We stopped in after realizing that it was only another block down from the Fulton Street Market. We got there at 11:20, which was 10 minutes before opening, and a line was already forming which was a good sign. Even better, it moved quickly and efficiently once doors did open. The service was impeccable. They provided recommendations & told us what was most popular, noting there was nothing you could go wrong with on their menu. And they were right! We tried two sandwiches and an order of fries, and once we took the first bite, there was nothing but silence as we ate because it was THAT good. Although the lobby area is small and seating is limited, they do provide self-served cold water for people to enjoy while waiting, which is nice on warmer days. We can't wait to go back and try their house made popsicles, more burgers, and another order of the fries. Black Napkin did not disappoint! read more

See all

YUM-ME. This was on a 'Top 10 best burgers in' and figured to give it a try. Ordered the classic double, Malcom double, and kimchi fries with Thai basil mayo. Absolutely delicious! Forgive me when I say there were multiple old couples sitting inside and a line out the door of college aged kids waiting to place their orders. You know it's good when you have that much diversity in age. I wouldn't recommend sitting inside unless you like small spaces and people watching. A lady walked out raving about the pistachio soda, so we tried it. SKIP. The blueberry lemon was better, but still not something I'd order again. King is cash, but they do take card. There are a few tables inside, but once it gets busy, it feels a bit cramped and awkward. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

This is a fun, hip little takeout place on Fulton and Diamond. There has been an extraordinary amount of hype regarding this place and so my kids and I tried it out not long after it opened (in 2022, I believe). We all got the smash burgers and were not really impressed. Since then, I've tried it twice more just to make sure our first experience wasn't a fluke or an off day. It wasn't. (I went alone since neither of my kids wanted to return.) Although the service is always friendly, the prices are reasonable and the vibe is cool, it doesn't make up for the food. My take: this is a prime example of the "Emperor's New Clothes" effect. The burgers are nowhere near the best in GR, and do not even crack my top 10. I find the patties to be consistently over-salted and overcooked, even for a smash patty. The sauces are ok, but nothing special, and the battered French fries are 'meh'. If you get the "Custy Dust" flavored fries, then be ready for a full-on sodium bomb that eclipses any 'flavoring' they were supposed to have had on them. Is this place terrible? Not at all, but there is zero chance I would opt to stand in line for their burgers when there are so many superior places in town to choose from. I could understand if you've not been to many of the other burger places in GR, but I've been to over 40 of them and I am not going to follow the crowd on this one. The king is nekkid, and his food is 'mid' at best. read more

See all

This is one of my favorite stopping spots in the Grand Rapids area!!! Love their smash burgers, the red wine vinegar fries are exceptional with the herbs de Provence aioli for dipping! Great house made drinks too!!! The Dude abides... read more

Everyone calls black napkin the best burger in Grand Rapids and honestly I can see why. I got the classic double burger and it was delicious. Simple but done really well. The smash patties were flavorful and cooked to perfection. The fries were really good too. We tried all of their sauces except the regular mayo and liked most of them! The line is almost always out the door, which might feel intimidating at first, but it moved pretty quickly so the wait was not too bad. It is a takeout style spot with a couple of tables inside but the food definitely lives up to the hype. If you are craving a really solid burger, black napkin is worth a shot! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

We were a little intimidated walking up to building with the line going outside the door but it was SO worth the wait and didn't take long at all. Our server (order taker?) was so sweet and had such a kind, chill vibe. We both got doubles and they were so delicious and filling. I got Le College Dropout and I loved it, the crispy edges on the patties is superb. This one does have a bit of sweetness due to the tomato jam I think so if you're into that you'll love this burger. The fries were also delicious, perfectly salted and soooo crispy. So glad we went with the sun-dried tomato ranch as well. The sodas were also super unique! I tried a few sips of the golden cola and it was super interesting and full of warm spices. read more

See all

A must-try burger place in Grand Rapids! A legit smash burger place where they don't mess around with any frills. Quality and customer service are the only two things you need, and they serve them up perfectly. The burger itself was very good. Not great, but very good. The outside of my burger meat had this smell that was a little... "what is that smell". I couldn't pinpoint it, and I still can't. But aside from that, it was delicious. The fries are an insanely generous portion with the most amount of seasoning I've ever seen. It was great. It's a local spot in the heart of one of Grand Rapid's best neighborhoods. Support them if you're nearby! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Inside black napkin - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

This is probably one of the top 3 burgers I've had in my life, certainly one of the best smashburgers I've had. Stopped in here on a Saturday for some late lunch. Small line outside and a little bit cramped inside with only a few tables open if you want to eat inside. Its takeout so not a knock against them for that. Food took a little bit but you can tell everything is fresh so well worth it. The artisan sodas are really cool. I got a golden cola and it tasted like spiced wine lol, interesting flavors. The fries were super crispy and perfectly salted. Really really good fries and choices of dipping sauces are a plus. And the burger !! Loads of crispy meat bits around, and the patty was flavorful and delicious. Everything tasted very fresh and amazing. My girlfriend and I both sat back after and noted how incredible it was, and we ate in the car! Wish this place was closer, but just about worth making the trip! If you're in Grand rapids or passing through, it's worth it. If this place was in nyc there would be an hour+ line everyday. read more

See all

This is an experience!! Don't go if you don't want to wait outside for a significant amount of time though. We waited 45 minutes outside, but it's so worth it if you're planning for it! The flavor combinations are creative and delicious. Definitely try a house-made soda and do a double for your smash-burger! Incredible service, everyone loved to be enjoying your job and people they served! read more

Easily the best restaurant in all of Grand Rapids. Well, more takeout than restaurant, but the food is unmatched. Not a ton of indoor seating, FYI. Big Malcolm is an elevated Big Mac Le College Dropout is one of our favorites and it comes with smashed onions, arugula, peppercorn tomato jam, and an herb de Provence mayo. They've also got a rotating burger special that you can find on their Instagram account. Make sure to get a double on the patties or else it's sort of bun/topping-heavy. Fries are battered well and very crispy. By far and away my favorite kind of fries. Try the kimchi and white cheddar dusted ones with a side of the Thai Basil mayo or the tomato basil ranch -- all of them are a great addition for just 50 cents. Also get an "any color you like" popsicle while you wait. Bunch of fun flavors to pick from. Same goes for their house made colas. It's soda water mixed with their house made syrup, and somehow they can do no wrong in whatever they make. Drinks, burgers, fries, sauces, dessert -- all top notch and paired with the nicest people working there. Can't ask for more than that. 5 stars and continues to be our favorite burger spot in Grand Rapids. read more

See all

While visiting my family, on their must do list for us this trip, was visiting Black Napkin. A casual, high traffic, small takeout only burger spot (few small tables inside). To make it even more exclusive. You have to order in person, no calling ahead or pick up orders. They clearly have a a great rep as they seem to have a consistent line wrapping around their building, which I think is par for the course (sounds scarier than it is, or does move at a reasonable pace.) They're open Wednesday's through Saturday's or until they sell out, which they did this fine holiday weekend! On to the important stuff: They have a lean line up of burgers, chicken sandwiches and a few weekly specials, a variety of seasoned fries, homemade pops and popsicles. You can get the burger as a single, double or triple. I opted for Le College Drop Out burger, that came with a delicious tomato jam, arugula, caramelizes onions and grand cru cheese. Two words: Chefs kiss*! Classic smash burger thinness, gooey cheese and lots of flavor. I highly recommend getting at least two patties, as they're only 3 oz each, which is honestly my only gripe, a single should have at least 4 oz for the price, but I regress. On to the fries, honestly I can't describe how good these fries were. They are generously seasoned, flavorful, crispy potato perfection. Don't hesitate, just order! They have lightly salted or a few specials seasoning blends including kimchi and white cheddar, rust, which is a combination of paprika, coriander and garlic or salt and red wine vinegar and of course a line up of dipping sauces to pair. I do wish each fry came with one, as they are extra, but still worth it. I also tried my sister's pop and it was very good, so if that's your jam definitely get one! Everything traveled so well too for our 20 minutes back home, including the fries. The vibe of the place is super fun, artsy and friendly service to match. They do check the line periodically as well, to make sure no one waits for a sold out disappointments. I don't know if it's a "quick" bite spot with their rep, so plan accordingly, but if you got a little time or don't mine waiting, it's definitely a burger worth getting! I'll be back Black Linen! read more

See all

This is my second time ordering from here, and I got there at around 5:15pm and there was no line. There's just a few high top tables inside, so it's mainly a takeout spot. This was my first time ordering a burger here - I got the double big malcolm. Each smash patty is 3 oz - this was the perfect size for me (or I would get a single). The crispy edges on the patty were super tasty! Also, the plain salted fries were perfectly fried. I loved them with the sun dried tomato ranch. I wish this place added milkshakes to their menu!! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Double Big Malcolm Burger - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Delicious food. This is my top recommendation for food in GR. I literally dream of black napkin. The people are great and the food is even better. Such a tiny space for such a great experience. Definitely don't miss out on it! read more

