See More Burger

June 10th, 2008 jonas

Seymour Burton
511 East 5th St (b/t A & B)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 260-1333

[map] [subway directions]

Rating: 3/5

Notes:

- Burger: Seymour Burton’s burger has a lot going for it: a delicious char-grilled flavor, a nice and juicy interior, and a thin layer of sharp white cheddar cheese on top. Unfortunately, none of this can quite make up for the subtle seasonings and therefore subtly disappointing taste of the patty itself. Plus, we both ordered our hamburgers medium-rare, and both came a little overcooked, with not a hint of pink to be found.

- Bun: Served atop an English muffin that started out strong but started to fall apart towards the end – testimony to how juicy the burger was, and how good the bread was at capturing the juices.

- Garnish: Served with a thick slice of red onion, the aforementioned white cheddar cheese, and a slightly garlicky aioli.

- Mess factor: The mess factor increased the further along we got – but all in all, a pretty manageable experience.

- Fries: The burger comes with thin cut, nicely salted fries that were just shy of crispy.

- Price: $13

- Bordeaux: Seymour Burton has a limited wine list that didn’t feature a Bordeaux the night we visited. We opted for a 2004 Cachagua Cabernet from Heller Estates, which had a very hearty fruit flavor and hints of licorice and anisette in the aroma. It was very easy to drink and paired well with the burger and fries.

- Atmosphere: You could take a girl there.

- Overall: Given the positive marks that Seymour Burton consistently receives for their food, we went with high expectations. While the appetizers delivered, we were somewhat underwhelmed by the burger. The restaurant itself has a charming “under construction” kind of appeal, with exposed wood, electrical conduit in plane sight, and the night we visited, actual construction going on above the open kitchen. The menu is written on a huge, wall-sized chalkboard, requiring diners in the far corners of the small restaurant to get up to fully view the offerings. The tables are small and cramped – except for the long community table at the center, which seems like they’ve just thrown in the towel and admitted they couldn’t get two small tables any closer, so they might as well seat everyone together.

Entry Filed under: 3, East Village