Is Gramercy Tavern NYC's BEST BURGER? Tavern Side Review

Gramercy Tavern is perhaps one of NYC's most iconic restaurants. Opened by Danny Meyer and Tom Colicchio, it opened to critical and local acclaim and still holds a Michelin star. Gramercy Tavern is known for the tavern side, as well as the fancier Gramercy Tavern dining room side, where it's more posh and there's a dress code and reservations are absolutely required. Luckily for us though, I was able to snag a same day reservation at the tavern side pretty easily enough.
While the dining room side is undoubtedly what made Gramercy Tavern Michelin starred, the tavern side serves the legendary Gramercy Tavern burger. Many people consider the Gramercy Tavern burger to be the best burger in NYC, or among the best burgers in the city. It is juicy, contains a unique meat blend, and it's served alongside melted cheese and bacon. While I have eaten at many of New York City's best burgers, such as Emily Burger, Au Cheval, and Minetta Tavern, I now put Gramercy Tavern's to the test to see if Gramercy Tavern is legit and lives up to the hype, or if Gramercy Tavern is overrated. If this video is a success, we will return to Gramercy Tavern sometime to try the Gramercy Tavern tasting menu!
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Restaurant Deets:
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

[@jeremyepstein7977]

Danny Meyer’s restaurants are always a class act. No matter if it’s casual or fine dining. He’s one of NYC’s restaurant goats for a reason!

[@scrib4lex]

Gramercy Tavern was opened in 1994 by a true NYC restaurant icon, Danny Meyer. He is now much more famous for Shake Shack. In the late 90s into the early 2000s, Danny Meyer restaurants dominated the top end of the NYC food scene. His journey toward more casual dining with places like Marta and Blue Smoke would eventally see him enter and help redefine the fast casual space with Shake Shack. Danny is not only a phenomenal chef, he also basically invented the NYC version of french service - all the structure and attention to detail without the stuffiness. It is a testament to him that Gramercy Tavern is highly relevant 30 years later.

[@shawnleonard4974]

Hello UA, im pretty sure. I think you should remove your hat when seated in some of these fancier restaurants. Its kind of a custom here.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Gramercy Tavern is tops ! Shake Shack you can keep . Went once and never looked back .😂

[@johnkovalicky3389]

​@@shawnleonard4974I couldn't agree more ! I had brought that up once to him but no response. Not a good look in my opinion and upbringing when you are in a restaurant, any for that matter... it was considered rude and disrespectful . Just saying 😮

[@aznantboi]

@@johnkovalicky3389hes in the casual side of the restaurant

[@Nobody-Move]

Nobody asked for a history lesson.

[@kerrylevett9423]

The customer service seems to be top notch!

[@bennikola2971]

M mm mm mj Im n M M N no

[@animaladam5]

It’s even better at night.. every diner has their own food runner.. every plate dropped timed at one to all at table. My wife now went with me on our first date.. they made her feel like a queen. They hooked me up! Lol

[@ageoflove1980]

No it is not. If you start by having your staff pressuring you ("Its the last 2! You need to decide now!!!") its just bad business practice. Its like literally using the fomo tactic to steer you towards a specific order.

[@NystromJohan]

I'm new to your channel and I must say I love it! You deliver honest and "ordinary man" reviews without any BS so your videos gives me the feeling of a friend sharing tips on where he dined last night. I will keep watching your new an old content, big thanks from Stockholm, Sweden!👍

[@tomadrianaariannachristian7465]

I used to work there back in the late 90s early 2000s. Boy I'm so happy you made this video,, brought back so many memories, I all of a sudden felt like I had to go and visit my old locker downstairs. Also, so glad you enjoyed, it although the menu and chef changed since I was there. When I worked there it was Tom Colicchio who was chef. There was delicious dishes in the tavern section of the restaurant such as quail, filet mignon that was butterfly cut served with balsamic onions on a bed of mashed potatoes which was absolutely delicious. The restaurant had an amazing cheese menu that was served with delicious breads. I started at Gramercy Tavern as a bus boy, then a server, then barista. I remember at that time it was very hard to get a table In the back dining room area, literally took months. I highly recommend you go back and make a reservation in the back dining room and check out the menu, I remember they used to have a great testing menu when Tom Colicchio was there, but I don't know now.

[@ag22969]

The slurp and cap on deserve the dining area..

[@giffordnakajima616]

I remember the balsamic onions and mashed potatoes. It was a fantastic dish!

[@Ozai75]

LOL You know it's good when UA's eyes close completely and he starts nodding and then leans backwards. Hahah. Glad you enjoyed your food!

[@hailandfire1822]

Closes eyes, nods, leans back… EEEEUUUUGHHHHHHH!!!!

[@danielschear556]

​@@hailandfire1822As well it should be!😋🤗

[@cesarvelasquez3186]

Great video UA!!! And yes to parte 2!!!

[@RyanCoomer]

great video per usual! Glad you got to finally eat there!!!!!!!

[@TheHasaanM]

I don't think i'll be visiting NYC for a long long time but discovered this channel recently and find myself watching a lot of your videos and subscribing

[@TJoesOnBudget]

I always enjoy your picks UA! Great taste and it makes sense to eat at higher rated restaurants.

[@davidhaber5304]

Very good video. Enjoyed your review. I’ve been with you a while and I have criticized some of your reviews. But when they are good I have to say that with pleasure. Your reviews in Vegas and St. Louis were spot on!! They get better each time. Keep it up. I’m enjoying them.

[@2Wheels_NYC]

I'm so glad you liked! I've met Danny Meyer a few times, and he's a true gentleman! The Modern is one of my favorite places to grab a snack and drink in NYC, I'll suggest you try there! Thanks for another great video!

[@RF_Andy]

Love the friday drop

[@doug186]

Love your videos bro. You’ve got a lof lint on your hoodie.

[@WaterJake]

Great choice for a vid! Really enjoyed you taking us through a bunch of interestung dishes in such an iconic spot. It was only unfortunate that you didn't go through all the flatbread dips! I really appreciate the little details, when you go through every part of the meal, like reviewing the bread or drinks. I'm guessing maybe it was a technical issue!

[@jessicabeliveau6058]

Love your channel!! 😊

[@lorifreeman1746]

Glad you had a great time ❤

[@sallysmitgeddes2270]

Soup looks Devine.. I love Soups ❤❤❤love your content

[@greganixter7352]

Great review

[@bored7743]

we're quite different people.. but i totally converge with you over your love and appreciation of good food.

[@laurieroach8732]

That burger looks slamming!

[@robertkatz5256]

Hi UA keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@Tjlewis214]

I love the look on your face when you're enjoying yourself.... classic UA

[@Joseph1NJ]

I'd be pretty happy with that flatbread and those three dips.

[@frankb1]

A Tale of Two Restaurants. I look forward to your review of the fancy side of this place.

[@bigwinboard]

Found your channel a few days ago and really love it! Binge watching all the videos now :)

[@lok4058]

The bread looks incredible. You don’t want to drain the oil in the hummus, but mix it into the hummus.

[@justicedemocrat9357]

No, drain the oil or it will be too heavy and fatty.

[@xoreign]

Sounds like a preference then

[@Tritiuminducedfusion]

​@@justicedemocrat9357"Too heavy and fatty", lmfao. Do some of these clowns think before typing? As if the rest of that artery clogging meal was cardiologist certified. 🙄🤡 Let me get this straight, it wasn't the fatty bacon, chips, burger, etc.... count dopeula here draws the line at oily hummus. 🤣😂😆

[@donjulio4025]

been there many times, we really enjoyed the oil in the dip. nice video

[@jakerivendelli]

Love how hot that soup is. Many places bring warm soup. Looks super😋

[@mikes.4136]

The potato and leak soup looks so delicious! 😊

[@alisachamoy225]

I ate there years and years ago (but I didn't have a burger). I do however VIVIDLY remember the "Milk and Cookies" tray for dessert. There was mini macarons, fruit, a really warm chocolate chip cookie (the chocolate was still gooey when broken apart), a fudgey chocolate cookie rolled in powdered sugar, shortbread, a coconut macaroon, a large Linzer cookie, and their version of the Oreo cookie, served with a small jar of milk and a red and white striped paper straw.

[@adobophoto]

Damn you, UA!! Now i can't stop thinking of that burger and one of my favorite soups! That looked so good! Your videos are helping fill my list of must eats the next time I can visit NYC.

[@ChickenThug55]

That burger is real simple to make and can use higher quality meats that make a 4-6 servings for that price. Anyone can make and enjoy a more superior burger from your own kitchen. And if you fire up that charcoal grill, even better! The soup though, not sure what all the hidden ingredients are used so I can’t say it could be replicated in terms of flavor.

[@thecashman8924]

Nice review

[@wallystravelsandeats]

Another great video UA noticed the reversed Adidas logo on your hat. There's a setting on your iPhone where you can mirror images on videos. Keep it up I always enjoy watching your work.

[@jonsher7682]

I ate at Gramercy Tavern within a year or so of its opening in 1994, my choice that year for a birthday meal with my family. While the food and space was fantastic, what made it stand out was its service -- attentive but also warm and welcoming, as if you were one of the family; by comparison, many rival restaurants at the time that jockeyed for the top were more formal and stiff. They did something special to accommodate our meal -- I don't recall what as it was 30 years ago -- but I will never forget the kindness.

