Checkers on 125th St: A Guide to the Famous Fast Food in Harlem, NYC

Checkers Introduce

In the bustling landscape of New York City, a place for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal is always a welcome sight. For decades, Checkers has been a go-to for those seeking a classic fast-food fix with a signature twist. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, this particular location on 125th Street brings the brand's iconic, bold flavors right to a community known for its lively energy and rich history. Checkers isn't just about a quick burger; it's about a complete experience built on big flavors, from their famous seasoned fries to their diverse menu of burgers, chicken, and more.

This spot has become a popular choice for both locals and those passing through, offering everything from hearty burgers like the Big Buford® to the crispy, crave-worthy Classic Mother Cruncher® Combo. Its reputation for having a large menu means there’s something to satisfy every craving, whether you're in the mood for a classic hamburger, a spicy chicken sandwich, or a hot dog. The brand’s philosophy that "boring and bland have no place in the burger world" is evident in every hand-seasoned patty and saucy wing they serve. It’s a dependable, flavorful choice for a quick lunch, a late-night meal, or a satisfying solo dining experience.

## Location and Accessibility

Checkers is conveniently situated at 79 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA. This prime location in Harlem places it at a major transportation hub, making it incredibly accessible. It’s right near the intersection of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, an area well-known for its vibrant street life, shopping, and historical significance. The proximity to multiple subway lines (including the A, B, C, and D trains) and numerous bus routes makes it an easy destination for anyone navigating the city.

While the restaurant itself does not have a dedicated parking lot, the surrounding area offers both free street parking and paid street parking, providing options for those who choose to drive. As with most of New York City, finding a spot can be a challenge, but the availability of both paid garages and street spots in the vicinity gives diners a fighting chance. For many, the convenience of the location, especially for those using public transport, is a significant part of its appeal. The ability to grab a quick, satisfying meal while on the go or after a long day of work or sightseeing is a major draw.

The atmosphere is casual and designed for a quick visit, whether you're grabbing food to go or enjoying it at one of the counter-style seating options.

## Services Offered

Checkers is built for speed and convenience, and its services reflect that commitment to efficiency. Here’s what you can expect when you visit or order from this Harlem location:

Dine-in: The restaurant offers seating with a counter service model, providing a casual and trendy atmosphere for customers who want to enjoy their meal on-site.
Takeout: A popular option for a busy city, the takeout service allows for a quick and easy way to grab your food and continue on your way.
Delivery: Partnered with various third-party delivery services, Checkers brings its famous flavors directly to your home or office, perfect for a cozy night in or a work lunch.
Drive-through: A rare convenience in this part of Manhattan, the drive-through option offers an extra layer of speed and efficiency for customers in cars.
Late-night Food: This location is a favorite for its late-night hours, serving up its full menu well into the early morning, catering to the city that never sleeps.
Kid-Friendly Options: With high chairs and a designated kids' menu, Checkers is a family-friendly spot that can accommodate groups and children.
Diverse Offerings: The menu extends far beyond just burgers, with options like Classic Wings, Hot Dogs, and a wide variety of "Fries and Sides" including their iconic Famous Seasoned Fries.

The services offered at this Checkers location are designed to be as flexible and convenient as possible, ensuring that whether you're eating on-site, in your car, or at home, you get a great meal exactly when you want it.

## Features / Highlights

Checkers is more than just a fast-food chain; it's a brand with a distinct identity and several standout features that make it a local favorite.

Famous Seasoned Fries: This is arguably the most celebrated item on the menu. The fries are "secretly seasoned" and "famously good," offering a unique and addictive flavor that sets them apart from the competition. You can even get them loaded with toppings like cheese, chili, or garlic parmesan.
Bold, Flavorful Menu: Checkers is known for its "bold" and "satisfying" taste. The burgers, like the Big Buford® and Baconzilla!®, are described as being packed with flavor, and the chicken, like the Classic Mother Cruncher®, is praised for its "super crunchy breading."
Extensive Variety: The menu is extensive and includes a wide range of options, from beef and chicken to fish and hot dogs. This variety ensures that every member of a group can find something they love. Popular items mentioned in reviews include the Garlic Parmesan wings and Mozzarella sticks.
Late-Night Availability: The fact that this location is open late is a significant highlight, especially in a city with a bustling nightlife. It provides a reliable option for a late-night craving.
Affordable "2-FOR" Deals: The "Home of the 2-FOR" deals allow customers to "Pick Two and Save," offering great value and making it an affordable choice for those on a budget.
Friendly Service: While some experiences may vary, reviews often mention "prompt" and "wonderful employees" who are "very friendly and helpful" and "very accurate" with orders, like the praised cashier Brii. This focus on customer service enhances the overall experience.

