Bill’s Bar & Burger Opening Second Location in Rock Center

Bill’s burgers will expand, and not just in your stomach.

Stephen Hanson, owner of the mouthwatering Bill’s Bar & Burger in the meatpacking district, plans to grow his business with a new Bill’s Bar & Burger at Rockefeller Center in May. It will be the largest independent burger restaurant in the country.

“We received such positive feedback from the public when Bill’s Bar & Burger opened in the Meatpacking District in October 2009, that we knew we wanted to offer locals and visitors another location,” says Hanson. “Everything fell into place when we saw the space at Rockefeller Center. The central location is ideal for us to serve the many people who work in and visit midtown Manhattan.”

He and his team at B.R. Guest Restaurants have reconfigured the floor plan of the two-story former Tuscan Square so that it will have room for 563 seats instead of 330. He expects to serve 2,000 five-and-one-half-ounce burgers each day.

Bill’s in the meatpacking district is known for blue-checked tablecloths, a crowded brick-walled bar, ESPN playing high in the corners, chicken wings, cold beer, russet-hued fries and of course, classic burgers. The new Bill’s Bar & Burger will bring a new low-key, casual vibe to an iconic place, where locals and tourists come to appreciate and celebrate Manhattan. Similar to the original Bill’s, the no-frills space will feature paintings and drawings by cutting-edge local artists Dan Clements, Katie Merz, Mark Newgarden and David Scher, who will release their creativity directly on the walls of the restaurant.

Filling out the menu are items ranging from $8 to $16 including grouper sandwiches, turkey burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, onion rings, milkshakes and great crispy veggie fries made with batter that is light and delicate.

Bills Bar & Burger; 22 Ninth Avenue (West 13th Street); (212) 414-3003