Some girls chase men. I will only chase the 4 Charles reservation. And after YEARS of trying to get into 4 Charles Prime Rib, I finally made it. 4 Charles Prime Rib requires a small miracle, a flexible schedule, and the willingness to reorganize your entire life around a sandwich. After YEARS of trying to get in, we showed up at 3 PM for the 4 PM opening and somehow snagged the last reservation of the night at 9:30 PM. Was it excessive? Absolutely. Was I going to give up before trying that burger? Not a chance.
Let's address the elephant in the dining room: the $52 burger. The burger comes with a base price, with the bacon and egg available as additional add-ons that bring the total to $52. At that price, I expect excellence, not just an expensive pile of beef. Thankfully, 4 Charles understood the assignment.
The burger is rich, juicy, and unapologetically decadent. The beef delivers serious flavor, while the thick-cut bacon brings a smoky, savory crunch that earns its place rather than simply serving as an overpriced accessory. The egg adds another layer of indulgence, making the whole thing feel less like a casual burger and more like a full-blown event. And then comes the presentation: white-glove service, dramatic flair, and a burger that clearly knows it is the main attraction. It is theatrical without feeling entirely gimmicky because, crucially, the food backs it up.
Is it one of NYC's most memorable burgers? In my book, absolutely. Is it worth $52? That depends on how much you value decadence over practicality. But as far as extravagant burger experiences go, this one makes a compelling case. I came in skeptical of the hype and left understanding it. Annoying, honestly, when the internet turns out to be right.
THE FRENCH DIP: GOOD, BUT NOT THE MAIN CHARACTER
The French dip has its own loyal fan club, with some even claiming it surpasses the burger. I am not joining that club.
To be fair, it is a very good sandwich. The beef is tender, and the jus has a deep, savory richness that gives every dip real purpose. There is nothing particularly disappointing about it. But next to the burger, it feels less distinctive. The French dip delivers on execution, while the burger delivers on both execution and spectacle. One is a satisfying classic; the other is the reason you fought the reservation system in the first place.
If you are choosing one sandwich, make it the burger. No committee meeting required.
As for the sides, the mashed potatoes with chicken jus were the only ones that really stuck with me. Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, they were easily the standout of the bunch. We also ordered the elote corn, which was a miss for me, and the truffle mac and cheese, which I found a little overrated. Neither was bad, per se, but neither was particularly memorable either. For a restaurant with such high expectations, I wanted a little more wow factor from the sides.
Like can we talk about the big cloves of garlic on here? Literally how could you not love their mashed potatoes.
DESSERT: NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH…
We skipped the prime rib and steak on this visit, not because they lacked appeal, but because I had a very specific research agenda: the sandwiches and as much dessert as the table could reasonably accommodate. Naturally, we ordered nearly everything. Professional curiosity, obviously.
The ice cream sundae arrived in all its oversized, fully loaded glory, complete with an elaborate presentation that practically demanded its own camera crew.
It is generous, indulgent, and best shared unless you intend to spend the rest of the evening in a food coma.
But the dessert standouts were the lemon meringue pie and coconut cake.
The lemon meringue pie arrived crowned with an absurdly tall cloud of meringue, and the contrast was exactly what I wanted: bright, tangy lemon against a sweet, airy topping. It was visually dramatic without relying on presentation alone. A dessert that looks impressive AND tastes the part? We love to see it.
Then there was the coconut cake, which might just convert the most committed coconut skeptic. Moist, rich, and full of coconut flavor, it was one of the most memorable bites of the evening. If you have room for only two desserts, these are the ones I would prioritize.
The famous chocolate pie, however, was my least favorite. I know, I know. Blasphemy. It was not bad, but I found it denser than I would have liked, especially after such a heavy meal. Compared with the liveliness of the lemon pie and the appeal of the coconut cake, it simply did not leave the same impression. Fame, it turns out, is not always a reliable dessert ranking system.
SO, IS 4 CHARLES PRIME RIB WORTH THE WAIT?
Yes, with a few caveats.
The food is genuinely good, the service is polished, and the burger delivers enough flavor and personality to justify its reputation. This is not a case of a restaurant coasting entirely on social media hype. There is real substance beneath the spectacle, and the desserts deserve attention in their own right.
But let's be realistic: the reservation process is a production, the prices are indulgent, and the experience is not something I would put myself through every other weekend. For a special occasion, an enthusiastic carnivore, or someone who has spent an embarrassing number of years wanting to try that burger, I can absolutely see the appeal. For a spontaneous Tuesday dinner? There are easier ways to feed yourself.
One important consideration: the restaurant is genuinely small. The scarcity of reservations is frustrating, but the limited dining room does play a role. There is only so much space available, and the restaurant cannot accommodate an infinite number of diners simply because everyone wants a table. The demand is real, but so are the physical limitations.
NABI VERDICT…
The $52 burger is the star, the French dip is a respectable runner-up, and the lemon meringue pie and coconut cake are essential supporting players. The service elevates the experience, and the food largely earns the attention it receives.
Would I go back? Yes. Would I willingly repeat the Resy Olympics every month? Let's not get carried away.
4 Charles Prime Rib is worth experiencing, but the burger is the reason to go. Come hungry, budget accordingly, and save room for dessert. Your bank account may need a moment, but at least the meal will give you something to talk about.
