You know you’ve arrived at a New York City food hotspot when the sidewalk is more crowded than a subway car at rush hour. That’s the scene you’ll likely encounter at 7th Street Burger in the East Village. Sure, lines can be a drag, but unlike waiting for the latest trendy gadget that’ll be obsolete next year, the payoff here is a burger experience truly worth queuing for.
Simplicity is king at 7th Street Burger, and their lean menu is a testament to that. With just four core items – cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, Impossible burger, and fries – decision fatigue is happily off the table. Especially if you’re rolling in after a night enjoying the East Village’s vibrant bar scene (they’re serving until 3am on weekends, making it a prime late-night destination). But let’s be real, the star attraction, the reason for the buzz, is unequivocally the classic cheeseburger.
Despite its ingredient modesty, this cheeseburger has an uncanny ability to lodge itself in your cravings, Inception-style. The magic starts with roughly chopped onions aggressively pressed into a beef patty as it meets a hot griddle and gets smashed flat with a spatula. The result? A deeply savory, slightly crisp-edged patty that evokes nostalgic memories of White Castle sliders, but elevated. Gooey, molten American cheese blankets the patty, creating an unapologetic celebration of salt and fat. Even the toasted Martin’s potato roll embraces the indulgence, arriving delightfully greasy. While minor customizations are permitted (hold the pickles, perhaps?), we wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it in its unadulterated, perfect form.
Forget about dining in. 7th Street Burger is a grab-and-go operation through and through. Indoor seating is non-existent, and the few outdoor tables are a hot commodity. Embrace the true New Yorker experience: enjoy your burger standing on the sidewalk, amidst the curious glances of passersby. We’ve even overheard the question, “Why is everyone waiting here? It must be good.” And they’re absolutely right. In a city saturated with burger joints, a long line isn’t always a guarantee of quality, but at 7th Street Burger, it’s a reliable indicator you’re in for something special. Skip the endless scrolling on your phone – the reward here is in the deliciousness at the end of that line.
Food Rundown: What to Order
The Cheeseburger
For just $6.50, the cheeseburger is the undisputed champion and the reason for 7th Street Burger’s devoted following. It begins with a perfectly seasoned beef patty made from a 75/25 blend sourced from Schweid & Sons, topped with grilled sweet onions, a single dill pickle slice, melting American cheese, and their signature house sauce, all nestled in a soft Martin’s potato roll. The elusive house sauce remains a delightful mystery, but our taste buds detect a creamy mayo base with hints of ketchup and pickle relish. Fair warning: these cheeseburgers aren’t massive, so consider ordering a pair right off the bat – you’ll thank yourself later.
Double Cheeseburger
The double cheeseburger is essentially the cheeseburger amplified. You get double the beef and double the cheese for a more substantial meal. While it satisfies a bigger appetite, some purists might argue that it slightly alters the ideal meat-to-bun ratio that makes the single cheeseburger so perfect. However, the trade-off is undeniably increased juiciness from the generous double patties.
Impossible Cheeseburger
Let’s be upfront: the Impossible Cheeseburger isn’t a carbon copy of its beef counterpart. It lacks that deep, inherent beefy flavor, and the texture leans a tad mealy. However, it’s a remarkably close plant-based rendition, and if 7th Street ever faced a beef shortage (unthinkable!), we’d happily opt for this satisfying vegetarian alternative.
Fries
The fries at 7th Street Burger are intentionally cooked to a well-done crisp, boasting a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a fluffy interior. They’re generously salted, ensuring they’re never bland. Pro-tip: ask for a side of their house sauce for dipping – it elevates the fry experience to another level. Ketchup packets are also readily available for the traditionalists.
Chopped Beef Fries
For those in the know, the Chopped Beef Fries are an off-menu hidden gem, reminiscent of In-N-Out’s “animal style” fries. Imagine all the delectable components of their cheeseburger (minus the bun) piled high atop a basket of their crispy fries. It’s as indulgent and delicious as it sounds. For an extra kick, try it with their spicy sauce – if they have it available (it’s not always on offer). Fair warning: this is a fork-required endeavor, so be prepared to dig in.
Understanding Our Ratings
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Truly excellent: An 8 is a must-try. These spots are worth going out of your way for.
