Burgers In New York City That Even The Pros Say Are Worth The Hype
New York City has thousands of restaurants, but finding the perfect burger can feel overwhelming. Food critics, chefs, and burger enthusiasts all agree that certain spots stand out from the crowded pack.
I’ve gathered the top 15 burgers that professionals consistently recommend, so you can skip the guesswork and head straight to burger paradise.
1. The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern
When you walk into Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village, you’re stepping into burger legend territory. This place serves what many call the most famous burger in Manhattan, and it’s not hard to see why once you take that first bite.
The Black Label Burger uses a special blend of dry-aged beef that creates an incredibly rich, almost nutty flavor you won’t find anywhere else. It comes topped with caramelized onions that add sweetness to balance the savory meat. The price tag might make your eyes widen, but professionals insist it’s worth every penny.
Reservations fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want to experience this iconic dish yourself.
2. The Burger at J.G. Melon
How does a simple neighborhood bar become a burger institution? J.G. Melon figured it out decades ago by keeping things straightforward and delicious.
This Upper East Side spot doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with fancy toppings or exotic ingredients. Instead, they focus on perfectly seasoned beef patties cooked exactly how you order them, served with crispy cottage fries on the side. The bacon cheeseburger remains their most popular choice, and regulars swear the secret is in their consistent quality.
You’ll find everyone from celebrities to local families crowding into the small space, all craving the same thing. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.
3. The Burger at Peter Luger Steak House
It’s no surprise that one of America’s best steakhouses also makes an incredible burger. Peter Luger has been perfecting their beef game since 1887, and that expertise shows up in every bite.
The burger here uses the same high-quality beef they serve as porterhouse steaks, ground fresh daily and cooked on their legendary broilers. You won’t find this on the dinner menu, but lunch guests know to order it off-menu as one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. The meat speaks for itself with minimal toppings needed.
Bring cash or use their house account system, because credit cards aren’t accepted at this Williamsburg landmark.
4. The Burger at Corner Bistro
Are you looking for a burger that won’t drain your wallet but still impresses food critics? Corner Bistro delivers exactly that combination in the West Village.
This no-frills tavern has been serving their famous Bistro Burger since 1961, and the recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to. The massive patty gets cooked until slightly charred on the outside while staying juicy inside, then topped with your choice of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Lines stretch out the door during peak hours, but the wait moves faster than you’d expect.
Grab a cheap beer to go with your burger and enjoy true New York dive bar charm.
5. The Burger at Shake Shack
Though Shake Shack has expanded worldwide, the original Madison Square Park location started a burger revolution that professionals still respect today. Founder Danny Meyer wanted to create something special, and he absolutely succeeded.
The ShackBurger features Angus beef patties with a proprietary blend that stays juicy and flavorful, topped with lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce, and cheese on a soft potato bun. Critics praise the consistency across locations and the quality ingredients used throughout. The crinkle-cut fries and frozen custard make perfect companions to complete your meal.
Multiple locations mean you can satisfy your craving without traveling far, though purists prefer visiting the original spot.
6. The Burger at Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien
Did you know one of Manhattan’s best burgers hides behind a curtain inside a fancy hotel lobby? Burger Joint proves that great food can show up in the most unexpected places.
Walking through the elegant Le Parker Meridien lobby, you’d never guess there’s a graffiti-covered burger shack tucked away inside. The menu stays simple with classic burgers, cheeseburgers, and a few basic toppings, all served wrapped in paper. Food writers love the contrast between the luxurious hotel and this casual, almost rebellious dining space. The burgers taste like elevated diner classics with perfectly seasoned meat and fresh ingredients.
Cash is king here, so come prepared for this hidden gem experience.
7. The Burger at Emmy Squared
When a pizza place makes burgers that rival their famous pies, you know something special is happening. Emmy Squared brought their Detroit-style approach to burger-making with fantastic results.
The Le Big Matt burger features two smashed patties with pickles, onions, American cheese, and a special sauce that tastes similar to a certain famous fast-food burger but way better. Chefs appreciate how they achieve maximum crust and flavor by smashing the beef thin on a hot griddle. The square shape might seem gimmicky, but it actually creates more crispy edges that everyone fights over.
Multiple locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan make this burger accessible whenever the craving hits you hard.
8. The Burger at 4 Charles Prime Rib
If you want to experience burger decadence taken to the absolute highest level, 4 Charles Prime Rib delivers something extraordinary. This West Village spot turns prime rib trimmings into burger magic.
The Prime Rib Burger uses beef that would cost a fortune as a steak, ground up and formed into an incredibly rich patty that practically melts in your mouth. Topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and horseradish cream sauce, every element complements the star ingredient perfectly. Industry professionals frequently mention this as their special occasion burger choice when money isn’t an object.
