A Day Making NYC's Most Hyped Burgers at Hamburger America | On The Line | Bon Appétit

“I’ve been obsessed with burgers, easily for about 25 years now. Hamburger America is the name of the documentary film I made in 2004; I have since then written five books, I’ve had three TV shows, and now a restaurant.” Today Bon Appétit spends a day on the line with George Motz, burger scholar and owner of Hamburger America.
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Bon Appétit is a highly opinionated food brand that wants everyone to love cooking and eating as much as we do. We believe in seasonal produce, properly salted pasta water, and developing recipes that anyone can make at home.

[@marvinko6610]

George is one of the most genuinely passionate people out there. He deserves all the success he has gotten an is going to get

[@metromusic5725]

Holy moly - what a bot style disingenuous cringe comment. You don't even know this dude. And he paid for the video to be made.

[@danielhogue6484]

!00% his attitude is amazing!

[@myho749]

That looks delicious

[@donniemoder1466]

I don't care if it is genuine or not. He projects a great attitude. Upbeat, positive with a little chuckle.

[@karadan100]

I really like the guy. He's sweet, genuine, smart and extremely funny. His recent collaboration with the channel 'Jolly' really highlighted his easy-going nature, commitment to his art and his on-point sense of humour. Great bloke.

[@alastairvanmaren5243]

So THAT'S where George Motz disappeared to! I didn't know he'd opened his own burger place. I love that for him. Such a wholesome gentleman. 😁

[@tberkoff]

I had the same reaction.

[@nicholas5240]

George Motz, George Hotz Amazing people

[@squeektheweek6949]

I believe on first we feast he did a few videos while they were setting up the restaurant

[@JOZoSo.]

You guys have been living under a rock because this is like the 5th video of him in his restaurant.

[@squeektheweek6949]

@@JOZoSo. I believe its the first on Bon Appetite, most of his content is on First We Feast.

[@drewcigna8197]

He researched hamburgers in America for two decades before deciding to open a restaurant. That's incredible and I wish him and his team nothing but success!

[@Sid-xh6so]

Doesn’t take much research or analysis to make a burger bud😂

[@lowerdragoon]

​@@Sid-xh6so Doesn't change the fact that George did research burgers for years before opening his own restaurant. Not every burger joint tastes the same. In my opinion the best burger joint I've been to is probably five guys.

[@modermoder2]

@@Sid-xh6so Motz literally talked about how silly it is that nobody took burgers as a serious historic food and here you are making the same mistake 😂

[@94seanster]

This 9 minute video, for some reason, felt like it was 3 minutes long in the best way

[@nathanmacedo881]

Fr id love an hour long video about this restaurant and him

[@uplatewithdave]

The buns are Martin’s Potato Rolls, just like Shake Shack uses.

[@richardschueler4]

went way to fast. I need more.

[@siddharthbhatia8815]

This is the most American thing I've ever seen and I mean that in the best way possible. This is beautiful.

[@moos5221]

I love the counter, straight out of Back to the Future No.2.

[@jwamerica84]

Smash burgers are unAmerican. You don’t know what Americanism is.

[@oldironsides4107]

He treated Antonio like a slave. Never a day off. And Antonio asked for a raise. George agreed. and immediately called immigration and nation has been in jail for over 300 days. Waiting to be deported. He has a wife of 20 years and has several children

[@mendeldavis5755]

His energy is amazing. You can tell he is passionate about his food and cares about his employees.

[@SanTM]

And they get 3 weeks paid holiday each year!

[@metromusic5725]

How can you tell "Mendel"? He paid for this to be produced, and he's acting in front of a camera. Don't be so cringe.

[@auritdutta4937]

Relax your username is metromusic

[@metromusic5725]

@@auritdutta4937 The whole video is fake. He's never at the restaurant an all he wants to do is open more, and then it will fail. Thats the story of all "celebrity" chef ventures. He rather be in front of the camera than behind a grill.

[@ildlyn8966]

yeah he cares so much he hides the mexicans in the back

[@Screwdriver346]

Grill top facing the clienteles is genius. It’s more personal and entertaining for the customer.

[@crazyelf1]

It becomes like the hamburger equal to teppanyaki.