## Contact Information

To learn more or to place an order, you can contact the Checkers on 125th Street using the following information:

Address: 79 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: (212) 837-1500

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a meal at Checkers is about embracing a no-frills, high-flavor approach to fast food. While the menu is extensive, a few items stand out as truly representative of what this place does best.

First and foremost, you cannot visit Checkers without trying the Famous Seasoned Fries. They are the brand's cornerstone and a consistent highlight in customer reviews. Whether you get them on their own or topped with chili and cheese, their unique seasoning is an unforgettable taste.

For burger enthusiasts, the Big Buford® Combo is a classic and satisfying choice. It’s a substantial burger with all the classic toppings that embodies the brand's commitment to big, bold flavors. For those who prefer chicken, the Classic Mother Cruncher® is a fantastic alternative. Its crispy texture and savory flavor have made it a popular choice. The wings are also a standout, with a customer specifically recommending the Garlic Parmesan wings for their great sauce.

Checkers on 125th Street is worth choosing because it delivers exactly what it promises: flavorful, satisfying, and affordable fast food. While some customer experiences may vary, the core menu, with its high-quality ingredients and bold seasonings, remains a reliable option. It's a place where you can get a hearty meal quickly, whether you're eating on the go, grabbing a late-night bite, or simply craving those famous seasoned fries. It's a true taste of American fast-food culture, made for the speed and spirit of New York City.

Checkers Food & drink

Limited Time Offerings
Big Glo's BBQ Buford
Big Glo BBQ flavor! Checkers & Rally’s brings you Big Glo’s BBQ Buford, featuring two large 100% beef hamburger patties that are topped with our Fry-Seasoned Onion Fries, Pepper Jack cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, dill pickles, mayo, and...
Big Glo's BBQ Buford Combo
Big Glo BBQ flavor! Checkers & Rally’s brings you Big Glo’s BBQ Buford, featuring two large 100% beef hamburger patties that are topped with our Fry-Seasoned Onion Fries, Pepper Jack cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, dill pickles, mayo, and...
Glo Da P's BBQ Double
Bold BBQ at Checkers & Rally’s! Get the new Glo Da P’s BBQ Double, made with two 100% beef hamburger patties topped with American cheese, dill pickles, our sweet & smoky BBQ sauce and mayo all served between two thick slices of garlic Texas toast.
Glo Da P's BBQ Double Combo
Bold BBQ at Checkers & Rally’s! Get the new Glo Da P’s BBQ Double, made with two 100% beef hamburger patties topped with American cheese, dill pickles, our sweet & smoky BBQ sauce and mayo all served between two thick slices of garlic Texas toast.
GloRilla's Unbeatable Meal Deal
The best meal deal in the game just got even better! Get BIG GLO flavor with GloRilla’s Unbeatable Meal Deal. • Your choice of ONE sandwich: Cheese Double, with more than a quarter-pound of beef, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and for a limited time, ...
Fry Seasoned Onion Fries
Crispy onion goodness! Checkers’ & Rally’s new Fry-Seasoned Onion Fries are crispy pieces of fried onion coated in our Famous Seasoned Fries seasoning.

