Looking for an afternoon fun, playing games and enjoying food? Check Clinton Hall 36 (36 refers to the street and they also have other locations in New York). This is fun for sure with tons of games to play, from board games to fusball. But I admit that it is not for that that we went there, but for two dishes that attracted my attention on instagram: the donut grilled cheese ($19) and the fondue burger ($18), both probably not recommended by a cardiologist, but surely by the little demon that sits on your left shoulder. The concept of the donut grilled cheese is already decadent, knowing that for years people have proposed burgers and ice cream with one of the food that clearly represents Americana. Just the name is exciting, but at Clinton Hall, they succeeded in creating a unique experience by having the grilled cheese hanging on a hook, with the melted mozzarella slowly dripping in the tomato soup. Not only does it look theatrical, it also tastes great: as you bite, you first get the sweetness of the grilled glazed donut, followed by the gooeyness of the cheese. With the robust tomato soup, it is even better as the acidity cuts into the rich and fatty cheese. A must have. The fondue burger is another experience, where a cheese burger is presented with a pretzel bun whose top is filled with melted fondue cheese. And if this was not enough, it is accompanied with some extra fondue cheese in a small bowl, just in case you do not have enough. This is a great take on a cheeseburger, a bit messy to eat for sure, and it needs to be eaten right away as otherwise the cheese will solidify.

Considering this place is an homage to beer gardens, they had to have a jumbo pretzel ($14) that is served with the same cheese fondue as the burger and a mustard marmalade, definitely a crowd pleaser. The burger patty can be replaced with a plant based one, but, it is not the impossible burger and it was a bit mushy. The crunchy Caesar ($12), with an avocado ($4) is decent, but quite classic.

Drink wise, they have a large selection of beers, and I loved the OM Chocolate Nitro Stout by Upward Brewing Co ($11 for a pint) , an oatmeal stout infused with chocolate nibs and conditioned with nitrogen, that was rich and decadent. However, I would pass on the espresso martini ($15) that I thought was not well balanced. They also have non alcoholic beverages like the strawberry fields mocktail ($9) that Jodi really liked.

Overall, Clinton 36 is a great place for some original food in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. I highly recommend it and if you go, get the doughnut grilled cheese: it is surprisingly delicious!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Clinton Hall 36 - 16 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018

Clinton Hall 36 in New York, NY

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