Hamburger America SoHo Review: George Motz’s Smash Burgers & Chili Dog

Hamburger America Review: A Smash Hit in SoHo

Located on the corner of Houston and MacDougal in SoHo, Hamburger America is the new burger spot that’s taken New York City by storm. The restaurant opened in late 2023 and was founded by none other than George Motz, the burger historian, author, and filmmaker known for chronicling America’s best burger joints. This is his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, and it’s clear that he brought his love for classic American burgers into every inch of this space.

The restaurant feels like a tribute to the golden age of diners, simple layout, counter seating, paper trays, and no over-complication. Just well-made burgers, dogs, and sandwiches. Despite being new, it already feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood for years.

Why Is Hamburger America So Popular?

In short, social media. TikTok and Instagram exploded with clips of sizzling patties, perfect crusts, and buns toasting on automated grills. People loved the retro vibe, the cheap menu, and the sight of burgers being smashed on a flat-top right in front of their eyes. George Motz’s reputation certainly helped, but the food itself is what really got people talking.

It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door, especially during lunch and dinner hours. The hype is real, but unlike other viral food spots, Hamburger America actually delivers. The kitchen is open and visible, so you get dinner and a show… You can watch the whole process from raw patty to wrapped burger in under five minutes.

What Makes Their Burger So Special

George Motz designed the menu to showcase regional American burger styles. That includes the classic smash burger, the fried onion burger inspired by Oklahoma diners, and a chili dog that tastes like it’s from a roadside joint in the 1960s.

The burgers are made from fresh beef, smashed thin, and cooked until crispy around the edges. They’re topped with melted American cheese, pickles or onions, and served on toasted buns. The portion size is modest, but that’s intentional, so you can try multiple things without feeling stuffed or going broke.

Simple Menu, Big Impact

The menu is tight but effective. No gimmicks. Just the kind of food you’d expect at a classic lunch counter, done extremely well. In addition to burgers and dogs, you’ll also find:

• Grilled cheese
• Fries
• Drinks like lemonade, iced tea, and soda
• Occasionally things like tuna salad or egg salad sandwiches
• Sweet treats like cookies or key lime pie (depending on the day)

What makes it special is that everything is affordable. You could easily have a full meal for under $10, or mix and match items to try a little of everything without spending too much.

What I Ordered

Since everything was reasonably priced, I decided to try a variety of items:

1/2 + 1/2 (Lemonade + Iced Tea)

Refreshing and not too sweet

Grilled Cheese ($5)

Buttery and melty with classic diner vibes

Fries

Crisp, salty, and addictive

George Motz’s Fried Onion Burger (Single $7.50)

My favorite of the bunch. The caramelized onions fuse right into the patty on the griddle

The Classic Smash Burger (Single $7.50)

A must-try. Crispy edges, juicy center, balanced flavors

George Motz’s Classic Chili Dog (Single $6.75)

Surprisingly nostalgic. The chili is rich but not overwhelming

Every item felt intentional. Nothing was overdone. The flavors were familiar but executed better than most diners or fast-casual spots.

The Open Kitchen Experience

One of the most interesting parts of the visit was how the kitchen operates. It’s 100 percent open, you can see everything from where the patties are smashed to how the buns are toasted. If you pay attention, you’ll notice a team of employees, each with a specific task, working in harmony like a well-oiled machine.

There are even automated machines that toast buns and prep ingredients with precision. Watching the process is weirdly fun, especially if you’re sitting at the counter right in front of the action. It’s not just a place to eat. It’s a place to observe how a modern burger operation runs at high speed.

The system is built for efficiency, but it doesn’t feel cold or robotic. There’s still human charm. The staff is focused but friendly, and the energy is upbeat even when the place is slammed.

Where to Sit and How It Works

There are two main seating areas: the counter and the back of the restaurant.

If you sit at the counter facing the kitchen, it’s table service. That means someone takes your order, brings your food, and yes, tipping is expected. It’s a great option if you want to watch the kitchen in action.

If you sit at the back tables or booths, it’s self-service. You order at the counter, grab your food when your name is called, and seat yourself. No tipping required. It’s a nice option if you’re with a group or just want a more relaxed vibe.

The setup is thoughtful. It gives you options depending on how much time or interaction you want.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger America nails the nostalgic diner vibe without feeling forced. It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. Watching the kitchen adds entertainment to the meal, and the prices make it easy to come back again and again. Whether you’re here for the burgers, the chili dog, or just curious to see what the hype is about, it’s absolutely worth the stop.

In a city full of overpriced and overhyped food trends, Hamburger America stands out by keeping it simple and delicious.