Our story

Same corner, same family, since 1989

Paul’s is a fifties-style eatery with counter service, checkered tablecloths and vintage decorations. A lot of people call it their home away from home. We like that.

Red Paul’s Da Burger Joint sign reading Est. 1989 — The sign out front

Thirty-plus years on Second Avenue

1989
Paul’s Palace opens
Paul Koval opens a burger counter on Second Avenue at St. Mark’s Place. It later takes the name it still has: Paul’s Da Burger Joint.
2007
Kept in the family
Paul’s cousin, Matt Wardrop, takes over and keeps running it the same way: big portions, fair prices, counter service.
2014
Twenty-five years on the corner
Paul’s marks its 25th anniversary on Second Avenue, still serving half-pound burgers and egg creams late into the night.
2015
Burger Week and a tough spring
Eater profiles the crew for New York Burger Week. After a gas explosion a few storefronts down Second Avenue, Crain’s and Gothamist cover the small businesses on the block, Paul’s among them.
2026
Still the best hole in the wall
Tasting Table names Paul’s New York’s best hole-in-the-wall burger joint.

The dining room under the neon, with checkered tablecloths and framed photos on every wall — The dining room

The counter

Where regulars know the cooks by name

Grab a stool at the counter and you’ll see why people keep coming back: a big juicy burger, a cold beer, and cooks you’ll soon know by name.

The menu runs long on purpose: 20 half-pound burgers, shakes and frosteds, egg creams and soda floats, omelettes, heroes and platters. Big portions of good food at a fair price, the way it’s been since day one.

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