Crazy Good Kitchen

Overview

Crazy Good Kitchen, located at 268 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the city’s top destinations for crave-worthy burgers, fried chicken, loaded fries, and extravagant milkshakes. Family-owned and operated, Crazy Good Kitchen (often abbreviated as CGK) brings a warm, welcoming atmosphere alongside its bold, flavor-packed menu.

Ownership and Team

CGK is a true family endeavor. Bernardo, the co-founder and brand CEO, is the architect behind the restaurant’s signature smash burgers and fried chicken recipes. His daughter Pillar serves as creative director, overseeing branding and marketing, while son Arthur manages day-to-day operations. Tony’s wife, Selma, handles business management, ensuring a positive and enjoyable workplace. The entire family’s hands-on involvement is at the heart of Crazy Good Kitchen’s identity and commitment to quality hospitality.

Menu Highlights

Smashed Burgers
Crazy Good Kitchen specializes in smash burgers made with in-house ground beef, delivering superior juiciness and depth of flavor. Favorites include:

• Hot Mess and Cheese: Signature beef patty, shaved steak, double American cheese, griddled onions, house cheese sauce, and “Better Than Ketchup.”
• Double Trouble: Signature beef patty, applewood-smoked bacon, double American cheese, burnt butter mayo, and house pickled onion.
• ‘Merica Style: Classic American combo with double cheese, griddled onions, house pickles, and special ketchup.
• Oklahoma Style: Double patty smashed over charred onions, American cheese, and yellow mustard.

Vegetarians are not left out, with the “For The Veggie Friend” burger featuring a Southwest bean patty, double cheese, lettuce, tomato relish, avocado, and chipotle mayo.

Fried Chicken & Sandwiches
Buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders and fried chicken sandwiches are also standouts, with options like the “Fry Me Up” sandwich on toasted brioche with lettuce, house pickles, and homemade ranch.

Loaded Fries
Fries at CGK are a menu centerpiece, available in numerous indulgent variations: - Buffalo Chicken Fries: Fried chicken tenders, choice of ranch or blue cheese. - Steak Bomb Fries: Shaved steak, peppers, onions, house queso. - Sweet and Spicy Fries: Spicy fries topped with hot honey, spicy chicken tenders, and special sauce. - Parmesan Truffle Fries and Bacon Cheese Fries are also popular picks.

Wings, Salads, and More
The menu also features wings with a variety of sauces, fresh salads like the Chicken Kabob Salad, and classic sides.

Crazy Milkshakes
Milkshakes here are an event on their own: - Make it Rain Nutella: Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, banana. - I’m Crazy for Cookies: Cookie dough, Oreo. - Peanut Butter Slide: Reese’s pieces and cups. - Green Monstahh: Mint and Oreo. - Mocha Love Boat: Espresso, Kit Kat, brownies.

Accolades and Reputation

Crazy Good Kitchen has earned a Travelers’ Choice award, placing it in the top 10% of restaurants on Tripadvisor. It consistently ranks highly among Boston burger joints, with guests frequently describing the burgers as some of the best they’ve ever had. The “Hot Mess and Cheese” burger, loaded fries, and thick milkshakes are recurring favorites. The restaurant is praised for its juicy, flavorful burgers, tender chicken, and generous portions.

Atmosphere and Experience

Located in the basement of a classic Newbury Street brownstone, CGK offers a casual, energetic vibe ideal for groups of friends, families, or anyone craving comfort food. The service model emphasizes efficiency, with orders placed digitally at the table and food arriving quickly. The décor is contemporary, though some guests have noted a minimalist approach.

Commitment to Quality

Crazy Good Kitchen sets itself apart by grinding beef in-house daily and preparing chicken tenders with a seasoned buttermilk marinade. Their attention to ingredient quality and freshness is a point of pride for the owners, who treat every guest like family.

Summary Table

Feature Highlights Owners Family-owned: Bernardo (CEO), Pillar, Arthur, Selma Cuisine American comfort: burgers, fried chicken, loaded fries, milkshakes Signature Dishes Hot Mess and Cheese, Double Trouble, Buffalo Chicken Fries, Crazy Milkshakes Accolades Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice, top Boston burger spot Notable Qualities In-house ground beef, buttermilk-marinated chicken, hearty portions Atmosphere Casual, energetic, basement-level brownstone setting

Crazy Good Kitchen on Newbury is a must-visit for anyone seeking bold, inventive burgers, crispy fried chicken, and over-the-top milkshakes, all served with the warmth and care of a dedicated family team.

For more, visit their official website, view their menu, or check out their Instagram for mouthwatering food photos.

Google Maps Rating: 4.4/5 stars (from 1040 reviews)