NYCReview
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Lovely’s Old Fashioned
Included In
Burgers, fries, a 1950s motif that’s supposed to remind you of when people owned homes, listened to Doris Day, and learned about the struggles of the American teen from a 24-year-old James Dean wearing a cool red jacket. It’s not a novel concept, but Lovely’s does it better than most.
photo credit: Emily Schindler
photo credit: Emily Schindler
From the owner of equally-comforting Hell’s Kitchen spots Zillions and Steak Frites, Lovely’s Old Fashioned operates out of narrow space at 9th and 45th, and sells a brief menu of soda fountain-appropriate items. You order at the register, then either take your food to-go or grab one of the 10 stools at the counter where you can sit and watch balls of ground beef being flattened on a griddle.
Inspired by after-school burgers the owner’s grandma used to make, the patties are neither thick nor thin. Instead, they’re that classic middle ground that’s becoming weirdly hard to find. The potato buns are key, and when it comes to the hot dog and patty melt, caramelized onions provide a big boost of flavor. Don’t forget a side of the spiral-cut fries (known as sidewinders). Somewhere between curly and wedge, the satisfying shape is yet another nice little touch that helps Lovely’s stand out.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Steve Hill
Single Hamburger
photo credit: Steve Hill
Charlotte’s Special
photo credit: Steve Hill
Patty Melt
The Mushrooben
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Lovely’s Snappy Dog
photo credit: Emily Schindler
French Fries
photo credit: Emily Schindler