0 Followers
Lovely’s Old Fashioned
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lovely’s Old Fashioned
8.3
A narrow counter-service spot focused on classic griddled burgers with a nostalgic soda-fountain vibe. Patties are smashed to a deeply browned crust, tucked into soft potato buns, and kept deliberately simple. It’s compact, fast, and consistently praised for nailing the old-school NYC cheeseburger feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single Cheeseburger, Patty Melt, Snappy Dog
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: No-frills smash burgers done with textbook griddle technique.
Who should go: Smash-burger fans and solo diners
When to visit: Late afternoon lull or post-show bite
What to order: Single cheeseburger, patty melt, fries
Insider tip: Grab a counter stool to watch the smash-and-sear show.
Lovely’s Old Fashioned
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
A retro counter-service burger spot whose spiral ‘Sidewinder’ fries are the real reason to show up. They’re extra crunchy, built for dipping, and priced like a throwback, making this a high-satisfaction quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sidewinder Fries, Double Cheeseburger with Fries, Onion Rings
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Signature spiral fries with big crunch and low price.
Who should go: Solo diners and burger-fries purists.
When to visit: Late afternoon or post-show snack run.
What to order: Sidewinder fries, double cheeseburger, onion rings.
Insider tip: Grab extra dipping sauce—those spirals drink it up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be tough to find after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual, jeans are fine, but feel free to dress comfortably. No need for fancy attire.
Noise level: Moderate - comfortable for casual conversation, but it can get a bit loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect around 20-30 minutes without a reservation, especially post-show rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but lunchtime can see a bit of a crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian-friendly options, though the focus is on fries and burgers.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a couple of options, but not much for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free fries and some alternatives, but cross-contamination may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're looking for a relaxed and casual vibe with fun food. The retro setting and indulgent fries make for an easy conversation starter, plus you can enjoy a quick bite without the pressure of a fancy meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's a counter-service spot, so reservations aren't necessary. However, it can get busy during peak hours, so be prepared for a short wait if you're visiting in the evening or on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely! The casual, quick-service nature is great for families, and the fries are a hit with kids. Just note that seating is limited, so it’s best for smaller groups or families with young children.
Best For
Better for: If you're craving crispy, fun fries that are perfect for dipping, Lovely's stands out. The Sidewinder fries are a unique offering that's hard to beat in Hell's Kitchen.
Skip if: If you're looking for a fine dining experience or a wide selection of gourmet dishes, this might not be your spot. For those seeking variety beyond fries and burgers, there are better options nearby.
Lovely’s Old Fashioned
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
Classic griddled burgers, hot dogs, and a down‑to‑earth counter make this a laid‑back late‑night fallback after gigs or theater nights. The no‑frills vibe and solid comfort food hit the spot for hungry, low‑fuss diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic burger on potato bun, Mushroom Reuben, Fried onion hot dog
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Old‑school burger joint counter and messy comfort food after dark.
Who should go: Budget‑conscious late‑night diners, solo eaters.
When to visit: Around or after 1 AM on weekends.
What to order: Classic burger, hot dog with fried onions, mushroom Reuben.
Insider tip: Grab a stool at the 10‑seat counter for quick service even late.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but can be tricky after 8pm, nearby parking garages around $20 for 2 hours.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and a T-shirt are perfect for the no-frills vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - it’s busy but still possible to have a conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 20-30 minutes during peak hours on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but can be busier on weekdays after theater shows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetarian options like the mushroom Reuben and a veggie burger.
Vegan options: Limited - a couple of vegan-friendly options available, but not many.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free buns, though it’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date due to the casual vibe, but if you're into laid-back, no-frills comfort food, it could be a fun, low-key choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. There are only a few stools at the counter, so it's first-come, first-served for the best seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s family-friendly, but given the late-night hours, it’s more suitable for older kids who can handle the casual, bustling environment.
Best For
Better for: Better for quick, no-hassle comfort food after a late-night show or gig, especially if you're solo or on a budget.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more upscale or quiet dining experience, or need a place with more vegan or gluten-free options, you might want to try elsewhere.