Combo Meals
Soft drinks are subject to shortages and all products may not be available. Substitutions could be made.
Big Buford® Combo
The boss of burgers is made for The Fast Foodie with two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, a slice of red-ripe tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, musta...
Triple Big Buford® Combo
The boss of burgers is made for The Fast Foodie with three large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, topped with three slices of melted American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, a slice of red-ripe tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, m...
Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Combo
New Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford features two 100% beef hand-seasoned patties topped with Swiss cheese, two slices of smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sweet & smoky BBQ sauce, mayo and even more bits of real chopped up bacon. It’s the big...
Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Combo
New Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford features three 100% beef hand-seasoned patties topped with Swiss cheese, two slices of smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sweet & smoky BBQ sauce, mayo and even more bits of real chopped up bacon. It’s the b...
Baconzilla!® Combo
Warning: there will be bacon. Take on these two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties piled high with four slices of crispy bacon, two slices of American cheese, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise all served on a toasted bake...
Triple Baconzilla!® Combo
Warning: there will be bacon. Take on these three large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties piled high with four slices of crispy bacon, three slices of American cheese, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise all served on a toasted ...
Fry-Seasoned Tenders Combo
Portable and loaded with flavor, Fry Seasoned Chicken Tenders. All white meat crispy chicken tenders coated in Checkers & Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fry batter for a signature zesty taste.
Buffalo Fry-Seasoned Tenders Combo
Introducing a kickin’ new way to enjoy Checkers’ & Rally’s Fry-Seasoned Chicken Tenders. The Buffalo version is all-white meat crispy chicken tenders coated in Checkers & Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fry batter and then tossed and sauced in our Medium...
Cheese Champ® Combo
All hail the champ. With a hand-seasoned, 100% beef large hamburger patty topped with American cheese, a slice of red ripe tomato, red onion, crisp iceberg lettuce, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise on a toasted bakery-style bun—this b...
Fry Lover's Double Combo
There's no such thing as too many fries. Get two hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties topped with our Famous Seasoned Fries® and loaded up with American cheese, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Classic Mother Cruncher® Combo
NEW Classic Mother Cruncher® chicken sandwich - made with an all-white meat chicken breast that is coated in a super crunchy breading and lightly fried then topped with mayo, pickles, crisp iceberg lettuce, a slice of red ripe tomato and served on...
BBQ Bacon Mother Cruncher® Combo
Sweet layers of BBQ flavor! Checkers’ & Rally’s Bacon BBQ Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich features is made with our all white-meat crispy Mother Cruncher chicken filet that’s coated in super crunchy breading that’s topped with Sweet & Smoky BBQ ...
5pc Classic Wings Combo
Let these wings take you higher. 5 crispy and juicy bone-in Classic Wings sauced and tossed in your choice of sauce.
10pc Classic Wings Combo
Let these wings take you higher. 10 crispy and juicy bone-in Classic Wings sauced and tossed in your choice of sauce.
Chicken Bites Box Combo
Too much flavor for their own good. Get our crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned, all-white meat chicken bites.
Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo
This chicken bites back. Heat things up with our crispy Spicy Chicken topped with crisp iceberg lettuce and mayonnaise all served on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Deep Sea Double® Combo
Double up on deep sea flavor. Two crispy fish filets topped with melted American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, and tartar sauce, all served up on a flour-dusted bun.
Half-Pound* Chicken Bites Combo
Too much flavor for their own good. Get a half-pound of our crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned, all-white meat chicken bites. *pre-cooked weight & Fries are included in the box and not separately.

Home of the 2-FOR
Pick Two and Save
Pick Two and Save: Make It a Meal

Burgers
Big Buford®
The boss of all burgers is made for The Fast Foodie with two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise all...
Triple Big Buford
The boss of all burgers is made for The Fast Foodie with three large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties, topped with three slices of melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise...
Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford
New Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford features two 100% beef hand-seasoned patties topped with Swiss cheese, two slices of smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sweet & smoky BBQ sauce, mayo and even more bits of real chopped up bacon. It’s the big...
Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford
New Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford features three 100% beef hand-seasoned patties topped with Swiss cheese, two slices of smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sweet & smoky BBQ sauce, mayo and even more bits of real chopped up bacon. It’s the b...
Baconzilla!®
Warning: there will be bacon. Take on these two large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties piled high with four slices of crispy bacon, two slices of American cheese, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise all served on a toasted bake...
Triple Baconzilla!®
Warning: there will be bacon. Take on these three large hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties piled high with four slices of crispy bacon, three slices of American cheese, melted cheddar cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise all served on a toasted ...
Cheese Champ®
All hail the champ. Made with a hand-seasoned, 100% beef patty topped with American cheese, tomato, red onion, iceberg lettuce, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a toasted bakery-style bun.
All American Cheeseburger
A burger the way it's meant to be. Grab our juicy, seasoned patty, topped with cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard, all on a sesame seed bun.
Double Fry Lover's Burger
There's no such thing as too many fries. Get two hand-seasoned, 100% beef hamburger patties topped with our Famous Seasoned Fries® and loaded up with American cheese, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a toasted sesame seed bun.

