This list of the best burgers in New York City was written by Antonina Pattiz, founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps). We’re happy to have you here!
Looking for the best burgers in New York City? You’ve come to the right place. Having lived in New York City for a decade, I’ve had my fair share for burgers. From boozy late night necessities, to first dates and casual meetups with friends. In this list, I’ll cover iconic establishments and tried-and-true local gems. Longtime readers know I’m not keen on small talk, let’s jump in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
The Best Burgers in New York City
(Table of Contents)
NYC Best Burgers (Table of Contents)
Red Hook Tavern
The juicy burgers at this beloved spot draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The small menu is a welcome change of pace, keeping the focus on some great appetizers, a few salads and the burgers and steak.
The draw is the Dry Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger, which locals seem to love as much as visitors. It’s the most simple burger on this list — just a thick patty and American cheese. Paired with fries and beer however, the beauty lies in removing all distractions, doesn’t it?
Website: Red Hook Tavern
Address: 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY
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J.G. Melon
JG Melon, one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC, is renowned for its classic, no-frills burgers. Established in 1972 in the Upper East Side, this cash-only establishment has gained a loyal following for consistently delicious and straightforward burgers.
Made with freshly ground beef and cooked to perfection, these burgers are a testament to the art of simplicity. Served in a cozy, old-school tavern setting, chock-full of watermelon themed decor, JG Melon’s burgers are not just a meal, but a quintessential New York experience.
Don’t just take my word for it. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best hamburgers in the world. Gigi Hadid and Bobby Flay have joined onboard too, calling these the best burger in New York City.
Website: JG Melon
Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY
Suprema Provisions
Nestled in the bustling West Village, Suprema Provisions is a gastronomic gem known for deep-dish pizza, American classics and their famous burgers, considered some of the best burgers in NYC.
Balancing classic Americana with culinary innovation, the burger is comprised of short rib, brisket, Iberico Jamon, bacon jam, black garlic sauce, melted aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes and brioche bun.
Making it evident that classics can be improved on, to the shock (and horror) of most folks resistance to change. But alas, the evidence has been presented and the court rests. Fair warning for fry enthusiasts: the Suprema Burger doesn’t come with fries. Instead roasted Brussels sprouts accompany the burger, providing a satisfying bite that’s hard to get mad about.
Website: Suprema Provisions
Address: 305 Bleecker St, New York, NY
Gramercy Tavern
If you’ve dabble in NYC’s fine dining scene then Gramercy Tavern needs no introduction. This iconic NYC restaurant dates back to 1994 and is known for its commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurants has earned nine James Beard Awards, including “Outstanding Restaurant” and “Outstanding Chef in America.” But enough with the flattery, let’s talk burgers.
The Tavern’s esteemed burger is made with top-quality, locally sourced beef, a testament to the freshness that Gramercy Tavern champions in every meal. The patty is dressed in a delightful smoked onion aioli, bacon and cheese.
Sounds simple, and that’s the beauty of it. Pair that with the duck fat potato chips and it’s not hard to see why this winning combo is considered one of the best burgers in New York City.
Note: There’s two dining experiences to choose from: the glorious tasting menu or á la carte (more casual setting). For the burger, you’ll need to opt for á la carte.
Website: Gramercy Tavern
Address: 42 E 20th St, New York, NY
Bowery Meat Company
Bowery Meat Company offers a distinctive twist on the classic burger, blending luxury into a beloved comfort food that few can resist. As can be expected from a steakhouse, the menu houses all the usual suspects: hearty steaks alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The only thing missing? Burgers.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, this iconic NYC burger doesn’t show up on the menu, but you can still order it if you’re sitting at the bar (which is first come first served).
Made with top-quality Wagyu beef, the patty is topped with aged Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and tomato aioli — a holy trinity that seamlessly blends into one perfect sauce. This burger is a perfect reflection of the restaurant’s commitment to culinary innovation, featuring high-quality and carefully sourced ingredients. You can (actually) taste the difference.
Website: Bowery Meat Company
Address: 9 East 1st St, New York, NY
Au Cheval
Hailing from Chicago, this isn’t your ordinary burger — it’s a culinary masterpiece that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. What sets the Au Cheval burger apart is the burger’s simplicity — perfectly seared beef patties topped with sharp American cheese nestled between a toasted bun. Optional (but not really optional) is the addition of a thick slice of bacon and a fried egg, (go this route).
Website: Au Cheval
Address: 33 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles Prime Rib has elevated the burger experience for locals and visitors alike. Unable to do anything halfway, this steakhouse is equally keen to impress burger lovers.
Crafted from prime cuts of beef, the burger is renowned for its depth of flavor and tender texture. Each burger is cooked to perfection and often paired with premium toppings and rich sauces. The vibe is sophisticated and the meal is nothing short of indulgent, making this one of my favorite places in NYC for a date night that you hope will last a lifetime.
Website: 4 Charles Prime Rib
Address: 4 Charles St., New York, NY
Corner Bistro
Corner Bistro is a classic West Village joint that has been a staple (some nights a necessity) to many New Yorkers for 50+ years. It’s casual, friendly and fast, everything a local burger joint should be. Oh, and it’s open until 4am Thursday through Saturday. Extra points in that department.
There’s a few options to choose from: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and the crown jewel — the famous Bistro Burger. A 1/2 pound patty finds itself at home among bacon, lettuce and tomato. It’s a classic American burger, scratching an itch few classics can reach.
Website: Corner Bistro
Address: 331 West 4th Street, New York, NY
Emily
Churning out the most creative burgers in NYC, Emily is home to the famed Emmy Burger. A harmonious blend of dry-aged beef, richly complemented by a special (secret) Emmy sauce and topped with a generous melt of cheddar cheese.
What sets it apart is the pretzel bun, adding a unique twist to the traditional burger experience. This burger isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary adventure, showcasing innovation and quality that make Emily Squared a go-to destination for burger enthusiasts seeking a memorable bite.
Website: Emily (2 Locations: West Village & Brooklyn)
Minetta Tavern
Dating back to 1937, Minetta Tavern is a storied establishment that has served the likes of Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings. The real star of the show these days though is the heart-stopping Black Label Burger. The patty made from a selection of prime dry aged beef cuts sits alongside caramelized onions and a side of pomme frites.
Considered a gourmet masterpiece, the burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication. Earning it a spot on this list of the best burgers in New York City.
Website: Minetta Tavern
Address: 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY
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7th Street Burger
“Smash burgers” have seen quite the rise in popularity in recent years. Although nobody can say for sure where the idea first originated it is frequently associated with west coast burger joints like In-N-Out.
The signature flavor of 7th Street Burger’s famed smash burger is achieved by smashing the patty as soon as it hits the grill to get the browning effect on as much of the patty as possible. This gives the burger a crispy, caramelized taste that starkly contrasts the thick and meaty patties most burger joints serve.
The menu is extremely simple (and affordable). You have three options: Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger & Impossible Burger. Each burger comes with the signature sauce, grilled onions, pickles and cheese.
Peter Luger
Peter Luger is a legendary steakhouse that dates back to 1887. This cash-only establishment churns out some of the most famous steaks in NYC, but locals know the burger is worth a trek as well. Crafted from the same high-quality, dry-aged beef as their renowned steaks, the Peter Luger burger is a culinary marvel.
This simplistic yet luxurious burger focuses on the natural flavors of the meat, complemented by a soft bun and minimal toppings to let the beef shine. A testament to New York’s enduring love for classic, expertly prepared dishes without fanfare and frills. You’ll be given an option to add bacon and cheese, I always add bacon and cheese.
Website: Peter Luger
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Oscar Wilde NYC
Known for an endearing Victorian-era ambiance, it would be a mistake to overlook Oscar Wilde’s famous Wilde Bacon Cheeseburger while seeking out the best burgers in NYC. This unique eatery pays homage to its namesake with a creative and refined approach to the classic burger.
The core of the experience is the 6 oz patty, coupled with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles before being dressed in a homemade special sauce and topped with griddled Brioche buns. Prepare to be wildly satisfied (some pun intended).
