I couldn't NY without a bagel. Thankfully, ess-a-bagel is on delivery apps so I was able to get a…read morebagel delivered without having to make the walk in the pouring rain to go get it! I know this is a popular spot, but I have to say, it was kind of just okay to me. The bagel was so thick and bready. I know this is more of the NY style, but it just wasn't quite doing it for me. Even with all the fillings I had inside, it was good, but not the best bagel I've ever had.

It's easy to forget what a good bagel tastes like -- there are so many bad ones out there! But the…read morebagels here are the real thing -- chewy and flavorful. Lots of good options, but a simple bagel with schmear is a classic for a reason. Lines can get long on the weekend, but that's the price you pay for the good stuff. Tip: if you're just getting loose bagels, there's a separate line for that at the back! If you're feeding more than 5 people, recommend getting some bagels and separate cream cheese and save yourself the wait.

Hamburger 'MURICA!…read more 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.

I've been meaning to visit Hamburger America ever since it opened in 2023, and it lived up to the…read moreanticipation. 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.

Bookmarked this place for a while and so so glad I finally made it here! Ordered the Turkish eggs,…read morewhich came with a side of their bakery bread and butter. Was given 2 types - the baguette and one of the rustic loafs. Was also told I could request more bread if I wanted to. The eggs were poached perfectly, and paired so well with everything else on the plate. The bread tasted very good on its own, with butter, or to soak up all that yogurt, egg and spices on the plate. This ended up being a very substantive breakfast. I ended up taking 2 half loaves home with me after the meal!

Great spot in SoHo for brunch! Restaurant does get quite busy and seating area can be tight, so a…read moreResy is definitely recommended. I ordered their Turkish eggs which was so refreshing with the Greek yogurt and dill. Their bread and butter paired so well and serves as a great vessel too.

Parla is one of the few restaurants in NYC I think of that nails the experience in every way - the…read morefood/drinks are inventive and excellent, the service is always amazing, and the space itself is gorgeous, sunny, and so chic. I have been here twice and adored it both times. They have the best drink menu with both NA and alcoholic options. I love their marinated olives, arancini, and parmesan (with honey and black pepper!). My favorite pizza is the burriza, which has burrata/pesto/tomatoes/balsamic and is SO GOOD! I highly recommend getting the calabrian chili honey as well to dip the pizza in. I think their pasta portions are on the smaller side, so I would stick with pizza! They have a huge variety (both round and square), so everyone will find one that they love. Zach (the manager) is so lovely as well, you can tell there is so much heart put into Parla. I will certainly be back!

Skip the clam pizza. For a pie thats the most expensive on their menu($27) it was dry and…read moretasteless. We couldn't taste the clam at all. Pasta was the only saving grace. Take the clam pie off the menu.