Best Burgers Restaurants in East Village (10009)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Whitmans
Signature stuffed-style burgers in a true sit-down format.
Notable Picks
#1
Whitmans
8.4
A sit-down East Village burger room that leans into rich, satisfying builds with a real neighborhood rhythm. The burgers land best when you pick one signature build and keep the rest of the order simple so the burger stays the center of gravity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Lucy, The Original Burger, Crispy Tots
What makes it special: Signature stuffed-style burgers in a true sit-down format.
8.3
A cult-favorite counter that plays like American diner comfort through a sharp, vegetable-forward lens. It’s best as a quick, intentional stop: one signature burger, one side, and something cold or sweet if you want the full experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Superiority Burger, Burnt broccoli salad, Soft-serve-style dessert
What makes it special: Cult American comfort reimagined through a veggie-forward menu.
#3
Royale
8.3
A neighborhood bar that’s unusually serious about burgers, built for late hours and backyard-patio hangs. The burger is straightforward and well-seasoned, and the best move is pairing it with fries or tots and treating the meal like a clean, classic bar-food win.
Must-Try Dishes:
Royale with Cheese, Bacon Royale, Tater Tots
What makes it special: A classic bar burger with a backyard that changes the whole experience.
8.1
A small, cozy dining room where the burger is the headline and the vibe is date-night casual rather than loud-and-rowdy. The burger eats rich and deliberate, so it shines most when you keep the order focused and let the fries and a simple starter do the supporting work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sebastian Burger, Blue Cheese Burger, Hand Cut Fries
What makes it special: A beloved neighborhood burger served in a genuinely cozy room.
#5
Virginia's
8.0
A small, polished East Village dining room where the burger is treated like a real dinner move rather than a bar snack. It’s best when you treat it as the anchor of a meal—one burger, one side, and a drink—without over-ordering into heaviness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Virginia's Burger, Fries, Happy Hour Burger Set (when offered)
What makes it special: A dinner-ready burger in a tight, polished neighborhood room.
Worthy Picks
#6
The York
7.5
A cozy bar-gastropub that’s useful for a simple burger with drinks, especially when you’re prioritizing convenience and a relaxed room. The burger is best treated as a supporting player to the hang—pair it with fries, keep expectations practical, and let the atmosphere do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger, Fries, Chicken Sandwich
What makes it special: A comfortable bar setting where a burger fits the hang.