Lucky's Famous Burgers

370 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-6717


Stopped into this one for lunch after finding it on the AAdvantage Dining Program listing. It seems a bit out of the way as you walk by several night clubs and store fronts heading further into Hell's Kitchen but once you walk through the door, you find yourself in a cheery little burger shop all in red and yellow. The counter people were very nice and chatted with me as I waited for my cheese burger to be made on the other side of the wall (everything seems to pass through a small window opening from the kitchen). $10 for the Lucky's Cheddar Burger Meal that includes crinkle cut fries and a 24 oz. drink. Aside from the packets of ketchup that are tossed in, you also get two small containers of chipotle aioli. I chose to use the aioli on my burger and to dip the fries and I can tell you that it was heaven! I opted for everything on my burger (tomato, lettuce, onion, pickle) so I could feel like I was eating healthy. LOL!
The burger was quite good! Juicy and hand formed and not thin and gray like major burger chains.

Going to go back and try their onion rings.

 

Steak 'n Shake Signature

1695 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-6584

Stopped here for lunch out of recommendations from friends.
I was walking back and forth looking for the place until I found it right next door to the David Letterman Show (wonder if he ever stops in?).

Tried the Double 'n Cheese burger with fries for $3.99.
The burgers are made from ground beef and you can see it, just like if you were making a burger at home and not that frozen, processed, dense hockey puck like at McDonald's or Burger King. The french fries were tasty. Crispy, thin cut, and nicely seasoned. It's said that fat is flavor and I suppose that is why everything here was so tasty! I noticed that my fingers were greasy after my second bite into the hamburger and the paper cup that held the fries had tell tale signs of oil spots, absorbing the oil from the fries.
I had the works on my burger ( tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mayo) so the vegetables made me feel like I was eating a bit healthier.

Staff is cordial and cutely dressed in their red, black, and white uniforms. Decor is nice too.
Going to go back and try their "hand dipped" milk shakes next time.

Luke's Lobster

242 E. 81st Street
New York, NY
212.249.4241


http://www.lukeslobster.com/

A small little lobster shack in the Upper East Side that serves a fabulous lobster roll. The hot dog bun is crispy and buttery and the lobster meat is cool and luscious. By itself it's $14 but when made into a "Schooner", it is $16 and comes with a pickle, bag of chips, and a Maine soda.

Staff there seemed a bit discombobulated behind the register and the kitchen small. Seating area by the windows and some tables and benches. Quaint!

International House of Pancakes

155 Dolson Ave
Middletown, NY 10940

(845) 343-0880

Better known as IHOP, this chain in Middletown, NY is a delightful experience! Great food and great prices! Fast and attentive service with the exception of the host that was no where to be found. A waitress about to take her break filled in and sat me and my dining guest.



The menu













The first time I went I had the Hawaiian pancakes breakfast. Banana pancakes with macadamia nuts, syrup and whipped cream. 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, 2 pieces ham, and hash browns. It was quite filling!








My next visit, I had the Holiday Pancakes (Pumpkin) with the full breakfast of 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, and hash browns.

All New VIP Diner

175 Sip Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 792-1400

This diner is not too far from the Journal Square PATH Station and when I went there with friends for lunch yesterday, they were renovating the back dining area.
There were 5 of us in total and the hostess accommodated us with a sunny window booth and an extra table so that we would have sufficient room.
We started with buffalo chicken wings ($5.95) and fried zucchini sticks ($4.25). They were piping hot from the fryer and were pretty good. The zucchini still had it's skin on which didn't bother us but the fried outer coating might have held on better if it was removed prior to battering and frying.
I had a strawberry ice cream soda ($2.45) which was made backwards with the ice cream being put into the glass first and then topped with soda making for a large foamy head and not much soda. Our first young waitress seemed flustered having to wait on 5 people and we were later waited on by a second older waitress. I was beginning to feel full but at that moment, the main course arrived at the table.
I had the 8oz. mushroom bacon burger deluxe ($7.45) with onion rings ($1 more for the rings) which came with a small side of coleslaw and a pickle. The burger was pretty big and juicy but I managed to finish it. Our bill for 5 people came out to about $66 with tax.
Overall, the place was large, clean and the host was very nice. Our waitress Samantha, had that typical cool diner waitress demeanor. Pretty typical diner fare and ambiance but a pleasant experience. Prices are average and the menu can be seen here.