Jun 7, 2025

Mo's Famous Burgers New York

Hamburger Food Truck

"The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices."

It’s a fine sunny afternoon. I’m sitting on a warm brownstone stoop with Milton and Malaika; we are talking to a passing neighborhood boy about his busted American football. Milton is finishing a fine looking foil wrapped hamburger, so I ask if he has ever eaten at the food truck just down the street. He points to his burger and then to Mo’s Famous Burger food truck within sight near the corner of 117th Street on Malcolm X Boulevard. It’s another of this year’s growing number of street food vendors found in Harlem.

With his simple menu—hamburgers, French fries, and toppings—Mo has corralled a solid, loyal clientele made up mostly of neighbors, including a young Italian tourist I spoke to who relies on Mo for his 'pain quotidien’. Diners spill onto stoops and the tables and chairs set out by adjacent restaurants without conflict. No fences building good neighbors. Some of these vendors have become a locus for customers seeking good, affordable food and who, by and large, are open to casual conversation and comradery.

Maybe Mo’s secret is the culinary simplicity he brings to his one-man production line. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.

Nearby you'll find Rokmil, the Shabazz market, and Marcus Garvey Park.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

153 Lenox Ave

Hamburger:

US$

2.50

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 4, 2025

Subway Nostalgia

Vintage subway train excursions

The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

Teranga

Senegalese food at the Africa Center

"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Flea market UWS

"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

S&P Lunch

1928 Lunch Counter

S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 1, 2025

Dive 75

Quality trivia contests

"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jun 30, 2025

Rubenstein Atrium

Lincoln Center free concerts

"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jun 28, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite New York

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters