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Best Burgers Restaurants in New York

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Burger Joint
Hidden‑away burger joint behind a hotel lobby curtain with cult‑favorite burgers.

Notable Picks

$$ Midtown East Burgers
A no‑frills Midtown burger spot whose simple, well‑executed cheeseburgers and late‑night hours make it a local favorite.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Fries
What Makes it Special: Hidden‑away burger joint behind a hotel lobby curtain with cult‑favorite burgers.
$ University Village Burgers
Keith McNally’s Greenwich Village tavern is famous for its Black Label Burger, a dry-aged beef blend crowned with caramelized onions and pommes frites. It’s a splurge, but the steakhouse-level depth of flavor and clubby, red-leather room make it one of the city’s most serious burger experiences.
Must-Try Dishes: Black Label Burger, Minetta Burger, Pommes Frites
What Makes it Special: A dry-aged, steakhouse-caliber burger served in one of the Village’s most iconic dining rooms.
$$ Midtown-Times Square Burgers, Wings
A Hell’s Kitchen mainstay built around hefty, well-seasoned patties and a broad lineup of creative builds. The burgers land with reliable char, juicy interiors, and strong sides, backed by years of steady local and tourist traffic. Big room energy makes it ideal pre-theater or for groups who want a classic NYC burger stop.
Must-Try Dishes: 5 Napkin Burger (Gruyère, caramelized onions, rosemary-garlic aioli), Truffle Burger, Crinkle-Cut Fries
What Makes it Special: High-volume institution that still delivers a proper, juicy pub burger.
$ Gramercy Burgers
7th Street Burger’s Kips Bay outpost is a no-frills smash-burger counter turning out thin, deeply seared patties on soft potato buns for under $15. Lines move fast, late-night hours stretch past midnight, and the short menu of cheeseburgers and loaded fries delivers a high payoff for the price.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger, Loaded Beef Fries
What Makes it Special: Ultra-simple smash burgers with big crust, gooey cheese, and late hours.
$$$ Little Italy American, Burgers
A burger-and-cocktails room with late-night energy and a menu that rewards ordering with restraint: one signature burger, one side, and a drink that keeps the pace moving. The draw is consistency at scale—show up hungry, commit to the classics, and don’t overcomplicate it.
Must-Try Dishes: Single cheeseburger, Bacon add-on, Garlic aioli fries
What Makes it Special: A cult burger destination that stays dependable even with huge demand.
8.7
$$$ Morningside Heights Burgers
Clay is a seasonal New American restaurant in Central Harlem where a grass-fed 10 oz burger shares menu space with market-driven small plates and a thoughtful wine list. The burger lands as a serious knife-and-fork option at the bar or in the dining room, with care put into sourcing, cooking, and sides.
Must-Try Dishes: Grass Fed 10 Oz Burger, Mushroom Chickpea Burger, Duck Fat Potatoes
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Harlem spot where a grass-fed burger gets fine-dining care.
$$$ West Village Burgers
Corner Bistro is a classic West Village burger bar where griddled ½-lb patties, draft beer, and very late hours draw industry folks and neighborhood regulars. The Bistro Burger with bacon and American cheese is the move after midnight, when the room tilts toward standing-room-only but the kitchen keeps burgers coming until 4am on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes: Bistro Burger, Cheeseburger, Chili Burger
What Makes it Special: A bohemian-era tavern turning out hefty ½-lb burgers until 4am.
$$ Park Slope Burgers
Halal Bros Grill serves up generous, well‑seasoned burgers with savory Middle Eastern flair alongside classic sides, earning strong praise across review platforms. Its high review volume and community support reflect consistent, crowd‑pleasing execution in the 11217 burger scene. Locals champion the value and bold seasoning.
Must-Try Dishes: Halal Beef Burger, Lamb Blend Burger, Garlic Fries
What Makes it Special: Seasoned Halal burgers with bold flavors.
$ Upper West Side (Central) Burgers
A high-demand Upper West Side comfort-food institution where the burger win is treating it like a Southern-leaning, indulgent main rather than a light snack. The kitchen’s strength is bold seasoning, big portions, and a menu built to satisfy groups and cravings at scale.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ Bacon Smash Burger, Mac & Cheese, Buttermilk Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: A comfort-food heavyweight with a legit smash-burger option for big cravings.
$$ Theater District Burgers
Historic NYC bar famed for its burger — a late‑night favorite among locals for decades, with reliable quality and an old‑school pub ambiance. The burger has repeatedly won local “best burger” contests, and the kitchen runs until 4 AM, making it a dependable after‑hours choice.
