New Business: Bite Into Big City Burgers

Right off of Montauk Highway in Westhampton Beach, Big City Burgers has been drawing local residents who say they are thrilled to see something new and different in the area. As soon as you walk inside, there is an aroma of fresh, juicy burgers and sizzling wings wafting from the kitchen.

Manager Anthony Catanzaro says he hopes the retro-inspired take-out joint will fill a fast-food void in Westhampton Beach.

“We aren’t your typical fast-food spot simply because everything we prepare is fresh and never frozen,” Catanzaro said. “It’s laid-back, low-key and inexpensive.”

In and around Westhampton Beach, there are not many reasonably priced places to get a burger without a formal sit-down dining experience.

“You can pay double in a sit-down restaurant or come here and ultimately pay $10 for a burger and fries,” he said.

The restaurant went through a total renovation. There are chairs or barstools and tables topped with boomerang formica like 1950s diners.  

The menu is a simple: burgers, wings, hotdogs and fries. The owner, George, who declined to share his last name, says it is about focusing on the quality by “not trying to do many different things mediocritly but instead four or five exceptionally.” 

In addition to the juicy burgers, Big City Burgers is the first Long Island location to offer Atomic Wings, a well-known New York City franchise that makes the renowned finger-licking sauce. They are made to order and are available breaded or not, boneless or boned with sauces including chipotle barbecue, teriyaki and honey mustard with the spiciness ranging from “mild” to “suicidal.”

George says he was born and raised in the restaurant business. He has more than 40 years of experience in New York City as well as the band behind Westhampton Beach’s before he sold in 2001.

“What is special about this place is our reliance on customer feedback; we want customers to be happy,” he said. “Instead of having to take it up with the ‘higher people’ we can make the changes right away if they’re necessary.”

Unlike many restaurants in Westhampton, City Burgers will stay open  year round. They are in the process of obtaining a beer and wine license and are expected to be stocked in time for football season. Although the details are not ironed out yet, there will be different specials offered on football Sundays and wing-eating challenges.

“This isn’t going to be a spot for the late-night 2 a.m. crowd,” said  Catanzaro. “Instead, we hope to bring in the school kids looking for a good bite and the weekend sports crowd looking to watch the game and eat good consistent food.”

Big City burgers is at 85 Montauk Highway in Westhampton Beach. For more information, call (631) 288-9464.