NYC’s 20 best burger spots ranked

NYC’s 20 best burger spots ranked

What is America without burgers? The meat patty squashed with cheese and veggies between two soft buns is a delicacy to bite into. You can have burgers when you feel sad, happy, bored, or even lazy. And sometimes eating a good cheeseburger can even save your life, if you don't believe ask Margot from The Menu.

20) J.G. Melon - 3rd Ave

Last on the list doesn't mean worst and remember taste is subjective, so for some J.G. Melon might have the best burgers while for others it's the last on the list. With outdoor and indoor seating, J.G. Melon's most recommended dishes are without a doubt its classic bar burgers, but also apple sour cream walnut pie, Chili Bowl, etc.

19) Shake Shack - Midtown East

This fast food chain is known for its burgers and fries, including their vegetarian option, shroom burger. There are mixed reviews regarding the quality of service but customers are also given the option to order through kiosks as well as through their app.

18) Brooklyn Ice House - Brooklyn

Brooklyn Ice House might not have an elaborate kitchen or menu, but their cold beers and cheeseburgers are good enough to pull a crowd in. According to The Brothers Buoy on Google reviews, there is no better place to spend a Sunday afternoon than the Brooklyn Ice House.

17) Rolo's - Ridgewood

This highly rated restaurant is a popular brunch spot for many. Though not exclusively known for their burgers, some have described their burgers as phenomenal. Other popular dishes from Rolo's include Two Sheet Lasagna Verde, wood-fired polenta bread, etc.

16) 7th Street Burger - East Village

A classic burger spot that is a go-to for those who love smash burgers. There is not much special about the burger, except that they serve classic burgers that are not only affordable but delicious too. According to Mark Bavister on Google Reviews, "One of the best burgers (if not the best) I have ever had. The sauce is awesome, reminds me of Big Mac sauce in the 80s..."

15) Peter Luger Steak House - Broadway (4.4/4.0)

Peter Luger was not only a part of Time Out's Best Burgers in NYC list, but it also got a spot in NYC's Best Steakhouse list, so basically whether you are a burger fan or a steak fan, you can give Peter Luger a try. Other than their popular burger and famous steak, their desserts are also pretty popular among customers.

14) Gertrude’s - Brooklyn

Almost every burger in this list is served with a special sauce unique to the restaurant, and Gertrude’s is no exception. This is not an exclusive burger joint, but a restaurant whose burger just happens to be popular. The most recommended items here include latkes, layer cakes, etc.

13) Raoul’s - Prince St

It is okay to be different is probably Raoul's motto because, unlike other burgers, their Burger patty is peppercorn-encrusted, and they also use St. Andre cheese. It is highly recommended that you try the burger with their au poivre sauce.

12) Smashed - Hudson St

Time Out article credits Smashed for not just popularising smashed burgers but also for mastering the art of creating a smashed burger. The fluffy buns, crispy toppings, thin crispy yet juicy patties, special sauce, and a good amount of cheese are said to create a flavor and texture marvel in your mouth once you take a bite.

11) Burger By day - Grand St

Though people don't claim their burger to be the best in NYC, the BBD Smash Burger is known for being perfectly cooked with its tasty sauces. But while praising the burger let us not forget about other popular dishes like their steak and big onion rings.

10) Corner Bistro - West 4th Street

This is the place that Andy Cohen says serves the best burger in NYC. The Bistro is also pretty popular among Redditors. Their most popular items include the cheeseburger, French Fries, etc. Please keep in mind that this is a cash-only Bistro, but they do have an ATM inside.

9) Nowon - East Village

This is a Korean restaurant and hence some of their burgers also have a Korean touch added to them in the form of Kimchi mayo and Kimchi. So, if you are on the lookout for a different burger experience Nowon is not a bad idea. Other than the burger you can also try other items like Honey Butter Tater Tots, Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes, etc.

8) Emily's - Clinton Hill

Emily's is originally a pizza place but their Emily burger, dry-aged beef served in a pretzel bun with toppings and their signature tomato sauce is pretty popular among customers. Other recommended dishes you can try at Emily's include the Colony pizza, Nguyen’s Hot Wings, etc.

7) Donovan’s Pub - Roosevelt Ave Woodside

With more than eighteen burger options, Donovan's is in a way a haven for burger lovers. Out of the 18 options, the most popular ones are the Bacon Cheeseburger and the Classic Cheeseburger. If you'd also like to try something other than cheeseburgers from Donovans you can try their most recommended shepherd's pie.

6) Gramercy Tavern - E 20th St

Like many restaurants on this list, Gramercy Tavern is also known for its burgers, The Tavern Burger, which comes with Duck Fat Potato Chips and Smoked Onion Aioli is a must-try for burger enthusiasts. This Michelin-starred restaurant is also known for great service and dining experience.

5) 4 Charles - West Village

4 Charles is a brownstone steak house owned by Brendan Sodikoff, similar to Minetta, 4 Charles is also said to give a vintage vibe because of its building and interior choices. Along with their well-known burger, which many say is worthy of contesting for the best burger in NYC, other popular items include 4 Charle’s Cut Prime Rib, Creamed Spinach, etc.

4) Hamburger America - Houston St

If you need a burger that blows your mind without blowing away your money, then hamburger America is the place for you. Their most popular Oklahoma-inspired fried onion burgers as the name suggests have plenty of onions in it along with cheese. This is considered a go-to place for anyone who likes smashed burgers.

3) Red Hook Tavern - Brooklyn

The dry-aged burger from Red Hook's is one of the most popular and most recommended burgers in NYC, so it is no surprise that the Tavern makes the list of best spots to get burgers. Though their burgers are well-loved by customers, other items like fries with cheese and Country Ham Croquettes are also a hit among many customers.

2) Gotham Burger Social Club - Essex St.

Their double Smashburger, made with griddled buns (the exterior of the buns is griddled, not the interior), caramelized beef patties, onion, pickles, and American cheese, is known to melt in your mouth. According to the Restaurant, the Burger Club was started as a hobby during the pandemic but soon gained popularity.

1) Minetta Tavern - MacDougal St

With a vintage a.k.a. old school look this place is known for not just serving an amazing vibe to dine, but also for their Black Label Burger, which many consider one of the best burgers in NYC. It might be convenient to reserve at least a week before to ensure that you will get a table.