Five Napkin Burger: America on 9th avenue in the theater district

In its current incarnation, the theater district, though always touristy, has expanded to encompass (in its overly crowded and well-nigh impassable streets) not just 7th and Broadway but now 8th and almost 9th as well. 8th avenue has now for a while been touristized, don’t come here for XXX shops and cheap one night stands anymore, this has become part of Broadway. And because of its transformation, the more student budget eating as well as the more interesting and diverse culinary locales have moved to 9th avenue. That all being said the subject of this review is a relatively new joint on 45th and 9th. Five Napkin Burger opened earlier this summer and though at first glance may appear to be that tourist trap locale we have become accustomed to in this area, it has far more depth to it.

My experience at this restaurant was typical for a Wednesday night in Time Square. We were on the hunt for a place that would offer us a pre-theater dinner at a reasonable price that wouldn’t just be to fill our hungry bellies but would also entertain us for that portion of the evening. Now entertain is a hefty word, it could have so many possibilities therefore let me clarify a little better. We had met up at 6:30 and had nothing to do until 8 when the curtain went up, an hour and a half is a long time to wait, especially after a long day of work. Thus we used Open Table’s mobile option and found what was described as a classic burger joint, perfect for a burger and beer in the early evening of a bustling city.

Upon reaching our destination we were lucky enough to be seated right away at a table for two fashioned in the very popular Parisian style of both seats on one side of the table, thus allowing us to both enjoy the people watching (which, if I might add, was in full swing and highly entertaining as 9th ave never ceases to deliver a diverse assortment of personalities). Our server was more than jovial and provided us with everything we needed, including good unique beer recommendations. Now as provided by the name of the establishment I ordered the Five Napkin Burger and was thus presented with nothing less than a burger that required five napkins to be enjoyed. I can promise you a mess with this meal, there is no avoiding it. But should you be seeking an enjoyable, large, well sided burger with the accompaniment of a unique Five Napkin brew then this is the place for you.

I went out that evening looking for a place that would certainly not feel stuffy or speedy (as is the style of the tourist traps of Time Square) that would also feed us well. I found it five fold (or five folded napkins) with Five Napkin Burger.

Be advised: do not engage in the eating of the Five Napkin Burger if you are sensitive to making a mess with your food while eating with your hands.

The Ranking (for explanation, see “Review Key”):

Food: 2.5 Straws (The burger was good but our appetizer (warm artichoke and mozzarella dip) was only okay).

Price: $$$traws, Expensive price (about $30 or an appetizer, main course, and a bottle of beer).

Atmosphere: Noisy and friendly, the dining room looked noisy and crowded but where we were, outside, was comfortable (we weren’t crammed into the sidewalk space like you see in other restaurants, they had only one row of tables).

Overall: 3 Straws (We felt like bringing it up the extra half straw for the friendly staff who both demonstrated concern for providing us with everything we wanted and engagement with communicating with us. Overall an enjoyable experience and one I will remember next time I am in the area to see a show).

The Details:

Website: n/a

Location: 630 9th Avenue (corner of 45th & 9th).

Phone: (212) 757-2277

Reservation: We didn’t need one but the place did look crowded, based on my observations of the dining room I would suggest making one, especially since they participate with Open Table.

Dress: Casual.

Hours:

Weekdays:11:00am- 4:00pm Lunch, 4:00pm-12:00am Dinner.

Weekends: 11:00am- 4:00pm Brunch, 4:00pm-12:00am Dinner.