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Harlem Shake

Burger Joint, Breakfast Spot, and Ice Cream Parlor$$$$

Central Harlem, New York

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Harlem Shake

8.2^/10

639

ratings

Ranked #1 for burger joints in Central Harlem
Has a stamp of approval from Village Voice and Serious Eats
"Red Velvet Shake is the best, rich, tick and lots of crumbles!!!!!"(12 Tips)
"Try the Watermelon Cooler and Jerk Fries!"(4 Tips)
"I had the classic burger (added bacon) & was in heaven!"(5 Tips)
"And also you have to try the Red Velvet milkshake"(3 Tips)

168 Tips and reviews

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burgers
milkshakes
french fries
lively
casual
good for groups
good for a quick meal
watermelon cooler
jerk mayo
great value
spicy food
hot dogs
Kale Caesar
pork cracklings
cookies & cream
soul music
Caesar salad
outdoor seating
bacon
sweet potatoes
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New York PostAugust 25, 2014
Retro diner makes a big splash uptown with thick red-velvet milkshakes, classic burgers of rich, flavorful beef, buttermilk-brined chicken sandwiches (classic $7.50, jerk-style $8.50) and hot dogs. Read more
LisaJuly 23, 2015
So all the hype...deserved!! I had the classic burger (added bacon) & was in heaven! They have a huge selecting of burgers & other foods you'll love. See all the celebs pics on the wall. Staff great.
Serious EatsMarch 30, 2014
The "hot mess" with a pickled cherry pepper and bacon relish is their best selling burger for a reason. Get it!
Annie WernerJuly 7, 2020
WAY better than the chains. Smash burgers with gooey cheese--loved the jerk mayo on the Harlem Jerk burger. The watermelon cooler (non-alcoholic) was so refreshing. Outdoor patio is the cherry on top!
Village VoiceApril 9, 2015
The mind-blowing veggie burger here is built on a homemade nut-and-grain patty, typically served in classic style: two patties with cheese, onions, pickles, and the restaurant's special sauce.
L. T.June 9, 2015
Been here 5+ times
You can never go wrong here. Vegetarians: get the veggie patty which is one of the best I've had - and ask for your fries to be cooked in vegetable oil! Cajun spiced fries are outta control!
Mike FriedlichMarch 22, 2019
Hot mess and Harlem Shake are amazing. Hot mess is very flavorful and harlem shake has pieces of red velvet cake in the shake, which make it so good. Classic turkey burger was also great.
Marvin WashingtonApril 21, 2014
Been here 25+ times
If you're a tuna fish melt lover I suggest this pallet pleasing combo of mouth watering tuna and onions and other treats but the choice of chedder swiss with fries is to die for darling TRUST
A L E XJune 21, 2013
The Classic "Harlem" Burger was pretty tasty. Chili Cheese fries were more savory less spicy. Beer on tap. Beautiful retro decor, service is friendly. I will be returning again to try more. Harlem!
Reign LowAugust 26, 2013
I've actually taste burgers & sweet yam fries way better than this place.. On a scale of 1-10 Harlem shake gets a 5.. But if you like me & like to eat at over pricey restaurant then come in :)
John KeefeJune 18, 2015
I recommend the Deluxe Fried Chicken Sandwich if you want to change it up. Good beer and wine selection - sit outside with a bottle of wine or some cold beers on a nice day.
MbaliMarch 6, 2015
Just might be the best-tasting veggie burger I've ever bought 👌. Wish the kale salad was massaged to make it softer but overall they have an impressive selection for vegetarians.
AngelaJune 22, 2013
Been here 10+ times
I live discovering new foodie spots ... soul music w/ a retro 50's feel. Not to mention the Jerk burger (cheeseburger topped w/ jerk sauce mayo & jerk seasoned fries) is awesome Yummmm!
Damon AwApril 6, 2014
The classic burger and Red Velvet shake were good, but a little sad on their own. Spend a little bit more to get some sides or you'll end up with another burger =)
Adeet DeshmukhMay 22, 2013
Been here 10+ times
A little chaotic, since it's brand new. However, the food is great. The "Hot Mess" burger with fried pork rinds is the way to go. The classic fried chicken sandwich is great, too.
Ravi MexicoJune 8, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Jerk dog totally worth it (dog, slaw, jerk mayo + pork rinds), big ups to the guy cleaning tables. Re: poor service in other reviews - give it some months to settle in and ramp before a final verdict!
DatDamnNatashaMay 22, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Perfect for a quick get together with friends or a bite with your neighbor. Try the Cheerwine. You won't be sorry you did! :)
PureWowJuly 1, 2014
The menu offers quite the spread--from turkey or veggie patties and kale Caesar salads to something known as the “Hot Mess” (take as you will). Read more
Serious EatsMarch 30, 2014
Look for the real sugar sodas in the fridge in the back instead of the fountain drinks. Lots of choices from around the country.
Elizabeth MaiuoloJuly 27, 2015
We got the bbq burger and the american classic, the cheese fries, and the macandcheeseboro, all amazing.
Terrea MitchellOctober 15, 2016
Had my usual hot mess. The pitcher of mimosa is a great value. My friend and I had a pitcher Friday night, definitely enough for 3 people at least.
