, Hamburger America wins on the overall experience. They offer actual tables and chairs, free soda refills, and a flawless mid-century Americana vibe (think retro counter, chrome accents, and vinyl floors). Plus, they feature rotating regional specials. The Wisconsin is bathed in butter. The Mississippi is breadcrumbed and deep-fried. The Lansing features Michigan olive mayo. The Salt Lake City is married to three separate onion burgers. The Waco is burned to a crisp. OK, those last two are made up. read more

Hamburger America - Their wrappers are upside down, but that's okay. - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

I've been meaning to visit Hamburger America ever since it opened in 2023, and it lived up to the anticipation. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that this place is more than just another burger joint. The updated Americana-inspired interior feels authentic without being kitschy, and every detail seems carefully considered. What could have been a simple spot for burgers, fries, and shakes instead feels like a genuine passion project dedicated to preserving and celebrating America's burger traditions. I ordered George Motz's Fried Onion Burger, the restaurant's signature take on the Oklahoma-style onion burger. While it shares some similarities with a smash burger, the preparation sets it apart. A generous amount of thinly sliced onions is smashed directly into the beef patty and cooked on the flat-top griddle, allowing the onions to caramelize while soaking up the rich flavor of the beef tallow. As someone who grew up in New York, I've always gravitated toward more traditional burgers with a softer, juicier texture. Onion burgers, on the other hand, are all about maximizing surface area to create that deeply caramelized crust. Hamburger America executes this style flawlessly. The burger arrived with beautifully crisp edges, a savory crust, and a perfect balance between beef, sweet onion flavors, and melted American cheese, and it came with three sliced pickles on the side. The supporting cast deserves recognition as well. The Martin's Potato Roll is an essential part of the experience. The bun is steamed over the burger and onions while they cook, creating a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs all of those flavorful juices without falling apart. It's the kind of detail that elevates a great burger into a memorable one. If you choose a seat at the counter, you'll have a front-row view of the action. Watching the cooks work the flat-top griddle is part of the experience and gives you an appreciation for the precision and consistency behind each burger. There's something satisfying about seeing such a simple food prepared with so much care and attention. The restaurant offers a straightforward setup. Upon entering, you can either grab a seat at the counter or order at the self-service counter. Additional seating is available in the back as well as outside. Despite its popularity, the layout keeps things moving efficiently. Located on the corner of West Houston and MacDougal Streets in SoHo, Hamburger America has quickly become one of NYC's most talked-about burger destinations. Founded by burger historian George Motz, the restaurant feels like a living tribute to regional American burger culture, bringing classic styles that are often overlooked into the spotlight. My first visit left me eager to return. Next time, I'd like to work my way through some of the other burger offerings and finally try the egg salad sandwich, which has developed quite a following of its own. For burger enthusiasts, food historians, or anyone who appreciates a thoughtfully executed American classic, Hamburger America is well worth the visit. Sometimes the simplest foods are the hardest to perfect, and this place proves just how special a burger can be when it's done right. read more

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Before leaving for New York, my husband said I needed to try Hamburger America! After watching videos about their hamburgers online, he said it was the one thing he absolutely wanted to try from NY and I had to bring back a full report. My friend and I made the trip to get some burgers and they did not disappoint! There is a counter service area where you can get full service or you can order to go or to sit in the back room or patio. We just ordered and sat in the backroom. We ordered both a regular burger and the Oklahoma burger to try both along with some fries of course. The Oklahoma Onion Burger was really the stand out! I'd seen in the videos that they have a special onion slicer to make the onions ultra ultra thin. When they're cooked, they almost melt into the burger. The caramelization is incredible and it's unlike anything I've had before. It was definitely worth the trip and such a drool worthy lunch! read more

Finally got around to trying Hamburger America! Came on a Friday at 7pm and snagged two bar seats right away. Love the diner vibe - feels nostalgic. Got the single classic smashburger with everything on it and it was great. no fluff - great bun, good patty and simple toppings. Fries were just like McDonalds fries. Service was SO fast. We got our food in less than 10 minutes and food is cheap. Is this the best smashburger i've had in my life? no probably not, but it was up there and I will continue my search to find the best smashburger in NYC! read more

Hamburger America - Classic Smashburger ($7.25) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

This is a well crafted smash burger. Every ingredient is doing its part and it really hits the spot. Would highly recommend the fried onion burger. The onions really make that burger so good. The restaurant does get very busy so it may be hard to find a table unless you're quick to take a spot after someone just left. read more

