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Nestled in the vibrant district of Grand Rapids, Black Napkin is creating a stir as a takeout gem that specializes in smash burgers and crispy fries. Customers rave about the flavorful selections, such as the Fussy Hussy and Le College Dropout smash burgers. The fried buttermilk chicken sandwiches, like the Hot, Sweet N Sticky, are also crowd-pleasers, drawing in patrons with their unique taste combinations. Many reviews echo a common sentiment: the fries are exceptional. From Rust Custy Dust fries to Kimchi fries paired with tangy Thai mayo, they elevate the meal experience.
Despite its limited seating, visitors appreciate the upbeat atmosphere and welcoming staff. Customers like Edgar Ruiz highlight the quick service, even during lunch rushes, while Libby Wedesky points out the rustic charm of waiting in line that wraps around the building. Moreover, attentive staff members, as praised by Zachary Thelen, ensure everyone leaves with a smile. Whether indulging in a regular or vegan burger option, diners consistently express a longing to return. If you're seeking satisfaction in every bite, make sure to swing by Black Napkin for an unforgettable takeout experience. Enjoying your meal at nearby lookout park might just enhance the experience!
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
Highlights
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Tourists
Reviews for Black Napkin
Review highlights
Based on 645 reviewsBlack Napkin has garnered strong praise for its flavorful and well-prepared menu, particularly its fries, which are frequently highlighted as some of the best in the city. Customers appreciate the variety offered, from smash burgers to vegan options, though some note that certain items, like vegan buns, may not appeal to all palates. The brand's small takeout format often results in lines and limited seating, with many patrons opting to eat on the go. Service consistently receives positive mentions, with staff described as friendly and accommodating. Overall, Black Napkin is recognized for its fresh, tasty food and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice despite occasional waits and specific preferences around menu items.
Delicious food and good vibes. Stopped in during lunch hour and the line was out the door but we were still greeted with a smile! Our food came out quick and was very fresh! We ordered The College Dropout, Hot Sweet Spicy, Kimchi Fries (recommend Thai Mayo Dip ) and the Standard Fry. Our drinks were Pistachio Orange Blossom, Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade and Ruby Red Fresca. Definitely worth every penny! I can’t wait to go back and try the other menu options. It’s a take out spot with limited seating so I recommend heading out to lookout park (8 minutes away) and enjoying the view and food there.
Follow them on Instagram (blacknapkingr) to get the latest menu and specialty items they are serving. It's a small takeout business with limited seating. Be prepared to wait in line and eat in your car. The smash burgers had great flavor, the only recommendation is to get a double patty because they are very thin. I believe their Rust Custy Dust fries are my absolute favorite! Very crispy and flavorful! I couldn't stop eating them. If you like Cajun fries, you will love these.
I ordered the classic vegan burger with vegan cheese on the vegan gluten free bun. While it's the best gluten free bun I've ever had, it would be a MUCH better burger with a regular bun! Personally, I'm not a fan of gluten free and would have really liked just a regular bun. The patty was good but could use more seasoning. The fries are excellent. Definitely get the fries with your burgers!!!
As everyone has stated, the food here is amazing: fries are easily the best in the city by far and I've never had a bad chicken sandwich or burger here. But what I want to draw attention to how awesome the staff are: I had rode my bike there and asked the staff if they could provide me with a bag with handles so I could easily carry it while riding. They were all out but (as you can see in the picture provided) they made a makeshift carrying bag for me. That level of care and going above and beyond all my expectations is amazing: I told them it was ok if they didn't have anything for me and I'd manage if needed but they did it anyway. The food rightfully gets the most praise but I wanted to shine a light on how awesome the staff is as well. You made a regular very happy today guys, keep up the good work!
Don’t know why anyone would give this place less than 5 stars. It is so good. Maybe people don’t understand what a smash burger is, it is supposed to be crusty and crispy on the edges. Those are the best parts. If you don’t like them, then smash burgers aren’t for you. Stick to pub burgers without crispies. When we got there, the line was wrapped outside and around the building. It was a nice day, so I didn’t hate waiting, but it was about a 30-40 minute wait from start to getting our food. the place is super tiny inside too, only four small high-top tables in a very cramped loud area (didn’t love that, hence the 4 starts for atmosphere). When we got to the front of the line the lady taking our order was so nice. Patient while my kids ordered and we figured out the menu. Also offered us off menu items for kids like the “lil Wayne” small smashburger. I got the classic double and it was fantastic! Got so full I couldn’t finish it. My husband got the Senior Ding Dong burger and he loved it! Said the special sauce was very good! I also got the Olive Mayo which was yummy, would have been great on the burger but I just dipped my fries in it. My kids all got lil Wayne’s and we got the rust fries and sea salt. My husband got the pistachio drink and my son got the bottom drink on the menu, lol I don’t remember the name. They were different that’s for sure. Wish we lived closer, it was so good! Took about 15 minutes to get food after we ordered.
The burgers were great! We ordered the triple and double paddies. The tomato jam was a surprise. The wine and salt fries were good. There is no phone and you have to walk in to order. The wait is about 15-20 minutes. Our only complaint is the bun size which can be a little bigger.
Oh their burgers are GOOD. I walked up and there was a short line, not an overly long wait. The line grew very quickly! They have handcrafted pops/sodas. There are two fries, one with a season - I ordered it, for me it was too much, it was tasty but after a while it was competing with the burger. Good to split. I ordered the regular fries as well and they were very tasty with the sauces. I will surely return.
This was our first time visiting the black napkin. It only seats, maybe 8-10 people, but as we are in line, I notice that most people just pick up their order to go. The employee running the counter was very helpful, being our first time and was very personable. Our food order was complete and about 10 minutes. We both had the big malcolm burger, ruby redfresca, one order of rust fries with sun-dried tomato mayo & one order of original fries with olive mayo. Everything was delicious! We both fought another drink to try and take home. They also have a large selection of homemade popsicles.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Thursday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Friday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
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