Is George Motz's HAMBURGER AMERICA Worth The Hype?
George Motz is perhaps the most famous hamburger enthusiast in America, if not the world. George Motz's Hamburger America documentary (2004) put him on the map, which was later also adapted into the Hamburger America book.
Since then, George Motz's First We Feast KZhead videos and George Motz burger scholar sessions, George Motz's news articles, and the George Motz hamburger NYU class have further made him famous as a hamburger authority. Now, George Motz's NYC restaurant is the latest chapter in his storied burger career. He opened a restaurant a month ago, named after his hit documentary and book. Hamburger America in NYC is the latest craze, as New Yorkers and tourists have been flocking far and wide to the Hamburger America West Village location, or Hamburger America Greenwich Village location, or the Hamburger American Soho location, depending on how you draw the neighborhood borders.
Is George Motz legit or is George Motz overrated? Is Hamburger America overrated? As always, we seek to give this burger joint a fair and honest review. We will put the famous George Motz fried onion burger and the George Motz smashburger to the test in this video. Too bad he has a limited menu. I would love to try the more rare and peculiar burgers he has made, such as the George Motz steamed burger, also known as the George Motz steamed hams, the George Motz juicy lucy, George Motz regional burgers, and the George Motz patty melt.
We may all know the man, the myth, and the legend from the George Motz burger shows he has been on, but is he all hype or is his food actually up to standard? Let's find out!
Like and Subscribe if you like my vids!
Restaurant Deets:
Hamburger America
51 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Oops I misspoke at 12:13! I meant "I prefer the pickles and vegetables on top."
Chill Bubble Bass 😭
Why are you still wearing a face diaper? You are literally standing next to people with and without it???
Do a tier list for steaks, burgers, pizzas, etc.
Turn the burger over
Thanks for coming in UA. Hope to see you again !!
As someone who worked the grill 30 years ago at a famous philly sandwich shop I'm blown away by the fact that George Motz the owner is the grillmeister ! You just don't see that nowadays. I wish him continued success!
Indeed! I was very impressed by that and it shows George Motz is serious about his restaurant serving great food
@@uaeats It's super impressive!
He probably had no choice. My guess is that he can’t make a full living as a KZheadr so having KZhead to promote his persona and business was probably a good idea
Also this isn’t the first time of the phenomenon. Iron Chef Morimoto opened a restaurant after getting famous and was an employee for a while. I think he left but the restaurant still remains
@@ramencurry6672in the beginning of restaurants you often see owners working the counter, just until things get on track
I'm not just impressed to see George working the grill but how attentive he is at it, dude seriously loves what he does. Good price point too.
Indeed and he was also not drawing attention to himself. He was just interested in running the grill
I could be wrong but …Prices may possibly go up in the future because that location is a high real estate hotspot if he is paying rent
$12 for $.50 worth of food?
@@america1st721 I'm guessing you've never held a job or worked a single day in your life if you think that.
@@america1st721 Go back to bed. $12 in NYC is INSANELY cheap. Shitty burgers where I live in the Western U.S. are more than that.
Lets be real, if there's one guy in America you want making you a burger, it's George Motz.
Absolutely. I have watched a lot of his videos and he knows hamburgers probably better than anyone
So very True..
Take the fuckin' bite......
right.. little tiny bird bites haha
This dude never shuts up. Lol haha
Yea, and he’s wearing a mask ?..ah New York libs
Yeah he's a yapper 😂😂
Right? Says that he sees people say that he talks to much so he's gonna eat, then he immediately goes on forever
That waitress is the best! Love how she keep waving at the camera haha
She was very nice and energetic!
Everyone wanna be famous these days...
@@darrengordon-hill Agreed. My method of becoming famous is by responding to stupid comments on the internet in a sarcastic way.
@@darrengordon-hill Then go get some more education and get at it, boy!
