The Best Burger in NYC Is at Rolo's in Queens - Smoke Point

With a menu that is focused on wood-fired cuisine, Rolo’s has become one of NYC’s most popular and busy restaurants. Chef and co-owner Rafiq Salim and his team make one of the city’s best burgers, a two-sheet lasagna verde, a dry-aged bone-in rib-eye, and more.
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Credits:
Producer: Connor Reid
Directors: Connor Reid, Murilo Ferreira
Camera: Murilo Ferreira, Carla Francescutti
Editor: Howie Burbidge
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: Ian Stroud
Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Development: Terri Ciccone, Frances Dumlao, Avery Dalal
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For more episodes of 'Smoke Point', click here: trib.al/3BvVvBn
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[@Calluma96]

One thing i like about these videos is that there is no host trying to talk to the restaurant owners/workers, best to just go in and let them showcase what they have

[@imamoronand9199]

literally. there are so many channels where the host is visibly fighting to be the centre of attention

[@eiizo8439]

God that butcher is amazing you can really feel the dedication

[@CormacHolland]

Seriously, I could watch him work and talk all day. He’s got that radiating passion.

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

@@CormacHolland what if you knew that the butcher was chopping up dogs or cats dismembered body parts? Would you still watch with so much PLEASURE? Watch DOMINION.... pigs, cows and chickens are actually even smarter and more sentient than dogs and cats - especially pigs are one of the most intelligent animals on earth. We are just programmed not to care about certain animals designated to be "Food" - for TOTALLY ARBITRARILY and we treat most animals worse than even people in the MIDDLE AGES did - 95% of all animals you stuf your face with come from factory farms - BILLIONS OF PEOPLE EATING ANIMALS - it's IMPOSSIBLE to raise them humanely

[@douglarsen4801]

I have such an appreciation for these guys now. Incredible.

[@LBS4]

Seriously, he could carry his own show - great job!

[@Jonjon19999]

I love how he says "A polite steak for thoughtful people"

[@nerd26373]

Eater never disappoints. We hope these kinds of businesses continue to thrive. They deserve it a lot.

[@peterbrown954]

Me too. Hope they cope with the introduction of CBDCs and carbon taxes placed on livestock.

[@wf2197]

@@peterbrown954 pretty sure they are buying their beef from a local, small farm that has been practicing sustainable and humane ranching for years now. With that said, I’d imagine this burger is very pricey. This is good IMO, we should relish and appreciate meat more than we do. A better balance of red meat to other food groups has been proven time and again to be more healthy for people.

[@JohnHausser]

⬆️ 🤖 comment

[@peterbrown954]

@@wf2197 our rulers don’t differentiate between cows raised intensively and those raised holistically. For them, cows = methane = bad for the planet.

[@timon20061995]

@@peterbrown954 Right, making expansive food more expansive.

[@toughlikerocks]

I worked with these guys at Gramercy. So happy to see them doing their own thing and being so successful. P.S. Joe might be the nicest person I've ever met.

[@joelaroid]

That’s very sweet of you to say

[@bestreviews9666]

He looks like he loves what he does

[@nonow1353]

The f is a gramercy? They were my basketball rivals in highschool a world away

[@WHOOOOOOOOCARES]

@@joelaroid​​⁠I live in middle village. Thankful I watched this. I definitely need to come to the restaurant and try the food. The steak & burger looks soooooooo fire.

[@gfbl]

​@@joelaroidgreat stuff Joe!

[@avscript1]

the love and commitment these professionals give to create then serve the very best food literally brings tears to my eyes

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

Please watch DOMINION. These are dismembered body parts of totally innocent victims who were terrorized and tortured in ways that are UNBEARABLE TO WATCH... do you have any idea how much THEY WEPT AND BLED? the "LOVE"? Can those who deal with dismembered body parts of tortured animals really be filled with LOVE? Were the NAZIS filled with love? They were just conditioned to NOT CARE ABOUT CERTAIN PEOPLE just as WE are conditioned NOT TO CARE ABOUT THE SUFFERING OF CERTAIN ANIMALS (THOUGH THEIR SUFFERING IS JUST THE SAME AS OURS IF WE WERE IN THEIR POSITION)

[@cougar2013]

Yeah, and they rip you off for something that is marginally better than something a fraction of the cost

[@Bobble86]

@Karl with a K That's not how it works.

[@kap1526]

​@@karlwithak.Yeag i had kobe beef burger in san francisco that cost me $40. Yep probably a knock off just like what you had.

[@hal8683]

They do it for $$$ big $$$ ... rip off... mental salad.

