Restaurant Review: Island Burgers & Shakes, New York City

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to grab lunch in West Midtown/Hell's Kitchen, look no further than Island Burgers & Shakes, a little hole-in-the-wall on 9^th Ave. This tiny spot serves up some of the best burgers, chicken sandwiches and shakes in the area, for an unbeatable price. Most of the food available on this particular stretch of 9^th Ave. is Thai, Sushi or Vietnamese, so Island Burgers & Shakes offers a welcome alternative cuisine.

I discovered Island Burgers & Shakes when I was working in Midtown/Hell's Kitchen, and it quickly became one of my lunchtime standbys. Unfortunately for patrons, it's a favorite spot for lots of locals, so it gets crowded VERY quickly. There are only about 25 seats in the whole place, so it's best to get there early or call ahead for takeout (no reservations). Be sure to bring cash, as Island Burgers & Shakes doesn't take credit cards.

Anyway, as for the food - the menu is limited to just what they know how to do right. Island Burgers & Shakes serves up creative burgers, salads and chicken sandwiches that are seriously delicious. Their classic burgers, like the Patty Melt and Black & Blue, are excellent, but their more offbeat selections are real winners. Try the Princess Grace (a burger or chicken sandwich with ham, boursin cheese, and grilled mushrooms, onions and peppers on a ciabatta roll) or the Tijuana (with bacon, guacamole, jack cheese and onion) - you won't regret it. They also offer huge and tasty salads - the Phuket and Cobb are my favorites - and the chicken breasts on the salads (or sandwiches) are always tender and juicy, never dry. I find that the burgers are best cooked medium rare, to keep them moist. The kitchen is usually spot on - I've never had to send an overcooked burger back.

The one drawback to all this goodness? No fries! That's right, this burger joint offers baked potatoes instead, due to space limitations in the kitchen. However, I have never missed the fries - the burgers at Island Burgers & Shakes are so big and flavorful that I usually don't even have room for a shake. That said, the shakes are worth saving yourself for - creamy and delicious! I've never bothered ordering a baked potato, but I have friends who swear by them. Go see for yourself - just remember to bring cash and a hearty appetite!

Address: 766 9^th Ave., btw. 51^st and 52^nd St.
Phone: 212-307-7934
Hours: M-Sat 12-11pm, closed Sunday
Price Range: burgers $7+, cash only