Written by Kysha Harris @SCHOPgirl
Just when we thought we were making our way through the menu, the creative team from Harlem Pizza Co. is at it again. Owner Alper Ulyanik, Chef Jonathan Shepard and their team have forged ahead and opened Harlem Burger Co. at 2190 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, corner of 118th street. They are serving high quality burgers made with Niman Ranch (humanely raised, free of antibiotics and hormones) beef, hand-cut fries, all-beef hotdogs, sandwiches made with all natural chicken and pork, mac and cheese, milkshakes made with Max & Mina ice cream and more.
We stopped in to have dinner with Alper to taste a couple of items (…not our first visit) and discuss the current state and future additions of Harlem Burger Co. You can’t miss their corner presence even without the marquee lit sign. Reclaimed wood lines the interior with splashes of graffiti artwork from local artist Rammer. The whimsical plastic-composite tables and pastel chairs are vintage old school-issued from the 60’s.
First things first, what were we eating?! We previously tried the signature Company Burger with lettuce, tomato, pickle and their Co. sauce. You can add other elements like cheese, bacon or jalapeno for an additional charge. Important to note, this is a pressed patty burger. One patty: YUM! An additional patty (+$3): YUMmier!
This visit we tried the Westside Cowgirl with swiss, bacon, tempura battered onion, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato and we held the egg over easy. Yeehawww! The Miso Hungry of miso marinated then battered and fried cod with lettuce, tomato and Dijon lemon tartar sauce will give you a new standard on a fried fish sandwich. And talk about standard, Harlem Burger Co. throws out the book on a grilled cheese with pork confit, swiss and cran-chipotle sauce on toasted pumpernickel bread. Hot fries with truffle mayo were the cherry on top!
Harlem Burger Co. has more brewing including opening for lunch, single serve wine and beer, a lamb burger, a vegetarian caprese sandwich, outdoor seating and possible late night service. We are excited to welcome Harlem Burger Co. to the neighborhood. See you there!
