Minetta Tavern, the biggest “ooo ahhh” and most exclusive of all of Keith McNally’s empire sits on the edge of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. The original speakeasy opened in 1937 and hosted famed poets such as Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings. KM took over in 2008 and kept the interior very similar including the beautiful painted murals on the walls. There are red leather booths, checkered black and white floors and low ceilings. The bouncer outside the restaurant is a little much; however, the history and feel of the classic old New York City restaurant is successful and rewarding!
The infamous Black Label Burger is probably the most buzzed about burger in NYC using Pat La Frieda blend and dry aged beef for a whopping $26. The Minetta Burger is the “regular” burger and just as popular served medium rare with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions on a brioche challah-style bun. It might as well have been served on a silver platter it was so juicy, tender, flavorful and cooked just perfectly. If you are like me and enjoy sharing/tasting several different dishes while dining out, I highly suggest you leave this tradition at home for the evening because this burger is the best burger you will EVER have, and it would be a shame not to have a whole one to yourself. This dish puts you in the zone and you won’t find another burger like the Minetta Burger anywhere else…not even at The Breslin or Spotted Pig (sorry April Bloomfield!) Don’t come here without reservations (a month in advance is best) and cherish every bite!