Big Daddy’s Diner – Pretty In Pink

Big Daddy’s Diner
http://www.bigdaddysnyc.com/
239 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003-1403

THE STORY
My friends Tim and Chris from Blood Company were in town with their bands Norma Jean and HORSE the Band and wanted to meet up with burger conquester Leo and I, as well as Rich Hall from 1000 Knives for a pre-show meal. Rich says “I can eat a burger” and I think you know where the story goes from here.

As the show was in the Gramercy section of Manhattan, I naturally chose the Gramercy Park location of Big Daddy’s Diner for our burger conquesting pleasures.

Big Daddy’s is a kitschy 80’s themed diner with a wide array of food choices but a focus on burgers, tots, milk shakes and similar fare. Inside you will find a brightly restaurant with lots of stainless steel along with toys and decorations from popular 80s entertainment. It’s a fun vibe and cool theme for a diner. Who isn’t going to get excited when you’re surrounded by Indiana Jones, KISS, Atari, The Monkees, Tron, Pac-Man, Hawaiian Punch and so on. Oddly enough, no logo from popular 80s video game “Burger Time!” [Click to play]

THE BURGER
All the burgers come served on fresh brioche bun and a side of cole slaw and pickles. You also get your choice of french fries or tater tots and if you know what’s good for you, you get tots! While I was severely tempted by the “Daddy-O” burger with jalapeno jack, thick cut bacon & crispy onions and the “Dude” Burger with thick crispy bacon, caramelized onions, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and special maytag bleu cheese dressing, I went old school; “All American Burger 102,” a half-pound burger with cheddar and lettuce.

The brioche was crispy and added a nice sweet balance to the saltiness of the meal as well as holding form around a greasy burger. I love it when a burger spot realizes the importance of a bun. Not that I am against the standard white squishy bun, but sometimes the burger calls for more! The lettuce leaf was so large that I thought the burger might use it as wings and fly off of my plate. (Do burgers migrate south for the winter?) The quality cheese and the nice tasting and beef added together for a nice overall burger experience.  Points to Big Daddy’s for serving my burger as ordered, medium rare. It’s so “Pretty In Pink”! (See what I did there?)

While Big Daddy’s Diner seems to be off the Burgeratti radar, I walked in with no expectations and ended up with a pretty decent and juicy burger. My one issue, and it’s a BIG ONE, cold tots. Way to ruin my favorite burger companion. If you are going to check out Big Daddy’s Diner, be sure to sign up for their “Insider’s Club” first. Much like we did, you will get 15% off your entire bill!

7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev Ciancio