College students know burgers, and the ones at the University of Michigan have crowned 15-year-old Frita Batidos the best in Ann Arbor for many years running. The restaurant’s third outpost (following Detroit) opened in Williamsburg in October, bringing beloved fritas — french fry-loaded Cuban burgers popular in Florida — to New York, the hometown of chef and owner, Eve Aronoff Fernandez. The menu includes a range of burgers, from spiced chorizo (fritas are traditionally made with beef, pork, or both) to vegetarian black bean, all paired with batidos, tropical shakes in flavors like coconut cream and hibiscus.
Don’t skip a batido, which remains cold and cohesive (rather than separating) as you carve through your frita. The cajeta, like a caramelized vanilla shake, is a sleeper.
Families, couples, and friends share white-washed picnic tables, while a long, thin counter wraps around the massive windows. The glaringly white lights make the restaurant feel like an island in the night.
Colorful sets of dominos and Biñho (a flick soccer game) are set up on various tables. Just be sure to wipe your hands well before playing.