[@daddyteddy85]

Great video!!

[@bobbonj1171]

We had lunch there and it was the best meal I’ve had. I even ordered their ice cream as dessert as per their recommendation with butterscotch. I don’t like it growing up but this converted me bec they did it homemade..insanely deelish. I miss that place. Will go back in a heartbeat.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

And I bet you payed the tab bent over backwards at the register. !!! Just a little more please lol !!

[@glennshaffer2682]

Great review. Feels like spot-on analysis.

[@MrMalarkey-z5s]

Love yah UA. From the UK. Keep it up buddy

[@anthonymarocco955]

Food Looks Great UA!

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

UA: very good stop! I will put it on my goto list😊

[@tigerpinky]

I love a good soup, and that looked delicious!

[@doe22us]

$35 for a burger is crazy work, and the fact that they throw in potato chips lol, now thats bold.

[@Joseph1NJ]

And The UA squintameter says: YUM!

[@AS-is4dt]

squintameter is good lol

[@joelex7966]

Great review. You made me want to drive 700 miles just to try it myself.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Ua is a certified g. He hasn’t changed and continues to be a og

[@GCLU]

My favorite of the steakhouse burgers is at Wollensky's grill. It's outstanding. The burger here is great.

[@millz144]

I'm obsessed with this channel

[@justicedemocrat9357]

Why?

[@PSS521]

@@justicedemocrat9357 charismatic and honest

[@aznantboi]

@@justicedemocrat9357dont we

[@daddyteddy85]

Me too

[@Tritiuminducedfusion]

​@@justicedemocrat9357Probably fat. Who else sits around solely watching unhealthy food videos reviewed by an Asian?

[@anolan8033]

Did you mention which burger is your favorite? I had Au Cheval at original Chicago location a few years back and that was fantastic. Have yet to try the others. Thanks 👍

[@jaychaudhry4039]

Great video

[@user-td2ht5xw1g]

I love your food blog shows

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@user-td2ht5xw1g]

Visit some Filipino Restaurant in East side Manhattan NYC

[@user-td2ht5xw1g]

God bless Good luck with your Food blog shows

[@mikes.4136]

They have delicious 🦆 meatloaf! 😊 Service was great!

[@Alan-sl7qz]

Great review UA! I've noticed that you usually wear an adidas cap. Are they a sponsor of yours?

[@paulsarab9586]

Man watches man eat soup. What a time to be alive.

[@nguyenngoctoan8884]

16:05 "The Menu" reference right there lol!

[@danielschear556]

Long before Gramercy Tavern, way back in 1981, I lived in a micro-tiny apartment at 18th & Irving in Gramercy Park. My then wife & I dined often at fine restaurants, mostly in Soho.

[@animaladam5]

Went to grammercy for first date with wife.. they set the night for success

[@thecomicsbear7458]

Top 5 Burger, Looks Grrrreat!

[@robertjason6885]

Nice vid. I could make a meal with the flatbread and soup.. with a wee bit of the other bread.

[@risboturbide9396]

Do you plan a trip to Quebec City, Canada, soon? We have some great gourmet restaurants, here 🍻🍻

[@scottdiamond94]

Great video! To make filming a little easier, take a break to cut that delicious pita into strips. That soup looks great.

[@KomosejamaB]

Made me hungry

[@robbiedaniels2164]

Nice to see you go to a good restaurant instead of a celebrity or airport spot. You should do more iconic nyc places. Like the newly reopened Cafe Boulud.

[@WilliamKShank]

I was going to say (and still am) I'd like to see you review the dining room but first I'd like to see you come back to the tavern and try the Duck Meatloaf! Safe Journey! Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha!!!

[@btl743]

“The char adds a char flavor.” - UA

[@Tonymanero1960]

Another UA classic.

[@duhduh666]

Duck liver mousse is fantastic. Rich.

[@chazznguyen8091]

Once again ua eats strikes again and more so i found a little while back and i must say its so nice to watch your videos, i know you get some issues with the "music" choice but i find it very charming i never been to america and hopefully will someday but your videos are just very authentic and raw also your asian so its nice to find a another asian person to see much love from a vietnamese british person ❤

[@BlowinFree]

Vietnamese Brit 🙄my country has truly fallen 😢

[@jss1004]

That looks like a Texas Roadhouse burger. One of the best I have ever tasted. Handpacked daily and ground on site. $13.49 with cheese & 2 sides here in San Diego.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

It’s one side and a pickle spear. And looks are deceiving. Roadhouse isn’t using a top notch blend of short ribs and chuck.

