New York City’s burger scene is a constantly evolving landscape, with trends coming and going. Among the most enduring and delicious is the smash burger. This cooking technique, born in diners and lunch counters, involves smashing hamburger patties onto a hot griddle, creating a thin, crispy, and intensely flavorful burger. While the city boasts numerous spots claiming to serve the best smash burger, one name consistently rises to the top: 7th Street Burger. We decided to revisit this popular joint to see if it still holds its crown in the competitive world of NYC burgers.
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The Smash Burger Phenomenon: A Crispy Comeback
The history of the smash burger is rooted in classic American diner culture. For decades, cooks have been using the smash technique to quickly cook burgers, maximizing the sear and flavor. This method creates a patty with crispy, browned edges and a juicy interior, a delightful contrast in textures. In recent years, the smash burger has experienced a resurgence in popularity, perhaps as a counterpoint to the thick, juicy burgers that dominated menus for a while. The rise of chains like Shake Shack, which popularized a version of the smash burger on a global scale, also played a significant role in this revival. As food costs increase, the appeal of affordable yet satisfying options like smash burgers has only grown, making them a staple from casual eateries to even upscale bar menus.
7th Street Burger: A Standout in NYC’s Smash Burger Scene
7th Street Burger entered the scene a couple of summers ago in the East Village, quickly making waves with its minimalist menu and focus on quality. Offering a simple menu of cheeseburgers, fries, and Mexican Coke, 7th Street Burger evoked the classic, no-frills burger stands of the past. Many quickly declared their burgers superior to even Shake Shack, praising their sloppier, greasier, and more intensely flavorful patties. The question then arose: could 7th Street Burger maintain this high standard as they expanded? With multiple new locations popping up across Manhattan, concerns about consistency and quality were understandable.
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Location Visit: Chelsea – Taste and Consistency Check
To put these concerns to rest, a visit to the 7th Street Burger location in Chelsea was in order. Stepping out of the subway at 23rd and 7th Avenue, the familiar enticing aroma of grilling burgers immediately confirmed we were in the right place. The Chelsea branch mirrored the no-nonsense vibe of the original East Village spot: a straightforward counter, a bustling kitchen, and the same concise menu. The only hint of menu expansion was a handwritten sign advertising fries loaded with burger toppings – a tempting, if slightly extravagant, addition.
Ordering the classic cheeseburger ($6.50) confirmed that the quality remained remarkably consistent. The patty was thin and intensely seared, delivering that signature crispy edge and rich beefy flavor. If anything, this burger seemed even greasier and more satisfying than remembered. Even the Impossible vegetarian version managed to capture a similar essence, albeit with a slightly more crumbly texture. It’s a testament to their cooking technique that they can make plant-based protein taste so convincingly burger-like.
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The drink selection remained true to its roots, with old-fashioned glass bottles of Coke as the perfect accompaniment. Observing a group of individuals who seemed to be part of the management, overheard conversations hinted at further expansion, including a potential new location near the Seaport and discussions about milkshake machines. While milkshakes might represent a slight menu creep from their original minimalist approach, the prospect of a 7th Street Burger milkshake is undeniably exciting, especially if it matches the burger quality. Perhaps malts could be on the horizon too?
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Comparing the Smash: 7th Street Burger vs. Smashed and Petey’s Burger
While 7th Street Burger excels, it’s worth briefly considering other players in the NYC smash burger game. Smashed, another contender visited, offered a burger that was aggressively salty and thin to the point of being almost chip-like. While their fries were commendable, the burger itself didn’t quite hit the mark. On the other hand, Petey’s Burger in Long Island City provides a more balanced and satisfying smash burger experience. Petey’s offers a similar configuration but includes lettuce and tomato, resulting in a less dry burger with a delicate sear that still delivers on flavor and texture. However, for pure, unadulterated smash burger satisfaction, 7th Street Burger remains a top contender.
Why 7th Street Burger Remains a Top Choice
7th Street Burger’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to simplicity and quality. They focus on doing a few things exceptionally well: crafting a flavorful, crispy smash burger, serving it with perfectly cooked fries, and offering classic drinks. Despite expansion, they have managed to maintain the quality and character that made them a sensation in the first place. For anyone seeking an authentic and delicious smash burger experience in New York City, 7th Street Burger is still a resounding yes.
Locations Mentioned:
7th Street Burger
- 91 East 7th Street, Manhattan, NY 10009
- 171 West 23rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10011 (Chelsea location)
- Visit Website
Petey’s Burger
- 46-46 Vernon Boulevard, Queens, NY 11101
- Visit Website
SMASHED
- 167 Orchard Street, Manhattan, NY 10002
- Visit Website
