It’s been a long time since Pelham had a burger joint at 531 Fifth Avenue–the former site of B&B’s 5th Avenue Pub–but the wait is over. Burger Bar 57 celebrated a grand opening last month, with town officials presiding over a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
For Daniella Lulgjuray, the owner of Burger Bar 57, this opening feels like a homecoming. After being in the food industry for 24 years and living in Pelham since 2007, her decision to start a business here was a no-brainer. “We’ve been here a while, so we really wanted something close to home,” she says.
Lulgjuray transformed the restaurant from its former decor as a pub to create a place of her own. The transformation was no easy task. “Months and months of renovation,’ she says. “It was a full gut renovation.”
The newest eatery in town still serves hamburgers but with a different vibe from the pub-grub days of yore. Burger Bar 57’s ambiance nods to Old Hollywood, reflected in the artwork, food, and interior design. The burgers are named after stars from the 1950s, such as Frank Sinatra and James Dean. Like a mother to her children, Lulgjuray loves them all equally. Asked which one she recommends, she didn’t hesitate, “The burger, definitely.”
As for the name she chose, Burger Bar 57, Lulgjuray offers a simple explanation. “Burger bar, just because we were focusing primarily on burgers, and 57, because it’s on Fifth at Seventh Street. ”
After its first few weeks in business, community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Lulgjuray says. Residents who have walked or driven past this empty building every day are thrilled to see something new. “Everyone is so happy, and everyone’s so excited that we’re open,” she says. “I think it’s been here for over 50 years, and it’s been empty for a while.”
Lulgjuray has shared her vision for the place, which includes plans for a “Ladies Night.” She aims to transform the space into an event hub, potentially featuring a DJ or karaoke to attract more customers. Next time you have a craving for a burger, give it a try.
