10 Best Burgers in NYC: The Ultimate Guide to New York's Top Burger Joints in 2025

New York City has earned its reputation as one of the world's greatest food destinations, and burgers are no exception. From classic neighbourhood joints that have served the same recipes for decades to upscale restaurants putting gourmet twists on this American favourite, the city offers an incredible range of burger experiences.

This guide takes you through ten exceptional burger spots across NYC, featuring everything from traditional cheeseburgers to innovative plant-based options and premium dry-aged beef creations. 

Whether you're seeking a quick bite between sightseeing or planning a proper meal at a renowned establishment, you'll discover the distinctive qualities that make each burger worth trying and practical tips for getting the most out of your burger adventures in the Big Apple.

10) Cheeseburger Deluxe at Corner Bistro

You'll find Corner Bistro tucked away in the West Village at 331 W 4th Street. This classic bistro has been serving burgers since 1961 in the same no-nonsense style.

The Cheeseburger Deluxe features a half-pound beef patty topped with American cheese. It comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the side.

You'll pay around £9 for this substantial burger. The cash-only policy keeps things simple and authentic.

The atmosphere leans towards a proper dive bar rather than a polished restaurant. You might queue outside during peak hours, as this spot draws crowds of burger enthusiasts.

Corner Bistro has earned recognition as one of New York's best burger destinations.

The straightforward approach focuses on quality ingredients rather than fancy presentations.

Your burger arrives cooked properly without being overdone. The beef maintains its flavour whilst the toppings add fresh contrast to each bite.

9) Double Char Burger at 5 Napkin Burger

The Double Char Burger delivers exactly what its name promises. You'll find two perfectly charred beef patties stacked high with classic toppings.

5 Napkin Burger operates four locations across New York City. Their industrial-chic atmosphere works well for both casual lunches and dinner outings.

This burger features two seasoned patties with a proper char on the outside. The meat stays juicy inside whilst maintaining that essential grilled flavour you're after.

You can customise your Double Char Burger with various toppings and cheese options. The restaurant offers both beef and alternative patty choices if you prefer.

The Hell's Kitchen and Upper West Side locations provide easy access to this popular burger spot. Both venues maintain the same relaxed dining environment.

Pricing sits in the mid-range category for NYC burger joints. You're paying for quality ingredients and generous portions that justify the cost.

The Double Char Burger appeals to those who want a substantial meal without unnecessary complications. It's a straightforward take on the classic American burger done properly.

8) El Camino Burger at Emily

You'll find one of NYC's most celebrated burgers at Emily, a pizza restaurant that has earned serious acclaim for its burger game. The Emmy Burger at Emily is considered by many to be the best burger in the world.

This isn't your typical pizza joint burger. Emily's creation features premium beef with a secret sauce and caramelised onions that create an unforgettable flavour profile.

You should know that Emily's burger is hands down considered the best in New York City by food critics. The combination of quality ingredients and expert preparation sets it apart from countless other NYC burger options.

What makes this burger special is Emily's attention to detail. The husband and wife team behind Emily have created something truly exceptional since opening in 2014.

You'll need to plan ahead though. The Emmy Burger is limited to just 25 servings per day, making it one of the most exclusive burger experiences in the city.

The burger perfectly represents how Emily focuses on innovation without compromising flavour, delivering an experience that justifies all the praise.

7) Vegetarian Burger at Superiority Burger

You'll find one of NYC's most celebrated veggie burgers at this tiny East Village spot. Superiority Burger's quinoa-chickpea creation combines carrots and walnuts for a satisfying meal that doesn't try to imitate meat.

Chef Brooks Headley opened this vegetarian burger joint in 2015. The James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef proves plant-based burgers can be brilliant without copying beef.

You can order most items vegan if you prefer. The restaurant also serves creative sides and desserts alongside their famous burger.

The atmosphere is casual and trendy in this cosy East Village location. You'll often find both vegetarians and meat-eaters queuing for these unique house-made veggie burgers.

Critics consistently rate this spot amongst the best veggie burgers in NYC. The texture and flavour stand out from typical processed veggie patties you might find elsewhere.

6) Dry-Aged Burger at Peter Luger

You'll find one of NYC's most legendary burgers at this Brooklyn steakhouse institution. Peter Luger's dry-aged burger is made from trimmings of their prized dry-aged porterhouses.

