Joe's Best Burger, Flushing

I managed to go to Flushing and not eat Asian, since I wanted to try Joe's Best after hearing that it's a close simulation to the In and Out chain in CA. I'm happy to report that it's pretty good. When you order a burger, they ask if you want grilled or raw onions (I prefer raw), and while the burger isn't groundbreaking, it's a good fast-food burger. The fries were even better. Though I didn't see any physical potatoes, they're made with real potatoes, with their skins on, and really well fried. They have a bunch of special dips for the fries, besides ketchup. I can't remember what else they had, but I got a mayonnaise-based roasted garlic dip, which was alright. Not the best burger in NY, but a good fast food alternative for a small price.

[northNJfoodie]

I tried it one time and I wasn't very impressed. To me, it wasn't better than any other fast food chain burger. If you want a really good burger, go to Shake Shack. There is one by the new Citi Field.

[Afikoman]

Shake Shack in INSIDE Citifield. You need to buy a ticket to a Met game to partake in this burger.

[wleatherette]

i really liked it! i guess not quite as good as in and out, and there was a bit too much lettuce, but still very satisfying and tasty - especially by the standards of a fast food burger. the fries, on the other hand, would be at home almost anywhere. perhaps i just got a great batch, but i haven't had such delicious ones in a restaurant in i don't know how long. they were obviously hand-cut and freshly cooked. the soda selection impressed me, too (i'm a sucker for that kind of thing). we had some excellent joe's brand root beer. all in all, a great experience.

[devil]

They are now doing fried chicken. I hope that doesn't mean they lose focus on burgers.

Lorna, the deal with In and Out is that each burger is cooked to order. Burgers are not frozen, but fresh. Joe's follows this recipe. It does mean a little longer wait.

[Lorna]

Eric or others, as I've never been to In and Out, can you explain what makes it special and what about Joe's is similar?
Thanks!

[devil]

They are not as good as In and Out, but not bad for a fast food place. They also used to have deals other than the coins, but it seems to be exclusively coins now.

[LoDega]

Well, I gave in and got the deal the other day. It was 44 cents for two coins, and it made me sad to think of everyone else saying no.

[susu]

I was there last week and saw cartons of real potatoes stacked up behind the counter.

I've never been to In and Out but thought it was a good fast food burger and the fries were very good.

[Linda]

those "deals" are awful! i am hoping in due time they will start to diversify the deal to be more than those old chocolate coins. at popeye's, they actual offer real deals, like extra chicken, biscuits, sides or a drink. joe's should follow that lead.

otherwise, i think it's a great, quick, fast food fix. it's a nice addition to the area.

the fries are really good and cheap ($1 for a styrofoam bowl's worth). not crazy about the additional sauces, i am perfectly happy with ketchup.

[LoDega]

I was impressed that they put exactly the right amount of cheese on the cheese fries. It didn't look like enough, and then poof! It was perfect.

Does anyone go for the "deals" with the giant chocolate coins?

I couldn't have said it better myself, Eric. That's exactly what it is: a really good fast-food burger -- nothing more, nothing less.

If you think fast-food is responsible for all the evils of Western Civilization (see e.g. Fast Food Nation), this place probably isn't for you.

But if you get that craving every so often for that high end fast food burger taste -- albeit mass produced and wrapped in wax paper -- Joe's can really hit the spot.

Just note that the burgers aren't thick. I wouldn't dream of ordering a single. The fries were excellent; much better than the Burger Joint's.

The shakes were a let down compared to In-n-Out. They don't serve regular chocolate shakes, just these 'hot fudge' chemical creations that are too thick to suck out of a straw.

I've never had the famour In and Out burger, but have been to Joe's three times so far. I find the balance of the bread and beef in a triple most satisfying..bordering on too much meat, but then the double has not enough. It's just me, though. The fries were good, even if I'm not sure if it's real or not. It's light and fluffy.

Thanks for the update Eric. We are at Sago Tea House across the street once or twice a week picking up bubble teas and we always say we have to try one of their burgers.
We have been also been going to Green Papaya on Prince Street for roti canai. Looks like most of the same people from Penang are still there. Good beef rendang also.
Regards,
JK