Must-Try Dishes: Pop Pop’s Top Shelf Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, Fries & Guinness combo
What Makes it Special: Decades‑old bar burger with cult status and 4 AM kitchen hours.
8.7
$ Fort Greene American, Burgers
Walter's is a Fort Greene American restaurant where a serious cocktail program meets a bistro-leaning menu built around oysters, fried chicken, and a signature burger. Locals use it as a go-to for elevated, but still relaxed, dinners before or after BAM and neighborhood nights out.
Must-Try Dishes: Walter's Burger, Fried Chicken with spicy honey, Oysters on the Half Shell
What Makes it Special: A polished neighborhood American spot where cocktails, oysters, and a benchmark burger share the same bar-driven room.
$$ University Village Burgers
A tiny counter on MacDougal turning out ultra-simple, ultra-craveable smashburgers with molten American cheese, griddled onions, and soft potato buns. High-volume service and late-night hours make it a go-to for quick, greasy-in-a-good-way burgers near NYU.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Single Cheeseburger, Impossible Burger
What Makes it Special: High-volume, no-frills smashburgers that stay remarkably consistent deep into the night.
8.6
$ Tribeca American, Burgers
A Tribeca institution for pancakes, pies, and comfort-food cravings where the best move is to order like a regular: one breakfast classic or one sandwich-and-side, then save room for pie. It’s high-volume for a reason—go on a weekday if you want the food without the line becoming the event.
Must-Try Dishes: Pancakes, Fried chicken, Key lime pie
What Makes it Special: A long-running Tribeca comfort-food hub with serious pie credibility.
$$ Long Island City-Hunters Point American, Burgers
A classic, high-volume neighborhood diner that wins on round-the-clock reliability and a menu built for repeat visits. The best move is to order like a regular—one comfort staple, one breakfast favorite, and a side that travels well if you’re taking it to-go.
Must-Try Dishes: Belgian waffle, French onion soup, Tuna melt
What Makes it Special: A true all-day diner with proven reliability at massive local volume.
8.6
$$ Clinton Hill Italian, Pizza
A Clinton Hill original that earns its reputation on two lanes: Detroit-leaning pizza with a caramelized edge and a serious burger program that still feels restaurant-first. Go with a tight, shareable order and let the kitchen’s savory, browned-cheese strengths do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes: Emmy Burger, Colony Pizza, Housemade Pretzel with Beer Cheese
What Makes it Special: A rare pizza-and-burger spot where both feel like signatures.
$$ Williamsburg Burgers
Cuban-inspired burger shop near Domino Park serving fritas loaded with shoestring fries and tropical milkshakes in a bright, picnic-table space. The Williamsburg outpost of Eve Aronoff Fernandez’s Ann Arbor original leans into messy, runny egg-topped burgers, plantain-heavy sides, and cocktails that feel more like a night out than a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes: Beef frita with shoestring fries and sweet chili mayo, Chorizo frita with runny egg, Black bean frita with chipotle mayo
What Makes it Special: Cuban-style fritas topped with fries and batidos in a lively waterfront space.
$ Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill Burgers
Harlem Public is a Hamilton Heights standby for hefty burgers, loaded bar snacks, and rotating craft beers in a lively corner space that’s been drawing crowds since 2012. The burger section leans playful—think peanut butter and breakfast-topped patties—backed by reliable fries and strong drafts that make it a default neighborhood hang.
Must-Try Dishes: Peanut Butter Burger, Wake & Bake Burger, Mac and Steez
What Makes it Special: High-volume neighborhood bar turning out creative burgers and strong drafts.
$ NoMad BBQ, Burgers
A Flatiron Texas-style BBQ market built for line-ordering, butcher-paper trays, and a loud, social room that can handle groups without turning dinner into a logistical mess. The best move is to go brisket-forward, add one sausage for snap, and let the sides do the comfort-work while the bar and live-music energy carry the night.
Must-Try Dishes: Moist brisket by the pound, Jalapeño cheddar sausage, Longhorn cheddar mac & cheese
What Makes it Special: A Texas meat-market format with live-music energy in Flatiron.
$$ Jackson Heights Burgers
Latino Bites serves Colombian‑style flame‑grilled burgers with Latin flair alongside a broad menu of fusion favorites, drawing locals for hearty portions and lively service. Its vibrant atmosphere and well‑seasoned Angus and skirt steak burgers make it a Jackson Heights staple. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes: Angus Burger, Skirt Steak Colombian Burger, Chicharrón Burger
What Makes it Special: Colombian‑flavored burgers with bold sauces and Latin sides
$ Fort Greene Burgers
Next Level Burger is a plant-based burger counter inside the Fort Greene Whole Foods where vegan burgers, fries, and shakes run steadily until 10pm every night. With hundreds of Google and Yelp reviews and regular love from outlets like The Infatuation, it’s the most validated late-night burger option in the zip if you’re open to meatless patties.
