MePa mensch Steve Hanson was able to turn around the Hog Pit in record time from its first arrival on the community board agenda until its official opening tonight (friends and family last night). But what's even more remarkable is how fast some of the city's burger experts got on board with his new 9th Avenue joint, Bill's Bar & Burger. At last week's New York City Wine and Food Festival, Hanson had an open house of sorts, offering burger samples for anyone brazen enough to saunter in, including The Feedbag's Josh Ozersky, AHT's Nick Solares, a pair of Eater operatives, Lure's Josh Capon, and Daniel Boulud—who by the way, walked right into the kitchen, praised the burger, and offered some tips.
From that sneak peek, Ozersky has declared it the best burger in the city. Meanwhile, a preview lunch yesterday led burger expert Adam Kuban to leave with almost the same assertion: "You simply can't declare that after one very controlled advance tasting, but it's damn, damn fine." An early civilian commenter seems to agree. If they can keep up the quality while serving the nightly MePa hordes, there could be a Shake Shack style gamechanger in the cards. Go, report back, and until then, see the menu below and burger porn here.
Bill’s Classic 5.50
On a Toasted Sesame Bun served with Lettuce, Tomato, and Pickles on the side
The Sunset and Vine 5.95
Bill’s Classic with Cheese topped with Lettuce, Tomato and Special Sauce
Bill’s Classic with American Cheese 5.95
Served with Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles on the side
The Bobcat 6.50
Bill’s Classic topped with New Mexico Green Chiles and Jack Cheese
Fat Cat 6.95
Caramelized Onion, American Cheese on an English Muffin served with Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles on the side
Tuscan Turkey Burger 6.95
Freshly Ground and Mixed with Aged Provolone, Parsley & Garlic served on a Whole Wheat Bun with Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles on the side
Blackened Florida Grouper Sandwich 9.95
Lettuce, Pickled Tomato, Mustard Aioli, Cole Slaw
Add The Extras .50 ea
Bacon, Texas Chili, Coleslaw, Pickled Tomatoes, Caramelized Onion
B I L L’ S S P E C I A LT Y I T E M S
Chopped Salad 6.95
Romaine, Tomato, Cucumber, Feta, Parmesan, Olives, Red Pepper, Capers, Croutons, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings 7.25
Frank’s Red Hot, Blue Cheese Dressing, Celery
Extra Blue Cheese .50
Texas-Style Chili 5.95
Brisket, Bacon, Beans and a lot of Spices, topped with Onions, Diced Cheddar, and Sour Cream
HOT DOGS
H AT F I E L D A L L - B E E F H O T D O G S CRISPY AND CARAMELIZED ON TOP SPLIT BUN
New York Hot Dog 3.95
Onion Relish, Sauerkraut, Mustard
Chili Cheese Dog 4.25
Chili, Cheese, Red Onion
Add Toppings: Bacon, Chili, Cheese .50 ea
B I L L’ S F R E S H F R I E S
H A N D C U T D A I L Y, T O P N O T C H K E N N E B E C P O T A T O E S ,
S P R I N K L E D W I T H S E A S A LT
French Fries 3.50
Disco Fries 4.50
Smothered with Gravy and Melted Cheese
Beer Battered Onion Rings 3.50
** Crispy Veggie Fries 4.50 **
SHAKES
HAND-DIPPED PREMIUM ICE CREAM
Classics 5.95
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Add Malt, Chocolate Syrup .50 ea
S P E C I A LT Y S H A K E S
6.95 EA
Creamsicle
Vanilla Ice Cream, Orange Syrup
Vermont Breakfast
Coffee Ice Cream, Blueberries, Vermont Maple Syrup
Oreo
Vanilla Ice Cream, Loads of Oreos, Chocolate Syrup
Peanut Butter Banana Fluff
Vanilla Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Banana
Apple Pie
Vanilla Ice Cream, Apples, Cinnamon
ADD LIQUOR - NO PROBLEM
DESSERT
Key Lime Pie 4
Apple Crumb Pie 4
Intensely Chocolate Brownie 3
Fruity Krispy Square 3
Hand Dipped Premium Ice Cream 2/scoop
Bill's Bar & Burger
Steve 'The Full' Hanson, Burgers, Shakes
22 9th Avenue, MePa; 212-414-3003
Open noon - midnight weekdays, - 4 AM weekends, web.