Chicken
Fry-Seasoned Tenders
Portable and loaded with flavor, Fry Seasoned Chicken Tenders. All white meat crispy chicken tenders coated in Checkers & Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fry batter for a signature zesty taste.
Buffalo Fry-Seasoned Tenders
Introducing a kickin’ new way to enjoy Checkers’ & Rally’s Fry-Seasoned Chicken Tenders. The Buffalo version is all-white meat crispy chicken tenders coated in Checkers & Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fry batter and then tossed and sauced in our Medium...
Classic Mother Cruncher®
NEW Classic Mother Cruncher® chicken sandwich - made with an all-white meat chicken breast that is coated in a super crunchy breading and lightly fried then topped with mayo, pickles, crisp iceberg lettuce, a slice of red ripe tomato and served on...
Bacon BBQ Mother Cruncher®
Sweet layers of BBQ flavor! Checkers’ & Rally’s Bacon BBQ Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich features is made with our all white-meat crispy Mother Cruncher chicken filet that’s coated in super crunchy breading that’s topped with Sweet & Smoky BBQ ...
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
This chicken bites back. Heat things up with our crispy Spicy Chicken topped with iceberg lettuce and mayonnaise all served on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Spicy Chicken Double
Heat things up with two of our crispy all-white meat Spicy Chicken patties topped with American cheese, crisp iceberg lettuce, and mayonnaise, all served on a toasted sesame seed bun. Cluck the game up.
Chicken Bites & Fries Box $5.49
Try the crispiest, juiciest, most perfectly seasoned, all-white meat chicken bites in the game served in a box with our Famous Seasoned Fries. *Fries are included in the box and not separately
Half-Pound* Chicken Bites and Fries $7.39
Too much flavor for their own good. Get a half-pound of our crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned, all-white meat chicken bites, and fries. *Fries are included in the box and not separately

Classic Wings
They’re not called crazy good for nothing. All of our authentic Classic Wings come swimming in flavor. Try them sauced and tossed in a variety of over-the-top flavors and sizes.
5 Piece Classic Wings $9.99
Let these wings take you higher. Crispy and juicy bone-in Classic Wings sauced and tossed in your choice of sauce.
10 Piece Classic Wings $16.99
Let these wings take you higher. Crispy and juicy bone-in Classic Wings sauced and tossed in your choice of sauce.
20 Piece Classic Wings $28.99
Let these wings take you higher. Crispy and juicy bone-in Classic Wings sauced and tossed in your choice of sauce.

Fish
Deep Sea Double®
Double up on deep sea flavor. Two crispy fish filets topped with melted American cheese, iceberg lettuce, and tartar sauce all on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Our crispy fish filet topped with iceberg lettuce and tartar sauce for a boatload of flavor between toasted sesame seed buns.

Hot Dogs
Chili Dog
Bet you thought we couldn't fit any more flavor between the bun, but then we smothered an all-beef grilled hot dog with meaty chili, diced red onions, ketchup, and mustard.
Grilled Hot Dog
Better than the ballpark, this juicy, beefy frank is grilled up just right and served in a toasted bun with ketchup and mustard.

Chill Stop
Slushies
An icy, slushie tropical punch treat.
Pina Colada Slushies
Amp it up with Checkers & Rally’s new Tropical Energy Slushies! These smooth and flavorful slushies are made with delicious fruity flavors combined with an energy shot for a delicious treat that will also keep you going! Get Boosted Pina Colada ...
Nerds® Layered Slushies
Get two flavors in one with Checkers’ & Rally’s new Nerds® Layered Slushies! These delicious frozen drinks are made with two blended layers (orange & blue raspberry) of refreshing frozen slushies and topped with crunchy Nerds® candy for a refreshi...

Fries and Sides
Famous Seasoned Fries
Secretly seasoned. Famously good. And made just for you.
Fry-Seasoned Monsterella Stix
These hunger-crushing, cheese-loaded mozzarella sticks are tossed with our Famous Seasoned Fries® seasoning and served with a side of marinara sauce.
Fully Loaded Fries
Our Famous Seasoned Fries topped with cheese, ranch and crispy bacon.
Cheese Chili Cheese Fries®
We took our Famous Seasoned Fries up a notch with meaty chili and melted cheddar cheese.
Garlic Parmesan Loaded Fries
Enjoy our Famous Seasoned Fries topped with garlic parmesan sauce and smoky bacon crumbles, then smothered in melted cheddar cheese. Enjoy the finger-licking fragrant snacking!

Sweet Side
Classic Milkshakes
We all have to make choices. Choose to sip on something a little more indulgent. Our rich, thick, creamy milkshakes come in four flavors, each more delicious than the next.
Funnel Cake Fries $2.39
They look like fries. They taste like funnel cake. 12 tasty Funnel Cake Fries dusted with powdered sugar.
Cinnamon Apple Pie $1.49
Our crispy apple pie turnover filled with sweet apples then rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Holy sweetness.
Cheesecake Sundae
Layers of rich flavor make our Cheesecake Sundaes a treat you can keep digging in to. Our Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae made with real strawberries, our Fudge Cheesecake Sundae made with velvety chocolate fudge, or our Caramel Cheesecake Sundae mad...

Local Flavors
Bowl Of Chili $3.09

Extras
Ranch Dip Cup $0.49
Honey Mustard Dip Cup $0.49
BBQ Dip Cup $0.49
Buffalo Dip Cup $0.49
Blue Cheese Dip Cup $0.49
Ketchup Packets

Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are subject to shortages and all products may not be available. Substitutions could be made.
Coca-Cola®
Diet Coke®
Coke Zero Sugar®
Sprite®
Barq's ® Root Beer
Mr. Pibb®
Coca-Cola® Cherry
Minute Maid® Lemonade
Fanta® Strawberry
Hi-C® Flashin Fruit Punch®
Gold Peak® Southern Style Sweet Tea

Checkers Details

Service options
Delivery
Drive-through
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Late-night food
Quick bite

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Checkers Photos

Checkers Location

Checkers

New York New York County New York West 125th Street

79 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA

Checkers Reviews

An average rating of ★3.5 from 446 user reviews.

pricewingschicken sandwichcashierhomeless peoplechilifish sandwichcheese friesmozzarellasmoothie

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I've always liked CHECKERS. The first one I ever saw was during a family vacation in Florida back in 1994. I loved it. So when I saw them popping up in N.Y.C. I made it my business to stop in one when the opportunity presented itself. This one located at Queens Plaza is in a good spot. Near the 7, W & R train and multiple busses Q66 69 100 101 102. It's always clean and the wait is never long. CHECKERS has quite a large menu with everything from burgers, chicken sandwhiches to hot dogs and chili cheese fries. Though they are known for their burgers, I prefer to eat their Garlic Parmesean wings and Mozzarella sticks. The sauce they use on the wings is great and the Mozzarella sticks are always well seasoned and soft. My only apprehension about this particular CHECKERS is the traffic it sees at night. They're open late and being located by a busy bus/train stop, they're sometimes undesirable patrons standing around begging,intoxicated and just in the way. Overall, this CHECKERS location is good. The food is good, the service is prompt and you can sit and eat or get it to go. Eating in or getting it to go, depends on the time of day.
August 31 · Adrian Brown
Food is never fresh tasting the fries taste so old they allow homeless people to hang around and in the stole not professional.. I used to love checkers but the lack of love making with the food isn’t their .. love is the number one ingredient for cooking you must love what you do and it will come out amazing . It’s not the smal burgers are smaller even for a four dollar meal
June 23 · Shantia Evans
Not sure why this one guy likes to play games. Simply asked to take the fries off and he refused like that's an issue offering to sell me a more expensive item that I didn't want. I wasn't asking for a discount just to take something I didn't want off still charge me the the same.
April 25 · Steven Dougwillo Sr. (Steven Sr.)
This is extremely disappointing and annoying. I ordered my order through uber eats and they forgot to send the fries. Uber doesn’t make themselves responsible for the store mistakes and I call them and they did the same. Not only they hung up on me but I called them and did the same multiple times. This is very rude
May 13 · Ninotska Love
Checkers has a great bargain. Burger or chicken sandwich, fries, pie and soda for $4. Service is extremely slow. It's a place you probably don't want to eat there.
May 28 · Terry Moreland