Luke’s Bar & Grill
A true Upper East Side neighborhood institution, Luke’s blends classic pub charm with an inviting, no-frills atmosphere. Packed with regulars, it feels like the kind of spot your dad or grandpa might’ve claimed - someplace you can settle into and stay awhile, especially on a cold day.
The Burger: Smash Burger (Tier 2). Double patty, American cheese, sautéed onions, pickles, topped with crispy shoestring onion rings & secret sauce on a sesame seed bun. This is one big burger - a true two-hander. While the patties are smashed, they are on the thicker side, retaining plenty of juice and beefy flavor. Cheese blankets each patty in melty layers, while onions show up two ways: soft and caramelized for richness, and crispy shoestrings for crunch. The bread-and-butter pickles bring a sweet-and-tangy punch, cutting through the richness and standing out as one of the best elements. The secret sauce adds a subtle zesty note, tying everything together. The bun is firm yet squishy, molding perfectly to your hands, making each bite messy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. Lettuce is served on the side, basically as a garnish - and that’s exactly where it belongs on a burger like this.
Pro Tip: Don’t stop at the burger. The cheesesteak is excellent, and the crispy shoestring onion rings deserve a plate of their own. If you’re looking to lighten things up, their classic Cobb salad is a great order.
The Occasion & Vibe: Luke’s blends classic neighborhood pub charm with a welcoming restaurant feel. Warm, inviting, and unpretentious, it features green-checkered tablecloths, curated music, and plenty of regulars. The space encourages lingering over a meal or drinks, making it perfect for a casual lunch, a laid-back dinner, or a comforting spot to escape the cold. Family-friendly yet timeless, it’s the kind of place you could visit week after week and always feel at home.
The Location: Upper East Side, 3rd Avenue & 79th Street.
Bonus Thought: Luke’s even made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in Seinfeld Season 5, Episode 15 (“The Pie”), when its storefront was rebranded as Poppie’s. I caught it one night just watching…the wild and wonderful intersection of burgers and TV in my brain. There’s a fun story behind their meatloaf, too.