Our Review Of Chuck’s At No.23: London’s Smashburger Saga Continues

Dumbo, Jupiter, Supernova, Junk… while these all might sound like Mario Kart characters, if you’re no stranger to London’s smashburger scene, then you’ll recognise them as acclaimed spots where you can grab a trending patty.

Fresh from Paris, Dumbo and Junk are the latest smashburger openings in a line of many, and are currently both roaring successes. However, in 2023, Soho-born Supernova created a carbon copy of the French formula and outpaced Dumbo in terms of virality in the city before it could even clear passport control.

Chuck's signature burger with a light potato bun (pictured). 

DesignMyNight Reviews Chuck's At No.23 In London

Perhaps this had set the scene for an oversaturated market with no room for anyone else, but fortunately, Chuck’s, a US import, disagreed and found a permanent home in No. 23 by Carousel on Charlotte Street.

Its reputation was strong - Milan, Paris, Rome and Madrid loved Chuck’s, so could we? Founded by Chuck George, it had a simple premise: “a single, crispy-beyond-crisp patty” with cheddar, pickles, white onion and a signature house sauce, sandwiched together in a soft potato roll. It’s a ‘less-is-more’ approach, evident in their core philosophy of ‘no modifications’ to their burgers.

Based on this premise alone, I was intrigued, but what delighted me before I’d even got my chops around one was the fact that it was set in an intimate, navy blue bar with glowing spirits crowning the counter. It was a far cry from the minimalistic design of others that made you feel as though you were eating in a spaceship.

This was by no means Chuck’s choice, as No.23 has always been this way, though I will admit that as a result, it was hard to decipher if this even was the location of the famous smashburgers. Chuck’s presence was subtle - even the delivery of the food came out of nowhere (ah, the magic of a dumbwaiter).

Who knew a margarita would be the perfect drink to accompany a burger? 

My friend and I both opted for the single patty (£9), as Chuck intended, and immediately I understood the meaning of ‘crisp-beyond-crisp'. The edges were incredibly charred - a little bitter, smoky and had a bit of umami going on; a combination of which I didn’t mind at all. 

I was a fan of how surprisingly not greasy the burger was as well - everything was noticeably fresh, the pickles were girthy, and the bun was light. It felt naughty enough to eat without inducing a walk of shame home.

The French fries (£5) to accompany were little salty matchsticks of joy and very addictive. They were perfectly washed down with the bar’s signature margarita (£14), made using Lost Explorer Tequila (or mezcal, which I ordered for my second). The drink came in a frosted glass with heaps of ice, and offered a refreshing respite with a citrussy kick.

While No.23 is looking to move away from agave-centric cocktails as the focal point of its menu, the idea of pairing a curated drink from a knowledgeable bartender with a smashburger is a huge pull for me, and hopefully for others. You get an affordable bite to eat with a little bit more pizzazz, rather than straight out of a hatch and devoured under a ‘big light’ or on the side of the road. I hope we have room in our hearts and stomachs for Chuck’s. I certainly do.

Overall: Chuck’s at No.23

I had a lovely evening at Chuck’s at No.23 and feel as though the bar makes a great home for the famous smashburger joint; it made the simple food feel a little bit more special. If you like your burgers sloppy, I’d recommend doubling up on patties and adding extra bacon and cheese. But for those who love a clean, crisp, and pickle-heavy one? The single was perfect.

For more, check out our guide to the best burgers in London.