Must-Try Dishes: Signature Burger, Classic Burger, Brooklyn Burger
What Makes it Special: A high-volume, fully vegan burger counter doing fast-food classics until 10pm.
$ East Village Burgers
An old-school East Village institution built around hefty, customizable burgers that still taste like New York in the best way. The patties are thick, beef-forward, and consistently praised across thousands of reviews, making this a destination for classicists. It’s not trying to be trendy—just reliably great.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger (single or double), BBQ Bacon Burger, Curly Fries
What Makes it Special: A no-nonsense burger landmark with proven consistency at scale.
8.6
$$ University Village French, Burgers
A SoHo fixture since the 1970s, Raoul’s is a dim, classic French bistro known for peppery steak au poivre, escargots, and a small but coveted bar burger. Regulars lean on it for late-night dates, celebratory dinners, and a transportive room that still channels old downtown energy.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak au poivre with pommes frites, Bar burger, Escargots
What Makes it Special: Long-running SoHo bistro for steak au poivre, martinis, and moody charm.
8.6
$$$ Ridgewood American, Burgers
A wood-fired neighborhood bar-and-grill that’s dialed in on big-flavor plates and a tight set of cult favorites. The smartest ordering is a burger-or-pasta anchor plus one signature potato move, letting the kitchen’s fire-driven, savory style do the work.
Must-Try Dishes: Double cheeseburger, Two sheet lasagna verde bolognese, Crispy potatoes "war style"
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired cooking with a cult-favorite burger and standout pastas.
$ East Village Burgers
A tight, fast smash-burger operation that wins on repeatable execution: thin patties, melted American, and a salty-sweet house sauce that stays consistent late. Best used as a decisive two-item order so everything lands hot and crisp, especially after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger, Double cheeseburger, Loaded fries
What Makes it Special: A no-frills smash-burger formula that stays reliably hot, fast, and craveable late.
$$ Garment District American, Burgers
A chef-built burger shop that treats the basics seriously: seared patties, sturdy buns, and a lineup that rewards people who like their burgers a little engineered. It’s one of the more consistent crowd-pleasers in the area for a sit-down-but-fast burger meal, especially when you lean into their signature builds and fry program.
Must-Try Dishes: The Masterpiece Burger, The Black Iron Burger, Truffle Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: Signature burger builds with a fry game that holds up.
8.5
$$ Hudson Square Burgers
A high-volume late-night burger room that wins on big, satisfying builds, fast pacing, and a party-like energy that keeps groups moving. The burgers are the anchor, but it’s the sides-and-shakes ecosystem that makes it a reliable post-shopping or post-drinks play.
Must-Try Dishes: The Champ Burger, Waffle Fries, CrazyShake
What Makes it Special: Big burgers plus the iconic shake-and-sides spectacle.
$$ Washington Heights (North) Burgers
Burgers & Grill is a kosher burger-and-grill on Amsterdam where hefty classic burgers, pastrami-topped stacks, and burger platters share the menu with schwarma, salads, and Mexican-leaning plates. Thousands of delivery ratings plus multi-platform reviews point to consistently strong food despite some variability in in-store experience. It functions as the go-to option for kosher burgers in the neighborhood, especially for delivery and group orders.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Burger, Big Bang Deluxe, Pastrami Burger
What Makes it Special: A kosher-certified burger shop where loaded burgers, platters, and late-night delivery draw both neighborhood families and hospital-adjacent diners.
$ Murray Hill Burgers
Jackson Hole’s Murray Hill location has been serving oversized, pan-cooked burgers since the 1970s, with patties that spill far beyond the bun. The diner-like space, thick shakes, and long-running menu make it a classic choice when you want a sit-down burger that eats like a full plate.
Must-Try Dishes: Santa Fe Burger, Mexican Burger, Soul Burger
What Makes it Special: Decades-old spot famous for enormous, overflowing burgers and shakes.
8.5
$$ Williamsburg Burgers
Namkeen is a South Asian hot-chicken shop on Bedford where Nashville-style fried chicken, smash burgers, and loaded fries stay busy until midnight on weekends. It’s a go-to for groups who want something spicier and more layered than a basic late-night burger and fries.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Smash Burger, Spicy Smash Burger, Dhamaka Fries
What Makes it Special: Pakistani-inspired hot chicken and smash burgers with real late-night hours and serious spice.
$$ Murray Hill American, Burgers
Park Avenue Tavern is a polished American tavern near Grand Central serving burgers, flatbreads, and pub-leaning plates alongside a deep drinks list. It’s a staple for business lunches, after-work drinks, and group dinners in Midtown East.