The intimate restaurant setting makes you feel like you’re dining at an exclusive supper club from another era entirely.
9. The Burger at Westville
Are burgers and healthy eating compatible? Westville makes a strong case that they absolutely can be when done right with quality ingredients.
This mini-chain focuses on market vegetables and sustainable sourcing, which extends to their burger made from grass-fed beef that tastes clean and beefy. You can customize your burger with an impressive array of fresh vegetable sides instead of fries, though their sweet potato fries are definitely worth trying. Food critics who care about ingredient sourcing consistently recommend Westville as a guilt-free burger option.
The casual, neighborhood vibe makes it perfect for a relaxed meal where you can feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
10. The Burger at Superiority Burger
Though meat dominates burger conversations, Superiority Burger proves that vegetarian versions deserve serious respect from even the toughest critics. Chef Brooks Headley created something truly special here.
The signature veggie burger uses a secret blend of grains, beans, and vegetables formed into a patty that has its own distinct delicious flavor rather than trying to mimic meat. It comes with muenster cheese, pickles, and special sauce on a soft bun that somehow works perfectly together. Professional chefs and food writers regularly name this as one of New York’s best burgers, period, not just among vegetarian options.
The tiny East Village spot means limited seating, but the incredible taste makes any inconvenience completely worthwhile for your taste buds.
11. The Burger at Whitman’s
How does a neighborhood restaurant compete with famous burger joints? Whitman’s does it by focusing on consistency, quality ingredients, and treating every burger like it matters.
Their burger features locally sourced beef formed into thick patties that get cooked to your exact preference, topped with aged cheddar and house-made pickles. The kitchen takes pride in grinding their own meat blend daily, which professionals notice immediately in the superior texture and flavor. Everything from the bun to the condiments gets made in-house whenever possible.
The Lower East Side location provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your burger without feeling rushed or pressured, making it ideal for lingering over your meal.
12. The Burger at Schnipper’s Quality Kitchen
When Times Square tourists and picky locals both love the same burger, you know the place is doing something right. Schnipper’s built their reputation on all-natural ingredients and honest cooking.
The burgers here use never-frozen beef with no hormones or antibiotics, resulting in a cleaner taste that lets the meat’s natural flavor shine through. You can build your burger exactly how you want it with plenty of topping choices and sauce options. Industry insiders appreciate that Schnipper’s maintains high standards despite being located in one of Manhattan’s most touristy areas.
Multiple locations and reasonable prices make this a reliable choice when you need a quality burger without breaking the bank or traveling far from Midtown.
13. The Burger at The Spotted Pig
It’s hard to talk about New York’s burger scene without mentioning the gastropub that helped start the whole elevated burger trend. The Spotted Pig became legendary for good reason.
Their chargrilled burger comes topped with Roquefort cheese and a pile of shoestring fries right on top of the patty, creating a combination that sounds strange but tastes absolutely incredible. The meat gets cooked over an open flame that adds smoky depth, while the blue cheese provides sharp, tangy contrast. Celebrity chefs and food critics made this burger famous, though it holds up entirely on its own merits.
The West Village location gets packed, especially for weekend brunch when burger cravings hit hardest and the wait feels worth every minute.
14. The Burger at Brooklyn Burgers & Beer
Are you ready to explore burger creativity beyond Manhattan? Brooklyn Burgers & Beer brings craft beer culture’s innovation to their burger menu with impressive results.
They offer multiple burger options featuring different beef blends, creative topping combinations, and house-made sauces that change seasonally based on ingredient availability. The beer selection pairs perfectly with whatever burger you choose, and the staff actually knows how to recommend good combinations. Food professionals praise the restaurant’s willingness to experiment while maintaining high quality standards across their entire menu.
The Brooklyn location provides a more relaxed, less touristy experience compared to Manhattan spots, letting you enjoy your meal without fighting massive crowds or paying inflated prices.
15. The Burger at Bowery Meat Company
When a steakhouse known for incredible beef makes a burger, expectations run sky-high. Bowery Meat Company meets those expectations and then raises the bar even higher.
Their burger uses a proprietary blend of dry-aged beef cuts that would normally go into premium steaks, creating depth of flavor that regular ground beef simply cannot match. The meat gets cooked on a wood-fired grill that adds subtle smokiness, then topped with aged cheddar and served on a brioche bun. Culinary professionals point to this as an example of how technical skill and quality ingredients elevate a simple dish.
The upscale East Village location means higher prices, but serious burger enthusiasts consider it a worthwhile investment in pure deliciousness and culinary craftsmanship.
