The Experience: Happy Halloween burger lovers! In the spirit of the upcoming festival of the dead, I thought I’d bring you a burger review of the spookiest meat sandwich in New York City. Brand new speakeasy Dead Drop is as dark in its atmosphere as it is in its burger bun. This brand new cocktail bar is located underneath North River. You walk downstairs, ring a bell, and are greeted by a hostess who was alerted to your presence by a red blinking light. There are only three food items on the menu, and one of them is the Black Burger. At $17, it is the food item that will catch your eye immediately, as it is surrounded mostly by cocktails named after spy-related activities. But is it any good?
Burger Ordered: The Black Burger
The Taste: A 50/50 brisket/chuck blend makes up this patty, served Juicy Lucy style with Gruyere cheese. It is topped with black truffle and black garlic mayo, and rests on a charcoal smoked black bun.
I’ve been asked more than a few times what I think about Burger King’s Japanese black burger. As someone that has had a Burger King phobia for the better part of a decade, I can tell you that I know next to nothing about what’s going on in Japanese Burger Kings. That said, the house-made bun at Dead Drop tastes no different than it would if it were a typical shade of brown. Further, given how much I geeked out over the rich taste of the patty, mayo, cheese and subtle truffle flavor of Dead Drop’s burger, I have no doubt that the flavor more than makes up for what is no doubt a massive price difference between the two.
The Verdict: Though the black elements that make up this burger are a bit of a gimmick, the price of this succulent burger is actually quite a bit more reasonable than many truffle burgers in New York City (though some are equally priced). Cocktail fans should definitely add a Black Burger to their Dead Drop experience, and those curious about the dark side of the burger world should give this a try as well.
Dead Drop is located at 166 1st Avenue in Manhattan, New York.
