Unearth The Voyage
The 1980s were a wild time for food in New York City. Designer burgers were just starting to become a thing, diners were packed after midnight, and the smell of sizzling beef drifted down every avenue. Before today’s craft burger renaissance, these were the patties that ruled the Big Apple – then vanished into memory.
1. P.J. Clarke’s – The “Mad Men” Burger Before There Was Mad Men
P.J. Clarke’s was legendary long before the ’80s, but it truly thrived in this decade. An East Side institution known for a clientele that included Frank Sinatra and Jackie O.
Its burgers were the epitome of the “power burger.” Simple toppings on a perfectly seared patty, proving that sophistication didn’t require extravagance.
This was the haunt of ad execs and the city’s elite. A place where a burger could be both elegant and approachable. P.J. Clarke’s remains an icon, a slice of history in a bun.
2. The Corner Bistro – The Original West Village Legend
In the heart of the West Village, The Corner Bistro’s appeal was its simplicity. No-frills, just a juicy half-pound patty on a paper plate. A cheap mug of McSorley’s Ale was all it took to capture peak downtown cool.
Celebrities and locals mingled, creating an unpretentious vibe. Before it became a tourist hotspot, it stood as one of the city’s last true burger bars.
Its charm was in its authenticity. A place where the burger spoke for itself. The Corner Bistro remains a testament to New York’s timeless allure, even if its original atmosphere has shifted.
3. Bill’s Gay Nineties — The Speakeasy Burger Spot of the Upper East Side
Stepping into Bill’s Gay Nineties was like entering a time capsule. Part museum, part restaurant, it was a nod to Prohibition days.
Its thick, juicy burgers drew Wall Street types and regulars. The dark mahogany booths and jazz soundtrack added to its allure.
A hidden world in the Upper East Side, it captured an era that was both nostalgic and vibrant. Bill’s was more than just a meal; it was an experience.
This was where the past met the present, all on a plate.
4. Big Nick’s Burger Joint & Pizza Joint – The West Side’s 24/7 Legend
Big Nick’s was a true New York staple. Open 24 hours, it was the go-to spot for cab drivers, club kids, and Columbia students.
Its “Colossal Burger” was the stuff of late-night legend. A mammoth meal for those endless New York nights.
When rent hikes forced its closure in 2013, it marked the end of an era. Big Nick’s was more than a burger joint; it was a community hub, a place where stories unfolded and memories were made.
5. Nedick’s — The Orange Drink and Burger Combo That Screamed Retro Cool
Nedick’s was a retro icon lingering in the ’80s. Around Penn Station and Times Square, it served as classic commuter fuel.
Its Nedickburger, a beef patty with secret sauce, paired with the famous orange drink, was a unique combo.
When the neon signs finally went dark, a piece of the city’s fast-food soul faded. Nedick’s was more than a meal; it was a New York tradition, etched in the memory of those rushing through the city.
6. Jackson Hole – The Burger That Could Barely Fit in a Bun
At Jackson Hole, the burger was so massive, it barely fit in a bun. Founded in 1972, it came to prominence in the ’80s. Known for its seven-ounce burgers cooked on an open grill, it was a favorite among cabbies, cops, and actors.
The Queens and Upper East Side locations buzzed with life. This was more than a meal; it was an event. Though some branches still exist, that original 1980s energy—the smoky, all-American diner feel—is long gone.
The place captured the essence of New York. It was a spot where stories were shared over hearty bites. A symbol of the city’s unfiltered charm.
7. McHale’s Bar & Grill – Broadway’s Burger Before the Curtain Rose
McHale’s was a Theater District treasure, beloved by both stagehands and stars. Its half-pound burgers were pure comfort food.
Served with a cold pint, they became a pre-show ritual. Situated on 46th Street, it was the perfect spot before the curtain rose.
When it closed in 2006, the Broadway burger scene lost an authentic fixture. McHale’s was more than just a bar and grill; it was a piece of New York’s theatrical heart.
A place where the city’s vibrant spirit thrived.
