The Rise of the "Millennial Burger Joint" Trend and Its Critics

In recent months, a new wave of humor has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, targeting a specific type of restaurant that has become emblematic of millennial culture: the "millennial burger joint." These eateries, often characterized by their overpriced menus, trendy decor, and signature items like truffle fries and sky-high burgers, have become the latest punching bag for Gen Z, who seem to take great pleasure in poking fun at the quirks of the previous generation.

At the heart of this trend is a Tongue-in-cheek critique of the millennial burger joint’s aesthetic and offerings. These restaurants are often described as having a formulaic setup: exposed brick walls, metal stools, condiments served in small metal cups, and menus that categorize dishes into "shareables" and "handhelds." The burgers themselves are frequently topped with elaborate ingredients like bacon jam or egg, and the fries are often fried in trendy options like duck fat or beef tallow. These establishments are seen as the ultimate symbol of millennial excess and pretentiousness, with their focus on "crafting" rather than simply cooking food.

TikTok and the Viral Roast of Millennial Burger Culture

The trend gained momentum on TikTok, where users began creating videos mocking the millennial burger joint phenomenon. Set to the tune of "We Will Never Die" by comedian Kyle Gordon, these videos often highlight the stereotypical features of these restaurants, from their overpriced menus to theirHipster decor. One particularly viral video by TikTok user Jake Continenza, which has garnered over 8.1 million views, captures the essence of the trend.

In the video, Continenza visits Burger Press in Edina, Minnesota, where hedocuments his experience of ordering from the touchscreen menu, paying $20 for a meal, and sitting down to eat. The video is captioned, “Why are they all the same,” followed by a sobbing emoji, and includes text that reads, “Two best buds from college with a ‘crazy’ dream ahh burger joint.” While Continenza later clarified that he didn’t intend to criticize the specific restaurant or its food, the video perfectly encapsulates the Gen Z perspective on the millennial burger joint.

Reddit and the "Starter Pack" Meme

The trend has also found a home on Reddit, where users have adapted the millennial burger joint concept into the popular "starter pack" meme format. These memes humorously outline the essential elements of a millennial burger joint, from the over-stuffed burgers topped with avocado, egg, and toothpicks, to the pricey hand-cut fries served in metal cups.

One Reddit user described the quintessential millennial burger joint as having a flagship burger called "The Works" or "The OG," with a unique topping like bacon jam. The fries, often sprinkled with truffle seasoning or parsley, are described as a "game changer," and the ambiance is complete with string lights and a minimalist, yet somehow simultaneously rustic, vibe. The secret sauce, a mix of mayo, ketchup, pickle brine, and Thousand Island dressing, is often highlighted as a key component of the menu.

The Backlash and Defense of Millennial Burger Joints

Despite the widespread mockery, not everyone is on board with the trend. Some Redditors have pointed out that the concept of the millennial burger joint is not entirely fair, arguing that chains like Five Guys and Steak N Shake were serving similar fare long before the millennial generation came of age. Others have noted that even millennials themselves began to turn on these restaurants by 2017, but the trend persisted due to their apparent success.

Continenza, the TikTok user behind the viral video, also acknowledged that these restaurants must be doing something right, given their continued popularity. "I mean, it must work because a bunch of them are popping up and they seem to be doing well, so I mean, they probably know something we don’t," he said. His video, while humorous, also highlights the cultural divide between Gen Z and millennials, with the former often seizing on any opportunity to poke fun at the latter.

The Bigger Picture: Generational Humor and Shared Experiences

The millennial burger joint trend is just one example of the broader cultural dynamic between Gen Z and millennials, where the younger generation often uses humor to critique the older one. While the memes and videos are lighthearted and meant in good fun, they also reveal a deeper generational divide. Gen Z, born into a world of social media and viral trends, often views millennial culture as outdated or overly earnest, while millennials, who came of age during a time of economic uncertainty and social change, see themselves as pioneers of modern trends.

Ultimately, the debate over the millennial burger joint serves as a reminder of how humor and shared experiences can bring people together, even as they highlight the differences between generations. Whether you’re a fan of truffle fries and overpriced burgers or you see them as a symbol of millennial excess, there’s no denying that these restaurants have left an indelible mark on food culture.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Millennial Burger Joint

While Gen Z may continue to roast the millennial burger joint, it’s clear that these establishments are here to stay. Their continued popularity, despite the criticism, speaks to the fact that they’ve tapped into a cultural zeitgeist that resonates with many people. Whether you’re a millennial who nostal