damnlines.comdamnlines.comA no-reservations budget burger counter hidden behind a red velvet curtain in a Midtown hotel lobby, known for its speakeasy-style entrance and simple, cash-friendly diner menu since 2002.
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Burger Joint is a deliberately hidden, no-frills burger counter tucked behind a red velvet curtain in the lobby of a Midtown hotel (originally Le Parker Meridien, now the Thompson Central Park), a speakeasy-style contrast to the hotel's upscale surroundings that has made it a cult favorite since it opened in 2002.
Reviewers describe it as reliably busy, particularly during lunch, with reported waits ranging from roughly 10 minutes to about an hour; there's no reservation system, so it's strictly first-come, first-served at the counter. Multiple accounts note the crowd thins out noticeably by mid-afternoon, around 3pm, making that a reportedly easier window to walk right in.
Patterns as reported by press and regulars — not measured by damnlines.
Damnlines does not have a live camera at this venue yet, so we can't show a real-time line count. That said, reviewers commonly report waits, especially during lunch, with estimates ranging from around 10 minutes up to about an hour depending on when you go; by mid-afternoon it reportedly thins out considerably.
No — it's a walk-in, order-at-the-counter spot, so there's no way to skip the line by booking ahead.
Reported hours are 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week, though it's worth confirming directly since hours can shift.
It's a hidden spot inside the lobby of the hotel at 119 W 56th St (formerly Le Parker Meridien, now Thompson Central Park) — look for a floor-to-ceiling red velvet curtain rather than a storefront sign.
Reviewers note it gets slammed during peak lunch hours and is much quieter by around 3pm, so an off-peak afternoon visit is reportedly your best bet to minimize waiting.
Sources: Yelp — Burger Joint (119 W 56th St) · Burger Joint official site