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Holy Cow
Master Critic Review
Holy Cow
8.6
Holy Cow is a tight Chinatown counter spot best known for smashburgers, but its skin-on fries and fully loaded cheese fries are a major part of the draw. Fries come crisp, aggressively seasoned, and sturdy enough to carry cheese sauce, onions, and house dips without going soggy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic fries with house seasoning, Cheese fries with onions and special sauce, Fries alongside the signature smashburger
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Smashburgers backed by crisp, heavily seasoned fries and indulgent cheese fries.
Who should go: Burger-and-fries purists who care most about crunch and seasoning.
When to visit: Evenings or late night for a fast, filling bite.
What to order: Classic fries, cheese fries, fries with your favorite smashburger.
Insider tip: Ask for extra sauce on the side to keep fries crisp while you dip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on nearby blocks but challenging after 6pm. Best to walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and streetwear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a small counter-service space with constant flow, but you can still hold a short conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on rush; line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait aside from a brief queue during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—plain fries and cheese fries are the main options.
Vegan options: Very limited—plain fries qualify, but toppings and sauces generally don’t.
Gluten-free options: Partial—fries are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination risk exists due to shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, grab-and-go vibe. It’s more counter food than sit-down experience, so choose it for casual energy rather than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served. Expect to stand or take food to go during busy windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-tolerant rather than kid-focused. Space is tight, no high chairs, and seating is limited, but quick-service fries and burgers work well for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Crispier, more aggressively seasoned fries than most Chinatown burger spots, with loaded options that stay sturdy even under toppings.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, comfortable seating, or quieter ambiance—this is a high-turnover, counter-focused operation.