It's been a while since I've sat down to 5 Napkin's awesome happy hour, and last week Meg and I popped in for a visit. We were seeing some films over at MOMI and decided to take a quick break in between for some nourishment. It was perfect timing too, as 5 Napkin's happy hour was still going on, which I love.
We arrived with a half hour to spare and ordered right away. Consequently, we found out there are some changes to the happy hour deal, as they no longer offer hand rolls on the menu. We ordered them anyway for $4 a pop, which is still a good deal, considering their hefty size.
New Happy Hour Menu:
The items that are staying put on 5 Napkin's happy hour menu are the $2 sliders, which can't be beat. I particularly love the veggie slider, pictured above, which is hearty and really flavorful for an all veggie patty. Two other varieties still on this menu are their classic chuck slider and a slightly revamped turkey mushroom slider.
Beer:
In terms of the drinks, they're still offering $4 drafts, including the SingleCut 19-33 Lagrrr, which we both ordered. It was bitter and clean tasting, and not too full bodied, which was perfect since we were also having sliders. It comes highly recommended.
If you're wondering about the timing of all this goodness, it's remained unchanged and applies each day of the week from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. as well as from 10:00 p.m. to close.
5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue5napkinburger.com
Amongst my stir-craziness of being in the house the entire week, or squatting in coffee shops, trying to get power, I decided to take a little trip to BareBurger Bayside today to check out their new digs. I've been meaning to try it forever, to see how it measures up to the Astoria locations and I'm happy to say that they're totally up to snuff.
Atmosphere:
Very true to this micro-franchise, BareBurger's Bayside location looks pretty consistent with its other Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan relatives. The same colorful chairs, funky wooden tables and their characteristic utensil light fixtures. Although the Bayside location is quite small compared to its Astorian neighbors, the space feels cozy and lived in although quite new. I love the location as well, as it's right on Bell Blvd, near all the major public transport including buses and the LIRR - and it's within walking distance of other businesses such as bakeries (Martha's anyone?), convenience stores, bars, etc.
Food:
Since I visited during lunch, I was expecting some specials and this is exactly what I got. Impressed by their burger, fries and beer combo for just $10.95, I decided to go for it.
Lunch Combo Deal - Bareburger's Original was the burger of choice, included in this special, and you can pick either beef, turkey or a veggie bun. I went for the latter, as I've never yet had their veggie burger - and I wanted to see how it'd measure up to 5 Napkin's, which I still think is superior. The burger also came with a side of fries and BareBurger's house organic brew, which is light and delicious.
The burger itself was fantastic, and looked quite impressive on this fluffy tapioca rice bun, which was gluten free. Even though it sounded exotic, it tasted like a regular bun, but a very delicious high quality one at that - very impressive for something gluten free. The veggie patty was tasty, made up of a mixture of carrots, broccoli, beans, etc that you could actually see, which was a nice touch. The toppings of thinly sliced red onions, lettuce, tomato and jack cheese, that was melted perfectly complemented the veggie patty and made me really really full. Overall a very hearty meal that can fill up any hungry cub or bear alike.
Service and Cost:
Characteristic to BareBurger, the service was great and pretty fast and turnkey. I was seated quickly and served soon after - my meal arriving in just a few short minutes. Even though everything was expedited fast, I didn't feel like I had to leave soon after and was free to hang around and finish my brewski.
The cost of this lunch was really affordable - for $10.95 for all of this, I got a really proper meal that filled me up way until dinner time.
3 Mmmms
BareBurger - 42-38 Bell Blvd, Bayside NY 11361.
718.279.2273
LIRR to Bayside
www.bareburger.com
After a long week, I was ready to just relax, take it easy, and make myself a nice, healthy dinner. In the mood for a burger, I decided to whip one up but sans meat. Using large portobello tops instead, I paired them with fresh arugula, tomato and even whipped up a spicy mayo to dress it up a bit. The whole thing took about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish, and left me feeling really satisfied. Watch out Bareburger... (kidding!)
Fooditka's Homemade Portobello Burgers
Ingredients (serves 2)
2 large portobello mushrooms (stems cut off)
1 garlic clove, minced
4 generous slices of fresh tomato
2 handfuls of fresh arugula
2 tbs of mayo
Dash of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Good quality hamburger or sandwich buns
Directions:
Clean the portobello burgers with a moist paper towel. Place in an oiled nonstick skillet, on medium heat. Add the garlic and stir frequently to prevent burning. Add the portobellos and season with a little bit of salt and pepper (season to your liking). Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until tender and until the outside has a nice golden crust.
Combine the mayo with the cayenne in a small bowl until completely incorporated.
While the mushrooms cook, heat up your bread in the toaster, but just slightly so it's just warm and slightly crunchy but not golden brown.
Spread the mayo on the top of the bun and place your cooked portobello on the bottom. Top the burger with fresh arugula and tomato, or even onions and cheese if you'd like.
Although I've written about their Happy Hour many a times, I've never actually been *embarrassed shrug.* Last night's rain date was a perfect way to finally try it, and you must be wondering why I'm talking about going to Happy Hour on the weekend. But...if you know a little bit about the offering here, you'll know they boast Happy Hour every day of the week (including weekends). No, your eyes don't deceive you.
Trying nearly everything on their menu, I did manage to have something new to me, which were the chicken wings. The other foods we ordered we've already experienced, but some of which I haven't yet written about. Here's what I thought:
Hell's Kitchen Wings - Loving that these babies were just 50 cents each, Dan and I split 10 of them. There's a reason they're called "Hell's Kitchen" and I don't think they're only talking about the neighborhood, as these are hot, hot, hot. Drenched in spicy bbq sauce, they're quite messy and you can't help but feel like a savage consuming them. But the flavor and the tenderness of the meat hold its own, and make this a very solid and filling way to enjoy happy hour. The wings are also a good, generous size and are nice to share with a partner you feel comfortable with. As I said, this dish is messsssy!
Veggie Slider - Dan was eager to get the veggie slider, as he remembers eating it at my re-launch party. Wowza, it was better than I remembered, not tasting like a purely veggie pattie, but a meaty, hearty one. Topped with 5 Napkin's signature sauce, they also use on the inside out burger (aka burger salad), it packed some creaminess and also tanginess from the thin-cut b&b pickles. I could've put down more than one of these, so veggie friends get ready for the goodness this brings!
S'mores Milkshake - While I've had this milkshake on various occasions, it continues to be a favorite, with its rich, creamy consistency and a perfectly burnt marshmallow on top. The flavors are simple as can be, but they're classically delicious, using really good quality ice cream as a base.
Service and Cost:
We were astounded at what a superstar our bartender/waiter was. There was just one for the entire bar, which seated more than 25 people. Our guy was hustling, serving drinks left and right, helping set food on the table and making those delicious shakes I just told you about from scratch. Like I said...superstar.
Costs are wonderfully inexpensive, due to the Happy Hour special, which offers $2 sliders, $4 drafts and $.50 wings. Our bill including a friend's drink, 3 sliders, 10 wings, an order of tater tots, and a milkshake was just $36. If that doesn't deserve 3 Mmmms, I don't know what does.
5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com
