Popular burger eatery opens second location in Rockland

The Rockland dining scene now has more burgers and beer thanks to the opening of The Burger Loft and District 96 in Nyack.

The space, which has had numerous tenants including Rising Above Bakery (it's now next door) in addition to Hudson Market on Main that had been part of Rockland Community College Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center, is the first second location for the gastropub — which has been in New City for 13 years.

It opens June 14 with a grand opening set for June 17.

So what's different?

The location is the biggest difference, on a corner of Main and Broadway, with large unadorned windows that bring the outside in. It's also smaller, with 50 seats as opposed to 150 in New City where a large backyard patio adds extra space.

There's also a more industrial vibe with a cement bar, a wood floor, exposed piping and four TV's. Artwork from the Nyack Art Collective dot the walls (and is for sale).

Owner John Potenza is all about supporting — and being involved in — the local community. "We want this to be your casual, family place," he said.

Of interest:One Rockland restaurant has closed and a longtime Upper Nyack deli is saying goodbye

Let's talk food and beer

Also (slighty) different: The menu. While you'll find the same burgers and beer, there are new additions including a veggie burger (in New City there's only eggplant) as well as an assortment of salads and appetizers.

Salad options now include quinoa, Buffalo chicken, Greek, Horiatiki (which is similar to Greek) and a chopped version, all of which can be ordered with an additional protein.

The beer is not brewed here — that happens in New City and brought over. There are eight taps, all of which will rotate, and beer — favorites like PhotoOp, Binge Watching and Completely Misunderestimated — is sold in a refrigerated case to go. Diners can expect full cocktail offerings, too.

More:Here's your first look at Cafe Diem's second Rockland County location

And, of course, there are the burgers: freshly ground cuts of choice or higher, with no trimmings that are handmade and pressed flat on the grill for maximum caramelization. Burgers come in a host of options including the classic cheese, with mushrooms, with thick-cut bacon and more.

There are also non-burger options such as the lobster roll, fish tacos and wings.

If you go

Address: 5 North Broadway, Nyack, 845-480-5905, theburgerloft.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Good to know: There's outdoor sidewalk seating.

Price: From $8 to $14.

Did you know? The owners of The Burger Loft and District 96 also own Blu Fig in New City and Piata Greek Kitchen in Blauvelt.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.