Last night, my friends and I trekked downtown to catch Mos Def (or Yasiin Bey as he now goes by) perform with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden last night. It was the first time I was there and was such a beautiful space to watch a show.
But of course, afterwards I was STARVING. I don’t hang out in the Financial District much and I don’t know many places in the area. My friend Priya used to live there though and one thing I do remember is always passing this burger place, Zaitzeff, on the way to her apartment and never having time to stop in. It was one of New York magazine’s top 100 places to eat years ago. I was SO down for burgers right then though, and it was only a short ways away from the concert so we headed over.
Inside is cozy, brightly lit with a few tables, and this gigantic painting I couldn’t stop staring at.
I asked what their most popular burger is, and the guy behind the counter said the sirloin, so I ordered it with cheese. My friends went for the kobe and turkey burgers.
I loved my burger. It was salted just right (adding the cheese was essential). The patty was kind of thin though, which I can see some meat-loving guys probably complaining about. But I’m not a dude so it was great for me. Anyway, if that’s the case, the kobe burger would probably be better for you (although my friend though his was a lot more messy). We also got it with an order of mixed fries: plain Idaho potato and sweet fries. Not sure what to compare them to really, but they’re better than Five Guys.
My friend also liked her turkey burger as much as I liked mine. I was told the kobe burger was just OK. We all agreed that each of our respective meals here hit the spot though. Zaitzeff is just a no-fuss burger joint which I can appreciate.
Restaurant Info:
Zaitzeff
72 Nassau St.
and John St.
New York, NY 10038
(212) 571-7272
Financial District
REPORT CARD
Meal: Dinner
Occasion: Post-concert meal
Price: $$
(Out of three stars)
Ambiance: **
Food: **
Service: ***
Would I go back?: Yes, if I’m in the area again. I’m glad I tried it, but probably wouldn’t make a special trip downtown for it.
“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter
burgers look awesome! there used to be a zaitzeff near my old apartment in the east village and I always wanted to try it! great find, shy!
mos and i met at heathrow once and we bacame bffs. actually i saw him and then followed him all around the airport until i think he got scared
I love stalker stories. I would totally do the same thing.
drooling over the kobe burger!