Burger Joint Secrets to Success

May 9, 2008

Burger Joint is arguably the most popular burger spot in NYC. You need my secrets to success, however, if you want to enjoy these flame-broiled cheeseburgers without waiting on the long line. I’ll also reveal my no-fail method to secure a hard-to-get seat in addition to some other essential information.

If you haven’t been to Burger Joint yet, you’re definitely in the minority. I can’t remember the last time I made a move for one of their juicy, flame-broiled beef shoulder cheeseburgers and wasn’t greeted by a line snaking out the doorway.

What I love about the Joint is their no frills attitude towards burgers. These tender, crumbly patties draped in yellow and white cheddar are always cooked to order and come with the works: Lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and dijon mustard. If you want something different, you better be ready because Burger Joint moves fast. The fries are McDonald’s style but they put the fast food mogul to shame. They’re always crisp and piping hot and there’s something about fried food in a paper bag that just makes my mouth water. Unfortunately, the fries take a big hit if you don’t eat them immediately, so get to work.

Burger Joint is inside Le Parker Meridien Hotel. You can enter on either 56th or 57th street between 6th & 7th Avenue. People call it “secret” and “hidden” because if there’s no line, you probably wouldn’t even know the Joint was there. In these cases, look for the neon cheeseburger down the small hallway directly to the right of the hotel’s front desk and you’ll see exactly where to go.

Here’s the scene that will greet you once you’re inside.

Start deciphering the menu now so you know exactly what you want. Burger Joint wants to make this easy for you but if you’re stumbling they’ll just ask the person behind you.

The whole place is no bigger than a Manhattan studio apartment and seating is pretty hard to come by.

There’s nothing like eating these burgers and fries while they’re still fresh and hot, that’s why you need to know how to get a seat.

My no-fail method for a seat is simple but takes some practice and some New York City guile.

As soon as you walk through the doorway take notice of who’s at least halfway through their meal. Politely ask these patrons if you can have their table when they’re finished.
Add in a little “this place is nuts, do what you gotta do” statement with a smile and get them on your side, that way they’ll hopefully look for you if you’re not on the ball as they get up and leave.
That won’t happen though because you’ll be watching them out of the corner of your eye like a hawk and as soon as they depart, you drop your hat or jacket or even one of your shoes, anything to claim that table as yours until you’re ready to eat.

What makes these burgers so delicious?

4 simple concepts have proven why Burger Joint has never disappointed:

Fresh Cooked
Flame Broiled
2 varieties of cheddar Melted under the broiler
Loosely packed, fatty patties

So how do you beat the line?

Simple, call in your order before you arrive. Here’s the number: 212-708-7414. Put it in your phone right now.
When you get there, you walk to the front, tell them your name and you get to skip the entire line. It has never failed.

More essentials:

It’s cash only so bring at least $13 for a cheeseburger ($7.50), shoestring fries in a brown paper bag ($3.50), and a soda ($2.00).
I’d consider passing on the soda in lieu of a $5 Sam Adams Boston Lager on Tap, served in an appropriately casual plastic cup. It definitely makes the wait a little less grating. Get there now and share the glory.