@@darrengordon-hill L + ratio
George is a legend … passion, quirky and an absolute authority on the American hamburger . I love his content and books…. So happy to see him on that griddle 😌
It's great to see his food lived up to all of the hype
Motz is the most. Won't even look up for yet another blogger. "Shut up, eat it, and get out of here!" Pure dedication to his craft.
Respect to George Motz
George can pay someone to run the restaurant & stay at home all day but he decides to work the grill. Total legend!
Absolutely. He truly has a passion for burgers!
@@smittysmitty481True but it would be better business there if he was present. He probably will eventually leave though. Iron chef Morimoto did the same thing. He opened a restaurant but then I think he eventually left the physical work shift but the restaurant still remained
"Some of yall say I talk too much until the fries get cold" Proceeds to talk for 5 more minutes 😂😂 Those look absolutely delicious *move the veggies yourself the way you want it if that's your biggest complaint*
I love that George is THERE cooking and talking to customers! Definitely going to check this place out! I love your honest reviews UA.
I started cooking fried onion burgers at home because of George. The trick is to make sure you slice the onions as thin as possible. Get a mandolin slicer that can do 1 mm slices (very few can). Make sure you put a big handful of onions on the burger, they’ll cook down to perfection. Next, make sure you have a spatula strong enough to smash the burger flat, very thin. When you flip, scrape at a 45 degree angle with the sharp edge of a spatula. You know how to do the rest, but the above has to be done to perfection to really pull off an Oklahoma onion burger. 👍😁
Good tips. I too, started making these because of him. Another thing I learned is that you gotta add enough salt! I’d say add a little more than you’d think you should. It makes a world of difference.
Here's an alternative that works at home for smashing the burgers. Just use a small pot. wrap your hand in a dry cloth, and push inside the pot putting pressure directly downward, then twist or slide it with pressure to get that slight smear effect a good smash burger has. To prevent sticking you can either apply a little water or oil to the underside of the pot, or use a square of parchment paper between the pot & the meat to save on washing. Then you don't need a heavy duty fancy spatula for the smashing, you can just use a steel paint scraper from a hardware store when it's time to flip..
I was never a fan of onions. But the first time I saw George make the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger I wanted one. I ended up getting a Blackstone for Christmas, and the first thing I wanted to make was that damned fried onion burger. Well I did. And it is now my favorite burger of all time. I can't get enough of them.
I'm stoked about this. George got me back into burgers and cooking in general and hearing that his new spot is on point is music to my ears. Respect to the legend
The waitress asked “single”? I’m not sure if she was asking about your burger 😂
lol. I should've clarified I'm no longer a free agent
When you’re famous, people constantly flirt so I can see why UA has to fight off women
@@ramencurry6672living the dream of fighting women off
Really really really enjoyed this one. I think that gal that kept walking behind you and waving and smiling deserves a shout out credit. The overall vibe in that restaurant seemed really really friendly and positive. In addition, the food looked absolutely fresh and delicious. Thanks UA
If anything, he was trying to crop her out and was bothered for some reason 17:13
I agree it’s great. My minor “complaint” is that great versions of burgers are just so common all over America and easy to make at home that it really doesn’t feel that unique. To me a more unique thing is a great video on how to make the perfect burger bun at home which is more rare…and burger buns are often overlooked which to me should not be
@ramencurry6672 Yeah it’s a great little burger that anyone can do. In would like to try it but wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
Why was UA so bothered by her? Lol. I don’t get that.
Great review UA! Your commentary is right on point. As always, I enjoy your fresh, honest review. Keep up the great work! I am looking forward to your next review.
in georges video about the opening of this resto. he talking about a sign that says when its crowded, to fall in line and get behind someone at the counter and wait. then you got this guy talking for ever about the food, which you can easily do in post production etc. this is exactly what george is talking about. you should be in and out so the next person can eat. not my words, but georges.
I’m not a fan of onions, but every time I see George make a fried onion burger they look amazing.