[@Lexlugr]

One of the few Eater shows where I'm genuinely stumped as to what I'd order, everything is made with so much love and dedication without BS or extra fluff. Felicitations!

[@arenkai]

Not gonna lie, those lasagne look amazing. So glad to see Béchamel in here !

[@cwg73160]

Not gonna lie, I like food that tastes good. Not gonna lie, I’ve had good burgers before. Not gonna lie, I like to turn on the heater when it’s really cold. Not gonna lie, I think The Godfather is a good movie. Not gonna lie, when I drive, I try to not crash into other cars. Not gonna lie, I know how to use chopsticks.

[@polythewicked]

Right? I make mine with a parmesan bechamel and it’s so much better than ricotta.

[@MessyTimes]

I love to see hard work and dedication to craft. Not only are they providing a great dining experience to their customers, but they are living lives worth living. Good for them and good for Eater for highlighting their work.

[@1998TDM]

I'm a chef and this kind of gig gives me a woody. It's beautiful, big food and I suspect service is a ballet of violence. Gorgeous!

[@S3Lifestyle]

Agreed, love this series and this channel!! If you love restaurant insight, we're a similar mostly Michelin-based food channel... but also focus on underdogs killing it the kitchen! We're do more real-time reactions into the dining experience, with some backstage prep and interviews too! We're super small and trying to grow and connect with other food enthusiasts. Come say hi :) All the best!

[@jasonkey78]

These dudes are pros in the kitchen. Rolos should be on everyone’s list of restaurants to try in NYC. Shout out to Howard and Rafiq!

[@sharasahara]

Love the multipurpose use of the meat grinder. Simple yet genius!

[@rxa5249]

The passion and hardwork easily gets a thumbs up! Food looks incredible!

[@morty412]

My son dragged me out to Queens to Rolo's. It was well worth the trip. Had that burger. Fantastic! Wonderful service as well.

[@fahid3342]

Queens is the best borough stop

[@Paul7596]

Some of my favorite content on KZbin! Love the infectious passion for food in these videos

[@TheGlamorousLifeofNae]

I love these videos showing how different restaurants run! ☺️ I was excited to see this come up in my subscriptions.

[@ChaosRehab]

Love the idea of using the grinder for the sofrito!

[@jerome834]

You had me at..."I find that a food processor gives an inadequately even particle definition for the...."

[@smoath]

🤣👍🏻

[@johnt7776]

These people are amazing. It shows in the food. Kudos to this team

[@BenjaminIMeszaros]

Everything at this restaurant is best in class. Just unreal.

[@tew4477]

😊

[@marca4443]

That "Lasagna." Couldn't even imagine that unless you showed it to me coming out the wood fire

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

watch DOMINION -- "BEST IN CLASS"? IS IT REALLY THE BEST WE CAN DO as humans? stuff our faces with dismemebered body parts of innocent babies forced into existence in terrifying conditions, mutilated and kept in extreme confinement and fattened just for unwatchable MASSACRE? THAT'S WHAT HUMAN BEINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO?

[@gracious1143]

I watch a lot of videos on this channel of restaurants and establishments showcasing their culinary art and there hasn't been a single place that's resonated with me as much as this one. They're all about what I love when it comes to food and I'd looooove to actually eat there 1 day

[@jimmynilsson7031]

Wood-fire cooking and driven restaurants are just incredible to watch, very inspiring! Burgers, lasagna and that polenta bread, just mouthwatering! Thanks for another great piece @eater! 👌🏼🔥

[@jasonkramer8536]

Cooking over wood, even outside of smoking, just brings so much more to the table when it comes to flavor and presentation. Props to the chefs and the cinematographer. That was sexy af.

[@distprod]

After watching this nicely-produced video last year, I absolutely had to check out Rolo’s. Finally got a table yesterday when I was in NYC for the weekend. Ordered the Double Cheeseburger with the bacon addition and the Polenta bread. It was an all-time great burger, now one of top five burgers in my life. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to get a reservation at or a little after opening for lunch and dinner because they run out of burgers.

[@mike9347]

I just love the way that these blokes take what i would call work, yet they turn it into art. It's just from the heart. Fantastic to see.

[@jlb197736]

What a great video! Amazing job capturing these Chefs doing what they love!

[@tamanimaiesia5344]

Their dedication to craft is admirable 😊

[@chesterpuffington8368]

Seriously!!!! I am blown away. Such passion for the product.

