Harlem Shake
Burger Joint, Breakfast Spot, and Ice Cream Parlor$$$$
Central Harlem, New York
Has a stamp of approval from Village Voice and New York Post
"Red Velvet Shake is the best, rich, tick and lots of crumbles!!!!!"(12 Tips)
"Try the Watermelon Cooler and Jerk Fries!"(4 Tips)
"I had the classic burger (added bacon) & was in heaven!"(5 Tips)
"And also you have to try the Red Velvet milkshake"(3 Tips)
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New York PostAugust 25, 2014Retro diner makes a big splash uptown with thick red-velvet milkshakes, classic burgers of rich, flavorful beef, buttermilk-brined chicken sandwiches (classic $7.50, jerk-style $8.50) and hot dogs. Read more
Upvoted Nov 26, 2024
LisaJuly 23, 2015So all the hype...deserved!! I had the classic burger (added bacon) & was in heaven! They have a huge selecting of burgers & other foods you'll love. See all the celebs pics on the wall. Staff great.Upvoted Jan 2
Serious EatsMarch 30, 2014The "hot mess" with a pickled cherry pepper and bacon relish is their best selling burger for a reason. Get it!
Annie WernerJuly 7, 2020WAY better than the chains. Smash burgers with gooey cheese--loved the jerk mayo on the Harlem Jerk burger. The watermelon cooler (non-alcoholic) was so refreshing. Outdoor patio is the cherry on top!
Mike FriedlichMarch 22, 2019Hot mess and Harlem Shake are amazing. Hot mess is very flavorful and harlem shake has pieces of red velvet cake in the shake, which make it so good. Classic turkey burger was also great.
Village VoiceApril 9, 2015The mind-blowing veggie burger here is built on a homemade nut-and-grain patty, typically served in classic style: two patties with cheese, onions, pickles, and the restaurant's special sauce.
A L E XJune 21, 2013The Classic "Harlem" Burger was pretty tasty. Chili Cheese fries were more savory less spicy. Beer on tap. Beautiful retro decor, service is friendly. I will be returning again to try more. Harlem!- You can never go wrong here. Vegetarians: get the veggie patty which is one of the best I've had - and ask for your fries to be cooked in vegetable oil! Cajun spiced fries are outta control!
John KeefeJune 18, 2015I recommend the Deluxe Fried Chicken Sandwich if you want to change it up. Good beer and wine selection - sit outside with a bottle of wine or some cold beers on a nice day.
I live discovering new foodie spots ... soul music w/ a retro 50's feel. Not to mention the Jerk burger (cheeseburger topped w/ jerk sauce mayo & jerk seasoned fries) is awesome Yummmm!
MbaliMarch 6, 2015Just might be the best-tasting veggie burger I've ever bought 👌. Wish the kale salad was massaged to make it softer but overall they have an impressive selection for vegetarians.
A little chaotic, since it's brand new. However, the food is great. The "Hot Mess" burger with fried pork rinds is the way to go. The classic fried chicken sandwich is great, too.
If you're a tuna fish melt lover I suggest this pallet pleasing combo of mouth watering tuna and onions and other treats but the choice of chedder swiss with fries is to die for darling TRUST
Harlem AmbassadorMay 4, 2013With a retro look and a restroom that is conversation worthy, it may distract from specialties like the Hot Mess Burger and Harlem Shorty Shake made from red velvet cupcakes. Perfect for Lenox gazing.
Reign LowAugust 26, 2013I've actually taste burgers & sweet yam fries way better than this place.. On a scale of 1-10 Harlem shake gets a 5.. But if you like me & like to eat at over pricey restaurant then come in :)
Jerk dog totally worth it (dog, slaw, jerk mayo + pork rinds), big ups to the guy cleaning tables. Re: poor service in other reviews - give it some months to settle in and ramp before a final verdict!
Elizabeth MaiuoloJuly 27, 2015We got the bbq burger and the american classic, the cheese fries, and the macandcheeseboro, all amazing.
Perfect for a quick get together with friends or a bite with your neighbor. Try the Cheerwine. You won't be sorry you did! :)
Terrea MitchellOctober 15, 2016Had my usual hot mess. The pitcher of mimosa is a great value. My friend and I had a pitcher Friday night, definitely enough for 3 people at least.
AnthonyMarch 17, 2016Amazingly delicious milkshakes and burgers. Try the jerk burger and a cookies n cream milkshake. Always opt for the larger milkshake size!
Damon AwApril 6, 2014The classic burger and Red Velvet shake were good, but a little sad on their own. Spend a little bit more to get some sides or you'll end up with another burger =)
Lotus ToreeJanuary 18, 2016This burger is a must-eat. And, the mac'n cheese is creamy decadence. Not a fan of the velvet milkshake but the vanilla and strawberry are fantastic. Fries are average but burger won't disappoint!
