The quest for the perfect burger in New York City is never-ending. While fancy, bistro-style burgers have had their moment, there’s a powerful resurgence of the humble smash burger. This cooking technique, born in diners and lunch counters, involves smashing the patty onto a hot griddle, creating a deeply seared, crispy-edged delight. Pioneered by places like Shake Shack, the smash burger has become a global phenomenon. In the ever-evolving landscape of NYC burger joints, I decided to revisit some establishments to see how they’re holding up, with a particular focus on the beloved 7th Street Burger.
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The Smash Burger Phenomenon: A Brief History
The beauty of the smash burger lies in its simplicity. Decades ago, cooks discovered that smashing a burger patty thin on a griddle maximized the Maillard reaction – that magical browning and crisping that unlocks deep, savory flavors. This method was a practical way to quickly cook burgers, especially with less premium ground beef. In recent years, this old-school technique has been revitalized, offering a counterpoint to thicker, juicier burgers and catering to a growing demand for flavorful, no-fuss food. Chains like Smashburger and 7th Street Burger have successfully capitalized on this trend, expanding their reach and solidifying the smash burger’s place in the modern culinary scene. As food costs rise, the appeal of affordable yet delicious options like smash burgers only grows, making them popular across the spectrum, from casual eateries to even upscale bars.
Smashed: A Lesson in Saltiness
My first stop was Smashed, a Lower East Side spot with a newer West Village location. Ordering their single cheeseburger, priced at $8, I was met with a patty that was indeed aggressively smashed – almost to the point of being wafer-thin. The sear was undeniable, but so was the salt. It tasted as though the griddle was heavily salted, resulting in a patty that was overwhelmingly salty and devoid of moisture. While the fries were commendable, the burger itself, despite its trendy neighborhood hype, was a disappointment. With options reaching up to a $28 truffle burger, Smashed seems to prioritize extravagance over the fundamental appeal of a well-executed smash burger.
Petey’s Burger: The Platonic Ideal
Seeking redemption, I ventured to Petey’s Burger in Long Island City, a Queens institution since 2008. Before “smash burger” was even a buzzword, Petey’s was already mastering the technique. Their cheeseburger, comparably priced at $6.25, includes lettuce and tomato alongside the classic onions, pickles, and mayo-based sauce, offering a more balanced and juicy experience than Smashed. The patty at Petey’s struck the perfect balance: smashed and seared for crispiness, yet retaining enough substance to be satisfyingly meaty. It was, in my view, a near-perfect fast-food burger, highlighting that quality doesn’t have to break the bank.
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7th Street Burger: Expansion Without Compromise?
Then came 7th Street Burger. When it first opened in the East Village in a tiny space, it quickly became a sensation. Its minimalist menu – cheeseburgers, fries, and Mexican Coke – harkened back to classic, no-frills burger stands. But the burgers themselves were far from basic. They were unapologetically sloppy, greasy, and bursting with flavor, arguably surpassing even Shake Shack in terms of sheer burger satisfaction. The slightly mangled bun seemed almost intentional, adding to the burger’s unique charm. Since its initial success, 7th Street Burger has expanded rapidly, with nine new locations appearing recently. This expansion naturally raises concerns about maintaining quality.
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Consistent Quality at 7th Street Burger
My worries were quickly dispelled upon visiting the Chelsea location of 7th Street Burger. Stepping out of the subway, the familiar aroma of grilling beef immediately confirmed I was in the right place. The Chelsea branch mirrored the no-frills ambiance of the original East Village location: a simple counter, a bustling, somewhat chaotic kitchen, and the same concise menu. The cheeseburger ($6.50) delivered the same craveable experience I remembered: greasy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Even the Impossible vegetarian version surprisingly mirrored the original in taste and greasiness, albeit with a slightly crumblier texture. 7th Street Burger has seemingly cracked the code of maintaining quality even with multiple locations.
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Menu Creep and Future Shakes?
The only hint of menu expansion at 7th Street Burger was a handwritten sign advertising fries topped with burger fixings – a playful nod to “menu creep.” Interestingly, overhearing what seemed to be the management team discussing a new location near the Seaport, I caught wind of plans to install a milkshake machine. While milkshakes might be a departure from their minimalist roots, if they maintain the same commitment to quality as their burgers, it’s a welcome addition. Perhaps malts are next?
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Final Verdict: 7th Street Burger Still Reigns Supreme
In the competitive world of NYC smash burgers, 7th Street Burger continues to stand out. While places like Smashed lean into trendy extravagance and others like Petey’s offer solid, classic options, 7th Street Burger delivers a consistently delicious, no-frills smash burger experience that remains hard to beat. Despite its rapid expansion, 7th Street Burger has managed to maintain the quality and flavor that made it a sensation in the first place. For a truly satisfying and authentic smash burger experience in NYC, 7th Street Burger remains the undisputed champion.
