Sequestered behind a glamorous, velvet curtain in the Le Parker Meridien hotel, Burger Joint is an elusive world. The single room is illuminated only by globe lamps decorated with the image of delicate roses, bringing light to the movie posters plastered on the walls. Though it’s not just the posters that vie for your attention; a slew of graffiti fills up the remaining space on the walls, with scribbled phrases like, “Do work. Stay classy,” and names of former customers. The result is the odd charm of a dive, only enhanced by the shouting of orders.

Fittingly enough, Burger Joint smells like burger and fries. With only a few items on the menu (as their online menu emphatically says, “If you don’t see it, we don’t have it!”), it’s no wonder they have perfected the craft of crisp vanilla and chocolate milkshakes ($5.05) and salty fries ($3.67). It is, of course, however, the burgers that bring this establishment its glory. A thick hunk of meat hidden between soft hamburger buns, it exudes greasy goodness. The burger can be ordered with the usual additions of tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and others. Each hamburger is $6.89, with cheeseburgers priced at $7.35. Interestingly enough, Burger Joint also offers a peculiar vegetarian option, cheeseburgers without the burger ($5.51). A classic American meal here can be completed with a thick, moist chocolate brownie ($2.30). However, despite the delectable taste of the food itself, the portions are quite small for such hefty prices.

Located at 119th West 56th Street between sixth and seventh, in the lobby of Le Parker Meridien and near Central Park, Burger Joint is perfect for a casual lunch with friends or that day when you just need a good burger and fries. It’s an enigma of a carnivore’s dream shrouded in swank.