Juliana StockFebruary 16, 2014Kale Caesar salad is amazing... Although seems like it may be seasonal which is too bad. It's my favorite thing to eat--along with a side of jerk fries.
ChelseaJuly 11, 2013New York Magazine Cheap Eats issue gives this place "high marks for the two-thin-patties-is-better-than-one-beef-bomb construction, and for how the floppy burgers bulge, tonguelike, out of the bun."
SinaDecember 25, 2017I got "hot mess" which was pretty good. The Harlem shake was good too, and the regular size is enough for two.
- Serious EatsMarch 30, 2014Look for the real sugar sodas in the fridge in the back instead of the fountain drinks. Lots of choices from around the country.
Erik EllingsonFebruary 12, 2019The classic burger was delicious, could have used another slice of cheese though. The fries and the shake were delicious
Don't expect lettuce & tomato fixin's. All other reviews, I agree with. Love the chocolate malted shake. They've got a seasonal pumpkin cinnamon shake, now. I didn't try it due to diet.- Noel SimmondsFebruary 20, 2016I love the tasty (and unique) burger selection and the shakes are off the chain. Great place for lunch or dinner.
David DuncanJanuary 13, 2015Cashier friendly and helpful. Burger kind of greasy and small for the price, but tasty. Watermelon cooler was good. Nice to have this place in the neighborhood but it needs something.
Ashlee HaynieOctober 26, 2013I don't love the burgers or the chicken sandwich, but the chili cheese dog is pretty good. I'll keep coming back just for the shakes though! So good!
Lisa MarieDecember 4, 2013Definitely the hippest burger joint in Harlem. Can't complain. Love the burgers, decor and vibe here ❤️❤️Must try if your in the hood. 👍
Adam KubanMay 21, 2013Burgers are legit here. The Hot Mess is nice. It's like a Harlem Shake version of a green chile cheeseburger. A little spicy, a little sweet.
Check it out on Sundays and be amazed by how many tourists visit after attending churches and photographing brownstones.
The best veggie burger I've ever had. The patty looks a little weird/different, tastes amazing! Grab a coffee shake to digest. Nom.
Daniel M.May 20, 2013Best fast food joint in Harlem to date. Check out the retro decor and don't skip the bathroom. The burgers and shakes are great though the fries are nothing special. Also took 20 min. to get served.
CaLiAugust 13, 2014The burgers and fries and the chicken "strips" are good plus the bathroom takes you back with all of thr Jet magazines from back in the day.
The burger was good! It comes with a special sauce, pickles and onions, so if you don't want any of those items, tell them when you place your order.
Cialina Temena-HusemannSeptember 1, 2014Their swag kid special is a great value that is just right. The downside is that the milkshake options that come with it are limited.- Jerk Burger, Shrimp & Grits, Peach Milkshake, and of course the Grilled Mac 'n' Cheeseboro sandwich!
Afrii NoraJune 28, 2013Don't forget about the four square special! If you show the cashiers that you have checked in On four square you can get a burger, fries and soda for ten bucks!
Karen GuzmánOctober 1, 2014Found a Doppelgänger of my bf (who's in Colombia Juan Andres) and the shakes are so creamy... Yum!
Aya FNovember 2, 2018$15 bucket of beers (5), truffle fries with Burger. Great music too. Usually live bands at night
Kay SlayMay 20, 2013Loved the veggie burger! It was made of fresh ingredients, and the sauce did not disappoint. The jerk fries were tasty, if not a smidge salty. Was WAAY disappointed that they didn't have shakes, tho.
Star Of'DavidJuly 20, 2014Best burgers! We had a classic and turkey...so good! Very filling without stuffing you. Must try.
jillian dinoJuly 25, 2013The burgers are delicious - similar to the patty at shake shack. Be sure to try the salted caramel shake!
Alan MooimanJuly 27, 2015The Red velvet shake is pretty awesome, and the burgers are great- similar to five guys or shake shack.
try the Harlem Hangover for breakfast, sooo good! a unique, spicy comfort dish – sweet potato, onion & peppers, fried egg
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Burgers, shakes & good times--the Harlem way.
Closed until 8:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 8:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 8:00 AM–2:00 AM
(212) 222-8300
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Drinks
Beer, Wine
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- 6.8
"The patrons can be a little sketch sometimes & this place only accepts cash but the food is BOMB! I've only had their breakfast so far. The french toast and hash browns are amaze."
Tomik Dash - 8.3
"Delicious burguers!! Awesome for a quick meal. Perfect price"
Pedro Lourenço - 7.0
"Amazing burgers!!! In any size :) Love it and the french fries delicious! You have to try this place!"
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