Some Saturday nights, you don’t want to deal with people. This was one of those nights. However, I also had my Amex Resy credit to use before the quarter ended, so I figured, why not treat myself? Nothing crazy, just a solo meal somewhere new, something to shake things up a bit.
Dynamo Room caught my eye, primarily because of the burger I saw floating around online, one that comes with au jus on the side. A French dip–style burger? Say less. Plus, it’s right by Penn Station, so in New York terms, the location couldn’t be more convenient.
The Space
The Dynamo Room is split into two sections: a terrace and the main dining room. The terrace is cozy and tucked right near Madison Square Garden — charming, warm, and a little hidden gem vibe. Inside, the main dining room is modern and sleek, with a well-designed yet understated feel. Whoever did the interior nailed it. I grabbed a seat at the bar, traded a few jokes with the bartenders, and got some recommendations.
The Food
I started with the Caesar. Whole leaves, anchovies that actually brought flavor, a bright hit of lemon to balance out the richness – strong Caesar game. A significant portion, but I didn’t realize they had a side salad version. No regrets, though.
Next up was the Clam & Leek Toast. Chopped clams, a little greenery, citrus on soft bread, simple, balanced, and something I’d order again without question.
Now, the burger. It comes with crispy, fat-free fries (a solid move) and that au jus on the side. I didn’t have them pour it over; French dip style is the way to go. Cleaner, and it doubles as a dipping sauce for the fries. Smart. The burger itself? Good, not great. Not breaking my top 10, but in that neighborhood, it stacks up decently against Slattery’s and Keens. Still, Keens’ burger is the one to beat.
For dessert, I went classic: New York cheesecake. Creamier than most NY cheesecakes, topped with fresh strawberry compote. Smooth, with a touch of tartness, and not overly sweet, with a clean finish.
The Verdict
Dynamo Room is worth a visit, but not for the burger. The space is gorgeous, the service is impeccable, and the menu has enough variety that I’ll come back for a steak or the prime rib. The only drawback? It’s right next to Madison Square Garden. On concert nights, that means chaos outside.
Overall recommended, but if you’re going strictly for a burger, Keens still wins every time.
The Banana Juice Theory
Every meal has a “banana juice moment.” That one dish or detail that doesn’t quite fit your expectations but still tells you something about the place. At Dynamo Room, that was the burger. It wasn’t bad at all — it just didn’t live up to the hype I’d built in my head. And that’s fine. Banana juice isn’t meant to be orange juice, and this burger wasn’t meant to replace Keens. It was just doing its own thing in its own lane. That’s the reminder: sometimes you don’t need the best, you just need something different.
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going.