[@Redacted-Information]

White Manna has the front facing grill, not really original

[@drewpearson6722]

I love George's enthusiasm! You can really tell this IS the restaurant he's always wanted to have. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to visit someday

[@MrGetItIn]

George's onion burger is one of the best burgers I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Highly recommend to anyone in NYC

[@faust451]

Concur. I visited in January and was planning on ordering the smash burger as I thought the onions would be overpowering. Ultimately I convinced myself to try the onion burger and it was perfection, absolutely delicious.

[@mammontustado9680]

How was the price? Considering it's NY

[@chinqlinq89]

@@mammontustado9680 Some of it’s shown in the video. $7.25/single $11.50/double milks are $4-5

[@MrGetItIn]

For the quality, very reasonable. I think the double onion burger and fries came to about $17@@mammontustado9680

[@michaelhockus8208]

nice thanks, I'll check it out

[@ItzBwo]

There’s food folks with personality, then there’s George with his PERSONALITY! Can’t not root for him just based on how passionate he is about his craft

[@henlolneh]

Mr Motz deserves everything great coming his way. The man's passion is palpable.

[@BornAndErrorOccur]

With the amount of knowledge Mr. Motz has on this subject, he deserves a restaurant for sure! So happy.

[@chrisschumacher4418]

George is the consummate burger ambassador, and we all love him for it. Nobody has made me go to the store and buy ingredients multiple times to try and duplicate what George does. Long live the burger master!

[@corgeousgeorge]

How have your attempts gone? Any successes?

[@chrisschumacher4418]

@corgeousgeorge I have been pretty successful doing smashburgers and onionshmash patties. My wife was nice enough to get me a nice Blackstone flat top, and it has been a game changer. I'm also lucky to have 2 teenage boys around, so I'm not eating all the experiments.

[@corgeousgeorge]

@@chrisschumacher4418 we Stan a supportive family unit!!

[@defthreats8004]

@@chrisschumacher4418Doesn’t seem to be much to it, unless I’m sorely mistaken? Is it the choice of meat for the patties? I’m in Sydney so never had the chance to sample :(

[@julieuk5855]

I believe in facing the customer. I met my husband that way. He was the Chef. 15 years later and we're still happy.❤

[@joeyrogerson83]

I see the merit in it but as someone who cooks for a living I DO NOT want people staring at me while I cook.

[@metromusic5725]

I'll take things that didn't happen for $400, Alex

[@Rosa-kd2cl]

@@metromusic5725aren’t you a ray of sunshine in all of these comments

[@banglarrannaghor]

That special item is called the Patty Melt 7:59 :)

[@zhiracs]

That specific one is the Chester, actually

[@joeyrogerson83]

A patty melt needs to have onions, but almost.

[@ken138]

That's what I was thinking too but then I think a Patty melt has onions. Also, Patty Melt would be too obvious. I think he was going for something a bit more obscure.

[@oldironsides4107]

Something a bum would make.

[@ganymede4030]

​@@oldironsides4107 What's with the bad attitude? Relax

[@1badjesus401]

First time I've heard of this guy, FIRST thing i notice is he's always laughin and smilin..

[@user-yq6cj2kt8t]

George is amazing ! His knowledge of burgers is absolutely insane lol love how he interacts with his employees

[@G-Maumee]

Always a joy to watch someone like George who is passionate about what they are doing. He deserves all the success he's gotten over the years.

[@JigilJigil]

I like it when people dedicate their whole life into one thing.

[@metromusic5725]

He's not - and he paid for this video to be produced for his restaurant.

[@GOOSE.]

They were meant to do what they do.

[@1b0o0]

Highly recommend “Jiro dreams of sushi”

[@MrCoffeekelly]

you mean like working a job to survive because they weren't born into money?

[@el_music0]

George Motz I love you sir! Your restaurant is on the bucket list and it will stay there no matter how many times I go! You are an incredible human being sir 🙏🏼

[@darrenr2538]

Now that there is one passionate, legend of a cook. I stumbled across this video by accident and stayed because he was an absolute joy to listen to. His entire team were great. If only this Londoner was back in NY again!

[@uuuultra]

It was no accident

[@GG-bl2vm]

How can you not love George and his passion for burgers. 😊

[@seandavis5981]

I could listen/watch George talk about/educate people about the history of the hamburger and its regional offshoots for eternity. His passion for it draws you in and his charisma/love/thirst to know even more than he already does keeps you coming back. Adding this spot to my bucket list for when I can get back to New York, for sure.

[@andrec.fennell9255]

It's so refreshing to see a personality be so into what they do and passionate about it, laughing the whole time.

[@stianaslaksen5799]

He's such a fun and genuine character. I wish him all the best with his restaurant!

[@jameswilliams2494]

I make smashburgers every day. Usually around 100-200. The pre cook one side, then flip and smash just changed my life. My go to has been stripping seasoning on one side so that it sticks to the grill and not smasher... I no longer have to grill brick between big rushes. you have saved my forearms sir.

[@RealBigBadJohn]

❓

[@vincer7824]

Yeah it’s a neat technique.

[@blipblap614]

I always use a square of parchment paper, but it's annoying. Light sear and flip sounds like the move.

[@fruitpenguin6285]

One of my favorite people on the planet it's always such a joy to see George talking about what he loves

[@Volvalex]

I'm so glad that George has finally been able to open a location where he can share his affinity and influence for burgers to the world. He looks so happy, and he deserved this, for being such a unique and influential gentleman. Congratulations George!

[@MrRom92DAW]

Out of all the restaurants ever featured on this channel, this is 100% one I NEED to visit.

[@briguyinsi]

Incredible simple food, he’s the best.

[@richardporter154]

I love watching and listening to him speak so passionately about what he loves.

[@josereyna8885]

What a beautiful demeanor! The burgers look amazing and the energy of the place is magic!

[@TyyTheFlyGuy]

Always enjoyed his videos. Happy he found his calling with his own restaurant, the food look fantastic.

[@DeVouRHm]

You can really tell that he loves what he does, is just wonderful!

[@reddy272]

Love all of his innovations and well designed aspects to his kitchen. The onion slicer, holder for the napkins on the counter, the way his station is set up, smashula

[@chicobicalho5621]

Obviously he is one happy camper. Lovely to see his enthusiasm, and working with him has to be a joy.

[@swervsplatt9672]

For anyone who's wondering, he's using a Robot Coupe in the beginning to slice onions. Quite possibly the best food processor ever... 👍🤠

[@shawnswinehart3461]

As a sous chef myself I literally thought "I do the same thing with a robot coupe." It's not propriatary like he said but it's definitely efficient.

[@danielbothman3511]

more specifically looks like a robot coupe CL 52

[@keyproco]

It's just for being funny, we can understand how painful was without that robot !

[@Caderic]

@@keyproco Ok, I was think, "Am I the only one that thought he was going for a joke there?" I mean, I am glade to know what the name of the machine is now, but I was under no impression it wasn't just a joke.

[@keyproco]

haha, i can understand you, it was a tricky joke 🤣

[@brookmelee5983]

No ketchup, no mayo or aioli, love it. Mustard, pickle, onion, cheese. That's the way.

[@bensonr2]

This is the way.

[@yettel8shrjriene922]

It seems that you can add them optionally

[@EJ-wc3ew]

cheese and onions only for me

[@AnotherAverageCanuck]

Something so simple and yet so elegant. Nothing fancy about it and what looks easy to make def looks hard to master. Talk about a perfect meal.

[@willfosterphoto]

George is the sweetest of all burger hearts!

[@ChemicalEngineeringGuy]

5:58 thats a great tip!

[@domi2023x]

That guy sounds like ASAC Hank Schrader.

[@aaronermis4082]

George’s smile and laugh is infectious.

[@TBrizzle]

Makes me so happy to see George further pursuing his passion by having his own restaurant!

[@storyoptics4964]

It's awesome to see George on Bon Appétit after having watched his First We Feast videos for so long.

[@BlindTom61]

This guy is such a positive person. It makes me really happy to watch this video.

[@FalloutPlays]

George is a legend & his passion is inspiring

[@handymadness]

This is my favorite video your channel has ever put out.

[@cheef825]

sadly wasn't there when george was behind the grill, but the atmosphere and food was delicious. hopefully i can see him next time im in nyc, as he's the one who made me think more about the burgers ive been eating my whole life. highly reccomend the offmenu chester!

[@christiann27]

George Motz is a guy who makes me love my hobbies even more. His passion and charisma are truly inspiring! I hope to dine at his restaurant someday.

