Best burgers in New York

128 people recommend, 20 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

Minetta Tavern has two distinct camps: diners who prize the Black Label's dry-aged flavor and those who prefer the regular Minetta burger, often for its juiciness and value. Bar seating and the room's atmosphere are part of the appeal. The praise is substantial, but so is dissent: diners also report bland, overcooked or underseasoned burgers and question whether the experience justifies the cost.

Greenwich Village Manhattan

101 people recommend, 39 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, X, r/AskNYC

Hamburger America draws substantial praise for its fried onion burger and classic smash burgers, particularly from diners who like a simple, onion-forward build. Value and the counter experience also attract supporters. The disagreement is equally specific: critics describe dry or underseasoned patties, question the hype, and sometimes prefer rival smash burger spots. The fries receive both praise and criticism.

Soho

91 people recommend, 35 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC, X

These recommendations span 7th Street Burger's New York outlets, with the original East Village location specifically praised for consistency. Fans like the quick, affordable smash burgers; critics find them excessively greasy, bland or underseasoned. Some diners report a decline as the brand expanded, while others still prefer it to rival chains. Fries and branch consistency draw mixed reactions.

East Village

89 people recommend, 21 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/Brooklyn

Red Hook Tavern's dry-aged burger earns repeated favorite-in-the-city nominations, with praise for the beef flavor and seared patty. It is not a unanimous pick: other diners find it overhyped, too salty or peppery, or less consistent on return visits. The trip divides opinion too, with one commenter finding Red Hook inconvenient and another recommending the ferry as part of the outing.

Red Hook Brooklyn

63 people recommend, 20 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

J.G. Melon draws fans looking for a straightforward classic burger, an old-school room and a burger-and-martini meal. Several diners describe it as reliable or a personal favorite. Others find the burger dry, overcooked, bland or overhyped, and some say the long lines undermine its appeal. The cottage fries divide opinion too.

UES

62 people recommend, 8 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Gotham Burger Social Club is recommended across its New York outlets, including the Lower East Side. Fans praise the smash burgers, sauces and jalapeños, and several call it their favorite. Critics find the toppings overpower the meat or describe dry patties and burnt onions. One diner recommends Greenpoint for a shorter wait than the Lower East Side.

Lower East Side

57 people recommend, 15 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Au Cheval earns strong burger recommendations, including from diners who place it near the top of their city lists. Some consider the rich burger worth the splurge; one prefers the New York version to Chicago's. Others find it too salty, greasy or bland beneath the toppings, and question its value. Two diners suggest splitting the burger.

Soho

56 people recommend, 6 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Nowon is recommended across its East Village and Bushwick outlets. Fans praise the kimchi smash burger, while some prefer the dry-aged steakhouse version and consider it a standout city burger. Critics question the cost or find the smash version ordinary. Branch experiences differ: one Bushwick diner disliked the bun, while an East Village commenter praised its toasting.

East Village

44 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Corner Bistro is a West Village tavern that many people name when asked for a classic New York bar burger, and several call it solid, great, or a classic worth the trip. A few diners say it still delivers as a straightforward bar burger, and one calls it a better deal than fancier options. A few visitors have been let down, with a couple saying the burger was meh or overhyped on recent visits, and one saying it had fallen off.

West Village

33 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/Queens, X

Donovan's Pub in Woodside is a frequent pick for a large, classic pub burger without much fuss. Fans praise the generous size and value, and one says the burgers are consistently cooked well. The fireplace setting and train access each get a mention. Dissenters call it overrated or merely fine, and one reports a soggy bottom bun.

Woodside

33 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

4 Charles Prime Rib attracts repeated best-burger nominations, with several diners preferring it to Au Cheval. One fan likes the patty without bacon and egg because it is already rich; a dissenter finds the burger too straightforward for its cost. Reservations are a recurring obstacle in the comments, and several diners describe takeout as their alternative rather than an easy table.

33 people recommend, 8 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Peter Luger's Brooklyn burger draws praise for dry-aged flavor, size and substantial melted cheese, with several diners preferring it to other prominent city burgers. Commenters repeatedly describe it as a lunch order, and one reports a quiet visit at opening. Criticism ranges from an undersalted or dry patty to a crumbly texture and disappointment with the hype. Two diners report inconsistent cooking.

Brooklyn

32 people recommend, 17 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Emily is recommended across its New York outlets, with several diners preferring the Clinton Hill original to the West Village branch. Fans praise the Emmy sauce and pretzel bun. The burger is divisive: other diners find it messy, underseasoned, inconsistent or poor value. The original has its own critics too, including a visitor who found the burger generic and dry.

Brooklyn

29 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, X

Gramercy Tavern draws strong recommendations for its burger, with two diners calling it the best they have eaten. One highlights the juicy flavor and slightly sweet note, and another praises the duck fat chips alongside it. Not everyone agrees: critics describe a mediocre or small, bland burger, while one diner prefers the brick chicken for a meal there.

