Pastis
Cheeseburger a l'Americaine
Price: $28
Meat: Two 4oz Patties - 75/25 or 70/30 blend perhaps
Bun: Sesame Burger Bun (possibly from Balthazar's)
Cheese: American
Extras: Red Onion, Pickles
Sides: Shoestring Fries
Sauce: Typical Burger sauce
It has been some time since my last burger entry. Life has been busy and priorities have shifted, but it’s good to be back. Pastis has been on my list for quite a while, and after hearing positive feedback from colleagues, the timing finally aligned for a visit.
Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, the restaurant carries the energy you might expect from the neighborhood. The space evokes a classic French café, complete with a prominent bar that nearly wraps around the room. It was lively and buzzing when I arrived. The host greeted me warmly, and although I expected to be directed to the bar as a solo diner, I was instead seated at a small two-top table—a welcome change of pace.
My server initially presented a serious demeanor, though I’ve found that a bit of easy conversation tends to set a relaxed tone on both sides. I ordered a beer and, without hesitation, the Cheeseburger à l’Américaine. The burger comes with fries included—a detail I always appreciate—and it arrived promptly. Not rushed, but timely in the way that matters when hunger sets in.
The presentation was exactly to my liking: a large, flat plate with the burger occupying one side and a generous serving of fries covering the other. No gimmicks, no miniature metal baskets—just a straightforward, confident plating. While I’m not typically inclined toward ketchup, if I do use it, I prefer it chilled and served properly. Here, it was presented in a ramekin, satisfying both practicality and preference.
The burger itself was quintessential in appearance: a toasted sesame bun, two patties layered with American cheese, red onion, pickles, and house sauce. The fries were expertly cooked, though slightly saltier than my preference; the ketchup helped balance that. Upon my first bite, I hadn’t realized there were two patties rather than one larger one. A second glance confirmed it. The choice to use two patties instead of a single thicker one isn’t something I can definitively explain, but it worked exceptionally well. Interestingly, the patties appeared to be cooked to slightly different temperatures—one closer to medium, the other medium rare. If this was an oversight, it did not detract from the overall enjoyment. The burger was undeniably delicious.
I approached this visit expecting the burger might be overhyped, but I was pleasantly mistaken. It maintains a classic American profile while reflecting the refinement associated with French culinary training. As someone who appreciates French cuisine, I enjoy seeing how its techniques and sensibilities can elevate something as familiar as a cheeseburger.
To conclude the meal, I followed my server’s recommendation and ordered the Paris-Brest—choux pastry filled with praline cream and topped with toasted hazelnuts. It was a fitting and satisfying finish.
In summary, the burger passes the quality-to-value ratio. At $28, including a substantial portion of fries, it sits within a reasonable range for today’s market. Could it be priced slightly lower? Perhaps. But the ability to enjoy a complete meal under $30 is increasingly rare. If you find yourself in the area and craving a well-executed burger in a lively setting, it’s certainly worth a visit. Friendly service, strong ambiance, and classic décor round out the experience.