Is NYC's BEST BURGER the $38 BLACK LABEL BURGER at Minetta Tavern?

The title of Best Burger in NYC and Best Burger in the USA has many contenders. Some will say it's JG Melon's burger. Others will say Au Cheval burger, albeit the Au Cheval NYC location and not the Au Cheval Chicago location, is the best burger in New York City. The Emma Squared burger and the Emily burger are also other contenders. Steak lovers will contend that the Peter Luger burger is the best burger in New York. A consistent candidate, however, is the Minetta Tavern black label burger.
Minetta Tavern has a storied history, having been around since 1937. It was a hangout spot of Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Eugene O'Neill, E. E. Cummings, Dylan Thomas, and Joe Gould. However, today Minetta Tavern is most known for its famous Black Label Burger. Minetta Tavern's black label burger is the best burger in the USA according to many critics. The black label burger uses dry aged beef from Pat LaFrieda meat purveyor, which is also the meat purveyor used at Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern. Allegedly, the Pat LaFrieda burger meat lend of dry aged ribeye, short rib, brisket, and chuck, has created an incredible burger meat flavor, with the right amount of juiciness, smokiness from the dry aging process, and a deep complexity of flavor due to all the different cuts of meats used. Is Minetta Tavern the best burger in NYC and the best burger in the USA? We find out on this episode of UA Eats!
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Restaurant Deets:
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

[@KoreanHo]

First off, this video shows who UA truly is.. an honest, kind, compassionate, and down to earth guy. My reaction after getting kicked out would have been way different. And anyone who has seen The Menu, we know what happens to those finance bros. Also how quick and caring you were when the homeless guy asked for money. It wasn't a no or go away, you fumbled around to find something to give, and then you gave him your fries. Very kind and humble guy

[@jenniferfrank1652]

Your content is spot on.

[@craigmeyer5291]

Handled well, on the fly while Vlogging. A+ for moxie and A++ for compassion. I liked the professional way you handled the "experience." As a native New Yorker who escaped 60 years ago, there is no shortage of expense account zombies in $2000 suits who couldn't approve a Paper clip order in heir office. I suggest you send Minetta the post and say thanks for the fair treatment.

[@stevenhershman2660]

I respect his opinion on the Places he Visits.

[@Drownedinblood]

It's just a case of polite racism...they won't outright say it, but you notice why you're different form everyone else, and not welcome.

[@user-jb3my4vr5f]

Don't choke on his shlong

[@newdayeats5912]

I admire that you gave them a fair review after being asked to leave. Keep up the great work!

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Though to clarify they didn't ask me to leave, they told me to stop filming.

[@amybutler9886]

Sometimes negative circumstances reveal character. UA didn’t let the negative deter him from his mission. I for one think the video was even more memorable outside. Keep up the good work UA!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the nice words! Yes I actually think the video wound up being better outside. There was great lighting and I had a lot of lovely interactions with pedestrians

[@Wally9005]

UA keeps it gangster as usual. Even though he got kicked out for filming he still gave an honest and transparent review. AND he gave his fries to the needy. What a down to earth dude. You’re the man, UA!

[@vissitorsteve]

YOU are such a gentleman in forgiving and excusing those guys. It's nice to encounter people like you!

[@k10158]

Great video except those Finance bros making you leave, $38 burger in the park in this weather and you still managed to deliver an excellent vlog with a great attitude!

[@uaeats]

Yep, the show must go on!

[@franisdaman]

I can't stop binging on your videos. You are officially my new favorite food reviewer because you have such a likable and humble personality with honest reviews. I hope you go viral soon so you can do food reviewing full time

[@dhruvbhatnagar4180]

Fair review - despite being treated poorly for arbitrary reasons; pleasant and compassionate host - that fries gesture had my ❤️. This is fast becoming one of my favourite food review channels!

[@MikhailFederov]

It wasn’t arbitrary. It was 100% racially motivated.

[@ramencurry6672]

I love New York but it is normal to run into scumbags from time to time.

[@edntz]

@@rationalbacon5872 And yet many do. So you can't say it was or wasn't racially motivated. If it was a beautiful woman sitting there, i highly doubt they would've asked her to leave. People get treated unfairly, and that's the way it is.

[@Mutiny960]

@@rationalbacon5872 You clearly down and are not calm at all. You're butthurt someone even mentioned the possibility. Only RACISTS claim people they don't even know "always think about race". No I won't see your 2nd butthurt response :) You no longer exist crybaby lol.

