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For The Win (Grand Central Market)
Master Critic Review
For The Win (Grand Central Market)
8.3
Chef Santos Uy’s smashburger micro-chain brought its crisp-edged patties and properly salty fries into Grand Central Market in 2023. The menu is stripped-down—burgers, crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries—but execution and value make this one of downtown’s most compelling quick-stop fry plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Single Smash Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Smashburger specialist where crisp fries are as dialed as the patties.
Who should go: Burger and fry fans wanting a fast, affordable downtown stop.
When to visit: Midday or early evening to dodge peak market lines.
What to order: Single or double smash burger, crispy fries, sweet potato fries.
Insider tip: Order fries extra-crispy and grab counter seating facing the market flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market relies on nearby paid structures and metered street parking; the GCM garage on Hill Street is the most convenient option, though it fills during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests are in everyday wear suited for a bustling food hall.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during lunch rush and weekends; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on crowds; stalls move quickly but expect lines during peak market traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait unless there's a downtown event boosting foot traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries and sweet potato fries are solid vegetarian options, though mains skew burger-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—standard fries are vegan, but most mains contain dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated gluten-free fryer or substitute buns; fries may be the only suitable option depending on sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than formal dates; the food hall vibe is energetic, busy, and communal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served within Grand Central Market; timing matters during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes; plenty of open seating and quick service, though crowds and noise may be overwhelming for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive fries and smashburgers with strong execution in a central, high-energy food hall setting.
Skip if: You want quieter seating, table service, or more extensive dietary accommodations.