Must-Try Dishes: NYC Burrata, Tuna Tartare, Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Classic Midtown tavern with self-pour beer booths and all-day service.
8.5
$ East Harlem Burgers
A Spanish Harlem bodega that turned its grill into a smashburger and sandwich destination, pairing seared patties with over-the-top creations like the Berry Ticker and Hawaiian Burger. Locals treat it as an everyday stop for $1 ham-and-cheese plus surprisingly serious burgers at neighborhood prices.
Must-Try Dishes: Hawaiian Burger, Berry Ticker Sandwich, Ham & Cheese Sandwich
What Makes it Special: A longtime neighborhood bodega now known for low-cost smashburgers and creative $1 sandwiches.
8.5
$ Rose Hill Burgers
Tavern29 is a three-level American tavern with a rooftop that stays busy from bottomless brunch into late night. After dark, the space shifts from casual dining to a full bar scene where burgers, pretzels, and fries keep pace with rounds of beer and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Dip, Tavern Burger, Soft Bavarian Pretzel
What Makes it Special: Multi-level tavern with a true rooftop and late-night kitchen.
8.5
$$$ Tribeca American, Burgers
A brasserie-diner hybrid with a timeless Tribeca pulse—red banquettes, martinis, and a menu that’s strongest when you keep it classic. Order one anchor (steak frites or a burger), add a crisp salad, and let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak frites, Burger, Caesar salad with chicken paillard
What Makes it Special: A classic Tribeca room where the vibe is as much the draw as the menu.
$$ Jackson Heights American, Breakfast
A neighborhood-anchored New American spot that mixes comfort-food instincts with Queens personality—cocktails, weekend brunch energy, and a menu that swings from crisp snacks to composed plates. It’s at its best when you treat it like a shareable table: start with a couple of starters, then split a sandwich or main and finish with something sweet.
Must-Try Dishes: Garlic bread, Chips & dip, Yellowfin tuna tostada
What Makes it Special: Queens-inspired American comfort food with a community-hub vibe and strong cocktails.
$ Greenpoint Burgers
A classic Greenpoint diner turning out hefty, no‑frills burgers and comfort staples well into the night, with reliable quality and friendly service. Its long hours make it a go‑to for late‑night cravings after bars close.
Must-Try Dishes: All‑American Burger, Double Cheeseburger, Classic Fries
What Makes it Special: Old‑school diner burgers served late into the night
$$$ Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill Burgers
Bird in Hand is a cocktail-forward Hamilton Heights tavern where the signature 8oz grass-fed brisket-blend burger shares the menu with seasonal New American plates and vegan comfort staples. Locals use it for elevated burger nights that still feel casual, pairing the house burger or vegan burger with natural-leaning wines and long bar hangs.
Must-Try Dishes: Burger (8oz grass-fed brisket blend), Vegan Burger, Fried Chicken BLT
What Makes it Special: Seasonal tavern where a serious burger anchors cocktails and brunch.
$$$$ Park Slope American, Burgers
Brooklyn Burgers & Beer is a family-friendly burger bar built around grass-fed patties, a deep craft-beer list, and flexible build-your-own combinations. Awards and steady crowds have turned it into a go-to Park Slope destination for sit-down burgers that feel a notch more polished than a basic pub.
Must-Try Dishes: B&B Burger on brioche with fries, Lamb burger with Gouda cheese bomb, Truffle fries
What Makes it Special: Craft-leaning burger bar pairing customizable patties with a strong beer list and family-friendly service.
$$ Woodside Burgers
A classic Woodside Irish pub where the burger program is the main draw: thick, straightforward patties with a long roster of variations and the kind of side options (onion rings, fries, sweet potato fries) that make it a full pub-meal stop. The best order is a classic build or one of their signature house combinations, eaten at the bar with a beer-first rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes: The Classic Cheeseburger, The BBQ and Beyond, Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Old-school pub burgers with a deep, well-practiced variations list.