As a professional chef myself, been saying and cooking these burgers for years. Love the simplicity burgers don’t need much complication
Thanks for this video. I’m a huge fan of George, his videos, and I have several of his books. I have been visiting as many of the burger joints that he’s written about as I can across the country. Really impressed by his work on the flat top there. Next time I visit NY, this will definitely be a priority stop!
Dude asking “ is that the onion burger or the smash burger ? 🤦🏻♂️ good Lord . You can’t tell ?
We went there and loved it. Your video came across my feed and, sure enough, there I was. (Orange jacket going in when they opened and reddish plaid shirt sitting at the counter). It was absolutely amazing. Def worth the wait (got there about 30 before they opened and was 2nd in line). That Fried Onion burger is no joke. Will definitely be a regular. And Mr. Motz at the cooktop… Could not have been a better experience. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
As someone who follows Georges journey and passion for all things Hamburgers all I can say is the question in the title is absolutely silliness. Dude has dedicated a large portion of his life putting burgers and burger joints on the map. His passion and knowledge is really unmatched and without even stepping foot in this place, though I intend to, there's no question that his attention to detail and ability to serve up an amazing product isn't even in question.
Worked in restaurants since I was 12 (yay thanks mom and dad and lax child labor laws) and to this day to see the owner manning the grill at a place like this is unheard of. George, you keep being an icon in every way. Thanks for the great video, UA Eats, we'll be in NYC next week and I cannot wait to stand in line to visit.
child labor laws? bro your parents were most likely the owners nothing to complain about lol
This place is not only a great burger spot, it is not expensive. No nonsense just great food with a smile.
I love the precise attention to every last detail you give to every single element of the food items in your videos (ie., how the cheese is melted, etc). (And I definitely agree I prefer pickles on the top). (And way cool you met George Motz!) Happy Holidays!
Impressed to see George behind the grill . It's on my bucket list for sure .
UA I love your videos man they are so much better than BS high budget, scripted and fake a$$ food reviews. I know you get some flak for not just chowing down right away, and then giving your thumbs up or down, but you are doing it your way and people can watch or not it's their choice. Take the critics advice when it makes sense, ignore the one's where you know you're right. Thank you for your content I enjoy watching :)
Wow thanks for the kind words! Regarding people saying "you don't eat the food when it's hot," to clarify I am not letting the food sit for as long as the videos make it look. A few minutes at most. In my videos I show up unannounced like any other customer. Many other big KZheadrs don't do this and coordinate with restaurants in advance. They then bring a production team and record a ton of B roll, thumbnails, clips for TikTok/Instagram, and getting the perfect lighting and angles. By the time they eat, the food is absolutely cold yet they still act like it's mana from heaven.
You’re glazing
@@trollzone1 Don't even know what that is.
@@uaeats makes perfect sense! Keep doing it your way (the UA-way) its very authentic and feels real, we'll keep watching thanks again!
@@TuckerMcCannoncheck urban dictionary out.
What a treat you gave us UA. What a great experience!
Glad you liked the vid!
U still took forever to eat the fry.
If you don't like the pickles on the bottom, why not just flip the burger upside down?
This one almost entices me to travel to the outskirts of the country! That looks/sounds perfectly delicious!!! I think the only thing holding me back is even tho the pickles look fantastic, you not being a fan I have no clue to what kind/evaluation of them and they can make or break a burger for me. Love this one tho!
I just moved from Boston to Vegas, and on the drive over I stopped at Sid’s in El Reno, absolutely blew my mind how good it was, so cheap too! Need to fly back to stop at Motz’s place
I've had so many kinds of burgers in my lifetime growing up on Long Island where most people prefer places like "All American" in Massapequa which are traditional and relatively inexpensive. I've tried so many and as crazy as may sound the best burgers were from Woolworths if anyone old enough can remember.
I’ve never seen someone take such small bites.
