Best Burgers in New York

An Upper East Side institution since 1972, famous for a flat‑top cheeseburger and cottage fries in a room plastered with watermelons. Frequently praised by Condé Nast Traveler and noted on Eater NY’s best‑burger lists for timeless New York character.

Keith McNally’s revived Greenwich Village icon draws lines for the Black Label Burger, a dry‑aged Pat LaFrieda blend crowned with caramelized onions. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and regularly cited by major critics for setting the steakhouse‑burger bar.

Billy Durney’s neighborhood tavern serves a thick, dry‑aged cheeseburger on a sesame bun with raw onion—lauded by The New York Times and spotlighted by Eater NY. A South Brooklyn essential with steakhouse depth and barroom warmth.

A moody West Village steakhouse where the double wagyu cheeseburger—with pickles, American cheese, and house sauce—has become a rite of passage. Featured by the Michelin Guide and beloved by critics for indulgent late‑night decadence.

Burger historian George Motz’s luncheonette channels roadside Americana: a perfect Classic Smash and Oklahoma‑style fried onion burger. Celebrated by The New York Times and Eater NY, and open daily per the restaurant’s updates.

A Gramercy diner slinging a juicy griddled cheeseburger that critics have championed for years. Frequently cited on Eater NY’s iconic‑burger list and beloved by locals for straight‑up flavor at an old‑school counter.

SoHo’s French bistro serves a cult burger au poivre—pepper‑crusted patty, St‑André cheese, and au poivre sauce—limited at the bar for dinner and available at brunch. Endorsed by The Infatuation and celebrated by editors and critics for years.

This century‑old Williamsburg steakhouse quietly makes one of the city’s great lunch burgers—served daily until mid‑afternoon. Long referenced by top editors and listed on the restaurant’s own menu, it’s a meaty midday classic.

From pop‑ups to a Lower East Side saloon, Mike Puma’s smash burgers layer cheese, grilled onions, jalapeños, pickles, and house sauce. Covered by Eater NY and praised by The Infatuation, it’s walk‑in fun with a real neighborhood vibe.

Chef Jae Lee’s Korean American spot pumps hip‑hop and turns out the Legendary Cheeseburger—double smash with kimchi‑spiked sauce. Praised in The New Yorker and The Infatuation; a distinct, modern New York take that still feels local.