NiaNovember 22, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Don't expect lettuce & tomato fixin's. All other reviews, I agree with. Love the chocolate malted shake. They've got a seasonal pumpkin cinnamon shake, now. I didn't try it due to diet.
Juliana StockFebruary 16, 2014
Kale Caesar salad is amazing... Although seems like it may be seasonal which is too bad. It's my favorite thing to eat--along with a side of jerk fries.
AnthonyMarch 17, 2016
Amazingly delicious milkshakes and burgers. Try the jerk burger and a cookies n cream milkshake. Always opt for the larger milkshake size!
Lotus ToreeJanuary 18, 2016
This burger is a must-eat. And, the mac'n cheese is creamy decadence. Not a fan of the velvet milkshake but the vanilla and strawberry are fantastic. Fries are average but burger won't disappoint!
SinaDecember 25, 2017
I got "hot mess" which was pretty good. The Harlem shake was good too, and the regular size is enough for two.
ChelseaJuly 11, 2013
New York Magazine Cheap Eats issue gives this place "high marks for the two-thin-patties-is-better-than-one-beef-bomb construction, and for how the floppy burgers bulge, tonguelike, out of the bun."
Harlem AmbassadorMay 4, 2013
With a retro look and a restroom that is conversation worthy, it may distract from specialties like the Hot Mess Burger and Harlem Shorty Shake made from red velvet cupcakes. Perfect for Lenox gazing.
David DuncanJanuary 13, 2015
Cashier friendly and helpful. Burger kind of greasy and small for the price, but tasty. Watermelon cooler was good. Nice to have this place in the neighborhood but it needs something.
Ashlee HaynieOctober 26, 2013
I don't love the burgers or the chicken sandwich, but the chili cheese dog is pretty good. I'll keep coming back just for the shakes though! So good!
Daniel M.May 20, 2013
Best fast food joint in Harlem to date. Check out the retro decor and don't skip the bathroom. The burgers and shakes are great though the fries are nothing special. Also took 20 min. to get served.
Erik EllingsonFebruary 12, 2019
The classic burger was delicious, could have used another slice of cheese though. The fries and the shake were delicious
Noel SimmondsFebruary 20, 2016
I love the tasty (and unique) burger selection and the shakes are off the chain. Great place for lunch or dinner.
Dei WestMay 19, 2013
Been here 25+ times
The burger was good! It comes with a special sauce, pickles and onions, so if you don't want any of those items, tell them when you place your order.
Cialina Temena-HusemannSeptember 1, 2014
Their swag kid special is a great value that is just right. The downside is that the milkshake options that come with it are limited.
Adam KubanMay 21, 2013
Burgers are legit here. The Hot Mess is nice. It's like a Harlem Shake version of a green chile cheeseburger. A little spicy, a little sweet.
Lisa MarieDecember 4, 2013
Definitely the hippest burger joint in Harlem. Can't complain. Love the burgers, decor and vibe here ❤️❤️Must try if your in the hood. 👍
Aya FNovember 2, 2018
$15 bucket of beers (5), truffle fries with Burger. Great music too. Usually live bands at night
Luca SartoriSeptember 13, 2014
Great burger and fries! The Harlem Shake (red velvet) is phenomenal!
Matthew CaldecuttMay 15, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Check it out on Sundays and be amazed by how many tourists visit after attending churches and photographing brownstones.
Alan MooimanJuly 27, 2015
The Red velvet shake is pretty awesome, and the burgers are great- similar to five guys or shake shack.
EricaSeptember 12, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The best veggie burger I've ever had. The patty looks a little weird/different, tastes amazing! Grab a coffee shake to digest. Nom.
Kerry CheeseboroOctober 19, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Jerk Burger, Shrimp & Grits, Peach Milkshake, and of course the Grilled Mac 'n' Cheeseboro sandwich!
Kay SlayMay 20, 2013
Loved the veggie burger! It was made of fresh ingredients, and the sauce did not disappoint. The jerk fries were tasty, if not a smidge salty. Was WAAY disappointed that they didn't have shakes, tho.
jillian dinoJuly 25, 2013
The burgers are delicious - similar to the patty at shake shack. Be sure to try the salted caramel shake!
Karen GuzmánOctober 1, 2014
Found a Doppelgänger of my bf (who's in Colombia Juan Andres) and the shakes are so creamy... Yum!
Star Of'DavidJuly 20, 2014
Best burgers! We had a classic and turkey...so good! Very filling without stuffing you. Must try.
KW.June 22, 2013
Great staff and customer service! And the hot mess is amazing. Don't do the jerk fries. The mayo is too much.
Tony RahsaanMay 16, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The burgers are off the hook, but if you open a biz with "shake" in the name, you better have some bomb-ass milk shakes. Unfortunately, my shake was milky and warm. #WTF Will be getting a refund.
Tracy P.February 9, 2014
Love love love the Harlem Classic with bacon. So tasty, way more memorable than Shake Shack.

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Harlem Shake

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