Manhattan

29 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/Queens

Rolo's in Ridgewood earns repeated recommendations for a beefy burger, with one diner calling it the best they have eaten. Commenters describe limited quantities, and one suggests arriving early. Critics find it overrated, bland or overwhelmed by dijonnaise; one reports an overcooked patty. Another diner who agrees it is overhyped still considers the burger far from mediocre.

Ridgewood

28 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Raoul's Burger Au Poivre is a recurring recommendation, particularly for a burger and martini at the bar. Fans praise the peppery sauce, but one diner dislikes that pepper crust and another finds the meat-to-bun ratio poor. Availability is a recurring caution: commenters describe limited burgers and advise arriving early. Those reports are not a guarantee of the current serving schedule.

28 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Lovely's Old Fashioned is a Hell's Kitchen burger spot known for its smash burgers, which several people call among the best in the city. One diner singles out the patty melt, and another says the place has a nostalgic, old-school lunch vibe. A few visitors find the burgers small and the onions heavy, one diner found the sauce flavorless and the patty greasy, and another felt it was only a modest step above a fast-casual chain while being pricier.

Hell S Kitchen

26 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Brindle Room in the East Village earns strong recommendations for a juicy, thicker tavern-style burger, with caramelized onions praised by one diner. Commenters also call it underrated or overlooked. There is dissent: one visitor found the burger too rare and small, while another thought it was less good after the restaurant reopened. That decline is one diner's assessment, not an established trend.

East Village

26 people recommend, 6 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Harlem Shake is recommended across its Harlem and Brooklyn outlets. Fans nominate it among their favorite smash burgers, and one Harlem regular names the Hot Mess as their order. One diner finds the burger merely decent, while others question the price or prefer rival spots. Another reports disappointing burger texture, and a separate visitor says it is not even their favorite smash burger in Harlem.

23 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

Lord's draws strong burger recommendations, with several diners naming it a city favorite. The Welsh rarebit burger and beef fat fries each receive praise. One critic finds the cheese overwhelms the patty, another dislikes the seasoning, and a separate diner considers the burger overhyped. One visitor describes the burgers selling out before their early reservation.

22 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

P.J. Clarke's is recommended across its New York outlets, including the Third Avenue original, which one diner specifically prefers. Fans praise a simple, classic burger and name the Cadillac Burger. Criticism includes rising prices, disappointing burgers and one repeat commenter's view that it has declined. The Lincoln Center outlet also receives burger recommendations.

Midtown East

21 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

The Lions Bar in the East Village is recommended for a thicker, classic pub burger, with one diner comparing it favorably to Red Hook Tavern. Burger-and-martini combinations also have fans. One visitor found the patty dry and mediocre, and another describes a long wait and crowded room. A separate diner particularly likes the flaky salt on the cheese.

East Village

21 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Paul's Da Burger Joint in the East Village draws praise for large, juicy, old-school burgers. One longtime customer reports repeated satisfying visits, and other fans value the generous portion. Critics find the burgers bland, soggy or insufficiently seared; one thinks size is their main distinction.

East Village

20 people recommend, 3 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Shake Shack is recommended across its New York outlets, including Madison Square Park, which two commenters specifically mention. Fans name the Shack Stack and Shroom Burger; one calls the double SmokeShack their favorite. Other diners question the cost or report differences between outlets, and one prefers independent local options. A supporter still finds the fries mediocre.

Madison Square Park

18 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Cozy Royale draws recommendations for both its regular and dry-aged burgers. Fans describe the dry-aged flavor as a reason to choose it, and commenters mention burger-and-martini pairings. One diner found the dry-aged burger unexceptional; another liked the burger but disliked its sweet sauce. Two commenters associate the smash version with late-night visits, rather than establishing current hours.

Brooklyn

18 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Fairfax in the West Village is repeatedly recommended for its burger, sometimes described by commenters as the Bar Sardine or Fedora burger. One diner praises a tasty, messy build, and others rank it among their favorites. The setting also divides opinion: one commenter recommends the low-key atmosphere, another dislikes the crowd, and a monthly visitor disputes that criticism.

West Village

17 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

Long Island Bar in Cobble Hill has fans of its LI Burger, with one diner specifically praising the dry-aged double patties. Burger-and-martini recommendations add to the appeal. The response is divided: other diners find the burger ordinary, overrated or poor value, and some dislike the bun. Two visitors describe a crowded, loud or rushed experience, in contrast to another diner's relaxed visit.

Cobble Hill Brooklyn

16 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

Monkey Bar draws praise for its burgers, with one diner calling the wagyu burger a repeated go-to and another counting it among the good burgers they had that year. Some note it serves a burger similar to the one at 4 Charles and is easier to get into. Caveats focus on price and taste: one diner found the food slightly overpriced, another called the burger overpriced and said the sauce masks bland meat, and one found it very salty and missing something.

