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.

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.

Before leaving for New York, my husband said I needed to try Hamburger America! After watching…read morevideos 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!

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.

Cocktails/ Food ordered:…read more -Espresso Martini -Mafaldine Alla Vodka -"Hot Hunny" Square pizza Parla is always buzzing, constantly packed whenever I visit. It took 3 New York visits to finally have the opportunity to dine here.But even with how busy it was, the service was on point. Our server was super attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. We managed to snag a table outside, which was perfect because the weather was just gorgeous. It was so nice to sit out there, soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibe of everything going on around us. It really added to the whole experience. Honestly, if you're looking for a spot with a lively atmosphere, great service, and the chance to enjoy a meal outdoors, you really can't go wrong. Espresso Martini: You get that classic rich, bold espresso flavor right away, perfectly balanced by the vodka. But what really sets it apart is the cacao, which adds this lovely, deep chocolate note, and then, boom, a bright, zesty hint of lemon at the end. It's such a refreshing and sophisticated twist on a classic! Mafaldine Alla Vodka: The pasta itself had this amazing, almost wavy shape that really held onto that creamy vodka sauce. Every bite gave you a great chew. The sauce was super creamy with that perfect little kick from the chili flakes. But the real game-changer? Those toasted sesame seeds! They added such an unexpected, delightful crunch and nutty flavor that just worked so well with the fresh basil and savory parmesan. Seriously, it's a must-try. "Hot Hunny" Square pizza: The crust was seriously perfect , you get this amazing fluffiness that just melts in your mouth, but then it transitions into this super satisfying, crispy bottom. That combo with the tangy classic tomato sauce and pepperoni. Then you get that creamy, fresh stracciatella cheese melting over everything, which is just amazing..... And the Calabrian chili honey? That's the star! It gives this perfect sweet and spicy drizzle that brings all the flavors together and makes each bite exciting.

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.