New York's affinity for burgers goes unparalleled. Where else will you be able to employ a camera to stake out long lines or get away with charging $175 for a burger? From Minetta Tavern to Corner Bistro, everyone's got their favorite burger haunt in the city.
These restaurants might have some of the best red meat and bun combinations around, but few can boast the loyal employees that make up Prime Burger in Midtown, where the restaurant is much more than a burger joint. It's home, where really everyone knows your name (or at least makes an effort to).
So legendary are their burgers, Prime's devoted clientele brought in the likes of Rita Hayworth and Sammy Davis Jr. back in their heydays as some of Hollywood's greatest performers. But you won't find any foie gras bells and truffled whistles here. The restaurant is classic, old New York and has barely changed since the 1960's.
Filmmakers Ben Wu and David Usui of Lost and Found Films capture the essence of the quintessential burger joint:
For many of the guys that work here, the restaurant is like a second home - some of them have been slinging burgers, making shakes, and waiting on customers at this location for decades. Opened in 1938, the place hasn't been altered since the early '60s, and it looks all the better for it.
Watch below for the burger magic:
PRIME from thismustbetheplace on Vimeo.
Drooling? Check out some of the best from Burger Bash 2011: