The concept of the vegetarian burger is not a new one, but Superiority Burger was one of the first to get a cult following. It’s indisputably one of the top in NYC, but is it worth the trip to the Lower East Side? This is the review of Superiority Burger 2.0.

Atmosphere

Superiority Burger has come a long way. I remember the original location that was just essentially a take-out spot. The line was almost always down the street and I saw them run out of food more than once. So, the newer location that opened last year, which is a proper restaurant, was clearly needed. With that said, “restaurant” doesn’t quite describe Superiority Burger, which is more of a kitschy retro diner. Superiority Burger reflects the Lower East Side gritty location. I have to commend them for finding decor that looks like it’s been around since the early 1980s. The chairs are basic wooden, booths have a vinyl-ish cover and there are faux marble finishes (or just inexpensive marble countertops) at the bar. For a place that could have gone upgraded diner, it was as though painstaking efforts were made so that Superiority Burger wasn’t too nice.

The atmosphere doesn’t deter the crowds though, as for prime evenings, you’ll see a line of people queuing outside. This is just like old times. The crowd is mostly downtown hipsters and neighborhood folk. There’s no real people-watching, but that’s not really why you’re at Superiority Burger. Like always, it’s about the food.

Food

I’ve always liked Superiority Burger’s burgers because they’re not that faux meat. I don’t eat meat for a reason, and I don’t want my veggie burgers to taste like it. Instead, the base are chickpeas, quinoa, carrots and a host of other ingredients. The buns are homemade, and remind me of the McDonald’s bread of my childhood. There’s no disputing that Superiority Burger makes one of the top veggie burgers in the city. However, is it really worth it to traverse from my home on the nether regions of the Upper West Side? The answer is: it’s worth it only if I’m planning to be in the neighborhood.

The Real Star of the Menu

I think that the unsung hero of Superiority Burger isn’t the burger at all. It’s the Sloppy Dave. The Sloppy Dave is a vegetarian riff of a Sloppy Joe. This is a tofu-based dish that’s in a delicious, almost tangy tomato sauce. When they throw frizzled onions on top, it is worth the trek from the Upper West Side. As far as the other dishes go, the menu is small. The burnt broccoli makes the cut, and everything else is seasonal. They know how to make veggies shine and the French fries are solid as well.

Just Desserts

At the Superiority Burger 2.0 version, desserts are much more robust. There are pies, tarts and a whole array of specials in the dessert case. The ice cream is also a star, with flavors you can take home by the pint. Desserts are equal in number to menu items some days. If you grab a stool at the counter, you get even more of a feel of the retro coffee shop. If burgers aren’t your thing, cocktails and desserts would be a reason to drop by.

Service

The staff, like the atmosphere, match the neighborhood. Every touchpoint is nice enough, and servers are knowledgeable. Overall though, the service is not why you come to Superiority Burger, and not going to be what you remember when you leave.

Overall: 7/10

Other NYC Reviews You’ll Like

Best Places to Eat at the Bar 
Healthy Delivery in NYC 
Cocktail Bars to Know in NYC 

FAQs

Q: Where is Superiority Burger located?

A: Superiority Burger is located at 119 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009.

Q: What are the hours of operation at Superiority Burger?

A: The hours of operation at Superiority Burger are as follows: