Boo in New York – The Burger Joint

On day 2 we ventured downtown and got the ferry to Staten Island (view from the ferry pictured above!) Realising upon reaching our destination that we were hungry and not feeling the rapidly decreasing temperatures we head back to Manhattan on the next ferry. From Battery Park we then cabbed to Le Parker Meridien in search of The Burger Joint, a secret 'authentic' US burger place hidden in the lobby of the hotel behind giant red velvet curtains.

Upon entering the lobby we instantly saw the queue and joined the line, a recurring theme of the trip being waiting patiently for a table. It took around 30 minutes and was 100% worth the wait for what was one of the the best burgers I’ve ever had with the tastiest char.

The venue, as the name perhaps suggests, is not for the indecisive diner with speed being of the essence. We ordered 2 x cheeseburgers (the other option being no cheese), cooked medium, with the works (you can have either with or without – no messin’) which consisted of gherkins, tomato, lettuce, onion, ketchup and mustard, 2 x fries and a pitcher of Sam Adams beer (on tap!)

It was incredible. I enjoyed everything about this experience and only regret that in the rush there was no time for photos. This picture from their website is a fairly accurate visual representation though I strongly urge any visitors to try for themselves, no words or pictures could do it justice.


Expect some jostling for a table (an argument almost ensued between the English couple in front of us and the group of Spanish people behind us) and, as mentioned, a possible lengthy wait. As we left there were many children in the queue though I wouldn’t say the place is particularly family friendly.

The music is pretty loud but typifies the backdrop and the décor (etchings scrawled on the walls and tables as well as photos and posters) provides plenty to look at once you finally get a foot in the door! I would highly recommend this place and for me it was one of the highlights of the trip.

The Burger Joint
Le Parker Meridien
119 W. 56th St, NY
8.5/10