Hamburger America - Fried onion burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The service at this place is very quick and accurate. The ambiance feels like an old school diner with big modern bold flavors. I got the classic onion smash burger and George Motz did not disappoint. I would definitely go again. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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Dined in on May 30, 2026 at 6 PM! The staff here are super efficient, the tables were cleaned constantly, water refilled, and bathroom was also clean. Really enjoyed the fried onion burger and wish they did something like this in LA... LOL i love that all the condiments are on the side so the burger is piping hot and fresh with every order. The pickles were tasty too. read more

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I really like the vibe here. Its very "golden age of the cheeseburger." It was also ruthlessly efficient in delivering food to a large number of customers. Very well designed. We had the onion burgers. There are only 2 burgers on offer at any time, those, and a rotating selection from George Motz travels. Simple good food created by a man who really, really knows burgers. read more

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Hamburger America may have perfected the Fried Onion Burger. I have been watching videos featuring George Motz's about his fascination of burgers, especially smash burgers. I would say it convinced me to come to Hamburger America to try this place out. This place does not disappoint at all! Inside, you have the option of sitting at the bar or ordering at the counter and finding a table in the back to seat. The menu is very simple, you have the option of getting a Fried Onion Burger or the Classic Smash Burger with the option of a single or double patty. In my rule of thumb, double patty is the way to go. They do offer other sandwiches such as tuna salad, egg salad, hot ham, pb&j, and grilled cheese but people mainly want the burger. Everything else is a la carte, even the fries and the drink so just keep that in mind too. There is also a monthly burger special where you can try a new burger with it's own take on the smash burger too. I just went with the Fried Onion Burger, Fries, and a Arnold Palmer. In my opinion, the classic meal. The fried onion burger is an interesting burger as onions are cooked with meat to give it a nice char giving this really amazing taste that's in describable. I love that this is a thing in the midwest and very happy to have tried it. The fries are your standard shoestring fries but get it if you crave something to accompany your burger. The arnold palmer was good too! I think the only downside to this place is how seating is really limited, finding a table alone was a bit frustrating as people would not bus their own tables leaving trash behind or people just not getting up once they were done eating; it gotten to the point where staff had to come and ask them to leave so others can sit down. Otherwise, great place. I think this place has a nice diner feel to it; the food is amazing, it's at least worth a shot to try out once. read more

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Came here for dinner last night. Quick quick service and lots of benches out front to eat on a nice night. Has both a onion burger and grilled cheese. Both delicious and quick to come out. My friend has the rotating regional burger and said it was also nice read more

Hamburger America - Platonic idea of a grilled cheese - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Tried the smash burger + fries. The burger is done right: crispy edges, juicy center, and well-balanced without being overcomplicated. Fries were solid and paired well. It's more of a quick, no-frills spot, but that's part of the appeal. Great if you're craving a classic smash burger done well. read more

Hamburger America - smash burgers and fries - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The burger was very disappointing. It was dry and bland. I would not return. I did like the interior and the fun diner vibe that it has. We did also meet the celebrity owner, and he was a nice guy and was even out bussing and serving tables, which was cool. In terms of the food, I was extremely disappointed and would not return for that reason. read more

Hamburger America - Classic Smash Burger and Onion Burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

We went on a Friday during lunch, so it was not as packed as it usually is. There are three booth seats in the back. Some two tops and a bunch of counter seating. Turnover is pretty fast. Remember to bus your table. A group didn't bus their own table. We tried George Motz's Fried Onion Burger and the Classic Smash Burger (Mustard, diced onion, dill pickle, cheese on a toasted bun). The smash was excellent. Personally I liked the fried onion burger better, but the classic was amazing as well. If you are feeling extra hungry, go for the double. I was happy with the single. The fries were a little expensive considering there was not much. But they were great in that classic way. Fried just enough. Salted just enough. I will be back. read more

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Classic burger spot with an old timey flare. Heard so much about Hamburger America, so i had to give it a try. It's a place you can stop by and grab a burger to go or if you can find a table, get a seat and have them bring your order to you. Because we weren't in a rush, we ordered to two classic with onion and cheese and a fries to share. Once the order was placed we were handed a number and found a place to sit. Within 10 minutes we got our meal. The burger was juicy and a standard size. We did get the burger with the onions and at some point i had to take some off because it was too much. The fries were so tasty, we regretted not getting our own to have lol.. Overall, it was a good experience and the food is tasty! Oh and two burgers, one fries and one water was under 20 bucks, which is unheard of now a days. read more

