Paul’s Burgers, also known as “Da Burger Joint”, has a giant neon sign on their window claiming they are the best burger in NYC. Since they are located in the bustling area of St. Marks place with a great deal of food competition since 1989, I didn’t think that claim could be too far from the truth.

I had heard from friends that this place was famous for its “Burger Tartare”, which is a raw burger with a cracked egg on top as well as capers, lettuce, tomato, and onions. To make this even better, I requested a piece of cheese on top to seal the deal.

The meal was an experience of its own since I had never tried raw meat before, let alone in this fashion. There wasn’t much flavor to the meat itself but the capers added a nice taste when you ran into them and the egg on top added some good texture. The chili cheese fries were a perfect option on the side since they added some spice and flavor to the meal between bites. The burger was great, but I was only more curious to see what their cooked burger tasted like so on I went to trial #2, “The Mozzarella Burger”.

Eating their cooked meat was the true taste test. My lovely middle-aged waitress who called me “hun” every time she checked in handed me the plate with a half smile and I knew right off the bat that this burger would be delicious. It looked nice and slimy, but in a good way. It was dripping with cheese and had a buttery toasty bun with a set of golden steak fries on the side. The first bite confirmed the claim on the neon sign, at least partially. This was the best burger I’d had in ages.

Paul’s not only serves burgers, so if you’re looking for something else they serve everything from salads to chicken, turkey dogs, and hot dogs. They even serve veggie burgers and fish sandwiches! They also have an impressive menu of diner style beverages to go with your meal.

As if the food isn’t good enough, their atmosphere is something to look forward to when you dine as well. I can only describe this place as a 50’s diner meets Applebees, with its checkered table clothes and sports memorabilia hanging on the walls. There’s even a counter full of people drinking beers and eating burgers in front of the giant stove. It’s a comforting atmosphere to escape to, especially in that part of town.

What’s really surprising about this joint that should make you want to eat here over all the other chain restaurants in the area is the fact that after all these years, the place is still family run and owned. Though it used to be called “Paul’s Palace” when it originally opened, nothing else has changed but the name, which could explain why their burger recipe is so wonderful.

Though it’s pretty small inside and can often have a wait around peak meal times, a raw burger with a raw egg on top is certainly worth the wait. Nothing you order there will disappoint. The staff is so down to earth and the atmosphere is casual and laid-back. Most importantly, you get to watch the burgers being cooked right behind the counter, which fills the place up with the unmistakable smell of a Paul’s burger. This is the kind of restaurant where you can feel at home being a regular.

To check out their menu online, visit : http://www.paulsburgers.com/aboutus.php