Custom Burger

- John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Terminal 5, 6 Central Terminal Area, Queens, NY 11430

Navigating John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, often requires travelers to make quick and satisfying meal choices. Custom Burger, nestled within the bustling Terminal 5 (T5) food court, stands out as a dedicated American restaurant focusing on the quintessential comfort food: the hamburger. Positioned post-security in the terminal primarily dedicated to JetBlue, this fast-casual concept offers a welcome respite for both departing and connecting passengers, aiming to provide a high-quality, customizable meal that is ready with airport speed. The entire concept is built around the idea of personalization, giving New Yorkers and visitors the control to construct their ideal burger masterpiece, an appealing feature for those who have specific dietary needs or preferences.

This establishment goes beyond a typical fast-food joint by associating itself with premium ingredients, including the acclaimed Pat LaFrieda ground beef blend—a name revered in the New York culinary scene for supplying high-grade meat to some of the city's top eateries. This commitment to quality, even in an airport setting, is a major draw. However, public reviews indicate a highly variable experience that prospective patrons should be aware of, with an emphasis on both its strengths and operational challenges. While the "Fast service" is highlighted as an official feature, customer accounts suggest that wait times can sometimes be extended, and service execution can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to cold food or mixed-up orders. This variability means that while Custom Burger offers an extensive and enticing menu of comfort food, it is best approached with the understanding that the airport setting can sometimes affect the consistency of the dining experience.

Custom Burger is conveniently located within John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), specifically in Terminal 5 (T5). The full address is John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Terminal 5, 6 Central Terminal Area, Queens, NY 11430, USA. This location places it squarely in the main artery of one of JFK’s busiest terminals, which is primarily used by JetBlue. As it is situated in the food hall post-security, it is perfectly positioned to serve passengers who have already checked in and are awaiting their flights.

Accessibility at this location is aligned with modern airport standards to accommodate all travelers. The restaurant features both a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfort and ease of access for people with mobility needs. As part of the larger T5 food court, the restaurant is easily reached via the AirTrain JFK, which connects all terminals to the New York City subway (A, E, J, Z lines) and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at nearby Jamaica Station, making it readily accessible for both local and connecting passengers traveling through the metropolitan area. The ambiance is fittingly casual, offering a laid-back space where travelers, including tourists and families (it is noted as "Good for kids"), can take a moment to enjoy a meal. For payment, major credit cards are accepted, providing a quick and secure transaction method, which is ideal in a fast-moving environment.

Custom Burger operates as an all-day dining fast food restaurant, covering all major meal periods with flexibility in service style. The concept, often branded with its 'BUILT' by Pat LaFrieda approach, allows for a high degree of customization alongside pre-designed menu items.

• Build Your Own Burger (BYOB): A core offering allowing patrons to select their choice of premium protein (such as Pat LaFrieda’s Angus Beef or the plant-based Impossible™ Burger), cheese, bun, and an array of toppings and custom sauces like Chipotle Aioli or Sweet Sriracha.
• Protein Options: Features include humanely raised and handled, antibiotic- and hormone-free 100% natural Angus Beef, All-Natural Chicken Breast, and Vegan Veggie options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
• All-Day Dining: Serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a viable option regardless of flight schedule. The breakfast offering often includes items like a Sausage Patty and Fried Egg as premium toppings for the early crowd.
• Beverage Program: Offers a variety of drinks, including soft drinks (Coca-Cola products), Lemonade, Iced Tea, and specialty beverages like Shakes. Importantly for the airport crowd, the restaurant also offers Alcohol and Beer.
• Service Styles: Provides both traditional Dine-in options with available seating in the casual food hall atmosphere, and Takeout for those rushing to their gate.
• Comfort Food Focus: The menu is centered on classic American comfort food, including burgers, with sides like French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, and Tots, which can be customized with various seasonings or sauces (e.g., Garlic Aioli Fries).

The unique selling points of Custom Burger are focused on quality ingredients, customization, and its necessary adaptation to the airport’s demands.

• Customization Focus: The ‘Build Your Own Burger’ concept is a major highlight, allowing New York users a highly personalized meal, appealing to specific tastes and dietary requirements within a quick-service model.
• Premium Ingredients: The association with acclaimed meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda for their ground beef blend elevates the perceived quality of the core product compared to typical airport fast food.
• Dedicated Vegetarian Option: The inclusion of the Impossible™ Burger provides a significant and high-quality meat alternative, a crucial offering for vegetarian diners, though the service quality for this option has faced isolated critique.
• Fast-Casual Model: The establishment is officially highlighted for "Fast service," indicating its operational goal is to minimize wait times, which is essential for passengers on a schedule.
• Offerings Beyond Food: The availability of Alcohol and Beer, in addition to Coffee, means travelers can grab a relaxing drink before their flight alongside their meal.
• Wide Popularity: The restaurant is "Popular for" Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining, indicating it is a frequent and recognized choice throughout the day for individuals traveling alone.
• Casual & Kid-Friendly Atmosphere: With a "Casual" atmosphere and being noted as "Good for kids," it provides a stress-free environment suitable for families waiting to board.

For travelers seeking to confirm operating hours or other details regarding this Queens hamburger restaurant in JFK Terminal 5, please use the following contact information.

• Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Terminal 5, 6 Central Terminal Area, Queens, NY 11430, USA
• Phone: (866) 508-3558 or +1 866-508-3558 (Mobile Phone)

For New Yorkers and travelers passing through JFK Terminal 5, Custom Burger is worth choosing primarily for its unique "Built By Me" concept and the promise of superior ingredients. When you're craving an authentic American burger with the ability to hand-select every component—from the premium Pat LaFrieda beef to specific toppings like Applewood Smoked Bacon or a Gluten Free Bun—Custom Burger offers a degree of personalization rarely found in an airport environment. This is the place to create your perfect burger, whether you are a meat-eater looking for a double-patty feast or a vegetarian seeking a dedicated Impossible™ option.

It functions as a highly necessary component of the T5 food landscape, catering to almost all meal times—from an early breakfast to a late dinner. The ability to grab a beer with your comfort food adds a further layer of relaxation to the stressful pre-flight period. While anecdotal evidence points to occasional inconsistencies in speed and service execution, the potential for a fresh, made-to-order meal using high-quality beef and a customizable format makes it a standout choice over generic airport alternatives. For those with sufficient time before their flight and a desire for a personalized, high-caliber burger, Custom Burger is the destination in JFK Terminal 5.

Custom Burger

John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Terminal 5, 6 Central Terminal Area, Queens, NY 11430, USA