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Obviously there's been a lot of hype here, so I had high expectations. Walking in, the smell is incredible, like the best diner grilling onions on a perfectly seasoned griddle. The server took our order and food came quickly. We were in and out in under an hour on a weeknight. The onion burger was good. I had a bite of the smash burger as well, I would probably get that next time instead because I prefer the dressed up burger. Neither patty had the crust that I'd expect from a smash burger so that let me down a bit. Both came with pickles on the side. Fries are ordered separately, but are plentiful and shouldn't be skipped. The chocolate egg cream was exactly right. I would come back to try one of the fun specials. read more

Hamburger America - single onion burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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Decent burger and fries. Nothing crazy special but if you want a tasty burger that's better than a fast food chain, it works. It was a little chaotic to order because they don't have good line management. Itd be nice if they had more seating because people were messing up the flow by asking for their food to eat in but then changing their minds and wanting to get it to-go. Thankfully we weren't planning to eat in because it was so packed we probably wouldn't have found a place to sit. Is it the most affordable or filling burger? No. But a treat every once in a while? Sure. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The perfect place to satisfy your smashburger cravings! We grabbed to seats by the wall and ordered the single onion burger and their burger of the month which was a hatch green chile burger. Both burgers were delicious and cooked so well. The fries were classic shoestring and tasted fresh. Our waiter was friendly and checked on us occasionally. Also pretty reasonable price! read more

What a fun spot. Terrific greasy burgers. Fries were a star as well. Delicious! Crispy. Warm. The French onion burger was my fav. They somehow keep the heat so it's hot for the whole time you're eating. Double ther burgers for sure. Much better. The service is super nice. You can dine in or have an option where you just eat in the back. Chose the latter and it was nice to eat back with a lot of seating. read more

Hamburger America -- A Happy Accident Hamburger America was never part of the plan. That day, I had put my name on the waitlist at 4 Charles Prime Rib and was killing time, wandering from place to place. In a strange way, I should probably thank that wait--because it led me to a few genuinely good spots I wouldn't have found otherwise. This was one of them. I had never heard of the so-called "burger scholar" George Motz, and I walked in with zero expectations. I was simply hungry. It was already past noon on a Sunday, the place was packed, and there wasn't a seat available--but ordering to-go was still an option. So in we went. The name Hamburger America almost feels a bit grand at first. But once inside, you see photos of the owner traveling around, documenting burgers from all over the country. It quickly becomes clear that this isn't branding--it's obsession. Genuine curiosity, research, and love for burgers on display. What stood out most for me was the fried onion burger. It's a very simple burger, but executed with intention. The onions are deeply caramelized--almost to the point where you wonder if they're a bit too sweet--but they work. The sweetness blends beautifully with the beef, creating something comforting and balanced rather than flashy. This wasn't a planned stop. It wasn't hyped up on our list. But it turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying meal. Sometimes the best burger tour additions are the ones you don't see coming. read more

Hamburger America - Hamburger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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As a self proclaimed burger lover... this is the best burger I have ever eaten in my life. We had this place on our list and luckily stumbled across it while walking to another destination (perks of walking everywhere!) There was no line and our burger came out quickly. It was also so fresh! We got the fried onion double cheeseburger and this was melt-in-your-mouth AMAZING! They smash the onions into the meat while cooking and it's just too good -- we each could've put down another one. It's a done vibe inside which is super charming and everyone seems to be having a good time, enjoying good food. Please please please go here if you're in the area -- I know I'll be back! read more

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it's not every day you walk into a place and see the famous George Mortz cooking up burgers.... obviously we just got lucky but what a pleasant surprise for my first time here! For those who don't know, George Mortz is the ultimate burger/scholar so if I'm gonna eat a burger, it's gonna be from his burger joint. Ordered the classic smash burger and I found it to be pretty good. It's a good solid burger, though I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had (but then again I am not burger connoisseur...). But I think what makes this place appealing is its retro vibe and that it's a no-frills type of burger place that focuses on making the burger the star of the show. Their burger really shines through the use of quality ingredients. To top off our meal, we got a slice of pie for the day which was key lime and thought it was yummy. Overall, the place is solid. Didn't blow my socks off but it definitely hit the spot. I'd say it's worth visiting at least once! read more

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WHEN: Tue @5:45pm Apparently this spot is really good and popular. If you walk in, there's plenty of seatings waiting to be filled, and the walls covered in photos and newspaper/magazine articles of the creator himself. This place is very proud. Since it's our first time and we weren't hungry, we shared: THE CLASSIC SMASHBURGER (Single) - $7.50 "All the way" (mustard, diced onion, dill pickle, cheese) on a buttered, toasted bun. Not bad, but not amazing. It was fine--no complaints but also no flying colors. SHOESTRING FRIES - $4.50 More like regular fries to me. I think shoestring is much thinner? Anyway, fries were standard and good! I'm just glad there was no line when he got here so we must have beat the rush. By the time we left, this place filled up! Seems like a lot of people love it here! read more

