We’d seen Manhattn’s Burgers in Brussels a couple of times but never around meal times, so when the opportunity came up for lunch while in Leuven, I knew we had to give it a try. There’s one outlet in Leuven on Tiensestraat, a highly popular student hub right near the university. Manhattn’s operates on a walk-in basis, so there’s no need to make a reservation.
It was rather quiet when we popped in for lunch, as the lunchtime crowd hadn’t arrived yet. The restaurant has a very casual, chilled-out vibe as you wander in. You order at the counter and are given a buzzer to self-collect from the pickup area once your food is ready. We could choose any empty table — indoor dining or the outdoor terrace — and given it was a very hot day, sticking with the air-conditioning was a no-brainer.
The Food
Mr G had the Rockefeller Burger (€13.50 — Irish Angus beef, matured cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelised red onions, lettuce, smoky BBQ sauce) and I had the Tribeca Chicken Burger (€12.60 — flame-grilled chicken, matured cheddar, tomato tartare, pickled red onions, lettuce, pepper sauce).
It’s always messy to eat a burger, so the complimentary wet wipes are handy. There’s also a bathroom in-store, which is very welcome (free public toilets are rare in Belgium). We both agreed that the Godfather Fries (€4.30) with the secret sauce were the winner — crispy and crunchy, yet soft on the inside. True to the delicious reputation of Belgian fries.
A Little Background on Manhattn’s Burgers
The concept was founded by two Belgian brothers, Philippe and Jerome Vandermeulen, who wanted to bring the authentic, high-energy American hamburger-bar experience to Belgium. The restaurant delivers a distinct New York diner vibe, with an industrial interior, funky upbeat music, and quick, high-attitude service.
The very first outlet opened on 22 October 2014, on the upscale Avenue Louise in Brussels. There are now 10 locations across Belgium, and they’ve expanded into Paris as well.
Final Thoughts
Manhattn’s Burgers comes across as elevated, restaurant-quality food in a self-service style similar to a casual fast-food place. Ordering is very straightforward, and both cash and cards are accepted. You can dine in or take away. The whole environment and service is chilled, casual and welcoming. The prices are reasonable for high-end fast food in Belgium and, while the burgers are tasty, it was the Godfather Fries that left the lasting impression. We’d go back just for the fries.