[@YegorsTV]

You paid $38 for them to treat you like crap and kick you out? Insane

[@tvc714]

I have watched several videos from you and really enjoyed each of them. I trust you more so than Mark Weins and Mike Chen. You are honest and humble. For the finance bros. They are not nice for complaining. You still did an honest review regardless. Much appreciated brother. Keep up the good work. I follow you and will be watching all of your videos.

[@uaeats]

Thank you! Mark Weins and Mike Chen are food vlogger giants so being in the same sentence as them is great praise. Thanks for your support!

[@BmanNL1]

Mark Weins the man visits countries where they execute people for their opinions and says I wish you have an amazing day. 🙈

[@lscales6131]

I’m not a huge fan of expensive burgers. To quote a chef friend of mine “why waste expensive meat on a burger just so you charge more.” He made me an 80/20 burger with some bacon mixed in with it (he ground it himself) and it was the best burger I’ve ever had. He said it cost him maybe $8 to make. I’ve gone out to eat with him and I’ve ordered a “steak wagyu” burger he stopped me asked a few questions that the chef couldn’t answer and I ordered an aged ribeye.

[@Mutiny960]

In business terms that burger he made would cost $32. Food Cost is not suppose to make up more than 25% of what you charge for something in a restaurant.

[@danlee8090]

I wouldn’t have handled that as nicely as you did! Great job with the videos. Keep em coming!

[@jhfit]

A very good and fair review by you, especially considering the problem in the restaurant. Keep it up, you are the best

[@uaeats]

Thanks! I will always give unbiased reviews when it comes to the food

[@iamsam8446]

I really like how even though you got kicked out, you didn't whine and finished your review. You said your peace and left it at that. Some YT reviews get so offended and think "How dare they?!?" I think you gave them a favorable review, which goes to your integrity.

[@alainlalonde]

Just based on the vibe that you got, I don't even want to try the burger. To me, it doesn't look all that great anyway. That's just my personal opinion. Great video as always. You're the boss. It's the self important bros that should have been shown the door, but I digress. Keep it up!

[@keralajoe]

Great review...I was hoping the burger would be not so good after they asked you to leave on account some idiots but good on you to do an honest review based on the food. I'm not so sure I would have been so nice! Keep up the great work!

[@uaeats]

Yep I always will be honest about the food and will always give unbiased reviews. To clarify they didn't ask me to leave, they told me to stop filming though.

[@wellroundedsound2422]

The restaurant didn't create a problem. Filming on restaurant premises is not guaranteed as many restaurants adhere to privacy policy for other patrons. The filmmaker's duty first and foremost is to respect that.

[@gregroberts9024]

Ty UA for being so fun and delivering such excellent and interesting reviews. We all need a bestie like you! See you soon and keep on brother.

[@MrBluesilverred]

Nice job UA for taking the high road at the Tavern. Keep the great food reviews coming! Cheers!

[@ToppsBaseballRacks]

Terrific and entertaining review! Always informative, too! Liked and subscribed!

[@adamp6862]

Hope you didn’t leave tip. You’re the man UA

[@uaeats]

Ah I didn't put it on any of the waitstaff. It was the manager who did not let me film. The waitstaff were originally supportive of it and they were nothing but kind and accommodating.

[@lamesbond0077]

@@uaeats if you bought them a round maybe they wouldve just drunk their drinks

[@pdxfootball]

Honestly best reviewer on KZbin. Never bias and great reactions. Keep it going!

[@charlesrosenberg7397]

Hey UA - long time watcher, first time commenter. I really love your videos - and have gone to restaurants based on your recommendations more than once. One of my favorite burgers has to be the Rodeo Burger at Wurst Bar in downtown Jersey City. I know Wurst Bar is mostly known for sausages, but their burgers are *so* good. I also really love their poutines (especially the chicken masala one), their wide variety interesting beers on tap, and also their staff is super friendly & knowledgeable. Frankly, I'm surprised you haven't yet featured them on your channel, as that restaurant really fits your vibe.

[@nguyenminhc]

I always wait with anticipation for your new videos. Moreover, this video demonstrates what a class act you truly are!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the support and thanks for the kind words!

[@iriszee129]

great video! can't wait tgo see more

[@dabmug16]

show never stopped. great job.

[@uaeats]

The show must go on!

