My wife and I stopped by Hamburger America on a Tuesday evening around 8:00 p.m. and the restaurant was pretty empty. We managed to snag the last two seats at the counter. Since we had already had dinner earlier in the evening, we decided to go light with our order and ended up sharing a single George Motz's fried onion burger and an order of fries. It's nice that the kitchen can cut the burger in half for you if requested. The fries arrived before our burgers and they were piping hot. These are a near identical clone to McDonald's fries: perfectly golden, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and well salted. The burger arrived shortly after and like the fries, the burger was almost too hot to eat. The Martin's potato buns that they steam up are fluffy and stand up well to the juiciness of the patty. The burger is simple, but well-seasoned. I love the abundance of caramelized onions integrated into the thin, charred patty. The American cheese is melted through and the burger comes with exactly two dill pickle chips on the side. For $7.75, it's probably hard to find a better tasting burger. I would definitely stop by again to enjoy one of their other burgers. read more

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I saw Hamburger America on a list of recommended NYC restaurants, and I've had two good visits! You can order food to go or to eat on site; if you decide to eat at the restaurant, you can either wait to be seated at the lower level countertop or try to find an open table either indoors or outside with a number holder visible. I had better luck finding a table during a weekday dinner compared to my recent weekend lunch visit, but I was able to get a seat both times. I appreciated how one staff member guided me to a place to wait while a seat opened up during my second visit, and the employees have been generally polite when I've eaten there. I've only tried their classic smash burger, but they do offer special burgers that change over time along with a fried onion burger. I most recently got a double smash cheeseburger with everything (diced onions, mustard, and dill pickle slices) and thought it was solid. You can also modify which toppings you want included on your burger. I got a slice of the key lime pie during both visits and thought it had a great level of tartness (while the burgers are made in house, the pie comes from an outside bakery). read more

On our last NYC trip, I really wanted to stop by Hamburger America but we just ran out of time. So when I found out I'd be returning to the city, I made Hamburger America a priority. I showed up in the early afternoon and the place was bustling, and George Motz himself was there! I kept it simple and went with George Motz's Fried Onion Burger ("Made with American cheese"). The burger was ready within minutes and I took it outside to enjoy. It's a terrific burger. The smashed patty is flavorful and crispy on the edges, while the copious onions give the whole thing a really nice (and irresistible) taste. Yeah, Hamburger America was totally worth the wait. read more

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I would go out of my way while in New York to visit this spot again. We watched so many cool foodie documentaries on this spot and the owner. It's his homage to the history of the hamburger, and boy is the final product so good! Upon walking in, they had literally just opened and we were one of the first guests to arrive and get prime counter seating. We were on a food tour so we didn't want to completely spoil our full day of feasting, but we chose The Classic Smash Burger and a Chocolate Egg Cream. The menu is so fun and nostalgic, including egg salad, tuna salad, hot ham sandwich, and more. I noticed the Salad Plate which comes with one scoop each of the egg & tuna salad, served with Ritz crackers. I would totally order that next time. The restaurant is clean and bright. Truly everything we wanted it to be and more. Very old school diner feel with fun staff and front row seating to the famous George Mott's Fried Onion Burger. All in all we were in heaven. Incredibly fresh meat, bun, condiments. George Motz nailed the love letter to burgers. Well done. (No pun intended) read more

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Delicious burgers!! We bought another one after our first bites into the one we shared and even ran into George Motz himself Dining area has a diner/fast-casual feel. It can be a little tight, but you can find room if you come at a good time. All about timing! read more

Hamburger America - Burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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The burgers are amazing and as you walk in you're greeted by a employee ready to seat you. My wife and i sat at the bar/ counter. Watching our food made .its like walking into the past with its old school music and ambiance. Highly recommended read more

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I have nothing but good things to say about my experience at Hamburger America. When I arrived the person at the door set me up with a spot at the counter. I enjoyed watching the food being made and that classic diner counter experience. The vibe here is very welcoming. The burger and fries were just so comforting and delicious. For me this was the perfect comfort food meal. Simple items made well and with love. I ate every last bite of my burgers and fries. The onion burger was one of my favorite things I've had this year. Accessible bathrooms are available and the decor was fun to look over with details of acclaim for hamburger America. Would love to visit again. Well done! read more

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Before leaving for New York, my husband said I needed to try Hamburger America! After watching videos about their hamburgers online, he said it was the one thing he absolutely wanted to try from NY and I had to bring back a full report. My friend and I made the trip to get some burgers and they did not disappoint! There is a counter service area where you can get full service or you can order to go or to sit in the back room or patio. We just ordered and sat in the backroom. We ordered both a regular burger and the Oklahoma burger to try both along with some fries of course. The Oklahoma Onion Burger was really the stand out! I'd seen in the videos that they have a special onion slicer to make the onions ultra ultra thin. When they're cooked, they almost melt into the burger. The caramelization is incredible and it's unlike anything I've had before. It was definitely worth the trip and such a drool worthy lunch! read more

Hamburger 'MURICA! When we want a no-frills, affordable NYC smashburger instead of a fancy viral one, we have two go-to spots. While the other place might make a slightly better burger, Hamburger America wins on the overall experience. They offer actual tables and chairs, free soda refills, and a flawless mid-century Americana vibe (think retro counter, chrome accents, and vinyl floors). Plus, they feature rotating regional specials. The Wisconsin is bathed in butter. The Mississippi is breadcrumbed and deep-fried. The Lansing features Michigan olive mayo. The Salt Lake City is married to three separate onion burgers. The Waco is burned to a crisp. OK, those last two are made up. read more

Hamburger America - Their wrappers are upside down, but that's okay. - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Went to Hamburger America on a weekend in the early afternoon. It's located at the corner of West Houston Street/Sixth Ave, between SoHo and the West Village. It was busy but not overcrowded, and we found a table outside. When you arrive, you order at the counter inside, receive a number, and then find a seat while your meal is prepared fresh. A server brings your food to your table once it is ready, it only took about 5-7 minutes for our food to arrive. I ordered the "All the Way" burger, their classic smash burger with mustard, diced onions, dill pickles, and cheese, along with fries and a gluten-free bun. The total came to about $17, including tax and tip. The burger was delicious. Smash burgers are my favorite, and this one was cooked perfectly with crispy edges while still moist. I also really appreciate that they offer a gluten-free bun. The burger and fries were a satisfying portion without feeling overly heavy. This is a casual spot, but it consistently delivers delicious food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a classic smash burger in the neighborhood, I would recommend. I will certainly be back! read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

I heard rave reviews about this place from many people, so it was a must visit spot on my New York food tour. I ordered the classic smash with everything. It was good, but to be honest it fell short of my expectations. Maybe it was an off-day, but it is what it is. I will come back on my next trip to NY and will review jt again, but for now, it stands as a 3/5 stars for me. Maybe a 3.5 but that would be it. Great service and friendly staff made for a great experience and the shop itself gave a really retro diner vibe which I liked, but doesn't make the burger taste better, which is what I really came for. I think the one thing that really fell short was that it was lacking in the crispy edges of the smash burger and was more of a burger. But in all honesty, the taste was ok, but did not blow me away. My expectations may have been too high. In any case, will try again. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

If you're looking for a perfect, no-nonsense smash burger, this is the place. It's exactly what a burger should be. They don't rely on a laundry list of fancy toppings to hide behind; it's just the basics, executed flawlessly. I really appreciated that they keep it simple, giving you the choice of onion or no onion, letting the quality of the beef and the perfect sear speak for itself. Logistically, it's first-come, first-served seating where you're given a number. It wasn't too busy when I stopped by, so the process was seamless and quick. It's hard to imagine how they could make this any better without fundamentally changing what a smash burger is supposed to be. If you appreciate the classics done right, this is an absolute must-visit in NYC. read more

Hamburger America - Double smash burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

3.5* Finally made it to Hamburger America! I came solo on a spur of the moment trip to get my mitts on the famed fried onion burger, and was able to snag a seat at the bar with no wait. The ambience - very very old school hamburger joint vibes; surprised there were no servers on rollerskates inside lol. But very fun. The service was friendly and prompt. I ordered the fried onion burger and a side of slaw. The slaw...while having good flavor (I think a kick of mustard), was just drowning in watery mayo. But on to the burger - good lord were those onions piping hot lol, but very very tasty and added a nice element of sweetness to the burger. The smashburger patties were nicely cooked - though I did find the patties didn't really have the crispy lacing, perhaps of the added moisture from the onions; with a great video of the griddle and kitchen, it did seem like the classic smash burgers did have that crispy look. Either way, the burger was still very satisfying and I'm glad I came by. I'll definitely have to come in for the classic smash and compare! read more

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Had to stop by and try the signature Fried Onion Burger. We just got that. Although its size was a bit petite, its rich, beefy flavor with a caramelized onion punch easily made up for that. Definitely as American as you can get read more

