If you’re on the hunt for the best smash burgers in Grand Rapids or craving fried chicken sandwiches near me, Black Napkin on Fulton Street East has quickly become the talk of the town. This takeout joint opened in 2022 and won Best New Restaurant in REVUE Best of the West that same year. Created by the founders of Any Colour You Like popsicles, Black Napkin brings the same commitment to quality and creativity to every burger, sandwich, and side that walks out the door.
What Makes Black Napkin Different
Executive Chef Jason Richardson and his crew have built something special at 966 Fulton Street East. They use Michigan Craft Beef, which Jason proudly calls “the best in the state,” for their signature smash burgers served on Nantucket sesame seed challah buns. The beef patties are smashed thin and cooked to crispy perfection, creating those caramelized edges that burger lovers dream about.
What really sets this place apart is its obsessive attention to detail and consistency. Jason mentions that most of their crew has been there since day one, and that dedication shows in every order. The restaurant developed a life of its own, built by everyone who works there and pours their heart into the food.
Menu Favorites Worth Trying
The Le College Dropout has become a customer favorite, featuring grand cru cheese, smashed Vidalia onion, arugula, peppercorn tomato jam, and herb de Provence mayo. The Big Malcolm puts a gourmet spin on a classic with American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and their special sauce. You can order your burgers as a single, double, or triple, depending on your hunger level.
For chicken lovers, the buttermilk-fried chicken sandwiches feature boneless chicken thighs that are brined and breaded for maximum flavor and crunch. The Basic Bish is a crowd pleaser, while adventurous eaters love their weekly specials that pop up on Instagram. One recent special, The Italian Stallion, brought hot, sweet, and sticky flavors with turmeric slaw and basil mayo.
Don’t skip the sides. The Rust fries are heavily seasoned with a dusty spice blend that customers describe as “magic.” They come with options like red wine vinegar dust or kimchi parmesan, and many reviewers say they’re the best fries they’ve ever tasted.
Supporting Local at Every Step
Black Napkin commits to supporting local Grand Rapids businesses by sourcing their ingredients thoughtfully. They get their special buns fresh from a local bakery, their beef from Michigan Craft Beef, and even their ribeyes for Jason’s home cooking from E.A. Brady’s, a local butcher. This commitment to local suppliers means your money supports multiple small businesses in the community, not just one. Support the heart of our community and see more neighborhood favorites featured here.
The Takeout Experience
Located in the old Rinaldi’s Pizza spot at Fulton and Diamond, Black Napkin operates Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. They only accept walk-in orders, no phone calls or online ordering. While this might seem inconvenient at first, it lets the team focus on what matters: making exceptional food and taking care of customers in real life.
The space is small with limited indoor seating, so plan to grab your order and go. Lines can stretch out the door, especially during peak times, but customers agree the wait is absolutely worth it. They also serve housemade sodas and their famous popsicles from Any Colour You Like.
Visit This Grand Rapids Gem
Black Napkin represents everything great about family-owned restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chef Jason and his team show up every day, put their heads down, and create food they’re proud of. Whether you’re searching for where to eat in Grand Rapids or specifically hunting down the best burger restaurants near me, this spot delivers on flavor, quality, and that special something that only comes from people who truly love what they do. Stop by Black Napkin and taste what the buzz is all about.
Sources: blacknapkingr.com, yelp.com, Black Napkin Instagram Page
Header Image Source: amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash
