Eating at George Motz’s Hamburger America. Best Burgers in NYC?

[@jpbanksnj]

I've followed George for many years, I am happy for his huge success with this venture. Well deserved.

[@Jamesnu]

I feel the same way.

[@bomboomsreality3113]

Who's George?

[@jpbanksnj]

@@bomboomsreality3113 Well this took a unique left turn from the right lane, didn't it... "Mind. Blown."

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

​@@bomboomsreality3113From the jungle.

[@marcosortiz6052]

Which do you prefer, Smacking Burger or George’s? Thank you!

[@marcellalee926]

I love that this video includes multiple visits. Hamburger America looks amazing.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I wish that I could visit the restaurants I make videos on more than once. I'm happy at least that I got to do it with Hamburger America.

[@jillr759]

This is killing me! I have not eaten in a week for health issues and I’m starving! Looks so good. I love crispy edges and I’ve learned how to make a smash onion burger. Great film James. Still shocked how much you can eat!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I hope that you can eat again soon!

[@bkm2797]

Oooh, almost missed this one! I've seen George before and remember him for the smash onion burger. Glad to hear you giving George's restaurant a thumbs up. Thanks James, always a pleasure!

[@Jamesnu]

@@bkm2797 Thanks for watching!

[@shadowfilm7980]

It’s nice that he shows off all the other burger places. To give them some exposure too. Nice humble touch.

[@Jamesnu]

I try my best to mention other spots when they're relevant.

[@Bragglord]

One thing that I love about this channel, aside from your honesty and obvious love of food, is the sheer breadth of places you visit, from popular burger spots to the likes of Per Se and Le Bernardin. Keep up the great work, keep eating 😉 I have about six spots in NYC alone I've put on my Gmaps thanks to you.

[@Jamesnu]

@@Bragglord Thanks for watching! I appreciate the support! I love showcasing a good variety of restaurants because there are amazing places to dine at, at all price points.

[@rossikc]

You see that? $13 for a great burger and fries. Other places in NYC would charge you $30+ for just a burger. This is how you actually do good business.

[@hazelsolbolivar]

What a fun spot to learn about!! And shoutout to the Seikos throughout

[@NoahEats]

A solid watch!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I love my Seikos!

[@kyrastuart1920]

I remember watching Hamburger America many years ago. Fascinating documentary. So happy for the success of his restaurant.

[@The2ndFirst]

Thanks James! I know he's sort of "hip" to do now, but I'll probably never do it so it's fun to see it. As always, I respect your unique style of food review videos.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@NicHare-o6c]

Thanks for the great review!! I'm glad you had a good experience!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@dianalong2024]

Hi James! Thanks for your review! My husband and I got such a kick watching you consume those perfect burgers! We love them like Magnum pi. Just meat... Cheese and bun! Onions on a wild day! So glaad for this experience ❤👍🍔🍟

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Indeed, those burgers didn't need much in the way of toppings. They were simply delicious!

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi James, Thank you for your review of Hamburger America. I’m so impressed that you continue to find all the best places to eat no matter what the price point. It’s so cool that they had a counter with swivel seats. Mr Motz has a very interesting business model. Simple and do it well! Have a great evening. You are a pleasure. Best Wishes, Peter

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you Peter! I try my best to showcase a great variety of places on my channel. There are just so many amazing restaurants out there at all price points.

[@sanitary103]

Your videos are such high quality and informative.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I always try my best to make good videos.

[@NancyRemling]

I love George and everything he’s done. Thank you for showcasing his new joint. He’s the best!!🌺🌺🌺

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! I'm a big fan of George as well!

[@DavidHamburg-i5d]

Thank you so much for this video, James. Nothing more delicious than a fully dressed cheeseburger. When I saw that Motz offered the olive burger as a special, memories of my first olive burger flooded back. Nice shots of food prep. Can’t believe you ate the whole thing (burp!).

[@Jamesnu]

@@DavidHamburg-i5d Thanks for watching! Yeah, I wish that I was around when they had the olive burger special. It sounded delicious!

[@mizlynn5167]

I love agood smash burger. We recently got a Culvers near me and I love their burgers too along with the fries & cheese cup. I so enjoy all of your videos! Bon apetit!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! In terms of fast food, I really like Culver's. I feel like it deserves more attention.

[@jessedylan6162]

Thanks James for this video. As a NYC tour guide, i now have another place to take visitors to in lieu of The Burger Joint and Shake Shack. Keep up your labor of love.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@CoolEyeColorado]

Awesome review and KZbin content! Love your reviews and have about 25 of your reviews on my “to do” list! That Oklahoma smash burger looked amazing.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support!

[@NEIL-CURCIO]

hamburger and french fries-the greatest food combo in the history of the World

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely a great combo!

[@tanikokishimoto1604]

Yes, but it is shoe string fries. Difficult to keep them consistent... He lucked out.

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

Excellent review & so enjoyable to watch! As you alluded to, an American Burger prepared with fried onions is among the most enjoyable & most American dish presentable to the culinary world. Well done (the video/not the burger) James! Thank you for sharing this offering! This is Peter M; out!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you Peter M! Indeed! There's nothing like a fine burger!

[@richspizzaparty]

It's so cool George is on the grill most days. You almost never see that from an owner.

[@Jamesnu]

Definitely!

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

The burger special of the month is such a great idea. I usually don't prefer smashburgers but I do order them sometimes just for a change. These looked great, and not too expensive. Thanks for bringing this place and the burger chef to everyone's attention.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, that monthly burger special is a great way to keep people coming back. It definitely got me to check out the restaurant again.

[@MegaJacques1234]

Loved your take on this guy's institution..really looking forward to hitting this place - well done as always James!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@lauj888]

This place looked great. The burgers are making me crave one, as there is nothing like a properly cooked, good quality hamburger, made with the finest meat. Excellent review, James!❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I know what you mean, a good burger can be the perfect meal!

[@joshadams3874]

So glad to see you review Hamburger America. I’ve been following Motz for years and the only review I trust is yours!

[@NoahEats]

#truth

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! This was a video that I've wanted to make for awhile now.

[@kathrynarnold313]

Great review James! I would love to try the fried onion burger. Looks incredible! 😋

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, that fried onion burger was special!

[@JHoisin]

Ooo was hoping you would review George's place! Looks amazing great review

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@TuckerSP2011]

It looks wonderful. I've seen other people eat there and interview George Motz. He sure is an enthusiastic burger chef. I love burgers, they are so satisfying when done right. The two you had looked amazing, I would definitely like to try the fried onion burger. And those prices are incredible!

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, George Motz has such a great enthusiasm for burgers. Indeed, the ones I had were incredible!

[@patriciarogers9592]

Yum! Hamburgers look delicious! The fries also look good. Thanks for the review!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, all around, it was great food!

[@marlies7444]

Nice review. I have seen a few reviews of his restaurant. Everyone seemed to like it. It's amazing that in todays market a restaurant that offers such simple menu does so well. Just shows that quality is better than quantity.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, the quality and care that went into his restaurant was very apparent.

[@jakeMontejo3272]

Subs have really increased since last time I watched your videos. This summer has been a nightmare, the humidity was insane. I’ve yet to walk past HA w/o a line out the door, no way I’m waiting In line in this heat. It seems like the smash burger trend is in most neighborhoods now, maybe it’s at its zenith, like the KFC/fried chicken/ hot chicken sandwich wave. My local dive bar and diner have even jumped on it and tbh, the quality is almost on par as 7th street and the like, half the price and zero wait. It’s not exactly hard to replicate, even I cook it at home- with even better ingredients. Cheers to your success!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Luckily these days there's not much of a line at certain times, but yeah, I know what you mean about waiting in the crazy heat that we've had this summer.

[@kennethwu115]

Delicious burgers James. Thursday here in UK is Burger Day 🍔🍔🍔

[@Jamesnu]

Happy Burger Day then! Yeah, those burgers were great!

[@johnned4848]

Great burgers great prices and great joint. Gotta try this next time I'm in NYC.

[@Jamesnu]

It's a must-try for sure!

[@fumeokid]

Great review! I didn't know that they made special burgers outside of what was on their standard menu. I love the fries there. They taste like the ones that McDonalds use to make before they changed the oil and things way back when. Mr. Motz actually brought over my burger and fries to me. Very nice!

[@Jamesnu]

@fumeokid Thank you! That's awesome that you got to see George!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job James with the vlog and feel free come to CT any time because new have loves you

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I definitely plan to check out New Haven again!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome

[@adventureswithaustin11]

dude your videos are amazing and so well made and i love the Delmonico video too lol Keep going

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@EriCooks]

It's 3 pm here and havent had lunch yet and the first thing that I see is your Motz's review. What a torture. Excellent review James.

[@Jamesnu]

@@EriCooks Haha! Thank you!

[@MarkO-vi7cp]

Now I know what I'm having for dinner.... James, your appetite is amazing 👏

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! I love to eat!

[@carlatullis2980]

What an amazing hamburgers, Restaurant Thanks James my favorite is the onion burger oh, what the heck they all look good

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, every burger was delicious!

[@peterodriguez9066]

Love your videos! Thank you for your reviews

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@tomahern8967]

Those fries look amazing! The two burgers also look descent! Great video as always.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, all around it was simple, but delicious food!

[@alexrekzu4079]

It is really decent he does the monthly specials while sourcing new ingredients to keep it fresh but those classics look so good too.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, the monthly specials always provide a reason to go back for another meal.

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

What a super stop! Forget the $30-50 burgers in NYC! Super no-frills restaurant! It's definitely on my next go-to NYC foodie trip❤😅

[@Jamesnu]

I know what you mean. There are some great burgers with a high price tag, but a burger doesn't have to cost much to be great.

[@Megan80]

Coming to NYC in 3 weeks! Thanks for the tip!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@Megan80]

@@Jamesnu I went on Thursday! SO good! I had the lemonade, onion burger, and key lime pie. Such simple food, but they do something addictive and magical with the burger.

[@maryandrews8128]

Looks great! Excellent video!

[@NoahEats]

Yes, an excellent video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@GarC170]

I am not a burger person at all but I’ve always been entertained watching George’s videos for the historical value. And yeah Culver’s is about the only fast food chain I will consider ordering burgers from. Since they discontinued fried chicken I mostly go for the curds tho.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I really like watching George's videos too. They're very entertaining and informative!

[@BillWright-jc8tj]

I really enjoy your material. I've now watched enough of your videos that I have to ask this question...you were a visitor from out of town...where would you eat lunch and where would you eat dinner? And you're correct...that's a tasty burger.

[@Jamesnu]

@@BillWright-jc8tj Thanks for watching! I would probably recommend a very NYC type restaurant like Katz's.

[@tristan3272]

excellent review!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@haasmanning]

Wow.. I was there last week... and I have to say their burgers are delicious!!! I had a double smash burger.. no fries.. and the smalll cup of water.. sat at the counter... cool experience. can't wait to go back.

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@HolisticPatriots]

If you get a chance, go to Sid's Diner in El Reno, OK where the hamburgers all started for George Motz.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I would love to go there someday! George talked about that spot a lot in his book.

[@jmason61]

Very great video! I sincerely hope he keeps his place (only 1 so far?) down to earth as they say. Prices seem totally fair also...I suppose a few years from now might be a national thing

[@Jamesnu]

@jmason61 Thank you! Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised to see additional Hamburger Americas open.

[@frankb1]

I grew up in OK and I remember the Theta burger.

[@Jamesnu]

Nice!

[@davehugstrees]

Not a fan of burgers but I love the idea of a monthly burger to try something different. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@stilapixie]

Really appreciate that you ordered both burgers off their regular menu for the helpful compare & contrast (4:55 - though this is probably where having a dining companion would come in handy lol), especially since the fried onion burger is NOT what I had imagined it to be just based on its name. Which also means it will be super difficult to decide which one to get next time I head to NYC, because it's essentially a choice between cooked onions (#1 must-have topping imo) versus raw onions with mustard & pickles (similar to the dijonnaise w/ onions & pickles at Small Cheval, which imo is the best topping combo for a beef burger). Oh well, guess I'll have to follow your lead and order both, plus get fries and a brownie (omg, literally the fudgiest brownie ever YES!), and prepare to roll myself out of the restaurant afterwards haha! 😋🍔😅

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, it's a tough choice when the food is so good! Whatever burger you order, I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.

[@ryanlhobson13]

The price is right too! Especially for NYC

[@Jamesnu]

Definitely!

[@richardnone5644]

we need to have one of these places in South Florida

[@SSNESS]

The monthly specials don’t say what’s in the burger 🍔

[@InconspicuousOwl]

Taking my glasses & long sleeve look lol 🎉❤😎

[@Jamesnu]

Haha!

