Welcome to my newest feature, SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let’s get snacking…
Hamburger America is the NYC SoHo smash burger joint splashed across every foodie’s recent Instagram feed. Apparently it’s the most hyped burger in years. So much so that you’d think meat scholar George Motz’s 15-seat yellow stooled counter service spot has got to have been overhyped, right? But a recent visit to this American Classic proved to be even better than they say. It is truly burger euphoria.
We went on a Sunday and lined up outside on Houston Street as the chilly afternoon sun was setting on the west side. The line for takeout seemed a bit more brisk, but we wanted the full experience of watching all the action and a chance to actually see the man himself at the flat top cooking. Our patience paid off. We were ushered inside and scored prime grill seating with the smoke, sear, and sizzle front and center and George himself at the helm.
Using fresh ground chuck from Schweid & Sons, the menu features The Classic Smash Burger with mustard, diced onion, dill pickle, and American cheese on a buttered toasted bun and George Motz’s Fried Onion Burger with oozing American cheese and pickles on the side. Both burgers are offered as a single or double stack and regardless of your choice, obviously you’re going double here.
It’s impossible to say which one we liked better. If I had to pick I’d say the Classic edged out the Onion by a sliver. But both boasted squishy, buttery buns that added so much flavor to the already smashed patties. The cheese was melty, the meat divinely rich, and the pickles and onions added a touch of freshness and zing to these beefy, gooey delights. These are without a doubt the best smashed burgers ever.
In addition to our two burgers and one order of golden fries to share (Yes, there’s MORE!) we even managed to score the super-secret Patty Melt– but if you don’t order it by its codename “The Chester,” they won’t acknowledge its existence because it’s off menu and therefore off limits. The Chester is basically a single burger slid neatly into a crispy grilled cheese sando. We were completely overstuffed when it arrived but managed to save room for a few bites and wow, it was ridiculously amazing. The bread to cheese to meat ratio in each transcendent triangular was utter triumph in the way the Great Pyramids have achieved mathematical perfection.
We all know the burger and fry combo is a classic all-American meal but Hamburger America elevates these staples to a whole ‘nuther level. George Motz has outgriddled himself with his bright, busy, onion forward burger bar and Jen’s Little Black Book proudly welcomes Hamburger America to a top spot on the best burger ballot. We can only hope that Hamburger America sweeps across our nation with more stores so that everyone can enjoy George’s viral smashing success.
jenslittleblackbook.com 