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If you've spent time in Martha's Vineyard, you've probably had the pleasure of digging into a juicy burger at Fat Ronnie's Burger Bar. Now you can get your fix right here in Manhattan at the iconic joint's second location, which just recently opened at 303 Sixth Avenue.
Fat Ronnie’s is an institution steeped in history and it brings that legacy, along with a whole lot of flavor, to NYC. Owner Reynaldo “Ronnie” Faust is continuing a story that goes back five generations, from Harlem to Martha’s Vineyard and now back to New York.
Ronnie’s grandmother, Maxine Faust, was the first Black union butcher in the United States. His family built a name through neighborhood institutions like Maxine’s and Meat Masters, places where quality and consistency mattered more than hype. Ronnie grew up in that world, learning the craft early and earning the nickname “Fat Ronnie” from his father, who was known locally for his burgers.
In 2013, Ronnie took that foundation to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, opening a small burger bar that quickly became both a local staple and a summer destination. More than a decade later, the concept returns home, now planted in one of downtown Manhattan’s busiest food neighborhoods.
While smashburgers are currently all the rage, Fat Ronnie’s goes the other way. These are thick, pub-style Angus beef burgers, ground in-house and cooked to order. Nothing is frozen, and patties aren’t pre-made. This is a butcher’s burger, not a fast-food one.
What makes this burger even better us customization. With more than 30 toppings, from cheddar and caramelized onions to grilled pineapple and house sauces, the combinations are endless. Signature burgers reflect the history of Fat Ronnie's. The CGB, Ronnie’s take on Harlem’s chopped cheese, sits alongside Vineyard staples like lobster rolls and fish and chips.
But that's not all. Mac and cheese fans have six variations to choose from, chicken options cover everything from wings to sandwiches and veggie burgers include house made blends like sweet potato black bean and quinoa cauliflower.
Fat Ronnie’s is new to NYC, but it brings with it a long history of care and quality that you can taste. Check them out at 303 6th Avenue at Carmine Street, open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm and 11am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.