[@ButterflyTwinkle1968]

I have just started watching UA’s food critique posts and I am now addicted to his vids, comments and personality. UA’s breaks everything down explaining why he has come to a particular decision. I find him to be honest, non- corruptible and fair. I have also noticed what a solid personality he has when confronted with rude and contrite staff and or restaurant customers. He doesn’t escalate the situation when he realizes some one is being uncooperative he seeks to find a resolution without raising his voice or donning a negative attitude. In Sarges’s restaurant when they refused to change his table and made faces when they realized he was taping, UA kept his cool. And again at the Minerva Tavern when they refused to let him continue to record because some one said his talking was bothering them- even though the place was noisy already- UA accepted a take away and went to a nearby park to explain the situation to us and continued his critique. And once again when he was confronted- with one of New Yorks many homeless crazies- UA offers him his fries. With not doing too much or being condescending I could tell he has little to no prejudices or racial hangups. A lady past wanting to know his KZbin show and instead of just telling her he interrupts his casting to show her what to put in so she can watch him. Living in NY is stuff, people try you every day, but UA doesn’t respond to that his personality is too strong for him to be reactionary to every little set back. If yo ever read this UA I just wanna say keep up the good work, keep doing you and eventually you will be rewarded and then we all can celebrate at Masa-the restaurant not the bar.

[@cubs7379]

I love the music in the background of ur videos it really fits your personality I love ur videos UA! :)

[@donaldharvey7511]

Great video, and very even-handed of you. I've had the Black Label burger and would agree that while very tasty, the price point is too off putting to repeat. I also love the burger at Pizza loves Emily which is 5 minutes away from Minetta Tavern. Dry aged beef as well, and a bit cheaper too! Keep up the good work.

[@brozors]

man, after how those finance bros tattled on you, i'm all-in for you to become a successful food vlogger. On to 100k subs for UA!

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s sort of expected to run into A holes and grumpy people in NYC. Love the city but it is part of the culture to run into nasty people from time to time.

[@wadeflaherty6239]

Just came across your channel on accident. Love your content and you overall seem like a great guy.

[@vincentt.7501]

love your videos!

[@jsarausad]

This is one of my favorite channels

[@hamishtrain8885]

Great video 👏

[@kennymckown8603]

Thanks for sharing bro ! You cracked me up when you 🤣 said , the crappie steak burger at steak and shake !!

[@Gurkahandy]

UA UA UA UA great vids man!

[@kylerocket4904]

Good on you for not letting it bother you and giving a great review as always. Love your videos!

[@uaeats]

Glad you liked the vid! And yes I will always give unbiased reviews

[@almubarak89458]

Keep giving us good content Ua.

[@tested123]

hey Minetta Tavern.....why wouldn't you let him stay? he ate your burger on a bench and kindly gave his fries to a homeless guy yet still gave you a great review.

[@animaladam5]

Who are you talking to?

[@animaladam5]

Its a one michelin starred restaurant in nyc thats been around forever.. shall he sit on the ground in the restaurant?

[@jeremyepstein7977]

They did let him stay but not film. Obviously he needs to film for the video. It's not really anyone's fault except the finance bros.

[@tested123]

@@animaladam5 your mom

[@uaeats]

To clarify the restaurant let me stay but didn't let me film. I was not kicked out. Just wanted to make that clear

[@RyanCoomer]

UA BACK AT IT AGAIN!!!! WOOOOO!!!!!! LOVE IT!!! GREAT STUFF!!!

[@uaeats]

Thank you for the support!

[@sfguy_2k22]

scrumptious! burger cooked medium looks delish!

[@uaeats]

Yes it was cooked perfectly!

[@iec7587]

Minetta makes an unbelievable burger. JG Melon, Brindle room, Peter Luger are also great You can get Pat Lafrieda burgers (3 or 4 blends) at your supermarket, makes a great burger at home

[@2Wheels_NYC]

This place is iconic, as is Keith McNally in the NYC restaurant scene! Sorry you had that experience at the bar, but glad you got your burger! Their ground meat blend is definitely one of the best I've had, and it's a great treat now and then (I can only afford a burger that expensive once or twice a year 😂) I agree about the peanut oil, the only thing better for fries is duck fat! (Shout out to the late, great Les Halles) Although, I recently picked up wagyu tallow for home, and I'll be playing! Thanks for another great review!

[@Mutiny960]

That's so dumb. You can easily get the same meat or BETTER at a butcher in a huge city like NYC and make your own at home that will be much cheaper.

[@chefjlevy87]

great video!

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@nc9726]

You are now my favorite food reviewer. That was very classy of you. I would’ve egged their windows like a 10 year old on Halloween!

[@FrancisYator-kv3sb]

Great review, glad you could work around your rude treatment. It's a bar, not a library. Never heard of a quiet bar.