Hamburger America - Menu as of 8/18/26 - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Finally got around to trying Hamburger America! Came on a Friday at 7pm and snagged two bar seats right away. Love the diner vibe - feels nostalgic. Got the single classic smashburger with everything on it and it was great. no fluff - great bun, good patty and simple toppings. Fries were just like McDonalds fries. Service was SO fast. We got our food in less than 10 minutes and food is cheap. Is this the best smashburger i've had in my life? no probably not, but it was up there and I will continue my search to find the best smashburger in NYC! read more

Hamburger America - Classic Smashburger ($7.25) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Stopped in because it smelled absolutely delicious as I walked by after a meeting. Super cute diner style seating near the register and large booths around the corner. Two very nice bathrooms as well. I had the classic cheeseburger with pickles on the side and a fountain soda. Not pictured is the key lime pie that I devoured and hence did not get to snap a photo before. But honestly I'll probably go back tomorrow and get another slice because it was that amazingly good! read more

Hamburger America - Classic cheeseburger & a fountain soda soda - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

I had been wanting to try this on my next visit to NY. It did not disappoint. While I did try the fried onion burger (which tastes like a patty melt) the regular double smash burger was my favorite. Great food, nostalgic feeling atmosphere. Would visit again for sure! Love my coffee mug I bought too!! read more

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A truly, insanely, good & classic burger. The fried onions add a rich dimension of flavor to the tender beef, leaving truly no need for ketchup or any condiments except the side of pickle slices. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers & fries - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

This was the best burger I've ever had in my life, the owner has been obsessed with burgers his whole life and has perfected the craft. I will be coming here every time I'm in New York. Fast service and the neighborhood is amazing to explore! read more

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This is a well crafted smash burger. Every ingredient is doing its part and it really hits the spot. Would highly recommend the fried onion burger. The onions really make that burger so good. The restaurant does get very busy so it may be hard to find a table unless you're quick to take a spot after someone just left. read more

Hamburger America - Fried onion burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

Hamburger America may have perfected the Fried Onion Burger. I have been watching videos featuring George Motz's about his fascination of burgers, especially smash burgers. I would say it convinced me to come to Hamburger America to try this place out. This place does not disappoint at all! Inside, you have the option of sitting at the bar or ordering at the counter and finding a table in the back to seat. The menu is very simple, you have the option of getting a Fried Onion Burger or the Classic Smash Burger with the option of a single or double patty. In my rule of thumb, double patty is the way to go. They do offer other sandwiches such as tuna salad, egg salad, hot ham, pb&j, and grilled cheese but people mainly want the burger. Everything else is a la carte, even the fries and the drink so just keep that in mind too. There is also a monthly burger special where you can try a new burger with it's own take on the smash burger too. I just went with the Fried Onion Burger, Fries, and a Arnold Palmer. In my opinion, the classic meal. The fried onion burger is an interesting burger as onions are cooked with meat to give it a nice char giving this really amazing taste that's in describable. I love that this is a thing in the midwest and very happy to have tried it. The fries are your standard shoestring fries but get it if you crave something to accompany your burger. The arnold palmer was good too! I think the only downside to this place is how seating is really limited, finding a table alone was a bit frustrating as people would not bus their own tables leaving trash behind or people just not getting up once they were done eating; it gotten to the point where staff had to come and ask them to leave so others can sit down. Otherwise, great place. I think this place has a nice diner feel to it; the food is amazing, it's at least worth a shot to try out once. read more

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Tried the smash burger + fries. The burger is done right: crispy edges, juicy center, and well-balanced without being overcomplicated. Fries were solid and paired well. It's more of a quick, no-frills spot, but that's part of the appeal. Great if you're craving a classic smash burger done well. read more

Hamburger America - smash burgers and fries - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

We went on a Friday during lunch, so it was not as packed as it usually is. There are three booth seats in the back. Some two tops and a bunch of counter seating. Turnover is pretty fast. Remember to bus your table. A group didn't bus their own table. We tried George Motz's Fried Onion Burger and the Classic Smash Burger (Mustard, diced onion, dill pickle, cheese on a toasted bun). The smash was excellent. Personally I liked the fried onion burger better, but the classic was amazing as well. If you are feeling extra hungry, go for the double. I was happy with the single. The fries were a little expensive considering there was not much. But they were great in that classic way. Fried just enough. Salted just enough. I will be back. read more

