5 Napkin Burger is 5 Stars

One of my favorite places to eat in Astoria is 5 Napkin Burger.  Now before you start thinking this is another Astoria post, there are locations in Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side too!

I’ve only eaten at the Astoria location, and I have to say, it is a great addition to the neighborhood.  First, it’s huge, so it’s like dining in the ‘burbs.  I’ve never waited for a table, and it’s a perfect place for a big party.  Best of all, they have my favorite seating arrangement – the round booth.  Now that it is a little warmer out, 5 Napkin added 60 seats outside.  I tried it this weekend and it was a little chilly since the restaurant was in the shade, but I can see myself making use of this outdoor space all summer.

I’ve been to 5 Napkin for a media tasting before, as well as on my own several times.  Whether visiting for birthdays, get-togethers with friends or dates, it’s always is a crowd pleaser.

Since I’ve been there quite a few times, I guess what might be most helpful is to share my favorite dishes (and not so favorite dishes).  It’s interesting to note that not only does 5 Napkin have a lot of burger options, but there are sushi options as well.  I know, sushi at a burger place sounds strange, but I tried the sushi at a media tasting several months back, and it was good!

Must Order:

• Grilled barbecue spiced mahi mahi fish tacos: Yes, I know I ordered fish tacos at a burger place, but these are to
  

  Photo courtesy of Bradley from Amuse*Bouche / Yelp

  die for.  First, I loved that the mahi mahi is grilled,  not breaded.  I also loved the toppings in the taco – a chipotle crema, avocado and pineapple salsa.  Yum! It may be my new go-to at 5 Napkin.

• Bacon cheddar burger: This burger is my fave on the burger menu.  And true to its name, you will need 5 Napkins because this burger is certainly juicy.  Ask for some 5 Napkin sauce on the side – it’s a mix of ketchup and mayo – and is a must to put on your burger.  Also – burgers at 5 Napkin are on the rarer side, so I usually order medium.
• Tater tots: These aren’t your cafeteria’s tots.  Picture mashed potatoes, with a tot like shell (or see the photo!).  These are heaven and you must have 5 Napkin sauce accompanying them.
• Hell’s Kitchen wings: I had these wings a few months back, but they weren’t your average wing.  These were huge and it was like having a meal in itself with just one wing.
• Buffalo chicken sandwich: Sometimes I’ll split the burger with my roommate, and split this sandwich as well.  The sandwich is a little messy, but it’s really good and does pack some heat on it, thanks to the sauce.

Wouldn’t Order Again:

• Original 5 Napkin Burger: This burger has caramelized onions, rosemary aioli and gruyere on it. The reason I wouldn’t order it again is because the rosemary just over powers the entire dish.
• Lobster roll sliders: Surprisingly, some bars have really good lobster rolls.  These lobster sliders were just okay, and didn’t rank high on my lobster list.

We love deals, and 5 Napkin has a great happy hour.  Through Thursday, they’ll be bringing their happy hour outdoors in their new seating area at the Astoria location.  Happy Hour runs from 4pm – 7pm and includes $2 sliders (turkey, veggie & original 5 Napkin Burger), $.50 Hell’s Kitchen Wings, $2 Pork Tacquitos (tray of 4) and $4 drafts.

All in all, it’s safe to say I’m a big fan of 5 Napkin Burger and I’ll definitely be returning again soon.  I will say though for my budget conscientious readers – the only downside is that sides aren’t served with your meal, so my beloved tater tots are ordered a la carte ($4.25).  One side though is enough for two people, so just make sure your dining partner is a fan of tots and you’ll be all set!