See all

Was visiting GR for the weekend and stopped in! Recommended by a local and glad I went. Line was about 20 minutes long and there are only a few tables inside, so expect a wait or plan to take it to go. Staff was unreal -- seriously some of the friendliest people I've ever met. Everyone there made you feel like the most important person in the world. I had the double Big Malcolm burger. Solid smash burger, super thin patties and nicely topped. A little too salty for me, but still good. Added onions and liked the extra crunch. The salt n red wine vinegar fries were awesome -- hot, crispy, fresh cut. Tried a few sauces too (50 cents each) and they were all solid. Had a ruby red fresca to drink, kind of Squirt-adjacent but better. Finished with a popsicle, which was a fun little treat. Worth the stop if you're in town. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

This was our first time trying black napkin and we've heard great things about them but never had the chance to try them until recently. I don't know why we waited so long to try this place out. Hands down one of the best burgers we've had! The patties were so fresh and flavorful! The fries were well seasoned and fried to perfection. read more

See all

The absolute best Smashburger. The service was on point. It was a fun environment with people excited to get food. It's like steak 'n Shake only if it was made at steak 'n Shake with premium beef and cooked on the flat top for the perfect crisp. read more

Easily my FAVORITE burger spot in all of Grand Rapids! This tiny spot almost always has a line of people waiting to get in because it is just THAT good. If you don't believe me, you gotta go check it out. Their menu is pretty standard with some classic burger options where you can choose between a single, double, or triple patty. The burger patties are from Michigan craft beef and smashed very THIN. Thin and crispy around the edges! I freaking love it and crave it and think of nothing else when I want a smashburger. They also have chicken sandwiches that are phenomenal and their fries are out of this world with different dipping sauces to choose from. It's amazing. Every week there seems to be either a burger or chicken sandwich special and sometimes both so keep and eye out for that on their chalkboard or socials. The sodas are made in house, and the Golden Cola is my go-to. Absolutely divine and so tasty! When you walk inside there are some small tables set up for you to eat but mostly this place is meant for takeout. And they have cool decor and some merch for sale. Almost forgot to mention they have some popsicles too! I'm always so focused on the burgers. But beyond that, the people working behind the counter are just so kind and the best gems! They always make you feel so good before you leave. Check this place out! read more

See all

I've been wanting to try Black Napkin since they opened, and after hearing nothing but rave reviews, I can confidently say they live up to the hype. I ordered the classic burger and wow--phenomenal. It's a smash-style burger, so the outside has that perfectly crispy, caramelized texture that gives it a totally different (and addictive) bite. The sesame seed bun was fantastic--soft, flavorful, and held everything together beautifully. The fries ? Incredible. They offer two kinds, both great, but the dusty crusty fries (Cajun-style) absolutely stole the show--bold, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I also tried their raspberry apricot sparkler --a homemade soda that was fruity, sweet, tart, and refreshing with a bright lemony sparkle. Truly divine and such a fun, unique touch. Even though they were clearly swamped with takeout orders, the staff still checked on our table multiple times to make sure everything was perfect. That kind of care really stands out. Bottom line: it's worth the wait. If you haven't tried Black Napkin yet in Grand Rapids, go. You won't regret it read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Classic Burger and Crusty Dusty Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This was well worth the wait! There are a few small tables inside the restaurant, but usually people just take their food to go. We went on a Friday evening and there was a small line out the door. Waiting in line and for our food probably took 20 mins total. The classic smash burger was everything you could want in a smash burger. The chicken sandwiches had great fried chicken. I liked the basic bish more due to the chicken being the star of the show with the classic, but minimal toppings. The hot, sweet and sticky was a unique sandwich with cool toppings but was messy. The rust fries had a ton of flavor but they do have a sweet aftertaste that I liked. The sun-dried tomato ranch was good but I did not expect for it to be chunky. I will probably go back to try the kimchi fries with a different dipping sauce because I've heard they're great. Overall, great food and I love the concept of this restaurant! read more

See all

I'm not a fan of smash burgers but I am now! Friends picked up from the takeout only restaurant and we all were delighted with the food! The burgers are like nothing I've ever had before. The edges of the burger are a crunchy lace like consistency. They come on a seated bun, but they also have gluten-free. We all got regulars which come with American cheese, shredded lettuce, onion, ketchup, and mustard. The single is quite substantial and the double is Very filling. The French fries are batter dipped and delicious! They come with a basil mayo for dipping. The takeout process is very efficient and the wait time is minimal. They also have a fried chicken option and creative drinks. What a great concept!! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Single regular smash burger - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