[@jss1004]

At Texas Roadhouse, all of the beef is imported from the US, is USDA certified and grain finished for 120 days. @@jamespohl-md2eq

[@bb57365]

Would love to see the fancier side also. Although I usually enjoy the pubbier side better.

[@ASalvaro]

i was like "UA say yes to the Chicago Italian Beef!" the waitress was telling you about lol

[@tox_ph0b0s80]

Service seemed really good too! Maybe I'm still scarred from that airport restaurant you went to a while back, lmao.

[@nelsoky]

Great video thank you.. but please can you finish a plate one day and show us 😄

[@livingplanet9465]

Did they go over the dips with you?

[@JDJASTL]

Danny Meyer is actually from St. Louis so funny this is close to your STL bbq videos.

[@thomasackerly5367]

That burger delicious.

[@No85Limits]

very good burger there... as far as the most outstanding burgers in the city... most of these more on the fancy side (but they are the best I've had).... here's my recommendations (gramercy is very good tho): Black Label Burger - Minetta Tavern (you tried this) Double Wagyu Cheeseburger - 4 Charles Prime Rib Luger Burger - Peter Luger's (you may have tried this before) Emmy Burger - Emily (you tried this) Double Cheeseburger - Au Cheval (you tried this) Burger au Poivre - Raoul’s (almost forgot - you have to show up early, and im not 100% sure because i ate ast the bar here.. but it may only be on bar menu, it's def on the brunch menu tho on sundays) - i guess ask when you go - it's worth trying for sure tho These are my current favorite burgers... the list has changed over the years.

[@andrewriggs9808]

Dear lord $35 burger!? Hope it’s the best burger on the planet…

[@chrispietronigro1450]

If anyone is in midtown east / UES I highly recommend Bistro Vendome’s burger. Very simple, excellent ingredients, perfectly prepared.

[@lukaleferink6547]

Could you try da Toscano in NYC? I have heard good things about it

[@jaytracks]

You need to go to Matt's bar in Minneapolis to get the original juicy Lucy brother! Alot of great diverse food in my home state of Minnesota

[@bdubya2443]

When were you there? I don't see the burger on the menu online....

[@kenichi407]

no matter how good, i can't justify spending $35 for a burger, and that's without drink and tip. oh well...

[@animaladam5]

Stick to Wendy’s

[@jwalkerjr]

I love your channel and this was a great review. I hate to be "that guy", but having been there many times, maybe lose the hoodie next time? It's a pretty formal place, even the tavern part.

[@mistergrendel32]

I agree. What’s with everybody and their dog wearing hoodies?

[@xmanofstle]

Gotta take your hat off at the table!

[@mistergrendel32]

That’s right. No hats at the dinner table and no hoodies.

[@faubusmingus5982]

You guys gotta have sex more, maybe with each other. Quit say stupid shit.

[@boathousejoed1126]

So,how much was the tab plus tip?

[@TimG--]

Thanks for review

[@Nsayles]

That server was so nice

[@Ryguyhaan]

Why didn’t you get the other two dips?

[@trainroomgary]

👍Well done - I would go back for "The Duck Meat Loaf" & Hi from Michigan. 🚂 Like ✅

[@edntz]

Did your financial situation improve because of your job or is your channel finally becoming profitable? I am always curious how much a channel that doesn't have millions of subscribers yet, earns. But of course if this is too personal, there's no need to answer. Great videos! I watch you eat there because i'm still in a financial place where i can't eat there myself haha.

[@silvermine2033]

I miss the 21 Club.

[@kentmalone8539]

Why don't we. Seems to be ur catch phrase....You use it alot. You have good content. Congrats on ur success.

[@Idelia412]

Where is the lettuce, onion, and condiments. The meat looks good, but I like more things on my burger. How was the other dips with the bread appetizer?

[@ryangies4798]

Complains about the croutons. Not cabbage in the soup… leaks, Potato & Leak Soup. Chef’s kiss 🤌 😂

[@mrblue42879]

Try duffys staten island ,,, I think you will love it..

[@riflemusket]

You gotta film Gramercy 2, Electric Boogaloo. 😎😎😎

[@tommackay7433]

Prices are insane, but then it’s NYC

[@joelashadali]

Heading to 50k followers!!!!

[@gelgel4823]

Try the Una Pizza Napoletana, where their pizza was ranked 1 on 50 Top Pizza in 2022 and ranked 2 in 2023. You can also watch Eater's video. There's a menu on their website. I wanted to see you try all of their pizza and their toppings.

[@marshallfield3792]

Excellent review as always , UA. I for one would love you to review the dining . It's been years since I've been there and am curious to hear your opinion . Be well.

[@showme1024]

Of course you must go to the Michelin side!