TASTE
THE ROYALTY.
Handcrafted masterpiece burgers. 100% locally sourced beef, artisanal buns baked two blocks away, and a golden sauce nobody can replicate.
0
Years of Royalty
0
Signature Burgers
4.9★
Average Rating
0+
Happy Customers
BORN FROM
A REAL
OBSESSION.
Golden Lion started in 2017 when Chef Marcus Reid quit his Michelin-starred kitchen to do something that felt more honest: make the perfect burger. Two years of sourcing, testing, and obsessing later, he opened a 20-seat counter on Royal Boulevard.
We work directly with three family farms in upstate New York. Our beef is always fresh — never frozen. Buns baked two blocks away. Our golden sauce? That recipe leaves this building with nobody.
Every burger exists because Marcus believed in it. Not because it tested well, not because it was cheaper. Because it deserved to exist.
HOW WE BUILD ROYALTY
Farm to Counter
Fresh-ground beef delivered from our partner farms at 6am every morning. No overnight storage — ever.
The Smash
Hand-portioned and smashed hot on cast iron. The crust that forms? That's where every bit of flavour lives.
The Build
Every topping has a purpose. Nothing is there by accident. Stack order matters — we've tested it obsessively.
The Hand-Off
Your burger travels 12 feet from grill to your hands. Wrapped with care. That's our entire dining room.
THE GALLERY
PRESS & AWARDS
Best Burger NYC
Eater NY · 2024
"Golden Lion has done what everyone said was impossible — a smash burger that actually justifies the price. The truffle mayo alone is worth the trip."
Top 10 Burgers in America
Food & Wine · 2023
"Chef Reid has turned a counter-service concept into something that demands your full attention. The Golden Lion is the benchmark everything else is measured by."
Worth Crossing a Continent For
NY Times · 2023
"Hyperbole? Maybe. But after the King's Feast you'll start making travel plans just to eat here again."
BRING THE
PRIDE TO YOU.
We cater events across the tri-state area. Birthday, corporate lunch, wedding reception, block party — we bring the grill, the beef, and the vibes. You bring the people.
Group Dining
Private bookings for 15–80 guests inside our dining room.
Mobile Pop-Up
Full grill setup at your venue. Events 50–500+ guests.
Corporate Lunch
Office deliveries and on-site team lunches. Recurring available.
Gift Cards
Digital and physical gift cards in any amount.
THE PRIDE CARD
Regulars get rewarded. Buy 9 items, your 10th is on us. Plus early access to limited burgers, priority seating, and birthday month bonuses.
6 of 9 stamps · 3 more until your free item!
Member Perks
Ask any team member for your card — free to join, always will be.
ROARS OF APPROVAL
ORDER YOUR ROYALTY
Pickup or dine-in. Average wait: 12 minutes.
THE FAQ
HEAR US ROAR
Questions, group bookings, press enquiries, or just want to say hello — we'd love to hear from you.
Send a Message
Join the Team
We're always looking for passionate people. Send your CV to careers@goldenlionburgers.com. Hunger for excellence required.