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K.O. Burger
Master Critic Review
K.O. Burger
8.1
K.O. Burger is a Chinatown walk-up smashburger joint where cross-cut fries and loaded cheese fries are treated like a second headline act. Crinkle-style fries arrive golden and crunchy, with options to pile on cheese sauce, chopped beef, and a mix of house condiments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cross-cut fries, K.O. Cheese Fries with onions and chipotle mayo, Beef Loaded Fries with chopped burger patty
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Hand-smashed burgers backed by cross-cut fries, cheese fries, and fully loaded beef fries.
Who should go: Casual burger-and-fries fans who love customizable toppings.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for the shortest wait at the window.
What to order: Cross-cut fries, K.O. Cheese Fries, Beef Loaded Fries.
Insider tip: Add an extra sauce or two so you can alternate dips between bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Henry and Madison Streets; expect competitive meter spots and rely on nearby paid garages if driving.
Dress code: Totally casual—walk-up window vibes suitable for jeans, hoodies, and grab-and-go comfort food.
Noise level: Low to moderate; since it’s primarily takeout, most noise comes from street traffic rather than indoor chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on rush; peak times can see short lines forming at the window.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal waits; often under 5 minutes outside of local school and office lunch surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—plain fries, cheese fries, and sauces are vegetarian; no veggie burger substitute.
Vegan options: Very limited—basic fries may qualify, but sauces and loaded options generally contain dairy or animal products.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—fries are the main option, and while potatoes are naturally gluten-free, the fryer is shared and cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual, low-stakes energy. It’s a walk-up burger window with limited seating, so it works for a quick shared snack rather than a full date experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t part of the model. There’s no formal indoor seating, so expect to eat standing, take it to-go, or find a bench nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple fries and burgers appeal to most kids. Just note there’s no high chairs, indoor space, or room for strollers during busy windows.
Best For
Better for: Fully loaded cross-cut fries and customizable toppings that hit harder than many LES or Chinatown walk-up burger spots; excellent for fry lovers who want indulgent combinations.
Skip if: You want comfortable seating, a full meal environment, or broader menu variety—other Chinatown and LES burger shops offer more space and expanded non-fry items.