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| The fabulous Corner Bistro neon marquee |
It’s only a propos that this venue would be chosen as the Fiend’s first post in the Big App, considering it’s a West Greenwich Village haven that I’ve frequented on multiple visits during the past few years.
And though I’ve been amassing quite a wicked list of burger joints to sample over the past few months, Corner Bistro is an institution that I find people recommend time and time again.
No frills, no menu (it’s on the wall) and nothing else but burgers and draught beer, the Bistro is dark, dingy and not an ounce dainty. The interior is extremely idiosyncratic: wrapped in wood from floor to ceiling, the neon lights and Euro league futbol from the only two TV screens provide the necessary lighting and soundtrack over the barfly patronage.
It is clear people come here for a handful of wonderful reasons, as aforementioned, but the major factor is obviously the burg (hamburger, cheeseburger or Bistro Burger).
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| The Corner Bistro Burger |
One must go for the Bistro Burger, which comes with the usual garden-variety accoutrements plus a few generous strips of bacon. The burger patty itself is broiled, not grilled, in a salamander broiler, which was unsuspecting to me at first but also speaks to its extremely tasty nature (high heat forms a crusty exoskelton on the patty, leaving the center juicy and rarely overcooked). The Fiend will be commenting on this method of cooking a lot in coming posts.
The Fiend did notice that the chef on two occasions was smashing down the patty periodically, which is a major “no-no” regardless of the manner of cooking, however the final result at the Bistro is always still surprisingly succulent at medium-rare doneness.
Though the fiend is not a fan of shoestring fries, one must order a side as they are always very fresh and naturally complementary. And everything comes served on little plastic paper plates, thus adding to the general “keep it simple” experience.
A perennial powerhouse in the NYC burger scene, one must absolutely make the Corner Bistro a stop during their next Big Apple adventure. It’s nearly impossible to disappoint.
Ohhhh, and the original Magnolia Bakery is just down the street, as well as Carrie’s stoop from the SATC series…so you can always head that way and partake in the insanity or just stare and point at people in line to make them nervous. Either action is encouraged.
331 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 242-9502
http://cornerbistrony.com/
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