Hamburger America - THE CLASSIC SMASHBURGER (Single - $7.50) and FRIES ($4.50) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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We were walking around SoHo and the smell of burgers drew us in. My friend briefed me on the history of George Motz's hamburger explorations and we were sold. We entered the restaurant and it has that diner feel to it. A worker asked us how many people were in our party, and we were directed to order at the register and then find seating upstairs or outside (seats at the counter are for small parties) - seating is first come, first served. We came around 2pm on a Friday, and the place was pretty packed. We ordered the fried onion burger (single) and shoestring fries. The burger is overhyped... nothing special. With the fried onions and cheese combination, I would've liked a pickle for some contrast. I needed more flavor for the burger - the burger would've been more enjoyable with some kind of sauce... they do have a condiments station, so have the condiments at the ready. The burger also ate soft - I like more texture in my burger, both with the meat cookery itself and crunchy toppings in general (gimme that LTO). They serve shoestring fries (same cut as McDonalds). The fries are bland. They need salt, and again, have ketchup at the ready. I did enjoy the crispy bits at the bottom of the container. All in all, Hamburger America is pretty average. I wouldn't distinguish it above any other fast food joint. read more

Hamburger America - Shoestring fries (need salt and ketchup) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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We stopped by at around ~11:30/12 on a Saturday and were surprised to find no line - we were immediately able to order and find a seat in the self-serve section. The burgers are definitely tasty, specially the George Motz fried onion burger (we also ordered the classic smash burger, which was good, but not as flavorful as the onion burger). The fries were pretty good, but nothing especially. I wouldn't spend an hour waiting in line for these, but they were tasty and definitely hit the spot. read more

Hamburger America - Fries Smash burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

If you're looking for some of the best burgers you'll have in your life, this is the spot. George Motz is the Burger Scholar (check him out on YouTube), and took everything he knows about burgers and put it into this place. It has an old school feel, with high quality and delicious food. As soon as you walk in you're greeted by stools at a counter, facing the flat top griddle and open kitchen. The smells are incredible, but not as good as the food tastes. Smash burgers are the game here, along with new specials every week based on classic and iconic burgers from different times and places around the country. You can't go wrong, so order up anything that sounds appealing, and be prepared to keep coming back for more! read more

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Really solid burger. Not a fancy burger no fancy setting just a burger .. the way it should be. Plenty of seating with very nice staff who are looking out for you and making sure you are happy and don't need anything. read more

Hamburger America - Fries the reg burger and the onion burger. Both excellent. - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Everything we were looking for in a burger. They have gluten free buns, too! Loved the service, which was speedy and knowledgeable. We wanted to try it all so we shared all three available burgers, one fry, a high life, and a chocolate egg cream. The star was absolutely the onion burger. It was like having French onion soup, but in a burger. Close second was the regular double smash. Coming up third was the specialty Carolina slaw burger they had at the time. The fries are just ok. Very skippable. Having a beer and a cream egg really sealed the deal. Will be back. read more

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It's a very busy establishment that gets packed quickly. The interior is like a diner and sells merch. The fried onion burger is small and lackluster. I expected more flavor and it didn't have much taste besides the charred onion. I liked the fries. They're shoestring fries that were hot and crispy. read more

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Hamburger America was everything I wanted it to be. My only mistake was getting a double burger. I got the fried onion burger. It was fantastic but double was too much. I took one burger off and enjoyed it as a single. It was unique yet familiar to the point it felt nostalgic. Fries were great too. Place is very reasonable. I'd def go back read more

Hamburger America - Double grilled onion burger. Do yourself a favor and get the single. So good but I enjoyed it with 1 patty. The 2nd patty was too much. - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Given the rush, I wouldn't be surprised if the quality can fluctuate. The burger I had was excellent - what particularly struck me was the temperature. Every bite was hot and the diced onions add a great crunch. For me, I'd add more mustard and a dash of ketchup to add a sweet component, but maybe the fried onion burger already does that. Perfect smash burger was had today, I'll be back. read more

Hamburger America - Classic smash with double patty (all the way) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Had a great time went last night after seeing a post by Kristin and Will and had to try it . Very tasty burger and fries . Gets crowded and staff is friendly and handles it well . Very affordable only $31 read more

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Solid 3.5. I love the old school diner vibes and the sign stating no books or newspaper at the counter. Yay for eating and getting out asap so someone else can get a seat. The server was nice with a smile. The burger...I decided to go with the monthly special..it is a collab with a place from Salem NY and is not a smash burger. 7.5 oz w/swiss, sauteed onions and bacon. It was a smidge too undercooked for me! I liked the bun and the fact that the bacon was crispy. The burger did not wow me and was missing the "it" factor. No, I don't mean 20lbs of a special sauce either. I actually like that they have tuna and egg salad.lol! Overall, this burger does not go in my top 10. Would I eat there if I were in the area, hungry and there was no line? Sure. I just won't be rushing back. read more

decided to pop in for a quick lunch on a chilly Sunday afternoon. the place is packed! you can choose to sit at the full-service counter or do self-service and find your own seats. we opted for self-service and quickly ordered: -single all-dressed burger: had cheese, pickle, diced onions. well-seasoned and good flavor overall, but can be a tad greasy (grease continued to drip out of the wrapper). -double onion burger: good flavor but my brother thought there could be more of a sear on the patties. -shoestring fries: think Mickey D's fries, but waaaaay better. fries were crispy and nicely seasoned. even cold fries stayed crispy. LOVED IT! -coke, root beer: sooo refreshing! overall, food was pretty good. seating left a little to be desired. we had ppl breathing down our neck for our seats as we ate our food. it made for a pretty uncomfortable time. counter service may be the way to go next time. read more

This place is so great and it's right by the Film Forum so you can go before or after you catch a movie. Grab an All The Way Single and thank me later ;-) read more

This place is kind of like INnOUT but for smash burgers. Their menu is a bit more diverse but the focus is the smash burger. It comes two ways and both are delicious. The regular fries are cooked well and have the right amount of salt. Service was fast and friendly and the weather was perfect to eat at a table outside. This might be the best smash burger I've ever eaten. read more

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I've been here a few times, most recently to try the pimento cheeseburger special they have for the month (I looooove pimento cheese). I didn't get much of the pimento flavor on it though. Fries were nice and crisp, and my partner seemed to enjoy his tuna melt. It can get crowded, but we came at an off day/time and were able to grab the last booth! read more

Hamburger America - Pimento cheeseburger, tuna melt, fries - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The perfect burger does exist and Hamburger America is where to find it. Seriously delicious smash burgers nestled between the softest bun. I did not feel guilty dipping these in ketchup. read more

Hamburger America - Double onion burger in front, classic double smash in the back....and yes ketchup. - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Been to Hamburger America twice now, one time sitting at the bar and once in the back. As a huge George Motz fan I knew I would love it, but this place exceeded my expectations. The greeter at the front (whose name I wish I remember) was fantastic and explained our options of waiting to sit at the bar or ordering and waiting for a seat in the back. Super simple and straightforward, but having someone kindly explain it to you makes walking into this place way less intimidating than other shops! Decor is super fun and classic, and the restaurant is very clean. Food is of course fantastic, the classic smash burger is a hit you can't go wrong with, and their monthly rotating menu of specialty burgers is super fun. I'd reccomend getting multiple single patty burgers rather than 1 double so you can try multiple preparations. Cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

I love everything about this place. It is truly an homage to the rich American culinary delight - the humble hamburger. Everything about this place is perfect. The ambiance, the menu, the food, the pictures on the wall of all the great American burger restaurants - it is such a fun place to experience. Where I feel we often go wrong is trying to make burgers too fancy, to large, too extraordinary when really the classic is truly the best. Griddle cooked and smashed burger made with ground chuck (skip the fancy cuts elsewhere), perfectly soft and appropriately sized bun, American Cheese (a must), mustard, diced onion, and dill pickles, these burgers are exquisite. From the charred bits of beef to the American cheese to the salty and tangy pickles, you will continue to crave more and more. This is where burgers began and what put burgers on the map around the globe. Thank you Hamburger America for bringing us back to where it all started. Oh yeah, the service was great when we went and also, don't skip out on their fries (often overlooked), eat the George Motz's fried onion burger and do yourself a favor and try their seasonal dedication to amazing institutions around the country. We had a Coney Island chili dog and it was bliss. read more

Hamburger America - The perfect burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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Take a step back in time to this very classic looking burger joint. Lots of seating- outdoor, dining room and counter seating. I sat at the counter and had full view of the grill. The menu is not large, they do a few burgers and sandwiches, sides. I like that. Do a few things and perfect them. I was amazed by the amount of sliced onions the burger start off with on the grill. The meat is covered with no less than a whole onion. By the time it cooks down to it's smashed stage the onions are soft fried and so good.. Low price range for the quality and taste. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here ,from the ambiance, to the service and of course the food. The burger was really seasoned with salt and pepper, you don't need more than that on quality beef. AND nothing turns me off more than an unseasoned patty. A solid meal here in a very comfortable setting, the experience was very heartwarming. read more

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