Art Appraisal Blog

Most Underrated Burger Spots in NYC Some burger spots in New York City become famous because they go viral. Others become neighborhood institutions because the food is actually worth obsessing over. Harlem Shake® falls into the second category. While tourists wait in massive lines downtown for whatever burger is trending on TikTok that week, locals have quietly been heading uptown for years to grab one of the most satisfying burgers...

The Hot Mess Burger at Harlem Shake®: NYC’s Underrated Local Favorite When people talk about the best burgers in New York City, the same names tend to dominate the conversation. But among locals and foodies, one burger continues to quietly build a cult following: the Hot Mess Burger at Harlem Shake®. Messy in the best possible way, packed with bold flavor, and rooted in authentic Harlem culture, the Hot Mess...

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Harlem You Shouldn’t Miss Harlem has always had one of the best food scenes in New York City. Long before trendy restaurant lists and TikTok food tours took over NYC dining culture, Harlem was already packed with neighborhood staples, legendary soul food spots, classic diners, cocktail bars, bakeries, and local restaurants that people traveled across the city to experience. The difference is that many of Harlem’s...

Most Instagrammable Food in Harlem Harlem Shake® has a way of pulling you in the second you walk through the door. The music’s on, burgers and fries are flying out of the kitchen, milkshakes are piled high, and the whole place feels energetic without trying too hard. In a city full of restaurants built just for social media, Harlem Shake® stands out because it actually feels real. It’s become a...

Harlem Shake® vs Shake Shack Key Takeaways Harlem Shake® offers a true local NYC experience with locations in Harlem and Brooklyn Shake Shack is a widely known fast-casual chain with multiple locations across New York City Harlem Shake® stands out for its retro diner vibe, creative menu, and neighborhood feel Shake Shack is known for consistency, convenience, and brand recognition If you’re looking for a more unique, less crowded experience,...

Casual Restaurants near Barclays Center Key Takeaways Harlem Shake® Brooklyn is one of the best casual restaurants near Barclays Center for quick, high-quality food before or after events Located in Park Slope, just minutes from the arena, offering a more relaxed alternative to crowded arena dining Ideal for pre-concert meals, Brooklyn Nets games, and late-night bites Known for smash burgers, crispy fries, and standout milkshakes Fast-casual format means you can...

Late Night Food Brooklyn, NY Key Takeaways Searching for late night food in Brooklyn? Harlem Shake® is a go-to near Prospect Heights Located minutes from Barclays Center and Prospect Park Ideal for post-concert crowds, late-night hangs, and weekend cravings Burgers, fries, and milkshakes served fresh after hours Fast, reliable, and easy dine-in or takeout Looking for Late Night Food in Brooklyn?  Brooklyn late nights have a different energy. It’s not...

Late Night Food in Harlem, NY Key Takeaways Looking for late night food in Harlem, NY? Harlem Shake® is a go-to spot for burgers, fries, and shakes after hours Conveniently located near Apollo Theater and Columbia University Perfect for post-event bites, weekend nights, or late cravings Fast, high-quality comfort food with dine-in and takeout options One of the best spots for late night burgers and milkshakes in Harlem Looking for...

What to Eat at Harlem Shake®: A Signature Menu Guide If you’re visiting Harlem for the first time, or even if you’ve lived in the neighborhood for years, there’s a good chance Harlem Shake® is already on your radar. Known for its nostalgic vibe, creative comfort food, and one of the most beloved burger menus in the neighborhood, Harlem Shake® has become a go-to destination for locals, tourists, and anyone...

Restaurants near the Apollo Theatre NYC Seeing a show at the Apollo Theater in Harlem is one of the most iconic experiences in New York City. From legendary performances to the famous Amateur Night, the Apollo has been a cultural cornerstone for nearly a century. Whether you’re visiting for a concert, comedy show, or special event, one thing many people ask before arriving is simple: Where should we eat before...

Best Places to Eat Near Marcus Garvey Park Marcus Garvey Park is one of Harlem’s most beloved green spaces. On any given day you’ll find people walking their dogs, playing basketball, relaxing on benches, enjoying the playground with their kids, or catching live performances at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater. The park has been a central gathering place for generations of Harlem residents and visitors alike. After spending time in the...

Key Takeaways: Best Lunch Spots Near Columbia University Columbia University is surrounded by diverse, high-quality lunch options The best lunch spots balance speed, flavor, and value Harlem Shake® stands out for smashburgers, fries, and shakes done right It’s ideal for students, locals, and visitors alike For burgers near Columbia University, Harlem Shake® consistently ranks at the top If you’re searching for the best lunch spots near Columbia University, you’re in...

Key Takeaways: Best Quick Lunch in Harlem Harlem Shake® is one of the best quick lunch spots in Harlem for speed, flavor, and consistency Smashburgers like the Harlem Classic and Hot Mess deliver big flavor fast Curly fries, truffle fries, and milkshakes complete the lunch experience Plant-based burger options make it accessible for more diners Ideal for work breaks, takeout, and casual lunches Finding the best quick lunch in Harlem...

A New York Smashburger Comparison Guide Key Takeaways Both Harlem Shake® and 7th Street Burger are popular New York burger spots Harlem Shake® specializes in flavor-forward smashburgers with creative builds Harlem Shake®’s milkshakes are a core part of the experience 7th Street Burger appeals to diners who want simplicity and familiarity For those searching smashburgers, burgers and shakes, or best burgers in NYC, Harlem Shake® offers more depth and variety...

Best Burgers in NYC New York City has never been short on opinions, especially when it comes to burgers. From old-school diners and neighborhood joints to buzzy newcomers and over-the-top builds, everyone has a favorite. But strip it all back, and a great New York burger still comes down to the same things it always has: balance, quality, and a little attitude. That’s where Harlem Shake® comes in. With locations...

Best Milkshake in NYC When it comes to milkshakes in New York City, Harlem Shake® keeps it classic. Known for handcrafted burgers, fries, and old-school diner vibes, Harlem Shake® has also built a loyal following for what many consider the best milkshakes in NYC. Thick, creamy, and made with real ingredients, these shakes are all about flavor, nostalgia, and doing things the right way. With two NYC locations, one in...