[@NYCfrankie]

Im from Bensonhurst Brooklyn born and raised and rolos is unreal ive been twice its absolutely worth the drive on the BQE also the way he ground the sufrite i think thats a great idea i might try that next Sunday when I make a sauce

[@opio11]

I went with my wife the same day after watching this video. Wow. The food is amazing. Gotta love NY.

[@tolaogunniyi4592]

Great team making this all happen. I am adding this destination to my bucket list:-)

[@noshableadam]

Fantastic video and thank you to the Rolo’s team for sharing so much. Can’t wait to visit in June.

[@GW-sc1rl]

It all looks amazing, the wood fired lasagne is the most unique item for me. Definitely my type of restaurant.

[@adnanroni]

Wow intense!! loved it!! Great to see all the kitchen craftsmen, and the video was editing was superb!

[@miket7745]

mmmm this video just made this restaurant on top of my list to go to. it amazes me when gems like this that are in the outer boroughs are discovered.

[@user-kw9su9mw8q]

The passion and hardwork easily gets a thumbs up! Food looks incredible!. God that butcher is amazing you can really feel the dedication.

[@chefbrooklyn5140]

All I can is this is PERFECTION. AT IT'S BEST!!!

[@dyates6380]

Excellent. I LOVE these type of videos. So interesting and informative, AND, appetite inducing!!!!!

[@sdarms111doug9]

I just checked out their menu online, the prices are reasonable too. Not cheap, but not NYC expensive. Great menu too... the Lasagna was $26.

[@Godrulez7]

That's cheap af omg imagine dragons.

[@fahid3342]

That’s way too expensive dude

[@sdarms111doug9]

@@fahid3342 Oh, I agree... but we're talking NYC here....

[@herbertball429]

Love " we have to turn all of This" True you must sell, sell. Rib eye my fav cut. Continued success guys

[@workaccount1478]

These dudes are so cool and good at their jobs. Love it.

[@gordonduffett5138]

My wife and I were blessed to visit New York in Jan 2019, I wish we’d known about this place!!

[@theyuragoon3226]

Wow just two months before covid.... Or maybe I'm forgetting my years

[@daniellutz7308]

It wasn’t open yet!

[@UndarZ]

@@theyuragoon3226 14 months*

[@ohhreally92]

Dam that last montage of all the different food was insane! Looks so good!

[@Bigern2998]

This is food wizardry. This is what happens when some of the best and brightest turn their full attention to food. Incredible!

[@dietcoke9536]

Wow, each plate served left me truly gobsmacked, and the menu was nothing short of spectacular.

[@drpepperr]

I really appreciate the narration of the sauce Bolognese preparation.

[@patriciomora9663]

I watched the whole video without fast forwarding once. I want to go there!!

[@mikewilhelmson8413]

Looks insane. My mouth was watering by halfway in, nice work ladies and gentlemen.

[@neilcharles2520]

Living in NYC and running one of the finest wine stores Upper East side on Madison Ave for 14 years back in the early 80's -90's,gave me the opportunity to dine at all the top restaurants often...Most of them are all out of business now,but glad to see there are still some great ones like Rolo's...I left NY in 1998 and really miss the food...He mentioned Peter Lugers,i ate there two times a month for many years...The one in Greenpoint,Brooklyn..I will make a special trip later in the year to dine at Rolo's.

[@neilcharles2520]

@Karl with a K Really?Did you wake up from your dream already?

[@thh982]

Rolo’s opened a few years ago? I think 2021? Lol

[@neilcharles2520]

@@thh982 I never said i ate at Rolo's,i just said i am glad there are still greats restaurants in NY...

[@LECityLECLEC]

The sous chef is a bods and so eloquent. When he said “inadequate particle definition” my mind was blown!

[@patrickcollins7407]

This is one of the best food docs I think I have seen this year so far. Just fascinating..... I am not sure about the lasagne being blackened though, but I do think the lasagne verdi is a good touch, I use alternated green and regular sheets....... Personally I'd use some mozzarella between the layers too....... Poor Paula she looked knackered !!

[@karan_hiremath]

a good friend of mine works the bar at Rolo's. such a fantastic restaurant! was there the opening week. the polenta bread truly is incredible and everything coming out of that oven is phenomenal. Def need to get that burger again soon

[@sazcxieo]

That final takes are orgasmic!

[@allenbateman3518]

Now im starving..... that burger...WOW!! it all looked so good..

[@PKP1]

I was not expecting this. Phenomenal

[@jeffreycooley2032]

Been to NYC twice, and never knew about this glorious place. Next time I'm there, I'll be definitely visiting

[@tp2608]

Rolos is an amazing amazing amazing restaurant. I have a friend whose a chef there and they are true true chefs in their craft. I had the burger and it is even better than you think.