First off, the service was quick and all of the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The burger I got was arguably the best smash burger I have ever had. As for the fries, I would highly recommend the rust or the cheddar seasoning. A meal here will run you about $16.50, but it's worth every penny. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Cheddar Seasoned Fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Can this place meet it's hype? It's a takeout place only and there is usually a line out the door. It is just a small place that you order at the counter and they'll call your name when it's ready. I Ordered a triple Le College Dropout ($18). This has 3 smash patties, Grand Cru Cheese, smashed vidalia onions, arugula, peppercorn tomato jam, and herb de provence mayo. This is absolutely the best smash burger I've ever had. Normally I prefer thick burgers, however this burger is also one of the best burgers period I've ever had. It's meaty with a great beef taste and the toppings are an excellent boost to the beef. I also got a Hot, Sweet, and Sticky Chicken sandwich ($11). This has tumeric slaw, thai basil mayo, and sweet and spicy chili glaze. The chicken is like a chicken version of a smash patty. Very thin. It is very good, I really like the chili glaze. It is not the best chicken sandwich in Grand Rapids though. Honestly a certain fast food place has a better one, still worthwhile if you don't eat beef. Lastly the Rust Fries ($5). They are fries with sweet paprika, coriander, garlic, and mustard seasoning. These are some of the best fries I've ever had and a very generous portion size too. They perfectly hug that crunchy and chewy line to perfection. The service was very efficient and very pleasant. Overall an easy 5 star review. Would I return? Absolutely. Easily one of the best burgers I've had. The made from scratch doda are intriguing also read more

See all

The food was good. The star of the show was the fries - fantastic seasoning and crispiness. We also loved the soda they make - we tried the guava and peach one. One was more sweet than the other and they were fantastic when mixed. We tried the le collage dropout, big Malcom and basic bish. My favorite was the le collage dropout. My husbands favorite was the big Malcom. Dont be discouraged because there is always a line but they move pretty quickly. We might of waited 30 minutes total to order and for the food. read more

See all

The black napkin is definitely a place to check out if you're in the area! Their burgers are absolutely delicious! It was definitely worth the 20 minute wait! Their burgers are large, yet perfectly thin and crispy! You should also check out their homemade drinks, the peach fizz was the best! We will definitely be in again! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Double cheese burger and peach fizz - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

So good!! The crispy bits on the burgers, the sauces, the service were all great! make sure to get a double though as the patties are thin. food was HOT and was done in under 10 minutes. (2pm) I tried the red wine vinegar fries and they were amazing as well. only a few small tables but it made for the perfect car date. will be back to try the unique popsicle flavors! read more

I finally got to try Black Napkin after hearing every single person I knew rave about it. And it did absolutely live up to the hype. I'm a big fan of local art, and the local art dispenser was so great to see upon entering. The staff is incredibly warm and inviting as well and knowledgable. I got the "basic bish" chicken sandwich with no shredduce. The chicken was super crispy and moist even after a car ride home. I also ordered the "rust" fries which were HEAVILY seasoned which was phenomenal. The fries were the highlight of the meal! My fiancee got the special burger "dr funkenstein" which had kimchi and gochujang mustard. He said it was really good! I'd definitely like to come back here and try the other menu items. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Black napkin logo bag - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

The best smash burger patties in Grand Rapids by far. Salty and crispy. The staff members are always consistently friendly and the service is fast for it being always busy. read more

Service: take out service only however phone number was not easily found on website. Hmmm?!? Food: Burger was decent but the fries?!? OMG THE BEST FRICKEN FRIES IVE EVER HAD. I was supposed to share but I don't think much was left for my brother. He did tell me the chicken sandwich is better. Ambiance: again, it's a take out spot with very little seating. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - These fries were amazing!!! - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Forget the long line.....1st, they move it along quickly.... 2nd....IT'S WORTH THE WAIT. Great Smashburger, the way they should be done. Chicken Sandwich, I thought was even better. And somehow the Rust fries were even better. Homemade, unique flavored sodas were amazing too. The food cannot be beat. And yet somehow the service was even better than the food. Like I said, they get the orders out FAST. But the staff is 100/100. Super friendly, helpful with questions or suggestions. I asked how hot the spicy chicken was, because my wife wanted it but doesn't like super hot food, he said about a 5/6, but while we were eating he was asking us how things were and what level my wife thought the heat was. Overall a top notch experience. I will say this, if a nice, thick, juicy, medium rare burger is your thing......this isn't it. Smash burgers the way they should be done. Thin and crispy. Delicious. But don't worry, get the chicken sandwich, you won't be let down. I just wish I lived closer, in town to see a Comedian, but this is a must stop when I come back. I don't post any pictures because there's enough already and our food looked just as good. read more

Unique take on the most ordinary American take-outs( burgers& fries) & whimsical homemade soft drinks. Excellent service!!