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Classic burger spot with an old timey flare. Heard so much about Hamburger America, so i had to give it a try. It's a place you can stop by and grab a burger to go or if you can find a table, get a seat and have them bring your order to you. Because we weren't in a rush, we ordered to two classic with onion and cheese and a fries to share. Once the order was placed we were handed a number and found a place to sit. Within 10 minutes we got our meal. The burger was juicy and a standard size. We did get the burger with the onions and at some point i had to take some off because it was too much. The fries were so tasty, we regretted not getting our own to have lol.. Overall, it was a good experience and the food is tasty! Oh and two burgers, one fries and one water was under 20 bucks, which is unheard of now a days. read more

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Obviously there's been a lot of hype here, so I had high expectations. Walking in, the smell is incredible, like the best diner grilling onions on a perfectly seasoned griddle. The server took our order and food came quickly. We were in and out in under an hour on a weeknight. The onion burger was good. I had a bite of the smash burger as well, I would probably get that next time instead because I prefer the dressed up burger. Neither patty had the crust that I'd expect from a smash burger so that let me down a bit. Both came with pickles on the side. Fries are ordered separately, but are plentiful and shouldn't be skipped. The chocolate egg cream was exactly right. I would come back to try one of the fun specials. read more

Hamburger America - single onion burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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Decent burger and fries. Nothing crazy special but if you want a tasty burger that's better than a fast food chain, it works. It was a little chaotic to order because they don't have good line management. Itd be nice if they had more seating because people were messing up the flow by asking for their food to eat in but then changing their minds and wanting to get it to-go. Thankfully we weren't planning to eat in because it was so packed we probably wouldn't have found a place to sit. Is it the most affordable or filling burger? No. But a treat every once in a while? Sure. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The service at this place is very quick and accurate. The ambiance feels like an old school diner with big modern bold flavors. I got the classic onion smash burger and George Motz did not disappoint. I would definitely go again. read more

Hamburger America - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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Dined in on May 30, 2026 at 6 PM! The staff here are super efficient, the tables were cleaned constantly, water refilled, and bathroom was also clean. Really enjoyed the fried onion burger and wish they did something like this in LA... LOL i love that all the condiments are on the side so the burger is piping hot and fresh with every order. The pickles were tasty too. read more

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Hamburger America -- A Happy Accident Hamburger America was never part of the plan. That day, I had put my name on the waitlist at 4 Charles Prime Rib and was killing time, wandering from place to place. In a strange way, I should probably thank that wait--because it led me to a few genuinely good spots I wouldn't have found otherwise. This was one of them. I had never heard of the so-called "burger scholar" George Motz, and I walked in with zero expectations. I was simply hungry. It was already past noon on a Sunday, the place was packed, and there wasn't a seat available--but ordering to-go was still an option. So in we went. The name Hamburger America almost feels a bit grand at first. But once inside, you see photos of the owner traveling around, documenting burgers from all over the country. It quickly becomes clear that this isn't branding--it's obsession. Genuine curiosity, research, and love for burgers on display. What stood out most for me was the fried onion burger. It's a very simple burger, but executed with intention. The onions are deeply caramelized--almost to the point where you wonder if they're a bit too sweet--but they work. The sweetness blends beautifully with the beef, creating something comforting and balanced rather than flashy. This wasn't a planned stop. It wasn't hyped up on our list. But it turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying meal. Sometimes the best burger tour additions are the ones you don't see coming. read more

Hamburger America - Hamburger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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I really like the vibe here. Its very "golden age of the cheeseburger." It was also ruthlessly efficient in delivering food to a large number of customers. Very well designed. We had the onion burgers. There are only 2 burgers on offer at any time, those, and a rotating selection from George Motz travels. Simple good food created by a man who really, really knows burgers. read more

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As a self proclaimed burger lover... this is the best burger I have ever eaten in my life. We had this place on our list and luckily stumbled across it while walking to another destination (perks of walking everywhere!) There was no line and our burger came out quickly. It was also so fresh! We got the fried onion double cheeseburger and this was melt-in-your-mouth AMAZING! They smash the onions into the meat while cooking and it's just too good -- we each could've put down another one. It's a done vibe inside which is super charming and everyone seems to be having a good time, enjoying good food. Please please please go here if you're in the area -- I know I'll be back! read more

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Came here for dinner last night. Quick quick service and lots of benches out front to eat on a nice night. Has both a onion burger and grilled cheese. Both delicious and quick to come out. My friend has the rotating regional burger and said it was also nice read more

Hamburger America - Platonic idea of a grilled cheese - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

The burger was very disappointing. It was dry and bland. I would not return. I did like the interior and the fun diner vibe that it has. We did also meet the celebrity owner, and he was a nice guy and was even out bussing and serving tables, which was cool. In terms of the food, I was extremely disappointed and would not return for that reason. read more

