When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. - Hunter S. Thompson

18 May 2005

I will gladly pay you Tuesday...

...for A Hamburger Today.

This new, specialized food blog is all about the burgers. Well-informed reviews of burger meccas ranging from New York City's Corner Bistro and Shake Shack to the fabled California chain In-N-Out Burger.

Here, let the AHT guys drop some knowledge on you about the Burger Joint in the Parker Meridien Hotel:

While Burger Joint is a touch difficult to find, tucked away behind a curtain to the north of the lobby desk with only a small iconic neon sign pointing the way, it's never empty. Between besuited Midtown businessfolk on lunch break and travelers grabbing dinner downstairs from their rooms, you're lucky to grab a stool or a booth in the wood-paneled, '70s rec room–style diner. The Meridien, just off Sixth Avenue, has doors on 56th and 57th, and though its easier to access Burger Joint from the 56th Street side, we recommend you make a grand entrance from 57th Street. That's because you'll find yourself in a soaring mirror-walled atrium with marble floors (top right)—all the better to enhance the cognitive dissonance you'll experience once inside the restaurant.

We also recommend grabbing any open table right away, if you're with someone who can hold it while you stand in line to order. It's counter service, and there's no host to seat you or take names. While you stand in line, you can contemplate your order, but that won't take long. The menu's simple: a hamburger or cheeseburger (both $5 at the time of this review) topped with any or all choices of lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, pickles, mustard, ketchup, or mayo. Also on the menu: Fries, shakes (after 3 p.m. only), beer, and brownies.

A Hamburger Today comes to us from the team behind the excellent pizza site Slice. We expect great things.

(Hat tip: Clay.)

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