[@cito4633]

Thanks for another great review! Being a Chicago guy, how does Hamburger America compare to Red Hot Ranch on Ashland? My favorite burger in the city, I’m sure you’ve had them…

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Red Hot Ranch is great, but I prefer Hamburger America a bit more. The fried onion burgers are what I really like about Hamburger America.

[@2Wheels_NYC]

I think I'm going to have to try his spot this week!

[@Jamesnu]

It's a must-try!

[@marshabailey1121]

Rudy in Toronto has killer smash burgers and their brownies are fantastic! Rosies is also great but their special dessert is banana pudding.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for the recommendations! I would definitely like to eat in Toronto sometime!

[@Seasider70]

Oh boy George is a burger legend. Hope I can get some inspiration for my homemade burgers.

[@Jamesnu]

He's a legend indeed!

[@gijoey5912]

I've improved my burger cooking skills a lot since watching George's videos.

[@Seasider70]

What do you feel is no.1 addition to a burger apart from the meat and bread?​@gijoey5912

[@gijoey5912]

@@Seasider70 I like them smashed with white American cheese melted on the flip, with onions, pickles, and mustard. The “all the way” style at Hamburger America.

[@johncornell3665]

And what a burger it was. I want one now! Thanks James!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, just thinking about that restaurant makes me hungry for a burger!

[@jillr759]

Me too!

[@mariojohnson4695]

Being from Wisconsin I can attest Culver’s is fantastic!!

[@Jamesnu]

It's an awesome restaurant!

[@Fufski]

You gotta take me to this place when I return to NYC

[@Jamesnu]

@@Fufski Definitely!

[@dahotone106]

Love your videos man, I live in LI now, dont go to Manhattan often. However Im going to go this weekend. What's better Gotham or this?

[@Jamesnu]

@dahotone106 I like Hamburger America a bit more, but Gotham is great too, and they have incredible onion rings!

[@Creepypastas18]

If you had to choose only one, would you rather go to Hamburger America or Katz's Deli. Great video by the way!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! That's a tough question. I love burgers more than pastrami, but Katz's pastrami is very special. I would probably choose Katz's just because there are a lot more great burger places than pastrami spots in the city.

[@s_przybylowicz]

Those look like some great burgers. I'm also charmed that Motz opted to use his face on so much of the decor!

[@NoahEats]

And simple showcase of pressed meat!

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! He definitely made it his restaurant.

[@David-ke5nm]

Thanks for all the interviews and back of house secrets and tips for what used to be for a book. Now I’m going to take your ideas and open a restaurant in NY and make a crap load of money 👍 how is that a cool hipster dude who everyone is happy for his success? Come up with your own ideas

[@alexanderballard6062]

So when are you going to go to Paris and tell us what you think? I can't wait to see you travel more internationally (the Austrian vids were awesome)

[@Jamesnu]

I've been to Paris a couple of times and loved it! Hopefully, I'll get to go back soon. I do have more Austria videos by the way for the future.

[@Magische84]

Lovely vids as always

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@TheVileOne]

I would love to try this place

[@Jamesnu]

@@TheVileOne It's a must try for sure!

[@SwanseaBoi]

There's nothing humble about the 'humble' burger. Made right, nothing beats it. And those look delicious.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@Foodietourshow]

I love your voice and your food review is amazing

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@ayem6948]

Thanks for doing this 👌🏼

[@Jamesnu]

@@ayem6948 Thanks for watching!

[@patriciaroggero1150]

Yummmmmmmm looked so good thank you

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@centurio34]

Nice Seiko SNK! I have the same one.

[@Jamesnu]

@@centurio34 Thank you! It's an awesome watch!

[@quincee3376]

Motz for President!!

[@FireOnIce77]

The hype is real. It’s delicious. 😋 Mouthwatering if you’re a fan of smash burgers, onions pickles, mustard…. My other favorite right now is Harlem Shake. It’s Got a jerk seasoned burger. 😋

[@Jamesnu]

I actually went to Harlem Shake last week. I enjoyed it!

[@danielmitan2785]

The guy in the video is 100% from the Chicagoland area 😂

[@Jamesnu]

That's true!

[@christinecamley]

Loved my George Motz burger!🍔

[@Jamesnu]

That makes me happy to hear!

[@christinecamley]

@@Jamesnu Thanks!! 🙂

[@Dr.Pepper001]

Long sleeve shirts are really better than short-sleeved ones when the sun is out. The sleeves provide shade from the sun.

[@Jamesnu]

That's a good point!

[@patrickvillacreses1532]

I need to revisit ; the one time I went I had a single onion burger and really didn’t get that bam taste. I preferred 7st burger. That said, it wasn’t bad and I’ll give it a shot with the double next time. Maybe the second patty adds more flavor

[@Jamesnu]

I love 7th Street Burger! Yeah, I think that getting a double is the way to go.

[@54diggerdown]

You are unique in the way you dress for the places you go and adjust your taste depending where your at. Those are some nice looking burgers and nice price

[@Jamesnu]

@@54diggerdown Thank you! Yeah, it's great to have a good burger for a fair price!

[@sethpurvin]

Hi James I love burgers, as you do, but I remember you were in New Haven did you go to Louis Lunch? The true home of the hamburger " The beginnings of the hamburger sandwich as we all know it today was really quite simple. One day in 1900, a gentleman hurriedly walked into Louis’ Lunch and told proprietor Louis Lassen he was in a rush and wanted something he could eat on the run. In an instant, Louis placed his own blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast and sent the gentleman on his way. And so, the most recognizable American sandwich was born."

[@Jamesnu]

Yep, I've been to Louis' Lunch and really enjoyed it! I showcased it in one of my New Haven videos awhile back. It was a good burger, not a great burger, but I really appreciated the history of the establishment. Plus, the old devices the restaurant uses to cook the burgers were pretty impressive!

[@sethpurvin]

How about La Grande Boucherie 145 w 53 have you been?

[@Jamesnu]

@@sethpurvin Not yet, but I'll get there someday.

[@daniisrael____6326]

Please do a review on Hillstone Restaurant

[@Jamesnu]

@@daniisrael____6326 That's a restaurant that I plan to check out in the future.

[@schulzeg]

Amused at the pronunciation of Houston Street (considering I live in Houston, TX)...but, that is history! Wow, those burgers look incredible and am amazed that the Oklahoma onion burger is on the menu. So many people are not aware of these. And, they're easy to make at home!

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, thankfully Oklahoma onion burgers are becoming more popular.

[@johnzajac9849]

'In the 19th century, ground beef cakes were a popular food in northern Germany and were called "Hamburger steaks" in English. The name was later shortened to "hamburger".' - AI Overview. A common belief is that the word, hamburger, comes from the name of the German city, Hamburg. However, it's likely that the food was eaten generally in the area of northern Germany, where the city is located.

[@Jamesnu]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@greglevin1172]

The Key Lime pie is also super good

[@Jamesnu]

I've got to try that next time.

[@ichigo_dirkschneider]

Collab with UA Eats. You are both in the same area and eating at some of the same places. Love both of your channels.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, I met UA, he's a nice guy!

[@rexiioper6920]

their schticks are pretty different though

[@irtazakamran7727]

Now that's a solid simple beef and cheese damn

[@Jamesnu]

@@irtazakamran7727 Indeed!

[@marcs8991]

Great video.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@shadowfilm7980]

Prices are reasonable. Looks good. More meat than bun. The onion burger looks great.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@comsense8778]

Big up to Houseton!

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@JimG89887]

It’s good. I don’t know if it’s “the best”, but it’s up there.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@clifbradley]

Ditching the Pepsi and Bagman for the Seiko. When do we get a watch episode? Is that your day job?

[@Jamesnu]

@@clifbradley I don't think too many people would be interested in me talking about just watches, but I'll mention them when I can.

[@onemanschorus12]

Amazed that you're able to eat so much and keep a trim figure. If I even so much as looked at a plate of french fries I'd gain 3lbs.

[@Jamesnu]

I think I was blessed with a good metabolism. I'm very thankful for it.

[@CaribbeanLife101]

Looked delicious.

[@Jamesnu]

It was really good!

[@NoahEats]

Catching up on the Editing you must be 😀 figured you would have done this place already

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, this was a long time coming!

[@Sleezy.Design]

Fun fact: Culver's "Butterburger" is less of a Butterburger than any burger you've eaten at Motz's restaurant. Culver's just calls them Butterburger because they put a small amount of butter only on the top bun before toasting, that's it. If Motz butters both top and bottom of the bun of his onion or smash burgers, then they're technically more of a butterburger.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed, Culver's Butterburgers just barely fit the definition of a Butterburger, but they're still good though.

[@Sleezy.Design]

@@Jamesnu yeah they look great, definitely need to try those if I ever visit the US