Island Burgers and Shakes
A West Coast-style, french fry-less burger shack that attracts a deservedly cultish following.
(201) 977-4540
766 9th Ave
(at Between 51st Street and 52nd Street)
New York,
NY
10019
40.7642
-73.9883
Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Island Burgers and Shakes
The Owner
Island Burgers and Shakes
Owner
Island Burgers and Shakes serves hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The chicken churasco, a grilled chicken breast sandwich has become a favorite. We make them over 40 different ways using only the freshest chicken breast, produce, homemade sauces, and six different kinds of locally baked breads.
Our hamburgers are worth a try as well. We start with over a half-pound of the freshest, specially-blended prime beef, offer seven kinds of great cheeses, the city's best tomatoes and produce, and six different locally-baked breads. All our fantastic sauces are made here.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The long, narrow restaurant feels like it could have been imported from a Malibu roadside. The colorful interior features bright orange-and-red tables, along with paintings and mirrors rendered in the shape of surfboards. Waitstaff go about their work with all the lackadaisical flourish befitting a casual hamburger joint.
The Food
Both the burgers and grilled chicken breast sandwiches rank among the best in New York. The charred-on-the-outside, fist-sized patties are cooked precisely to order, and the menu touts a dizzying 63 varieties of burger and bird, with everything from the basic with cheese to more elaborate concoctions like the satisfying Derby (with bacon, real blue cheese and sliced avocado). Whatever you order, rich, buttery sauteed onions are a must. Much has been made of Island's lack of french fries--space and cost are cited on the menu--but an order of thick crispy salt and vinegar chips almost satisfies the craving.
User Reviews
Anonymous
January 10, 2009
Island Burger serves great burgers! They have a wide variety of combinations of toppings for your burger. You can also get the toppings on a piece of grilled chicken if you're limiting your red meat intake. Their shakes are the real thing - thick and creamy and they use real malt. The only thing that is missing is French fries - they never got a deep fryer. But they do serve a variety of potato chips. Their salads are also delicious - the ingredients are fresh and they give you alot of them! The place is small and narrow - you sometimes have to wait for a table during the height of the lunch hour.
read full review
ARTROB
January 01, 2009
This place is way overrated! The burgers, dressing and cheese were tasteless! The only thing that had flavor was the bacon and it was overdone. I had my burger on sourdough and the bread fell apart - a horrible option to have on the menu. This place is beyond over rated! I can't believe it made it to the top of the Best of 2008 list!? The only reason I can think of is the number of options on the menu and not the quality. There are way better options to choose from in this city!
read full reviewAnonymous
May 24, 2008
If your looking for good food try Island Burgers and Shakes. The food is great and so is the service and the staff. They have a big selection. The cost is low and they always have a nice crowd. I recommend them to others.
read full reviewThe Details on Island Burgers and Shakes
The Extras:
Save some room for dessert: milk shakes, malteds and floats are big draws.
When to Go:
To avoid the lunch rush, arrive after 1pm.
Know Before You Go:
Island delivers between 40th and 63rd streets and between 5th Avenue and the water. Carryout is also available.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Food Delivery, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Island Burgers and Shakes
- Home of the chicken churasco
- Hearty hamburgers
- Beer and Wine available! Beer can be del
Island Burgers and Shakes serves hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The chicken churasco, a grilled chicken breast sandwich has become a favorite. We make them over 40 different ways using only the freshest chicken breast, produce, homemade sauces, and six different kinds of locally baked breads.
Our hamburgers are worth a try as well. We start with over a half-pound of the freshest, specially-blended prime beef, offer seven kinds of great cheeses, the city's best tomatoes and produce, and six different locally-baked breads. All our fantastic sauces are made here.
