Exposed Edison bulbs and slow-drip Heinz Ketchup bottles set the stage for a good ol' fashioned burger at Black Iron Burger Shop in Manhattan's Lower East Side. I'd like to move to this quiet street between Avenues A & B just to be close to this well seasoned paddy on a grilled sesame bun. Here, the bartender really is your best friend- he'll pour your drink while grilling up your burger of choice. So be nice to him. The menu is small which is generally how we like it at weloveburgers. They have a few simple signature burgers like the "Black & Blue" (blue cheese & Cajun seasoning) or the "Black jack burger" (jack cheese, jalapenos & chili) or you can assemble your own. We went at 2:30 on a cool Friday afternoon, well after the lunch hour rush. With just a hand full of patrons there, our burgers were well attended and came out deliciously seasoned and cooked close to how we wanted them. My medium-rare was a bit more medium but still juicy and flavorful. Next time I may attempt to tip the scale with the "Iron horse", a double patty with horseradish cheddar and grilled onions. Why not?
540 East 5th Street
Blackironburger.com
t. 212 677 6067
Open late.
