Cafe Henri: Best Burger in LIC

My particular part of Long Island City is smalllllll. We are a teensy residential enclave in an otherwise industrial corner of the Queens waterfront. When I moved here, there were three options for eating out

1) Italian (Manetta's or Manducati's)
2) The Dorian Diner or that other diner on the corner that closes at 4 pm (Both nasteh)
3) McReilly's Irish Pub.

McReilly's was a small miracle. Their itty bitty kitchen produced (among other things) the best chicken pot pie I have ever had, an otherworldly shepherd's pie, little neck clams on the half shell and the best damn burger evar. Nothing was much over $6, so dinner for two (including tip) was often under $20 - unless you added in a couple of pints of Harp.

This summer, much to my chagrin, McReilly's closed permanently, after a tug-of-war with their landloard over rising rent. 1 point to gentrification, -1 to quality of life. You see, my waterfront has been filling up with luxury condos, like every other formerly quaint neighborhood in town. Prices for everything are rising. Some wonderful new amenities have opened, but something like McReilly's will likely not happen again around here.

Last night, the bf was out of town, and I was recovering from a big sick, so I felt very self-indulgent. I had a wine credit down the block at Vine Wine (for re-vamping their website) and a yen for beef.

Wen I stopped into Vine, I interrogated fellow neighborhoodie Troy. "Where the hell do I get a burger now that McReilly's is gone?" He let me know that Cafe Henri (a relative newcomer to the zone) serves a great burger for $10.

I've lived here for over ten years, which makes me 2nd wave gentrification, or "semi-old school." I balked at the "hefty" price tag and headed out with my wine. You see, I am not a big fan of Cafe Henri. Their crepes are tasty, but small...SMALL I tell you!

As it was a perfectly clear, cold autumn evening, I fancied a walk, and thought I would art least have a look at the menu again. Once I was standing by the door, I caught the garlic and charred beef smells assaulted my sensibilities. My fate was sealed.

"One cheeseburger, medium rare, please."

After fifteen minutes spent reading the photo captions from a stack of papers, the efficient server ordered me to check that I had the correct items, cheerfully took my $10.30 and sent me on my way.

Oh happy day, dear reader. Troy was correct. Cafe Henri serves a mean burger - juicy, but not greasy, large, but not ginormous. Delicious meat flavor from fresh beef, and a slightly sweet brioche bun. OMFG. Comes with mesclun salad and roasted taters.

I finished it up right quick, washed it down with a glass of montepulciano and thought to myself:

Change is bad...but at least I can still get a great burger. (lol)

Cafe Henri
1010 50th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101

Get Directions(718) 383-9315

Comments

[Mark Evans]

Thanks for the head's up about Cafe Henri. I've added it to our travel planning service - http://www.planeteye.com/Place/Cafe_Henri+960177.aspx

cheers, Mark

[cousin daniel]

there is no reason to get a burger anywhere but taking a hike into manhattan and getting a rare burger at keens steakhouse on 36th.

[MK]

McReilly's i hardly knew ye. I'm glad i got that chicken pie when i could. LOL, i was thinking you were not Team Henri. I tell you I've been there a couple times. The waitresses are eye candy and the food is yummy in my experience. Great coffee too!

[jaime]

dang. i'm so upset that i'm going to miss you while i'm in NYC!!! rah.

maybe i will try this place.

xox