The food here is insanely good - that's why you see people standing in a line out the door in subzero temperatures. Also have craft made sodas. Three tables, I think? But so worth the wait. read more

Black Napkin is the place for an incredible smash burger. They also serve chicken sandos but we'll have to wait for our next visit to try the chicken. Black Napkin is a tiny place with a very chill vibe. The line goes out onto the street and wraps itself around the building. Kinda feels like Disneyland. The anticipation is overwhelming. But the wait is worth it. Ordered a double 'Le College Dropout' smash burger. My partner in crime ordered a single 'Fussy Hussy' smash burger and an order of 'Rust' french fries. To wash it all down was a 'White Peach Lemon Fizz' hand crafted soda. Get to that website to get all the ingredients for these dishes. All I can say is OMG. It was all better than good and everything is more than you can imagine. Make it an adventure. Wait in the line. Order your food like a boss and you'll never be satisfied with any other. Yes...it's that good! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Almost inside!!! - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Excellent food.love the dusted fries. They have the most interesting Popsicles and soft drinks.

Great smash burger spot in GR! There is almost always a line out the door, but the service is really pretty quick and very helpful. It's very small inside so we usually pick your food up to go home but when we stopped by we managed to grab a small table and ate inside. Their fries are always fresh and super crispy, they have a lot of fun flavors and sauces to try. I got the classic smash burger and it was great - will definitely continue to come back for more. Would love if they got an order ahead feature or became offered on food delivery services to avoid the long lines in the future. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Classic smash burger - single - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

I'M In LOVE.!! I will never settle for a regular fast food burger ever again. The Service was so warm and inviting, literally the lady who rung me up had a sweet and warm smile. The ambience is a vibe. The burger was out of this world. Everything was so fresh and the fries. Taste like someone crushed up. Pringles and LAYS potato chips made mashed potatoes out of them, THEN FRIED THEM. Don't even get me started on the sun-dried tomato ranch. I'm hoping in the near future they sell this in jars. read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Double Classic sub special sauce - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Food is great! It's carry out only. Can't wait to return and try more items on the menu!

The smash burgers that come out of this place are life changing. Well not for everyone but it set the bar extremely high for me now, whenever I try other burgers. The crispy edge on the burgers is the first thing you experience. And regardless of which one you get, the flavors all work. The fries are another experience of their own. Try the olive dip with them, if you love olives. They also make their own sodas and drinks. Don't get frustrated if you have to wait in line to order. It's totally worth it! read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Smash burger from Black Napkin - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

It was amazing it was crowded but the wait was worth its so cheap too for only 56 dollars and the food is filling and amazing they were very nice and sweet read more

Black Napkin Takeout - Classic burger and fries - Chicken Shop Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

this burger place was so disgusting. I swear to God I was on the toilet for an hour. Do not go here if you plan on coming here do not come like I feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack with a dirty burger they make please if you guys really wanna come here do not come. I'm going to McDonald's down the road. There's a Wendy's five minutes away. Don't go there. It is the most disgusting burger I've ever had not to mention. I spent $22 on it. Please save your money eat at your house make your own food. Do not come to this disgusting burger place. I'm literally typing this while I'm on the toilet. read more

This isn't your typical burger joint...this is like art! Many fun combinations of foods to make a medley of flavors in your mouth. Our server was perky and serious at the same time. Very friendly and helpful. It was a fun experience to pick from their imaginative menu. It isn't an extensive menu but everything was well thought out. I ordered the Hot and Sticky chicken sandwich (so many sauces and a turmeric slaw made this sandwich aptly named) and my husband ordered Le College Dropout (and inventive hamburger with high hopes). Both were absolutely mouth watering and wonderful! We had the kimchi fries which were also delicious. I wanted to try their different drinks and chose the Ruby red and The Cola drink (the name eludes me). Not sure what they put in the drinks but I loved them. The place doesn't have many places to sit, but I noticed that most people would get their food to-go. It's a quirky joint and that's part of what makes it a great place to be. read more

See all