While wandering around New York, I ran into Burger Heaven (9 East 53rd Street, btwn 5th Ave and Madison Ave), not realizing it was a chain of 6. So I figured I would give it a shot.
After taking out seats, I looked at the paper placemat in front of me. It was all about the Celebrity Apprentice episode featuring Burger Heaven.
It doesn’t have a burger joint feel but is more of a diner with all the counter stools and booths. However, it was a much more sleek-looking diner than you usually get.
This particular location has a second floor. There is breakfast on the menu (served until 11 am) and homemade chili that was calling my name.
I ordered the classic beef burger, cooked medium with American cheese and a side of fries. It took about 10 minutes from when I placed the order to when I received the burger.
I had asked for mayo on the burger, then a couple of pickle spears, red onion, and a packet of mayo showed up on a plate. The burger was cooked perfectly, and the taste was reminiscent of what you might get served at a diner.
There was nothing special here, just a solid diner burger. The fries, on the other hand, now that was something different.
A twice-fried spud is the only way to get that particular crispy texture outside. They were delicious.
While the burger didn’t break new ground for me, the fries left me longing for more.
UPDATE: The last Burger Heaven restaurant closed in February 2020.