Harolds New York Deli - Lyndhurst, NJ

Where:
Harold's New York Deli
10 Polito Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
(201) 935-2600
http://haroldsnydeli.com/

What:
California Burger

Build:
12 oz. burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise.

Comments:
A ¾-pound beauty. I'm not a fan of massive burgers, but since there’s only a 50/50 shot at being served pastrami at Harold's that's actually hot, I opted for the burger and I was glad I did.

I wasn't optimistic about the burger, but I placed my medium rare order anyway.

Not only was the burger cooked perfectly, it had a great leathery char. It was topped with crisp, cold iceberg lettuce, not the leafy green crap that's "good for you.” I could do without the tomato (unless they are blood red, in-season, Jersey tomatoes). The onion was as perfect as an onion can be; sweet with no bitterness that bites you back whatsoever – just pure, sweet juicy white onion. Hybrid bitter red onions are another pet peeve of mine, but that's for another day's rant.

A healthy gob of mayo and no less than three slices of cheese had me smiling all afternoon.

Pssst! Take advantage of the complimentary pickle bar and health salad. The potato salad and coleslaw are both homemade and delicious.

Harold's California Burger receives an 8.7 out of 10 on the BC rating scale.

Criteria & ratings for the California Burger:
Meat flavor 8
Juiciness 10
Size 9
Freshness 8
Burger-to-bun ratio 8
Bun type 9
Overall taste with selected condiments 8
Eatibility 8

Temperature 10

Mega Matzoh ball soup!!