The Burger Speakeasy

People who travel for business know what it’s like: you’re up early, crammed into a seat for hours with little to no food, fight traffic only to check into a not-so-comfortable hotel room. You’re cranky, tired, unkempt, and you just don’t care. You’re hungry, but if assuaging the hunger requires much thought or effort you’d rather scream at someone instead.

This was the mood I was in last night upon arrival in Midtown. It’s been years since I stayed up here; I’m usually down in the hipster haven of the SoHo Grand. (Alas, since it was featured on that episode of The Hills not too long ago, the fascination has worn thin.) This time I’m up near the park, it’s shiny shopping venues, and thankfully, Burger Joint.

It still surprises me that a lot of New Yorkers don’t even know about this wild weed hidden in the center of such well-groomed surroundings. An old friend first took me here years ago and I’d forgotten the exact address, but I took a walk and headed East - I knew it was around here somewhere. Through the magic of Google text I learned that it was at 118 West 57^th Street – just a block away!

Ah yes, Le Parker Meridien. Such an elegant, romantic entry, especially if you walk through the sexy lobby bar. Everything’s quiet and jazzy. Go through the stately marble lobby and behind the curtain – yes, go back there, it’s okay, they want you to... Voilà – the burger sign.

This is the kind of place where you’d fully expect to see John Belushi doing his “hambugahambugachessebugacheesebugacheesebuga” schtick, and it would be appropriate. Wood paneled walls covered with graffiti, hand-written cardboard signs, paper plates and cups of beer. You get your burger with cheese or without, with the works or without. It’s a simple system and it never fails. Don’t forget to get that sack of fries that are piping hot and fresh from the oil.

Everyone in the place seems happy, kind of surprised that they’ve found themselves here, of all places, but delighted none the less. A burger speakeasy with an incongruous mix of tourists and business people… One girl plops her Chanel 2-55 bag onto the greasy counter next to a couple whose discarded Playbills are forgotten under a pile of napkins. One of the guys from the front desk of the hotel waits for his burger and then gets hooked up with a free bag of fries, ‘cause that’s how it’s done. This is a place where, no matter who you are, you’re taken care of through the language of grilled beef, melted cheese, and salted shoestrings. 

Burgers & fries - the great equalizers. Just go around the curtain and down the hallway and they’ll take care of you too…

Comments

[Helene]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!! I know the place well. My mouth is watering as I type.

Helene
The Luxe Chronicles