[@uaeats]

I agree. It was quite loud in there. Were I talking to someone else rather than to a camera I'm sure no one would've batted an eye

[@wFrontDeskConcierge]

I expected a couple of bankers to get drown through the Minetta Tavern windows..............U.A does UFC. Honestly, if they don't want KZbinrs in their bar, then just stick a sign on the front door. Great review brother.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

That was a great review UA after your bar mates asked for you to be removed from the premises Now who is the better person ! I think it's the one that gave the french fries to the homeless guy. Just saying and then you still went on with your review character counts !

[@SDEats]

Screw those d bags at the restaurant! You will have the last laugh UA. Keep up the great content!

[@thebigmoo]

Try the burger at Smith and Wollensky tavern side.. outstanding!

[@eugenekillian8807]

I blame the Eagles hat haha

[@uaeats]

lol oh shoot I didn't think of that

[@jeffbrown2982]

At least the homeless guy didn't ask you to stop filming.

[@uaeats]

haha

[@Actual_daddy]

I regret not getting the burger at La Compagnie Des Vins Supernaturale last time I was there, it looks fantastic! You should check it out for your next burger. Amazing wine list!!

[@atticusmcbuddy6283]

Vidalia Georgia caramelized onions is the move, proper sweetness if melted down right with the mix is smashing.

[@ViolinistWilliam]

UA, you are awesome.

[@duc_le_photography]

I had the Black Label burger last week. It was very good (not great) but waaaay overpriced. Au Cheval was better in terms of a "luxury burger" for sure. Great video and I'm sorry you had to eat your burger in the park.

[@patrickvillacreses1532]

I was just about to ask UA which he preferred but I'm headed for the Au Cheval this week. I had Minetta years ago after a 3mo reservation and it was more hype I think

[@AlexG1020]

I love your videos and been a big fan for a while but to be honest, if someone next to me was filming themselves and talking into the camera I would get annoyed also. Not that its the volume, just not everyone wants to be around a 'production' and may want to just socialize and eat without potentially being recorded in audio and/or video. I realize the great content you create requires that though so its kind of a tricky line, you handled it great! Keep up the good work UA I hope you never change!!!! :D :D :D

[@zaahidsader1550]

I was came across this place recently and the name sounded familiar, than I remember you video. I went in had some ok food spoke to the manager and gave him a piece of my mind for asking you to leave. Gave it a 1 star review online lol

[@almighty67]

wow looks good!! 😮😊

[@uaeats]

I really enjoyed it!

[@CAM941]

The Homeless Guy Made The Video, Gave it a real NYC Feeling, Like I Was There.

[@guyelluzzi2705]

Hi UA, really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work, and props to you for keeping your composure, people can test your patience. I agree that $38.00 is an exhorbitant price for any hamburger. Even though it may be one of the best around, is the price really justified? After all, it's still just a hamburger.

[@recoilrider2833]

Finance Bros ruin everything that good in this world.

[@darrenstephenson4606]

Another great video, have to say the way the restaurant treated you is completely unacceptable and I for one wouldn't have purchased anything from them if they asked me to leave, you have as much right to speak as anyone else never mind finance bros... keep the videos coming 😀

[@JLeeno]

I bet they were a bunch of Karens that made you leave, that’s messed up. I’m glad you were the better man.

[@uaeats]

Who knows. The timing was very suspect. They complained to me for vlogging next to them and I assured them I wouldn't be talking for very long. Then I started recording myself giving some commentary on the menu and suddenly the restaurant manager is over my shoulder

[@aaronsines1961]

I’ve had it. Around 2015. It was worth every penny, just to sit in that place and enjoy a fantastic meal with friends.

[@ThomasRose-mu9vg]

You're very kind man they owe you a apology .😊

[@geno5360]

Ever try The Brindle Room? That burger looked epic.

[@nealjohnson1308]

Yay UA! Boo Finance Bros! Keep up the great work!

[@ThomasRose-mu9vg]

Sitting outside in the cold 🥶 I would never go into that restaurant

[@hmann4531]

JG is the goat. Minetta is a vibe and also has a good burger.

[@alant.541]

Minetta Tavern didn't do themselves any favors. I will never patronize a place with poor customer service, regardless of their popularity or reputation. You're a good guy...share your food and let people photo-bomb you. 👍😁👌

[@jeremyepstein7977]

The service at Minetta is excellent. They didn't kick him out, they just didn't let him film, they've always had that unofficial policy. Usually they try not to enforce it. It's the finance bros that were the problem.

