Have you heard? The beloved Burger Joint is back! Thankfully, the dive-y atmosphere is untouched, and still has prices that can’t be beat. We checked it out at the stunning new Thompson Central Park New York hotel, which is in the space of the former Parker New York hotel, Le Parker Meridien before that. Just locate the neon sign to begin your burger adventure.
Photo by Julie Soefer
The grafitti’d walls where numbers of diners have left their mark is intact—so if you are a returning patron, you can claim your name—or become part of the history if you’re a newbie. The menu focuses on a limited selection of burgers. Burger Joint is known for offering “the works” with your hamburger or cheeseburger: lettuce, tomato, onion, sliced pickles, mustard, ketchup and mayo. Barbecue, bacon, spicy slaw and jalapeno are additional.
Photo by Julie Soefer
Those who like hot stuff will be thrilled by the Slaw Burger, a cheeseburger made with coleslaw and sriracha, and comes with a side of regular or sweet potato fries (seen in the photo above). Vegans can opt for the Beyond Burger.
Photo by Laurie Heifetz
As for beverages, opt to wash down your burgers with a pitcher of beer —a Well Earned Pilsner, No Resolution IPA or Budweiser. Or, for the ultimate sweet indulgence, try one of their shakes in chocolate, vanilla or Oreo.
Photo, left, by Laurie Heifetz, right, by Julie Soefer
On the scene: Chefs Suraj Kongaha (left) and Siby Maroa serve up your burger just like you want it from the miniscule kitchen. Right, the menu with “the works.”
Photos by Laurie Heifetz
When you are done with your burger, you might want to head next door to the SRO (Standing Room Only) Pop-Up Bar, which is serving drinks while the new lobby bar and atrium are under construction. Some of their signature cocktails (seen in the photo from left to right): the Iconic Martini made with Ketel One Vodka or Beefeater Gin, Dry Vermouth and Amontillado Sherry; the City Lights, made with Dewar’s White Label Scotch, ginger, cinnamon and lime (served hot); the Central Parker, made with Redemption Rye, Crème de Cacao, blood-orange juice and cherries; and the Wonderland Negroni, made with Dorothy Parker Gin, Suze and Dry Vermouth. SRO has some special treats for breakfast as well, like the Zucker’s Bagel with Russ & Daughter’s lox and horseradish cream cheese; a Spinach Wrap with tomato, feta cheese and egg white; and an All-In-One-Egg sandwich with bacon, white cheddar, roasted tomato, arugula and fingerling potato.
Photo by Julie Soefer
The grand opening of the Thompson Central Park New York is slated for Spring 2022 and will have 587 guest rooms and suites, some of which are ready to stay in right now. Looking forward to seeing the other dining destinations opening then, too—all that Thompson Central Park New York would reveal is that there will be one additional bar/lounge and another restaurant. We got a peek at the renderings of the lobby atrium from architect, Thomas Juul-Hansen, just gorgeous.
Rendering of lobby care of Thomas Juul-Hansen
Burger Joint remains a true surprise, especially tucked away off this modern design.
Photo by Julie Soefer
Burger Joint at the Thompson Central Park New York (part of the Hyatt family), 119 West 56th St (betw Sixth/Seventh Ave)