I love George. Been watching his videos for years now, and I've got to say, his burger joint looks amazing. I'll definitely try to stop by next time I'm in NYC. My favorite burgers: the Corner Bistro in NYC, Grace's, Bubba's Burger Shack, and Bodega Burger in Houston, TX.
I recall the best burger I've ever had being at some small hole in the wall restaurant around Fork, Washington, in the early nineties. Stopped there on the way back from salmon fishing with our dad. The best burgers and milkshakes we've ever had. Went back two more times, which is saying a lot, as we lived a few hours away.
Thats so cool you can sit right there and watch him cook. I'm a HUGE fan of George I could watch him make burgers all day but the fast pace of this place is get in eat and get the hell out. still SO cool he is there cooking, didnt expect that
Thanks for the shout out while you enjoyed your fries.🤣🤣 As far as the burger.. as you said in the start, there are plenty other places in NYC! If I’m over that way one day I may try it. If I have to stand in a line for it, I’m good!🤷🏾♂️
Tasting starts at 10:45
Impressive to see him working the station, the guy is passionate.
I am coming to NYC this weekend and I was just wondering about this place, thanks UA for the review. Always great!
Just saw a video yesterday about him opening this place. Glad to come across your video. I never doubted George would make a bad burger. Haha. The smash burger is my favorite.
great reviews. I love the honesty, always. When you love the food, I'm feeling it. Thak you!
I like that your reviews are honest and you don’t automatically buy into the hype, thanks boss
I love the waitress. Looks awesome.
Her enthusiasm was definitely infectious!
Your fan Rupert Holmes' son here giving you a little story; I went there two weeks ago, and he came in halfway through my meal, I mispronounced his name saying "Here's to you, Mr. Motts (like the apple juice)", and he corrected me saying "It's Motz, but B+" so out of embarrassment I said "Ah, damn man, sorry. (Desperate attempt to look coold) Hall and Motz man!" and then he nodded and looked at me and said "You know what?! Let's put on some Hall and Oates right now!!!!" I have never felt so redeemed.
I'm impressed The burger master himself was making the burgers. I would have gotten the butter burger.I'm sure it was quality beef too.
I watched this just before my dinner time and now I can't stop drooling. OMG, looks sooo tasty I could die! I'm so jelly right now I can practically smell it through my screen.
Your videos are awesome man, very well done.
That price point is ridiculous. I get that it's NYC but my god that's just way too much for a burger.
Got to go to this restaurant !! … those are ORIGINAL !! hamburgers … just like Grandma made all my life until my 30s when she passed … no store bought crap for her either or not the fast food crap Pattie’s … real hamburger cheeseburgers with toasted buns just like Grandma !! … success to you George !! … LONG LIVE REAL HAMBURGERS !!
Love the shout out to Solly’s in WI on the menu. That was the first place I thought of when he showed the interior. Solly’s is the home of the butter burger and a classic!
Great video! Boy, that waitress really enjoyed being on camera. She was constantly sticking her face in the shot.
UA - If you are ever in Oklahoma you may give Sid's, Tuckers and Meers a shot. All have great burgers.
I love ' George's channel. So glad his restaurant is worth the hype. If you like Whataburger, try Blake's Lotaburger. With green chile and cheese.. I usually get grilled onions as well.
it must be a struggle to move the pickles yourself.
Eat it already 😮
Tell me about it and put salt n pepper on the fries n ketchup and freaking taste them the fries for god sake
Good to see a owner still running the show hats off to him burger looked amazing
Glad you got to go here. I was hoping you would make a video about this place
Glad I finally got around to it!
I love the vintage font on the menu signs!
Always an enjoyable experience watching your videos
Good to hear UA mention Oklahoma style onion burgers. The food looked delicious.
Pickles are a must on a burger👌
great review. need to check this place out. also, love the waitress in this video! the number of times she waved to the camera was hilarious.
holy shit look at how much attention to detail george puts into cooking on the grill, you can see how delicate and precise his finger movements. also, i don't get how anyone who enjoys burgers can be a picklehater. those have always been such a quintessential part of great burgers for me
It’s a guy making burgers with American cheese onions and pickle.
