Haunted House of Hamburgers to open in Farmingdale
Haunted House of Hamburgers, October 14, 2022 in Farmingdale, NY. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
While driving on Route 109 in Farmingdale, you might just happen to see Frankenstein sitting on a bench eating a cheeseburger next to his bride sipping on a shake. This is part of the exterior scene of the Haunted House of Hamburgers, which opened Oct. 25, where every day is Halloween.
“One of my favorite things in life is Halloween and, for me, once a year is not enough. I think a lot of people feel the same way,” says owner Jordan Desner, 48. “I wanted to create a Halloween atmosphere 365 days a year where people can enjoy this holiday all the time. I was born on Friday the 13th, so it’s already in my blood.”
Guests enter through cast iron gates guarded by two gargoyles atop stone pillars. To the left, there’s a graveyard with tombstones that read “Stick a fork in me, I’m done” and “Life is short, eat dessert first.” The location is the site of the former Farmingdale Friendly’s, which closed in 2015.
“Friendly’s had the look of a haunted mansion and this Farmingdale location has the land as well which was the right fit for our theme,” says Desner, who had Donna Greenfield of Green Street Custom Designs of Nesconset create the exterior aesthetics.
The inside, which seats 86, is like a carnival ride with creatures that come to life in each corner, cobwebbed chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, creepy sound effects playing overhead and airbrushed glow-in-the dark walls.
“Everything is in 3D. We will be giving out glasses for everyone to walk around the place,” says Desner, who hired Little Spider Creations of South Carolina to design the interior. “We didn’t want to go over the top scary; it’s more spooky. This is for people of all ages. The Halloween theme runs from the menu to the bathrooms.”
The daily lunch and dinner menu is focused on fun food. Try the Tombstone Tacos ($13-$16), Slayer Sliders ($15) or Vampire Bat Wings ($16). Like fries? Order them five ways — plain, sweet potato, Cajun curly, disco style or loaded with cheese, bacon, scallions and sour cream ($7-$15).
The house specialties are the burgers (beef, turkey or Impossible) ranging from the Zombie Burger topped with a fried egg, avocado and bacon ($23) to the Tarantula Burger packed with bacon, pepper jack cheese, onion strings, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and garlic mayo ($22).
Vegetarians have plenty to choose from such as the Spider Web Spinach Dip ($14) to the Wicked Witch of the Wedge salad ($15) to Flatbread RIPizzas ($12-$14).
Weekends will offer the “Boo Breakfast” where guests can enjoy Pitchfork Pancakes ($12), Creepy Crepes (starting at $13), Evil Egg Sandwiches ($12) or build your own Ominous omelet (starting at $12).
Other entertaining factors are classic monster movies playing on a flat-screen above the Crypt Keeper Bar as well as plans for appearances from magicians and balloon artists. Desner even wants diners to dress up.
“Patrons are encouraged to come in costume any day of the year,” he says. “When you come in here it's like entering another world. It’s an escape from everyday stress.”
While driving on Route 109 in Farmingdale, you might just happen to see Frankenstein sitting on a bench eating a cheeseburger next to his bride sipping on a shake. This is part of the exterior scene of the Haunted House of Hamburgers, which opened Oct. 25, where every day is Halloween.
“One of my favorite things in life is Halloween and, for me, once a year is not enough. I think a lot of people feel the same way,” says owner Jordan Desner, 48. “I wanted to create a Halloween atmosphere 365 days a year where people can enjoy this holiday all the time. I was born on Friday the 13th, so it’s already in my blood.”
IMMERSIVE THEME
Guests enter through cast iron gates guarded by two gargoyles atop stone pillars. To the left, there’s a graveyard with tombstones that read “Stick a fork in me, I’m done” and “Life is short, eat dessert first.” The location is the site of the former Farmingdale Friendly’s, which closed in 2015.
“Friendly’s had the look of a haunted mansion and this Farmingdale location has the land as well which was the right fit for our theme,” says Desner, who had Donna Greenfield of Green Street Custom Designs of Nesconset create the exterior aesthetics.
The inside, which seats 86, is like a carnival ride with creatures that come to life in each corner, cobwebbed chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, creepy sound effects playing overhead and airbrushed glow-in-the dark walls.
“Everything is in 3D. We will be giving out glasses for everyone to walk around the place,” says Desner, who hired Little Spider Creations of South Carolina to design the interior. “We didn’t want to go over the top scary; it’s more spooky. This is for people of all ages. The Halloween theme runs from the menu to the bathrooms.”
Haunted House of Hamburgers, October 14, 2022 in Farmingdale, NY. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
MONSTER MENU
The daily lunch and dinner menu is focused on fun food. Try the Tombstone Tacos ($13-$16), Slayer Sliders ($15) or Vampire Bat Wings ($16). Like fries? Order them five ways — plain, sweet potato, Cajun curly, disco style or loaded with cheese, bacon, scallions and sour cream ($7-$15).
The house specialties are the burgers (beef, turkey or Impossible) ranging from the Zombie Burger topped with a fried egg, avocado and bacon ($23) to the Tarantula Burger packed with bacon, pepper jack cheese, onion strings, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and garlic mayo ($22).
Haunted House of Hamburgers opens Oct. 25 in Farmingdale. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Vegetarians have plenty to choose from such as the Spider Web Spinach Dip ($14) to the Wicked Witch of the Wedge salad ($15) to Flatbread RIPizzas ($12-$14).
Weekends will offer the “Boo Breakfast” where guests can enjoy Pitchfork Pancakes ($12), Creepy Crepes (starting at $13), Evil Egg Sandwiches ($12) or build your own Ominous omelet (starting at $12).
Other entertaining factors are classic monster movies playing on a flat-screen above the Crypt Keeper Bar as well as plans for appearances from magicians and balloon artists. Desner even wants diners to dress up.
“Patrons are encouraged to come in costume any day of the year,” he says. “When you come in here it's like entering another world. It’s an escape from everyday stress.”
HAUNTED HOUSE OF HAMBURGERS
WHEN | WHERE Open Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
INFO 330 Fulton St., Farmingdale; 516-777-1031, hhhamburgers.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