Hamburger America - Classic Smash Burger and Onion Burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

it's not every day you walk into a place and see the famous George Mortz cooking up burgers.... obviously we just got lucky but what a pleasant surprise for my first time here! For those who don't know, George Mortz is the ultimate burger/scholar so if I'm gonna eat a burger, it's gonna be from his burger joint. Ordered the classic smash burger and I found it to be pretty good. It's a good solid burger, though I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had (but then again I am not burger connoisseur...). But I think what makes this place appealing is its retro vibe and that it's a no-frills type of burger place that focuses on making the burger the star of the show. Their burger really shines through the use of quality ingredients. To top off our meal, we got a slice of pie for the day which was key lime and thought it was yummy. Overall, the place is solid. Didn't blow my socks off but it definitely hit the spot. I'd say it's worth visiting at least once! read more

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WHEN: Tue @5:45pm Apparently this spot is really good and popular. If you walk in, there's plenty of seatings waiting to be filled, and the walls covered in photos and newspaper/magazine articles of the creator himself. This place is very proud. Since it's our first time and we weren't hungry, we shared: THE CLASSIC SMASHBURGER (Single) - $7.50 "All the way" (mustard, diced onion, dill pickle, cheese) on a buttered, toasted bun. Not bad, but not amazing. It was fine--no complaints but also no flying colors. SHOESTRING FRIES - $4.50 More like regular fries to me. I think shoestring is much thinner? Anyway, fries were standard and good! I'm just glad there was no line when he got here so we must have beat the rush. By the time we left, this place filled up! Seems like a lot of people love it here! read more

Hamburger America - THE CLASSIC SMASHBURGER (Single - $7.50) and FRIES ($4.50) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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We were walking around SoHo and the smell of burgers drew us in. My friend briefed me on the history of George Motz's hamburger explorations and we were sold. We entered the restaurant and it has that diner feel to it. A worker asked us how many people were in our party, and we were directed to order at the register and then find seating upstairs or outside (seats at the counter are for small parties) - seating is first come, first served. We came around 2pm on a Friday, and the place was pretty packed. We ordered the fried onion burger (single) and shoestring fries. The burger is overhyped... nothing special. With the fried onions and cheese combination, I would've liked a pickle for some contrast. I needed more flavor for the burger - the burger would've been more enjoyable with some kind of sauce... they do have a condiments station, so have the condiments at the ready. The burger also ate soft - I like more texture in my burger, both with the meat cookery itself and crunchy toppings in general (gimme that LTO). They serve shoestring fries (same cut as McDonalds). The fries are bland. They need salt, and again, have ketchup at the ready. I did enjoy the crispy bits at the bottom of the container. All in all, Hamburger America is pretty average. I wouldn't distinguish it above any other fast food joint. read more

Hamburger America - Shoestring fries (need salt and ketchup) - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

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We stopped by at around ~11:30/12 on a Saturday and were surprised to find no line - we were immediately able to order and find a seat in the self-serve section. The burgers are definitely tasty, specially the George Motz fried onion burger (we also ordered the classic smash burger, which was good, but not as flavorful as the onion burger). The fries were pretty good, but nothing especially. I wouldn't spend an hour waiting in line for these, but they were tasty and definitely hit the spot. read more

Hamburger America - Fries Smash burger - Burgers Near Me - New York, New York

If you're looking for some of the best burgers you'll have in your life, this is the spot. George Motz is the Burger Scholar (check him out on YouTube), and took everything he knows about burgers and put it into this place. It has an old school feel, with high quality and delicious food. As soon as you walk in you're greeted by stools at a counter, facing the flat top griddle and open kitchen. The smells are incredible, but not as good as the food tastes. Smash burgers are the game here, along with new specials every week based on classic and iconic burgers from different times and places around the country. You can't go wrong, so order up anything that sounds appealing, and be prepared to keep coming back for more! read more

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What a fun spot. Terrific greasy burgers. Fries were a star as well. Delicious! Crispy. Warm. The French onion burger was my fav. They somehow keep the heat so it's hot for the whole time you're eating. Double ther burgers for sure. Much better. The service is super nice. You can dine in or have an option where you just eat in the back. Chose the latter and it was nice to eat back with a lot of seating. read more

Second time coming to Hamburger America - this time was 10/10! The first time I came, I just did the self seating, but this time, I sat at the bar with friends. It was definitely an add to be able to watch them cook! We got the chili dog, both types of burgers, and 2 fries. I think the classic burger was still my favorite - love the fresh onion and pickles in it. Chili dog was also amazing, I thought the dog itself was great quality! read more