Hamburger America is made for everyone, not only because founder George Motz replicated an old-fashioned luncheonette where diners of all classes could sit side by side at a Formica counter, but because of its location. Smack on the corner of Houston and Sixth Avenue, the bright Soho restaurant’s inviting windows and yellow color scheme pull in tourists, NYU kids, and passersby (and more users of the Eater app than any other restaurant). Inside, whizzes of the flat-top griddle turn out a tight menu of rich burgers, comforting midcentury sandwiches, and milk-based beverages (coffee milk, egg creams). Since there are two seating areas, the line usually moves briskly. This is an easygoing, fairly reliable meal in the center of New York.
Though there are booths in the back, wait for a spot at the counter, where you can watch the kitchen maestros work their instruments and rub elbows with Village denizens. Decent ventilation will let you leave without smelling of grease.
Hamburger America is conveniently located around the corner from Film Forum and the Angelika, making it ideal for dinner and a movie.