5 stars. Yes, I'm giving a fast food establishment 5 stars. If any fast food restaurant deserved 5 stars, it would be this White Castle on Northern and Bell. It could be the melt-in-your-mouth Jalepeno Cheeseburgers, but I think it's more of my memories of this place and to be honest, I've actually never stumbled into this White Castle after a night of boozing - all my memories come completely sober.
Reasons why you should go :
The most servile and friendly staff I could ever imagine. They will go above and beyond what you need and accommodate you from brewing Sweet Tea to chatting about video games. Another time, they didn't have Pulled Pork Sliders ready and I wasn't willing to wait the full 15 minute for the new batch so I ordered a Jalepeno Cheeseburger (default). The lady decided that wasn't good enough for me, so she made me a double stacked Jalepeno Cheeseburger...with bacon. She served it to me at my table and then COMPLIMENTED ON MY GOLF SHOES. It doesn't get anymore full-service than this.
They are always open, literally. I've been to this White Castle for Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Probably been here for Yom Kippur and Good Friday too, but who cares? Nothing is more reassuring to me than the Whisper Lady wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving after a late night of poker with the boys. It reaffirms my degeneration and the familial bond I have with my boys.
You are always safe. White Castle has eyes in the sky with the voice of god. Live audio/video feed to a central security system? Holy Skynet, John Connor! My friends and I got kicked out once because we were playing cards with no money involve. If recreational card playing is frowned upon at this establishment, imagine what happens to public intoxication!!
Your friends are here. If you grew up in say - the Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston area, you can always count on seeing one group of your friends here. I've re-connected with at least two groups of friends because we would converge to this spot at 4 AM just to satisfy our craving. Of course, it also sucks when you try to sneak a little slider as a cheat during your diet and your friend catches you after he comes back from a night of drinking. Not real smooth on any accord.
I probably come here too often and have too many good times, so here are the actual details people wanted to know:
Food: Food is fresh, what can I say? Everything seems to be done on premises. If you need to wash down your slider with anything, I would suggest their Contea Sweet Tea. Contea is better than McDonald's plus they don't shove your cup 80% full of ice. If you're dining in, don't be afraid to ask for a refill and just turn the caldron around and help yourself. For appetizers, get the Fish Nibblers and thank me when the fish juice oozes out at the first bite or get the Cheese Sticks and see how far you can stretch the cheese - a true testament to its freshness. As for their staple, I would suggest Jalepeno Cheeseburgers and regular White Castles. As for regular White Castles, my friend, Keith, likes them with no pickles, but yes pickle juice - I don't know what difference it makes but it always gives me a kick when he gets angry at pickles. Another friend, Garrick, likes the Hash Browns - probably a little oily for my taste (the oil seeped through the carton), but definitely good for skinny guys like GSW. Also, I would suggest you taking your significant other to this restaurant during Valentine's Day. They deck out the place in Valentine's Day decorations and cater full service but menu's the same. My friend, Eric, took his girlfriend and actually recommends it as a good experience.
Value: Amazing...plus they have two breakfast sandwiches for $2. Did you know White Castle uses REAL EGGS in their breakfast sandwiches?? Yes, they crack open an egg and fry it on their grill.
Recommendation: Jalapeño Cheeseburgers, Pull Pork Sliders, regular White Castles with no pickle but yes pickle juice, Fish Nibs, Cheese Sticks, Hash Browns, all breakfast items with eggs and of course the CONTEA SWEET TEA. read more