Handcraft Burgers and Brew — Restaurant in New York

EDIT (11/02/22 Update): It’s Now 5 Stars For Sure

I went back to Handcraft recently, and they fixed every single thing I took issue with in my below review. Never before have I had a restaurant listen to specific feedback and make every change accordingly. The double patty burger tasted even better than before and was perfectly seasoned, free tap water was provided without issue, a real plate and tray were given with the meal, and it was much more obvious from the get-go that this isn’t intended to be a full-service restaurant. I now absolutely love this place and will be coming back repeatedly. Run to Handcraft for your next burger and don’t look elsewhere!

Original Review:

Handcraft Burgers and Brew make a pretty solid burger. Certain things are great about the experience and others left me a bit disappointed.

I'll start with the food itself as that really is the most important part. I ordered an Oklahoma with a double patty. I felt the patties were good quality and had a nice sear, but they were somewhat under seasoned and a little overcooked. I can forgive the temperature as I prefer my burgers a bit more on the rare side, so it's understandable that they have to cook to the majority's preference and not only mine.

The rest of the burger toppings were great and I particularly loved the sauce blend with the pickles. However, I do wish they added a bit more of each topping when you add a second patty. The ratio of condiments to patty was off because they did not compensate for an additional patty. The bun was also incredibly good -- probably my favorite part of the sandwich. I ordered fries as well which I thought were some of the best I've had in the city at this price range. Perfectly salted with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. If I was walking by this spot and wasn't that hungry, I would still be tempted to pick up an order of fries.

My main two gripes were actually not with the food but with the service. I asked for tap water and they told me that not only would they not give me water, but I would have to buy a standard size bottle for nearly $4. I feel water is a basic necessity and if a restaurant has a sink (which I could see they did have one) they should always offer tap water for free.

The other part of the experience which was off-putting was the tip. This restaurant makes it seem like it is full service and therefore expects a tip, but no one waits on you. You sit at whatever table you like, order from a QR code menu, and pick up the food at the counter. No one serves you or takes your order or does anything that resembles the typical waiter experience. However, they charge you right away when you order your food and they have the default option as a 20% tip. I paid the tip as I figured someone would at least bring the food to the table, but that was not the case. To be honest, I have no idea who I was tipping or why.

And that's my review. I would recommend this place, but I don't see why you would tip and I would make sure to bring your own water bottle. The burger is solid, but if you want something special then definitely get the fries.

Also the burger comes in a paper wrapping that is hard to get off and doesn't serve as a proper eating surface. I ate on top of the takeout bag...

I always say, you can only judge a burger by how much of it you wear. Forget napkins: There's nothing better than enjoying the juicy sauces and flavors a second time around while you lick your fingers. Therefore, I was surprised and delighted to be rather uncouth with my burger at Handcraft Burgers and Brew...slurping up saucy soaked tidbits that dribbled down my fingers and palms. For the price, Handcraft Burgers is likely one of the best burger values and experiences in Manhattan. The burgers come enough ways (your ways and theirs) to satisfy every burger lover. There's seating for about a dozen in the tiny W 40th Street location, and it was standing room only on a Saturday afternoon. If you haven't been to Handcraft, order at the kiosk and wait to enjoy one of the juiciest burgers in the Big Apple. I tried the BOM (with $1 of each BOM order supporting the Hope Foundation -- a nice touch considering we're temporary Manhattanites for my wife's cancer treatment at MSK). This month, the BOM is called the "Cholander Burger" -- a hefty, smoky, and nicely charred Angus patty smothered in remoulade, kimchee, and two kids of cheeses on a brioche bun that was hearty enough to hold it all together 'til the end. My burger of the month was delivered to the table, impeccably cooked, and dripping with savory gobs of kimchee and scallions. Opposite my BOM, was the "OG" -- two stately Angus patties with a tangy cheddar and all the fixin's. The handcraft fries that accompanied both burgers were -- sadly -- limp and mixed with some downright chill potato sticks. However, the Handcraft crew got right on it and served up a replacement that was piping hot and crispy. It's tiny and simple, and despite a selection of craft brews, don't expect pub atmosphere. Nonetheless, with an NYC "A" sanitation rating, a donation to a cancer charity, and staff that went out of the way to assist with accessibility and a wheelchair, Handcraft Burgers and Brew can't be beat for food or friendliness. I can't wait for lunch next week and another burger done their way, but in the meantime, I've still got flavorful fingers to enjoy! UPDATE: a repeat trip to Handcraft Burgers and Brew proved that the first taste wasn't an anomaly. On a second lunch, I found Handcraft as welcoming and delicious as the first visit. This time around, I dove into an Oklahoma Burger their way and couldn't get over the delicious char around the edge of the patty and the juicy tender middle. Talk about perfectly done -- with shaved onions and cheddar. Across the table, I mooched a bite of a Green Chili Burger that oozed green with avocado and lime aioli. The complex layering of meat, cheese, spices, and toppings made me jealous that it wasn't MY burger. We topped off the lunch with crispy tater tots and birch beers. It's confirmed: Handcraft Burgers and Brew is a rare...

Don’t even know how to start this review! OHH so good!! On our way home, we walked past Burgers & Brews on 40th (bet 6th & 7th next to Bryant Park). After standing in front of their establishment like it was no one’s business while we looked at their reviews, we decided to walked in. The place was as clean as I’ve seen here in NYC. Now for the experience. Several touch screens were available for self ordering so we went ahead and placed our custom order on one. Easy to navigate, you can customize your order as you go. While we were ordering, Vanessa the manager approached us as she was going through the dining in area making sure everything was up to par, and asked if we had any questions (which we actuallly did). She helped us navigate the remainder of the easy to use ordering system and with a few suggestions on adding some of their homemade sauces, we sat down and got our order in less than 5 minutes after we placed it (it was dinner time and they were somewhat busy) - so fast.

The food was “ah-mazing”, the burger was excellent as were the fries & the tater tots. Their craft beer selection was on-point also and to add to it all, Vanessa herself checked in on us several times throughout, to make sure we were happy with our food, with their service and that everything was more than perfect. It was.

Now let’s talk about their sauces, I’m telling you now, order without discrimination - my absolute favorite was the truffle garlic sauce. Hers? She couldn’t pick just one, she got three other ones that Vanessa suggested and funny enough, we ended up boxing up the left over “sauces” to bring home. We finished our food but the sauces, they had to come home with us. -Yes we walked out with a small bag carrying sauces lol -there’s a first for everything!

Lastly, while we were praising Vanessa and her staff during her last stop at our table, the folks next to us (tourists) heard it and jumped in to say that Burgers & Brews was their best experience while visiting NYC, by far. I can’t help but totally agree! And the prices were incredible too, where else can you get two custom burgers with two drinks (one alcoholic) and sides for around $40 bucks at dinner time? That’s a total win!!

If you’re in Midtown West near Bryant Park and need a place to eat, go here! You will not be disappointed. Around the corner from Whole Foods too so if you’re local and shop while hungry, eat here first before you go shopping (you can thank me later)…

Vanessa and team, thank you again! You blew the definition of customer service out of the water. I believe credit is due when someone surpasses expectations and this is one of those times. I’ve already signed up for the “Club” to get them points so I’ll see you again...