7th Street Burgers: Still a Top Smash Hit in NYC After Expansion?

Many of the most memorable food experiences often go undocumented. Unless a restaurant is deemed worthy of a formal review or a feature, those everyday dining encounters can easily fade away. Yet, these casual, unpretentious meals are frequently the most satisfying. This reflection leads us to revisit the ever-evolving world of smash burgers in New York City, and specifically, to check in on the popular 7th Street Burgers.

The history of smash burgers is rooted in classic American diners. Picture cooks in bustling lunch counters, expertly pressing down hamburger patties onto hot griddles to speed up cooking. This technique, born from necessity, created a thinner, crispier patty with enhanced flavor – a welcome upgrade to what was often basic ground beef. This style experienced a resurgence in recent years, perhaps as a counterpoint to the thick, juicy burgers dominating gastropubs, and fueled by the global success of Shake Shack, which popularized the smash burger on a larger scale.

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Eater NY has diligently tracked the smash burger trend in NYC’s competitive burger scene, noting its rise to prominence. Even as chains like Smashburger gained traction, local favorites like 7th Street Burger also flourished, expanding their reach. Recently, with rising ingredient costs impacting restaurants, more affordable options like burgers are gaining even more appeal, from upscale establishments to neighborhood joints. This prompted a revisit to some key players in the smash burger game to assess their current standing.

First stop: Smashed. This Lower East Side spot, which recently opened a West Village location, offers a single burger at a modest $8. However, in the realm of trendy, hyped smash burgers, this is just the entry point. Menus often escalate quickly with pricier options. At Smashed, burgers range up to $28 for a truffle-laden version, clearly encouraging customers to go beyond the basic offering.

The patty at Smashed was paper-thin, essentially a salty, crispy meat chip. The intense saltiness overpowered any other flavor, suggesting a heavy-handed use of salt on the griddle to achieve that sear. Even water couldn’t wash away the salt. While the fries were commendable, if this represents the direction of the smash burger trend, it’s a path best avoided. 516 Hudson Street, between 10th and Christopher streets, West Village

A More Satisfying Burger Experience

The following day, a stroll through Long Island City led to Petey’s Burger. This Queens-based burger joint, established in 2008 with another location in Astoria, predates the current smash burger craze, yet perfectly embodies the style. Petey’s offers a similar burger configuration to Smashed, but their cheeseburger includes lettuce and tomato in addition to the standard onions, pickles, and mayo-based sauce, resulting in a much more balanced and satisfying burger that isn’t dry.

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Priced at a mere $6.25 for the stripped-down burger, Petey’s was devoured quickly, despite plans to sample more burgers that day. This was closer to a platonic ideal of a fast-food burger: a substantial patty, expertly smashed and seared to a delicate crisp, retaining a satisfying meaty texture. Two of these would make a truly great meal. 46-46 Vernon Boulevard, at 46th Street, Long Island City

7th Street Burger: Maintaining the Smash Burger Standard

When 7th Street Burger first appeared two summers ago in the East Village, taking over a former arepa spot, it quickly became a sensation. Its menu simplicity was a key part of its charm: cheeseburgers, fries, and classic Mexican Coke in glass bottles – reminiscent of old-school hamburger stands or early McDonald’s menus. The burgers themselves surpassed Shake Shack, boasting a sloppier, greasier, and more intensely flavorful profile. And yes, the slightly mangled bun seemed intentional, adding to its unique appeal. Following its initial success, a second location opened on MacDougal Street, and recently, nine more locations have either opened or are in development. This rapid expansion naturally raises concerns about maintaining quality.

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Stepping out of the subway at 23rd and 7th Avenue, those worries were immediately eased by a familiar, enticing aroma. The Chelsea 7th Street Burger location mirrored the others: a no-frills counter, a seemingly chaotic but efficient kitchen, and the same concise menu, save for a handwritten addition – fries loaded with burger toppings. The classic cheeseburger ($6.50) tasted exactly as remembered – perhaps even greasier, in the best way possible. The Impossible vegetarian version offered a similar experience, albeit slightly more crumbly. (Indeed, embracing the “torture” is key to making Impossible meat palatable).

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The drink selection remains true to its roots – ice-cold Coke in iconic glass bottles. Outside, a group, seemingly part of the 7th Street Burger management, discussed plans for a new location near the Seaport, and debated the specifics of a milkshake machine. Milkshakes represent a menu expansion, but if they maintain the burger quality, it’s a welcome addition. Perhaps malts will follow? 171 West 23rd Street, near 7th Avenue, Chelsea

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