BRGR Review

BY: FRITZINATOR

Yes, the Fritzinator is alive and he is "bach." Hit up the recently opened BRGR joint earlier this week. The combination of great tasting burgers and friendly service make this worthy of a return trip, but the high prices don't.


The Ambiance: The space was designed by David Rockwell (Ruby Foos, Nobu, Kittichai) which I had no idea until after my visit. The decor with its tall ceilings and exposed wooden beams and brick walls, and orange lighting makes you feel warm and cozy. Plus the cold weather outside probably made it even more so. You can either sit at the bar and watch the action in the kitchen or at tables that are adjacent in the middle of the space, or you can opt for booth seating or communal high tables towards the front of the restaurant. Personally I enjoyed sitting at the "Chipotle" like high table with tall bar stools by the window. We went at dinner time, and the place was pretty happening, but not too crazy and packed and there were plenty of seats available.

The Food: Looking at the menu, you can choose between 14 house specials, or simply create a burger yourself. Toppings are fresh and plenty. Supposedly they use all organic meat, and unless otherwise specified, the burgers come medium-well, which I thought was just right. We put in our order and they give you a number that you take with you, which when your burgers are ready, someone brings it over to you. Pretty good system, but the wait is a little long. I ordered the burger with Roquefort, onions, and bacon, and it was pretty damned good. It also came with pickles from "The Pickle Guys" from the LES, supposedly the best pickles in NYC. It reminded me of Schnack and Burger Joint: super tasty, juicy, buttery, and melts in your mouth. The buns could've been a little better. The fries were great, nice and crispy and salty. The onion hay was not bad either, not too greasy and maybe even a little dry and hard to eat (not worth it, really). They also have sweet potato fries, but didn't get to check them out. The myriad of different shakes they had looked real good, made from Ronneybrook Farm vanilla ice cream, but I was too full from the burger and fries. In the end, I think the place is way overpriced (3 people and the check came out to $40!) but the tasty burgers and friendly service sort of make up for it.

Details:

BRGR
287 Seventh Ave
(between 26th and 27th)
(212) 488-7500
11am-11pm daily

Subway: 1 at 28th St. ; C, E at 23rd St