[@washedupwarvet2027]

Those burgers look so damn good. You can tell that it’s juicy and the bacon looks incredible with it.

[@elmagico6994]

Wow your sous chef is a real ball of energy!!

[@polythewicked]

I learned so many cool techniques from this video.

[@andytraill]

The Roux slices. 😍 (along with many, many other things) Edit: You can just see in every single touch the dedication.

[@ConradB]

You know the chef is great when you love the way they talk about food.

[@thewalkingdunning-krugeref9664]

This place looks incredible. Holy moly.

[@quasarsavage]

gotta try the next time I make it to NYC. hope that is soon

[@user-eo5ju9fg6m]

This is the best "food" video I've seen on KZbin, period. Bravo

[@paulmerring1607]

I have to try this place. It looks absolutely fantastic

[@mikeeatsnycburgers]

awesome video...looking forward to trying this one!

[@diveshtilokani7979]

Amazing work! Keep it up. God Bless.

[@DannyAmerican]

I feel like I should be taking notes when big Sous chef speaks. I feel the passion!

[@David-if9vi]

Great video Sirs. At 4:45, about the steel grill? You are using the wrong material, hence the problems. There are cast iron fire grates that are designed to take heat, and will not deform like your current grill. Kind regards, and greetings from Africa.

[@primeminister66]

Good stuff. These guys are like food scientist, engineers if you will. Poor young lady kneading that dough!

[@dREHER0009]

This was beautiful to watch. Mouth watering stuff

[@henrycruz3547]

Incredible work. So much detail goes into production! Will be stopping by next time in the city !

[@fedbyflip]

grinding the mirepoix in the meat grinder for the soffritto may just be one of the biggest big-brain moves i’ve ever seen

[@truenorth2653]

That is attention to detail. My lord, it all looks top shelf.

[@SliceydiceyCookingNicey]

yep... if i ever make it to NYC, this is on my list

[@ManUntdForever]

That burger looked incredible.

[@garrettpatton7035]

can confirm, they run an amazing place and that burger is as good as it looks but the lasagna is even better

[@nodrama490]

Loved this video, great looking food , wish to visit it sometime

[@SNoringbair]

One of the best meals I had in the city last year. I’m so proud of these guys

[@Chris.4345]

Dude I do the mirepoix the same way (not in a grinder but a very very fine mince), basically a purée, and I always get strange looks for not doing it traditionally. the sofrito comes out amazing (and versatile) this way.

[@tastewithjase]

I LOVE the obsessiveness. I only see this in Americans (I'm a Brit) I wish we had more people that live a breathe the search for perfection over here (yes I know there are some but I've met so many in NYC and Portland)

[@josiannel8189]

This looks like my new favorite restaurant. thanks eater!

[@Kevan808]

I really appreciate their devotion to quality and making great tasting dishes.

[@Palomisha]

Everything looks amazing

[@heracles89]

Wow, dishes look amazing

[@MrLorenzoJR]

Wow I’m thinking about flying here to eat this food looked good.

[@jc2delaga]

Wow, delicious 😋 Next time when in NY for sure 😋

[@rr6013]

Woodfired first principles. Hell yeah, now you’re cookin’! Tons of takeaways

[@drazed746]

At first glance I thought it was a Action Bronson food video when I seen the big guy bringing down the meat. 😂

[@danieldougan269]

Looks amazing! I shudder to think of the menu prices, but I'm sure it's wonderful.

[@brianmoody2549]

Grilling will give you the color and texture you’re looking for,knowing and understanding your ingredients for what ever type of meat you’re cooking.

[@kennak476]

Wow, I would fly out there just to try something to eat!

[@stevenroberts614]

I wish I would have become a top of the line chef sometimes. The passion they have for their craft is amazing. I feel like they don't even work, they just get to go do what they love daily.

[@tcooper897]

Imagine how hot it must be tho

[@drmqr]

Great work Eater, love this series, amazing place with passionate chefs wish them all the best, will definitely visit next time I am in NYC

[@pectenmaximus231]

This is awesome. Seriously.

[@jameslenney]

“Why do you do all of this insane stuff?” “Because it tastes yummy” 😂😂

[@NoDoSwLa]

Another great one!

[@jaredhayes3026]

I'm definitely going there to check them out

[@bri9bern]

Can't wait to visit this place!

[@EnvyTraxus]

would love to go there and try the burger and dry aged rib-eye and the palenta bread

[@interestings7866]

That burger looks insane 😮