Virginia’s
Price: $20
Meat: 80/20 blend but fall apart tender
Bun: Hamburger (Brioche)
Cheese: Cabot Cheddar
Extras: Egg $4, Bacon $5, Onion Marmalade
Sides: Shoestring Fries (w/ roasted garlic aioli) $12
Sauce: Marrow Aioli
I’d like to begin by noting that the overall flavor was very good. The onion marmalade was the most prominent element, offering a depth of sweetness that stood out immediately. The second thing I noticed was the tenderness of the meat. In fact, it was so tender that it bordered on falling apart. It’s difficult to determine whether that was due to the medium-rare preparation or the handling of the patty itself. The bartender, Jesus, mentioned that the patty weighs 6 ounces, though it felt slightly more substantial.
The bun held up well and maintained its structure—an important detail considering the burger includes multiple moisture components: cheese, onion marmalade, aioli, and a runny egg yolk. Despite these elements, the bun did not become soggy. The egg neither significantly enhanced nor detracted from the overall experience, though Jesus suggested adding bacon on a future visit, which I would consider.
Turning to the fries: as with many other spots I’ve visited, they were not included with the burger. At a $12 price point, I understand the hesitation, but I believe a burger and fries are a natural pairing, and some restaurants may be overlooking that expectation. That said, the fries themselves were excellent—thin, well-seasoned, and crisp. If I had to guess, they appeared to be lightly coated in flour and cornstarch for added texture, and they were served with a roasted garlic aioli that complemented them nicely.
The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, which I appreciated. While I’m not particularly fond of the Alphabet City area, the setting itself was enjoyable. There is outdoor seating available, though I opted to sit at the bar, which I find is always the best place to gather information and engage with staff. Visiting on a quiet Wednesday evening made for an easy walk-in experience.
Overall, I would order the burger again—and next time, I may take the recommendation to add bacon.