PS: Check out all the clocks in the restaurant. You’ll find that they are set to 1:50. The reason? That’s the time that Oscar Wilde died. No corners are cut when it comes to attention to detail here!
Website: Oscar Wilde NYC
Address: 45 W 27th St, New York, NY
PJ Clarke’s
Nicknamed the “Cadillac of hamburgers” by Nat King Cole, it should go without saying that PJ Clarke’s is serving some of the best burgers in NYC. The restaurant has been around for a whopping 138 years and dishes upwards of 400 burgers a day. There’s 4 burgers on the menu, but the one that takes the cake is, of course, the Cadillac.
Crafted from freshly ground beef, cooked to perfection and topped with double-smoked country bacon, American cheese, lettuce, onions & tomato — this beloved New York City burger isn’t flashy or extravagant, just so damn good.
Locations: 3 in New York City
Black Iron Burger
With Black Iron Burgers, the ethos centers around all-natural, hormone-free beef, ensuring every burger is not just delicious but also responsibly sourced. Black Iron Burger strives to remove the guilt associated with enjoying meat. They believe the guilt stems from unethically raising practices, and they’ve done well.
Indeed, the restaurant’s unapologetic commitment to all natural, steroid & hormone free meats has earned them a spot on our list of the best burgers in New York City. The menu features a range of creative burgers, each with its unique blend of fresh toppings and house-made sauces, served on perfectly toasted buns. These burgers are among the city’s most memorable.
Locations: 3 burger joints in New York City
Nowon
Nowon is a fairly new Korean-American restaurant named after chef’s Jae Lee’s hometown in Seoul. Located in the East Village (they recently opened a second location in Bushwick!), you’ll find locals from all five boroughs in search of a bite of the best burger in New York City.
The menu offers a fried chicken sandwich and 3 burger options: Legendary Cheeseburger, Dry Aged Steak Burger and the Smoked Truffle Burger. I’m partial to the Legendary Cheeseburger (smashed double patties, kimchi special sauce, roasted kimchi, American cheese, pickles and onions).
Adding fermentation definitely makes this one of the most unique burgers in NYC, can’t recommend it enough.
Website: Nowon
Address: 507 E 6th St, New York, NY
Best Burger in New York City (Post Summary)
- Suprema Provisions
- Au Cheval
- 4 Charles Prime Rib
- Red Hook Tavern
- Bowery Meat Company
- Gramercy Tavern
- Minetta Tavern
- 7th St. Burger
- Nowon
- J.G. Melon
- Peter Luger
- Emily
- Oscar Wilde
- Corner Bistro
- PJ Clarke’s
- Black Iron Burger
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Map of the Best Burgers in New York City
And there you have it folks! My personal list of where to find the best burgers in New York City! Let me know if I missed any spots (always happy to trek for a burger!)
Cheers!
Donora Johnson says
Hello, I am so happy I found this recent list.
I have been in search of two things, a very good meatball and a tasty burger. I will pick 5 places from this list and will let you know. 🙂
Antonina says
Hi Donoroa, oooh, now you have me craving meatballs! I hear Rubirosa has top-notch meatballs, might be worth checking out! Please let me know if you try any of the burger joints mentioned! Happy eating 🙂
Naomi D. says
I LOVED this list!! I’m a huge fan of 3 spots you mentioned (Au Cheval, JG Melon and Bowery Meat Company). Seems like we might have similar taste buds so I’m excited to try out some of the other spots you mentioned.
Thanks for taking the time to write this list, it was a fun read.
Antonina says
Hey Naomi! Let me know how it goes, curious to get your thoughts!!
Luke T. says
I’m a huge burger nerd. I also live in NYC and have been to most of the places you mentioned on your list except for Black Iron Burger and Nowon. Excited to check them out soon!
Danny L. says
Burgers are my love language. I make it a personal goal of mine when I travel to a new destination to try the best of the best. Excited to check some of these spots out — will report back.
Estella says
Just tried Au Cheval on your recommendation, where has that burger been all my life?! That bacon was the best I ever had, which means Peter Luger is also on my must-try list.