A Hamburger Today- aht.seriouseats.com

Great Burger from Waterfront Ale House in New York City

Posted by Frank Luciano, April 23, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Editor's note: New York City-based AHT reader Frank Luciano shares his review with us today out of a love for eating burgers (he has a list of over 80 places in the city to hit) and a lack of outlets for getting burger recommendations out to the masses. Hopefully he'll have more reviews to come!

Unless you’re a recent college graduate, there’s a good chance you consider heading into Manhattan’s Murray Hill/Kips Bay neighborhood as on par with visiting the plains of South Dakota. However, hidden away on the border of these badlands, just outside the shadows of the Bellevue and NYU Medical Centers, is one of the city’s top beer halls and burger joints. Waterfront Ale House has been proudly proclaiming “warm beer, lousy food and an ugly owner” since 1989 and while it's certainly not as well known as some of the big guns, it quickly becomes a favorite of all who step through the front door.

Walking in from Second Avenue, the bar is set up railroad-style with a large yet slightly dark front room, narrowed by tables on your left and a long bar on the right, and a more open back room set for sit down dining. A self-serve popcorn machine makes fresh popped kernels round the clock and the multiple televisions make it a suitable spot for watching games or just chatting with friends. Waterfront has over 20 beers flowing from their taps (including a seasonal rotation) and many more unique names in bottles and small batch alcohols—it’s obvious in more than name where the Ale House places its priorities.

But hidden behind that façade is a full and diverse menu highlighted by Waterfront’s famous wings, rotating wild game specials—including great venison chili—and one of the city’s best burgers. The half-pound offering is heading towards high priced at $12, but it is massive and, best of all, filled with flavor. Add the accompanying side order of waffle or sweet potato fries and the price is quickly forgotten. The brioche roll is perfectly soft yet sturdy enough to hold the weight, and the fresh ground sirloin burger can be topped with swiss, cheddar, blue cheese, bacon, cajun spices, or even the aforementioned chili. Lettuce, tomato and onions come standard.

Those looking for something a bit different can get the same tasty set up in the Ale House’s Wild Burger, which is usually made of bison, but in my opinion, the simplest option is their best offering. The beef with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and some cheese to join the meat and bun is as good as it gets. Whether beef or game, the burger and fries alone are sure to fill even the heartiest bellies, but be sure to come hungry since it’s nearly impossible to stay away from the delicious offerings of sides and appetizers.

With the recent rush towards $30+ burgers made from mixed blend patties and topped with extras that have no business being under a bun, it’s comforting to find a place that still serves a burger the way it’s supposed to be served in a setting to match. The Waterfront Ale House is just that type of place, so don't be frightened off by the offerings of warm beer, lousy food or an ugly owner, as the management is just doing their part to keep the secret safe. After biting into that half pound of ground goodness, you'll be glad they do.

7 Comments Favorite this!  (0)

Tags: AHT reviews, Manhattan, NYC, Waterfront Ale House