[@YOUKNOWDUH1]

Went during the first opening week. I stumbled upon the place and saw a line and was like its the burger guy's shop! He came out and greeted people in line and I got to speak and take a picture with him. Genuine guy and same energy in person! I've had many smash burgers in my life and the burger was nothing crazy, but the aura and nostalgic feel made up for it.

[@Alex-zi1nb]

so happy for george. cant wait to visit one day

[@Jack-qk7tq]

been following this george sense he started showing up on first we feast. He's so genuine and nice, i strive to enjoy my life and job as much as he does.

[@OG-Jakey]

Guy seems super genuine and loves everything about burgers and its history. Definitely deserves to have his own store like this!

[@jamesjirik2245]

It’s people like you that make the world go round with a cheerful smile, making people happy doing what you wanna do

[@itypethetruthnobshere8975]

dude looks like johnny knoxville in a costume

[@benwasserman8223]

I got to visit George's place last month. His Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is fantastic - highly recommend if you ever stop by Hamburger America. Then again, there's only two burgers on the menu, so probably best to buy a pair.

[@beardown6574]

Love George! Became a fan watching him on first we feast. Just love his energy and passion for burgers. So happy for him and the success he's having.

[@Michael20]

its great to see someone who enjoys their job with this much pride and enthusiasm.

[@Marshy94]

that dude is VERY american.

[@matthewtunney7331]

I had him clean bent over the kitchen feeding it to him he loved it busted that thing

[@dikhetto]

For the people who wanted to know the machine for onion, its called robot coupe cl50

[@tweakypoppy]

Why is it proprietary? George makes it sound like he invented it.

[@peterhoang2107]

@@tweakypoppy Maybe he modified it or had it on a specific setting to get his perfectly sliced onions.

[@vincer7824]

Robot Coupe is the king of food processor type commercial appliances. Goated, as the kids say.

[@williamwallace410]

Thanks, I was wondering.

[@danielbothman3511]

the handle makes it look more like a CL 52

[@Grizlore]

George is one of the most genuinely passionate people out there. He deserves all the success he has gotten

[@jonathanbennett1373]

One of my all time favorite things to eat is a patty melt on rye with grilled onions…I never get tired of them…at 7:58 he’s putting together the makings of one and now it’s into the kitchen I go…happy Sunday burger family😛

[@richardb561]

Great to see George living the dream! Will have to make a pilgrimage to Hamburger America one day; I got to try his onion burger in London a few years back and it became my go-to method for making a burger.

[@williamwallace410]

what makes it better than a regular hamburger patty?

[@pepperman2385]

@@williamwallace410 The burger patty is roughly 50/50 ground beef to onions. Not really better, just different. It was created in Oklahoma during the Great Depression as a way for diners to to be able to provide reasonably priced and still filling meals for those struggling to make ends meet back in those rough times.

[@joshuapatrick682]

if anyone personifies the simple joy of having a perfect burger, it's George.

[@acglover7349]

I love people like this. Filled with real, authentic passion for something they truly love and genuinely care about. They're so rare. Too much fake enthusiasm and annoying, cloying personalities these days. I just wanna find ppl like him, who share some of my passions, and put cool stuff out into the world, for others to appreciate.

[@253Monty]

absolutely, I watched the whole thing with a ton of interest simply because he's so passionate and expressive about what he does. I think there are many people who are authentically passionate about things but its very rare that someone can articulate and express that passion in a way that's so fun and interesting to listen to- that's an amazing talent in itself.

[@chloeswift652]

what i love most is your style of the resturant and you are empoweringly positive sir.xx

[@phronsiekeys]

I think this is what they mean by "follow your bliss" 🙂

[@kindablue1959]

When you say 'they' you mean Joseph Campbell.

[@metromusic5725]

He failed at television - so he opened a restaurant. And he paid for this video to be produced. Also BOT COMMENT

[@laughaway7955]

​@@metromusic5725 so?

[@76marex]

@@metromusic5725 You obviously need help urgently

[@bored7743]

Rlly glad George Motz is getting his bag. Well deserved. He’s done a lot for the burger. Sounds odd but it’s true.

[@frikaleoteras]

This guy always brings a smile to my face. All the best with the restaurant

[@tomawen5916]

Love. Love. Love. How the American dream comes true with a classic smash cheeseburger. Great video on Hamburger America. Thanks BA!

[@julseabate4173]

wow he is STILL excited making burgers!! bravo George!

[@Shwexx]

His secret onion machine is a Robot Coupe CL 50 series E for anyone wondering

[@REALchocochan]

😻ty

[@raultraje]

Very ugly of him to want to hide this equipment. And a little naive too. Any burger place in practically any country in the world has one of these or an equivalent...A manufacturer here in Brazil that does something similar is Skymsen

[@discounthub1401]

Wonder why he said it was propiertary? thought he designed it himself.

[@Shwexx]

@@discounthub1401 he might have said that to throw people off but the silhouette of that machine looks EXACTLY like the one I mentioned.

[@discounthub1401]

@@Shwexx lol

[@WasnClown]

The Energy this guy brings into a room is amazing, thats the way you'll be successful!

[@Pinkorchid72]

I love that his griddle faces the counter so he can interact with customers. That’s fabulous!

[@foboshobo]

His restaurant is worth the hype, one of the best burgers ive had

[@123456djgoogoo]

I hope I find my purpose like this guy one day, genuine happiness.

[@user-kt9yx8mf6x]

I have actually had the pleasure of eating here 4to5 times in the last year! I can honestly say as an English mountain who is also obsessed with American burgers. This is absolutely hands down the best burger joint in New York City I would gladly move to New York just to have this as my weekly treat. I wish all the continued success to all the staff here Great joint❤

[@andrepedzik2047]

You are my hero. Love burgers and cannot ever get enough of them. Onions pickle green and red peppers carmelized with bacon and mozzarella cheese and the fries shoved under the bun with lots of ketchup , a vanilla shake and a real black and white cookie for desert. NOW THAT IS HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@smithyc2051]

A burger done properly is the finest food in the world.

[@lucassilvapascoal3581]

I discovered George Motz on First We Feast and I love his show there, I love to see the passion that he has in what he does, he is a source of motivation to me.

[@brianweitzelphotography5616]

You can just tell the joy this guy has for his craft. Happy for him.

[@phug0id]

congrats George! you deserve everything you've worked for including this restaurant! hope to visit some day 🙂🙂

[@534]

Watching this while fasting

[@damascusraven]

$7.25 for a single. New York in a nutshell.

[@mr.blamochai2801]

the rent is mainly what causes this

[@DevoteeCT]

@@mr.blamochai2801 First is food costs, then a NYC living wage for employees, then rent.

[@BarryBlockZay617]

Tbh not bad but I live in Boston and it's more expensive than NY 🤷🏾‍♂️ I'd pay that for a burger like this

[@NumeroMOrk]

A😊😊​@@DevoteeCT

[@jussierussell8277]

​@mr.blamochai2801 ...and the non-English speaking employees that DEFINITELY have their green card

[@littlemcdrawley6701]

Thank you for your incredible service to the culinary industry George ❤

[@hope.birdii]

i love this series because it really is just genuine people doing what they love :)

[@coinstruck6079]

Hamburgers are the most delicious underrated delicacy in the world.

[@mrackerm5879]

Someday I will visit you there, George. Congratulations. You were once kind and answered a few email messages I sent you.

[@kotkaconforza]

I love the look and feel of that place. Mid century americana diner/greasy spoon, with a functional system, that doesn't feel like it tries to be a throw back just for the sake of it.

[@paulfitzpatrick8288]

George's passion is so infectious!

[@vh4355]

I miss Burger Scholars. :( George is always entertaining. :)

[@nobodyhome-jy2bd]

this guy was born to burger.

[@whitephantom3774]

2:16 *responds in complete Spanish* Replies “oh”

[@chowfunky]

Love this guy. "A special seasoned salt" haha we all saw the buckets of lawry's seasoning downstairs!

[@turtleboypurp]

def making the trip to nyc this yr and this place is on the top of my bucket list.

[@kind2311]

machine @ 1:28 is a Robot Coupe CL50 Continuous Feed Food Processor

[@HuismanJudith]

Thanks. Any idea why he wanted it blurred? Was it more than just not showing the brand?

[@kind2311]

@@HuismanJudith I have absolutely no idea 🤣🤣🤣

[@rickstilkey4390]

Came here just for this comment.

[@jng99]

George is a national treasure. When I visit the US, this will be one of my foodie destinations!

[@rohanxdavis]

Love to see this energy around food!

[@MilitantOldLady]

I love watching people who are happy and love what they're doing.