The restaurant uses only USDA Prime beef that's dry-aged on site. This creates an incredibly rich and flavourful patty that weighs over half a pound.

You can only order this burger during lunch service. The Luger Burger features simple toppings - raw white onion and cheese on a sesame seed bun.

The patty has a well-seasoned and seared crust with a juicy centre. The simple preparation lets the quality of the dry-aged beef shine through.

You'll pay around $12 for this no-frills, lunch-only hamburger. The burger's reputation comes from the exceptional quality of the meat rather than fancy toppings or presentation.

5) Brisket Burger at The Spotted Pig

The Spotted Pig serves one of NYC's most celebrated burgers in the heart of Greenwich Village. This Michelin-starred gastropub's char-grilled burger has earned legendary status amongst New York burger enthusiasts.

You'll find a half-pound patty made with short-rib heavy beef that delivers incredible flavour. The perfectly grilled burger pairs brilliantly with creamy Roquefort cheese, creating a rich and indulgent combination.

At £22 with shoestring fries, it represents excellent value considering the restaurant's prestigious reputation. The distinctive grill marks aren't just for show - they add a proper smoky char that elevates each bite.

What makes dining here special is the no-reservations policy. You'll queue alongside celebrities and locals alike, creating a genuinely democratic atmosphere that's rare in high-end dining.

The blue cheese burger draws queues of devoted fans who consider it worth travelling considerable distances to experience again. This isn't just hype - the quality consistently matches the acclaim.

4) Bacon Burger at J.G. Melon

J.G. Melon has served consistently excellent burgers since 1972. This Upper East Side institution draws queues of locals and tourists alike.

You'll find their bacon burger listed as the "baconburger" on their simple menu. The restaurant offers five burger options, all priced under £20.

The star is their seven-and-a-quarter ounce patty. It's griddle-cooked to perfection and remains thick and juicy.

You can expect crispy bacon strips layered on top. The burger comes on a soft bun with classic toppings like pickles.

This cash-only establishment maintains its no-frills approach. The focus remains squarely on quality ingredients and proper cooking technique.

The atmosphere feels authentically old-school New York. You'll dine surrounded by wood panelling and checkered tablecloths.

Don't expect reservations - they don't take them. The queues move quickly though, making the wait manageable for most visitors.

3) Classic Cheeseburger at Burger Joint

You'll find this hidden gem tucked away inside Le Parker Meridien hotel on West 56th Street in Manhattan. The entrance feels like discovering a secret speakeasy.

Burger Joint opened in 2002 and has maintained its dive bar atmosphere despite being located in an upscale hotel. The contrast between the luxurious lobby and the casual burger spot creates a unique dining experience.

Their classic cheeseburger costs around £6 and delivers exceptional value for money. You get a perfectly grilled patty with melted cheese on a soft bun.

The restaurant keeps things simple with no fancy toppings or complicated menu options. You order at the counter and wait for your number to be called.

The atmosphere is deliberately casual with graffiti-covered walls and paper plates. This unpretentious approach lets the quality of the burger speak for itself.

The beef is cooked to order and arrives juicy with a nice char on the outside. The cheese melts perfectly over the patty without overwhelming the meat's flavour.

You'll often find a queue, but the wait is worth it for this authentic New York burger experience.

2) Smashburger at Shake Shack

Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park back in 2004. Now you can find their burgers at around 20 locations across New York City.

Their smashburgers feature 100% Angus beef patties pressed flat on the grill. The meat gets a proper sear that creates those crispy, caramelised edges you want in a good smash burger.

You'll get your burger on Shake Shack's signature potato roll. It's pillowy soft and holds up well to the juicy patty and toppings.

The basic ShackBurger comes with lettuce, tomato, and their special ShackSauce. The sauce adds just enough zing without overwhelming the beef.

Shake Shack has become synonymous with quality fast-food burgers in NYC. Their consistent execution and widespread availability make them a reliable choice when you're craving a smashburger.

You can customise your order with cheese, bacon, or other add-ons. The burgers arrive quickly, making Shake Shack perfect for a satisfying meal without the long wait times of sit-down restaurants.

1) Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern

The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern stands as one of Manhattan's most celebrated burgers. Located in Greenwich Village, this restaurant serves what Anthony Bourdain considered the best burger in New York City.

You'll pay £38 for this premium burger, but many consider it worth the price. The patty features a proprietary dry-aged meat blend that creates complex flavours you won't find elsewhere.

The burger comes topped with caramelised onions and is served with pommes frites. What makes it special is the dry-aged blend cooked in butter, which gives it a rich, distinctive taste.

Minetta Tavern actually offers two burgers on their menu. However, most food experts recommend you choose the more expensive Black Label version over the standard option.

This legendary dish has earned recognition from food critics and burger enthusiasts across the city. The restaurant's cosy Greenwich Village location adds to the overall dining experience.

What Makes a Burger Stand Out in NYC?

New York's burger scene thrives on creative ingredients, diverse cultural influences, and memorable dining experiences. The city's best burger spots combine quality meat with unique toppings and atmospheres that create lasting impressions.

Signature Ingredients and Flavour Combinations

The foundation of any exceptional NYC burger starts with premium beef. Many top establishments use dry-aged beef or custom blends that create deeper, more complex flavours than standard mince.

Premium Protein Options:

• Dry-aged beef blends

• Wagyu and Angus combinations

• Alternative proteins like turkey and tuna

Toppings separate good burgers from great ones. Caramelised onions, artisanal cheeses, and house-made sauces appear frequently on menus. 5 Napkin Burger offers diverse options including tuna and veggie variants alongside traditional beef.

The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern features over 200 grams of quality meat with caramelised onions. Despite its £35 price tag, the extreme quality justifies the cost.

Signature sauces often define a restaurant's identity. House-made aiolis, truffle mayo, and custom ketchups create distinctive flavour profiles you won't find elsewhere.

Regional and Cultural Influences

NYC's diverse population brings global influences to burger creation. You'll find Korean-inspired toppings, Mediterranean flavours, and Latin American spices across the city's burger landscape.

Jewish delicatessen traditions influence many establishments. Pickles, onions, and specific preparation methods reflect this heritage. Classic New York burger joints

maintain these time-honoured approaches.

Cultural Elements You'll Encounter:

• Korean kimchi and gochujang

• Mediterranean herbs and feta

• Latin American chimichurri and jalapeños

• Jewish deli-style pickles and mustards

Fast-casual chains from California brought smash burger techniques to NYC. These thinner patties with crispy edges gained popularity amongst locals seeking quick, quality options.

Some restaurants reinterpret classics with bold confidence, balancing respect for tradition with innovative ideas. This approach marks the evolution of the city's dining scene.

The Role of Ambience and Presentation

Location and atmosphere significantly impact your burger experience. 5 Napkin Burger's industrial-chic atmosphere works for both casual lunches and lively dinners, demonstrating how environment enhances food.

Atmosphere Types:

• Casual: Counter service, paper wrapping

• Upscale: Table service, ceramic plates

• Historic: Traditional tavern settings

• Modern: Industrial or minimalist design

Presentation matters equally. Some establishments serve burgers on wooden boards with artisanal accompaniments. Others embrace simplicity with classic paper wrapping that lets the food speak for itself.

Price positioning affects expectations. Budget-friendly options under £10 compete with premium offerings by focusing on perfectly executed basics rather than luxury ingredients.

The service style shapes your experience. Quick-service spots prioritise speed and efficiency, whilst sit-down establishments offer more personalised attention and detailed explanations of ingredients.

Tips for Enjoying the Best Burgers in New York City

Get the most from your NYC burger adventure with smart pairing choices and strategic location hunting. The city's outer boroughs hide exceptional burger spots that rival Manhattan's famous establishments.

Pairing Suggestions

Classic beer pairings work brilliantly with NYC's traditional burgers. Choose a crisp lager with greasy smash burgers or an IPA with gourmet options featuring aged beef.

Wine enthusiasts should try a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with thick patties. Light Pinot Noir complements chicken burgers perfectly.

Sides matter enormously for the complete experience. Order proper chips (never skinny fries) with classic burgers. Onion rings pair beautifully with bacon cheeseburgers.

Timing your visit affects burger quality significantly. Arrive during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) for freshly made patties. Weekend lunch crowds often mean longer waits and rushed preparation.