$ East Harlem Wings, Burgers
Neighborhood corner bar in East Harlem where classic buffalo wings share equal billing with one of uptown’s stronger craft-beer lineups. The room works for everything from game-watching at the bar to relaxed group dinners on the plant-covered patio, and the wings have earned repeated shout-outs from local guides for being surprisingly dialed in.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Wings, Bottling Co Burger, Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
What Makes it Special: A true neighborhood bar where the buffalo wings are as serious as the beer list.
$$$ Astoria (North)-Ditmars-Steinway Burgers
Jack Jones Gastropub is an Irish-leaning neighborhood pub where a serious burger program anchors a menu of comfort food, whiskey, and cocktails. Locals call out the double smash burger and sliders as some of the strongest in Astoria, backed by late-night hours and both indoor and outdoor seating on Ditmars.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Smash Burger, Smashburger with gravy and steak fries, Cheeseburger sliders
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood gastropub known for one of Astoria’s standout smash burgers.
$$ Murray Hill Burgers, Breakfast
Little Ruby’s brings an Australian café feel to Kips Bay, but its Bronte Burger has become as much of a draw as the brunch plates. Expect a lively room, strong coffee, and burgers built on soft buns with thoughtfully layered toppings.
Must-Try Dishes: Bronte Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Burger
What Makes it Special: Australian-style café where the signature Bronte Burger rivals brunch.
$$ Midtown East Burgers
A classic 1884 saloon best known for its Cadillac-style burgers, cold martinis, and crowded barroom energy. Locals and office regulars come for reliably juicy patties, thin onion rings, and a slice of old Midtown East that still feels lived-in rather than themed.
Must-Try Dishes: Cadillac Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, Shoestring Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Historic Midtown saloon serving one of NYC’s most storied burgers.
$$$$ Long Island City-Hunters Point Burgers
A no-frills neighborhood burger stand where the move is to keep it classic: thin patties, a soft bun, and fast turnaround that rewards you for eating it hot. It’s the kind of place you hit when you want a real burger fix without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Double Cheeseburger, Fries, Milkshake
What Makes it Special: Straightforward smash-leaning burgers built for speed and repeatability.
$$ Park Slope Burgers
Stack'd Burger offers flame‑grilled, Halal‑friendly burgers with creative toppings and hearty sides in Downtown Brooklyn. Its high marks from local diners reflect flavorful execution and a welcoming counter‑service atmosphere. Generous portions and inventive options make it a go‑to for casual meals and group outings.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes: Brooklyn Burger, Heart Attack Burger, Porter Blue Cheese Burger
What Makes it Special: Halal flame‑grilled burgers with bold topping choices.
$ Tribeca-Civic Center Burgers
Stone Street Tavern is a pub-style restaurant on the cobblestone block of Stone Street where classic burgers share space with wings, mac and cheese, and a long beer list. Locals use it as the go-to spot when they want a substantial tavern burger with outdoor seating and TV screens for games.
Must-Try Dishes: Tavern Burger, Classic Burger with Fries, Tavern Mac & Cheese
What Makes it Special: Historic Stone Street pub where the tavern burger pairs with outdoor cobblestone seating and plenty of beer.
8.4
$$ Rose Hill American, Burgers
A polished Park Avenue South New American room that’s strongest when you order in a tight, shareable arc—one bright starter, one pasta, then a main that anchors the table. It’s a reliable “bring anyone” restaurant with enough energy for nights out and enough comfort for repeat dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Cacio e pepe, Little gem salad, Sausage and kale pizza
What Makes it Special: A crowd-pleasing New American menu that rewards tight, shareable ordering.
8.4
$$ East Village Burgers
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.
$$$ Long Island City-Hunters Point Burgers
A waterfront New American dining room where the burger is treated like a composed entrée—dry-aged beef, a rich topping strategy, and fries that arrive like they belong on the menu year-round. It’s best when you want a burger that still feels like a full night out, not a quick counter stop.
Must-Try Dishes: Dry-Aged Burger, American Smashburger, Raw Bar Selection
What Makes it Special: Dry-aged burger execution in a waterfront, full-service setting.
$ Jackson Heights Burgers
Arepas Burger blends Venezuelan influences with classic American burgers in a casual Jackson Heights spot, known for generous portions and flavorful fillings. The menu’s mix of creative burgers and arepa hybrids draws locals seeking a satisfying, affordable bite. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Must-Try Dishes: Tripleta Burger, Gouda & Chicken Arepa, Loaded Fries with Chicharrón
What Makes it Special: Venezuelan‑inspired burgers and arepas fusion
$$$ Washington Heights (North) Burgers
Aroma Burger is a small smashburger-focused spot off 185th where beef is ground daily and cooked on a flat-top, with crinkle-cut fries and hot dogs rounding things out. Delivery-platform ratings sit high despite relatively modest review counts, and comments consistently call out juicy patties and well-seasoned fries. It reads more like a focused burger workshop than a hangout, built for takeout and quick counter orders.
Must-Try Dishes: Aroma Burger, Avocado Bacon Burger, Chimi Burger
What Makes it Special: A tight smashburger menu built on beef ground in-house daily and backed by strong delivery ratings.