Burger Joint - Great burger in the Most Unlikely Place

This neon sign points the way to one of the best burger places in midtown Manhattan:  Burger Joint.

Burger Joint is beloved by locals and tourists alike - not only for the food, but for the ambiance.  It's not a corner deli, nor a vendor on the street.  It's a true hole in a wall nestled in the most unlikely of places.

Yes, it's located in the swanky Le Parker Meridien hotel!

Away from the marble floors and bright sunshine, covered by a heavy brown curtain, lies the worst kept secret in NYC.  There's usually a long line that indicates this hidden hideaway, but to our surprise, it was not busy when we arrived (noon on a weekday).

 

This is it!  Wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, and the delicious aroma of burgers on the grill. Burger Joint's menu is short and simple - burger, cheeseburger, fries, a few beverages, and Sam Adams beer.

We chose the cheeseburger ($8 after tax) with the works (lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard), no mayo and some French fries ($4 after tax) that came in a greasy brown bag.  The burger is good - a nicely grilled patty that's cooked to order (we asked ours to be cooked medium and it was perfectly made).  We prefer Shake Shack, but for midtown Manhattan, this is the best burger.  Part of the fun is finding this gem, making Burger Joint worth a look.

Burger Joint is located within Le Parker Meridien at 119 W 56th St (btwn 5th and 6th Aves.)