Asking if a burger with no onions is a fried onion burger is wild
Onion burger looks fantastic love how he gets the onions crispy, far superior than just steamed would love to try thanks UA❤
In the book First Blood, Rambo gets asked does he want his burgers plain or dragged through the garden. Meeting the adding of condiments. I’ve always liked that term and haven’t heard it since.
Those burgers look so delicious! The egg cream looks refreshing, too. 😊
George's fried onion burger better be good, he learned how to make them from Marty Hall, owner of Sid's Diner in El Reno Oklahoma. He even had Marty there working the grill when he first opened.
Prices seem super fair as well!
I peep that No. 5 monthly special as an homage to Keller’s here jn Dallas 😊 Miserable weather today so a classic cheeseburger sounds like it’ll hit the spot 😌
Love Keller’s on Northwest Highway Haven’t been in 20 something plus years but may have to asap
Great footage of the master at work! When the waitress asked about single I think she was referring to you. She asked twice. Good job UA.
Ua! Just started watching your content a few days ago, and I am a fan! Keep it up and I'm sure you'll hit 100K in no time!
Thanks for the support! I hope you're right!
Big fan! These new vids coming out are great
Glad you're enjoying them!
Thanks UA for doing this review; all of it looked awesome. BTW, taste first then talk about it. You need to get it hot from the get-go and then delve into your descriptions. Just sayin. Cheers.
This channel is about the blow up, quality unbiased thorough reviews at spots people want to see. Always clean and sanitary with a positive attitude but nothing fake imo.
man up and take a bigger bite of that burger!!!
Glad I discovered your channel.....you're great. You're a brave man walking the streets of NY with that Eagles hat on
the thing that looks the best is how they're all so simple, non-complicated burgers and items on the menu. over the years they're gonna perfect it overtime
A master of his craft reaching to perfection. Something almost poetic about it.
You always look to be so thoroughly enjoying your food. :D love the videos
Burgers like this are easily my favorite. Simple, thin, great ingredients, and perfectly executed. Most fancier burger places over do it imo.
I'm pretty sure every single person in the US has their personal favorite Hamburger/Cheeseburger; some have local joints in their hometown, some might not, and have to travel a bit for theirs. As always, it comes down to personal preference.
George is a true legend! Loads of respect for him!!
George Motz the 🐐! These burgers look LEGIT and it’s so cool that George is there manning the grill. Great review, UA
I think he is Only cooking in the beginning until everything is up & running smoothly & then will stop. Then he will open more locations.
I wrote a book about hamburgers also...it's entitled: "She used to like quarter pounders, until she tried a whopper"........lol
Is this book about burgers or something else?
Where is this place located ? Street and on the corner of where and where ? Thanks
Looks like a great spot. How long was the wait from order to serve?
Never heard of the place, but I live the opposite of New York.. Strong words for the owner, so I'd def give it a try. I think would beg to differ.. Total creds tho on how his team appeared on point. But then again, the owner was there..
I'll check this place out and i do like smashed burgers. Though other chefs i've watched have always said to not smash the burger so you don't push the juices out
He lowkey needs to open these all over the country. I would rather support George than McDonald's or the big corporations.
Great Video DUDE!
You couldn't tell it had no onions on it?
🧐 Well Done . Sir Motz is the best definition of learning on the job and he has done well 🙌🏽 🙏🏽 .
Before this guy, the original burgers were from the western trail run migrating from east to the west coast. White Rose Systems in Highland Park NJ is a place to go, and Never press down on the meat with cooking a burger as the juice will escape unless it’s a smash burger.
i literally watch all of the ads you have on your videos ALL THE WAY THROUGH because you deserve money for these AWESOME VIDEOS!!!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!!
Wow, not all heroes wear capes!
When UA's eyes form a slit, you know it's a hit