The Urban Burger
Photo by Ken Gabrielsen
Restaurateurs Brian Angarola and Tony Fortunate were too busy to even consider adding another place to their repertoire of bustling, upper Westchester eateries, but when they heard that the location long occupied by Sammy’s Downtown Bistro in Bronxville was up for rent, they couldn’t resist.
“We saw this as an opportunity to bring our concept to Southern Westchester, and it was just a natural fit, even though the timing wasn’t ideal,” says Angarola, the team’s director of operations. Practically just moments after opening Mission Taqueria in Pleasantville and 105-Twenty Bar & Grill in Croton-on-Hudson, the latter a sister to the well-rooted 105-Ten Bar & Grill in Briarcliff Manor, the Westchester born and bred duo found themselves ushering diners into The Urban Hamlet, which Angarola calls “an elevated take on neighborhood fare” where you get a “fair and good deal” for the money.
With a hopping bar scene, dedicated gluten-free fryer in the kitchen, and extensive, well-thought-out gastropub menu, repeat business is already booming.
Past the charming Tudor façade, brick, stainless steel, rustic wood, and clean, fine lines mingle rhythmically throughout the space, creating a vibe that is distinctly urban — from the long, sleek bar to the dining room that is bathed in natural light via oversized windows.
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It’s not gluten-free, vegan, or even particularly diet friendly, but the lobster mac ’n’ cheese is a must. Comprised of mezze rigatoni and a to-die-for blend of asiago, fontina, Manchego, and cheddar cheeses, this bowl of heaven boasts a Parmesan-panko crust and a divine truffle essence that is delicate yet wildly addictive.
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Pan-charred filet mignon tips is a stand out app that eats like a meal, served atop creamy mushroom risotto and adorned with crispy shoestring potatoes.
This is a gastropub, so Build a Burger is an option, but don’t overlook The Urban Burger: A half-pound juicy beauty with green tomato chutney, pickled onions, and sharp, white cheddar. No wilted lettuce with this artfully branded bun, but subtly spicy mustard greens instead. And, of course, fries: Hand cut, abundant, and salty (but not overly so).
Feeling carnivorous, but craving some surf with the turf? The Fancy Philly Cheese Steak resembles nothing they peddle on South Street, with four melt-in-your-mouth ounces of filet mignon nestled aside nearly as much buttery lobster-claw meat, and blanketed by caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños, and mild cheese sauce (natch), on a soft brioche bun.
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Gluten-free options include this crispy skin salmon, resting gracefully on firm green lentils and sweet-and-savory butternut squash purée, and an assortment of flatbreads that can be cooked up with a GF crust. Whole wheat linguine with shaved Brussels sprouts provides a hearty vegan option, as does the “Greens” section of the menu.
Speaking of things you can’t say no to, the dessert menu beckons with gelato and sorbet, as well as hot chocolate mud cake, coconut flan with caramel sauce, and peanut butter cheesecake parfait with whip, crumbled Oreos, and chocolate sauce.
All of the restaurant’s offerings can be enjoyed at the bar. A lengthy beer and wine list (both with on-tap options) and inventive cocktails dreamed up by the staff round out the reasons The Urban Hamlet will likely enjoy the staying power of its much-loved neighborhood predecessor.
The Urban Hamlet
124 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville
914.652.7407