[@alant.541]

@@jeremyepstein7977 thanks for pointing that out, because i really wanted to try that burger.

[@BradMarcus]

I had the Black label burger a few years ago and loved it! Definitely the best burger I've ever eaten. Definitely pricey, back then it was $26, a bargain now!

[@steveo3831]

BS. Price gouging

[@thecorruptshepherd2893]

Another great video brother, i would like to see when you take that last bite that ends the video ... mmmmmmh then cut :)

[@lisabudd5979]

Your a excellent guy a very kind genuine person. On the burger not for me at all ,no matter how they pitch the meat is from a top top supplier ,under cooked mince is gross and very overrated, still make a juicey burger knowing how to cook . Your a really nice person with a appreciation for food and culter love the vlogs

[@animaladam5]

I go here all the time and totally agree the price for the burger is crazy.. but I can’t help myself. Go on a monday right when they open. The bartenders are awesome and plenty other goods to eat there too!

[@uaeats]

It's good but yes it's very expensive and probably not worth $38. I may have it once a year though as I really like the dry aged steak flavor!

[@snikt2121]

will never go now if they kicked you out

[@89SKILLit]

Kicked out for “talking loud”? Lmao what a joke

[@johnjuarez8005]

The best fries are fried in beef tallow, like Mcdonald's used to do back in the day.

[@Lawomenshoops]

If you’re in Arizona for the Super Bowl, are you going to go to in and out and do a video?

[@danielflores9014]

Do a brazilian steakhouse next fogo de chao

[@uaeats]

Great idea! I love that place

[@Sirmackerel]

I see you with the eagles beanie in the video thumbnail! Go birds!

[@deenyc1049]

I tried that burger years ago when it was the $25 burger. I remember thinking it was very good but distinctly remember thinking this is not the best burger I’ve ever had. Minetta tavern is a very small restaurant and the tables are up against each other.

[@cliffgaither]

Love your videos❕️ Of course if you eat under-cooked meat, it better be "juicy"❕️

[@GCohen9782]

Giving that homeless man your fries was so sweet. Good job, dude. Great video overall.

[@tested123]

is there anyone else that thinks a freshly well made bigmac might be the greatest burger of all time?

[@seka1986]

Yuk

[@jordhuga271]

Didn't watch video but know you crushed it because you always do.

[@pkendall99]

You’re paying For the ambience at that bar because it’s in a heavy touristy area. If you want a very similar burger, but 4x cheaper, go to Corner Bistro. No onion jam though, but you can add bacon and cheese to it.. and they’re fries are cooked in the same fryer as the bacon..so bacon flavored fries

[@RodSherwood1]

Homeless guy: you got any extra change? UA: oh, here are some french fries. Homeless guy: how am I supposed to buy liquor with fries?! (Under his breath).

[@JimKimTheIdeaHunters]

Aesthetically that burger didn’t look great, the onions on top gave me the willies. I don’t think I’ll hit that place especially after how they treated you. Good video and hopefully the next jawn goes better👍

[@alainlalonde]

Agreed.

[@No85Limits]

my 2 fav burgers in the city are the black label burger and the burger from peter lugers.... you kinda gotta eat the burger fresh out.... never had it "to go" or takeout... but hey is what it is.

[@pji1979]

I always wanted to go to Minetta Tavern and now I don't know if I'll go knowing they tossed you out.

[@gregjanover741]

Their Bone Marrow is in my opinion one of their best menu items , highly recommended

[@lesliesawyer4640]

Also they want to protect the privacy of their 'gohiiki' clients even in the Japanese foodblogs the incidental customer's faces are often blanked out. In Japan you would never try to make a video without having the owner's consent.

[@JacksonWalter735]

screw those finance bros

[@bobbytessari94]

Wow $58AUS for a burger now that is insane

[@dannygeorge7909]

I always have my steak ‘rare’….. but burger’s ‘well’.Burgers can be dangerous undercooked!!

[@lamesbond0077]

mmm, steak burger, genius!

[@sevzas]

Ua, a promotional t-shirt for your channel should say "let's take another bite" on the front and "mmmmm" on the back.

[@thai33oz]

What a bunch of jerkoffs. Good on you for still going thru with the review

[@chrisdubs1928]

R.I.P. those fries. Looks like they were on their way out by the time you got to try them.

[@mrreddington777]

You may want to invest in a smaller camera like a insta360 2 and then eat your meal and then perhaps narrate it after so you can actually have your meal fresh once made. Just a tip.