Temperature requests should be specific. Ask for "medium-rare plus" rather than just "medium-rare" to avoid disappointment. Many NYC spots cook slightly hotter than requested.

Finding Hidden Gems Beyond Manhattan

Brooklyn's burger scene rivals Manhattan's best offerings. Williamsburg and Park Slope harbour excellent independent burger joints with lower prices and shorter queues.

Queens delivers authentic diversity in burger styles. Astoria features Greek-American fusion burgers whilst Jackson Heights offers unique international takes on the classic format.

The Bronx hosts underrated spots serving generous portions at reasonable prices. Arthur Avenue area combines Italian influences with American burger traditions.

Staten Island's hidden treasures include family-run establishments that have perfected their recipes over decades. These spots often use locally sourced ingredients and offer excellent value.

Public transport planning helps you explore outer borough gems efficiently. The subway connects all five boroughs, making burger crawls across different areas entirely feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York City's burger scene ranges from classic American joints to upscale establishments serving dry-aged beef. Many locations cater to different dietary preferences whilst maintaining high quality standards.

Where can one find the top-rated burger restaurants in New York City?

You'll discover highly-rated burger spots throughout Manhattan's diverse neighbourhoods. Greenwich Village houses the renowned Minetta Tavern, whilst the West Village features Corner Bistro.

Peter Luger in Brooklyn serves exceptional dry-aged burgers. Emily has multiple locations across the city offering their popular El Camino Burger.

5 Napkin Burger operates several Manhattan locations. You can find their Double Char Burger at various spots including the original on 14th Street.

What are the award-winning burger joints in NYC known for their unique flavours?

Minetta Tavern earned Michelin recognition for its Black Label Burger, which costs £35 and features over 200 grams of premium beef. The restaurant combines caramelised onions with exceptional meat quality.

Emily's El Camino Burger stands out with unique flavour combinations. Their approach blends creative toppings with high-quality ingredients.

Peter Luger's dry-aged burger offers distinctive taste from their specialised aging process. This technique creates deeper, more complex beef flavours than standard preparation methods.

Could you suggest establishments in NYC that serve classic American burgers?

Corner Bistro represents the quintessential American burger experience. Their Cheeseburger Deluxe delivers traditional flavours without unnecessary complications.

This West Village institution maintains classic preparation methods. You'll find straightforward ingredients executed with consistent quality.

JG Melon also serves traditional American-style burgers. Their approach focuses on simplicity and quality rather than trendy modifications.

The restaurant emphasises fresh ingredients and proper cooking techniques. You can expect classic American flavours prepared correctly.

Which eateries in New York City offer the best gourmet burgers?

Minetta Tavern leads the gourmet burger scene with their Michelin-starred approach. Their Black Label Burger represents fine dining applied to burger preparation.

Peter Luger elevates burgers through dry-aging techniques typically reserved for steaks. This process creates premium flavour profiles not found elsewhere.

Emily combines gourmet ingredients with creative presentations. Their El Camino Burger features carefully selected components and sophisticated preparation methods.

These establishments charge higher prices but deliver corresponding quality increases. You'll experience restaurant-quality execution with premium ingredients.

Are there any hidden gems in NYC for burger enthusiasts?

7th Street Burger impresses visitors with perfectly executed smash burgers. Their technique creates crispy edges whilst maintaining juicy centres.

The restaurant's house sauce complements their burgers without overwhelming the meat. Many consider this spot underrated compared to more famous establishments.

Superiority Burger focuses specifically on vegetarian options but attracts all diners. Their plant-based approach creates unique flavours not found at traditional burger restaurants.

Local burger enthusiasts often recommend smaller establishments over chain restaurants. These spots typically offer better quality and more personalised service.

What places in NYC are recommended for both vegetarian and meat-based burgers?

Superiority Burger specialises entirely in vegetarian options whilst maintaining broad appeal. Their plant-based burgers satisfy both vegetarian and omnivorous diners.

The restaurant proves vegetarian burgers can compete with traditional meat versions. You'll find creative plant-based ingredients prepared with exceptional skill.

Emily offers both meat and vegetarian options on their menu. This flexibility allows groups with different dietary preferences to dine together.

Most established burger restaurants now include vegetarian alternatives. However, dedicated vegetarian establishments often provide superior plant-based options compared to restaurants that focus primarily on meat.