Photos: Cititour.com
Word of Salt Bae Burger’s demise spread like wildfire in the food media, with many describing Nusret Gökçe’s upscale burger joint near Union Square as the “Worst Restaurant in New York City” based on some old Gothamist headline from 2020.
Salt Bae Burger was unique. Its patty was spiced unlike any other burger I’ve tasted. It was super juicy smothered with caramelized onions and gooey cheese on a grilled house-made sesame seed bun. It arrived on a Salt Bae tray with a hearty helping of crispy steak fries and a signature black glove. And all for under 20 bucks, which was a steal these days, given inflation.
This was back in April at around nine in the evening. Granted the restaurant wasn’t too busy, but our server was excellent, and so was the manager on duty that night. Both pampered us like were dropping a couple of hundred bucks.
So, don’t believe everything you read, just because it will get all of the haters riled up. Salt Bae Burger wasn’t the best restaurant, but it was far from the worst. What’s sad is the people dancing on its grave while ignoring the fact that those workers are now out of a job.
- Thomas Rafael
