The Prime Burger

The burger isn't the best reason to visit.

Though at first this "deluxe" combo ($9.95), featuring two burgers and fries, was missing its promised "assorted relishes," my kindly waiter did procure a bottle of ketchup, and another customer passed the salt and pepper. The machine-shaped burger patties, cooked medium rare, were mushy and juiceless; the fries, which I remember from several years ago as golden, exceptionally crispy, and pleasantly greasy, were passable; the pie, I didn't try.

Prime Burger's midcentury coffeeshop setting, however, is a must-see. Before 1965, it was part of a small chain under the name Hamburg Heaven, which counted among its customers Henry Fonda, Rita Hayworth, and Tiffany's gal Holly Golightly. Then as now, an alternative to the stools at the counter and the tables in back were the booths for one — each amply wide, padded seat enclosed by a swiveling tray table like a small school desk. (The cushions are of recent vintage; the swivel tops may well be the originals.) The cash register, also a period piece, still sends your change rolling into a little dish; I'll see it in action again when I return for a slice of apple crumb.

The Prime Burger
5 E. 51st St. (Fifth-Madison Aves.)
212-759-4729
www.PrimeBurger.com
Closed Sunday

Comments

[FrontStudio]

Totally agree! The food is nothing special but the ambiance and atmosphere is delightfully old school.