15 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Smacking Burger's gas-station setting is part of the appeal, but fans also praise the smash burger itself. One diner highlights the sauce and bread-and-butter pickles; another recommends the truffle burger. A separate commenter suggests a double with extra cheese, and another names it for a late-night burger craving. One visitor was surprised by how good a gas-station burger could be.

West Village

15 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Virginia's in the East Village receives repeated burger recommendations, including from a diner who calls it one of the best in the city. Another ranks it near their favorite classic burgers, and a separate commenter describes it as phenomenal. One particularly notes the cheese.

East Village

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

5 Napkin Burger recommendations span its New York outlets, with the Hell's Kitchen branch specifically named. Fans like a straightforward burger cooked to order, and several recommend its veggie burger too. One commenter suggests it for a family meal. Caveats include one diner's uncertainty about whether it matches an older experience and another's burger arriving rarer than requested.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Pastis draws praise for its burgers, with people recommending the double smashed burger and suggesting dipping it in au poivre sauce. One diner calls the cheeseburger consistently great and advises asking for extra sauce, while another says the smash burger is worth it despite the price. One commenter says Pastis is great for a sit-down burger, another calls the burger a go-to, and one person rates it above a well-known competitor.

11 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Smashed recommendations span its New York outlets, with several diners specifically praising the West Village branch. One fan likes the very thin, crisp patties, while another calls it their best smash burger experience. A separate diner compared it with Hamburger America on the same day and preferred Smashed. Another likes its value and finds it less greasy than alternatives.

West Village

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Burgerhead is recommended across its New York outlets, including Sixth Avenue. Fans like its chargrilled, non-smash style as a change from thin patties, and one praises the portion and beef tallow fries. Dissenters find the burger salty, lacking the promised char flavor or short on meat quality; another dislikes the fries. Many of the recommendations leave the outlet unspecified.

6th Ave

11 people recommend, 2 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/Queens, r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Petey's is recommended across its Astoria and Long Island City outlets. Fans praise its burgers and patty melt; one Astoria commenter particularly likes the speed of delivery. A Long Island City visitor praises the bacon double cheeseburger. Other diners find the burger greasy, ordinary or not worth a special trip, with criticism from both areas.

Astoria

10 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

K.O. Burger in Chinatown draws recommendations for smash burgers, with one diner particularly praising the lacy crust. One commenter recommends the hatch green chili burger, another likes a hatch-pepper and jalapeño version, and a third suggests the truffle double. A separate commenter calls the Eldridge Street location an overlooked pick.

Chinatown

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Swoony's is a Brooklyn burger spot that many diners recommend, and one commenter ranks it among their top three in the city. A visitor who tried the Columbia Street location called its Big Mac-style burger possibly the best they've had, and another suggested it for a special high-end smash burger. The place is also noted for a cozy atmosphere, good cocktails and taking reservations, though one dissenter found the burger very bad.

Brooklyn

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Joe Jr. is recommended for a straightforward diner burger, with one commenter calling it the city's standout example of that style. Fans also mention the old-school room and value. Not everyone agrees: one visitor found the burger bad and questioned the price, while another thought the patty dry but still liked the overall meal enough to return.

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/Brooklyn

Henry Public receives repeated Brooklyn burger recommendations. One commenter singles out its atmosphere. Burger-and-martini suggestions also feature, with one person particularly liking its Aviation cocktail. The criticism is specific: one diner finds the burger basic and poor value, and another thinks it has declined from an earlier favorite.

Brooklyn

7 people recommendvia r/Queens, r/FoodNYC

Ottomanelli's in Woodside is repeatedly recommended for a Queens burger, with one diner praising a thick, high-quality patty and good value. A nearby regular is more measured: they find it solid but average-tasting and too large to finish comfortably. That regular still uses it as a convenient local option rather than considering it the best burger in Queens.

Woodside

7 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

The & Son burger draws recommendations for the brand, with the West Village outlet specifically named by one commenter. Fans like the value of a burger, fries and martini pairing. One visitor found the burger and fries excellent but disliked the espresso martini. Another commenter enjoys the West Village setting. Happy-hour details in the comments vary, so they should not be read as a current schedule.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Royale in the East Village receives recommendations for classic bar burgers, with one commenter particularly liking the outdoor space. Another praises an off-menu Grand Royale and a smash burger. A separate diner points to the value of a burger-and-beer pairing. Those comments describe past visits and offers, not a promise of the current menu or weekly schedule.

East Village

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Hawksmoor earns recommendations for a thicker burger, including a diner who particularly likes its beef tallow fries alongside it. Another calls the Notorious BEEF their most enjoyable burger in the city, and a separate visitor reports enjoying the burger. There is dissent: one visitor strongly disliked the food and disagreed with the praise.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Union Square Cafe earns recommendations for its burger, with diners describing it as great, excellent or solid. One visitor likes the convivial room, and another suggests it as a possible walk-in option. A dissenter dislikes the burger's sauce and bun and prefers Gramercy Tavern instead.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Lucky's is a go-to burger spot for several people, with one commenter ranking it among the best burger places in the city. One diner who has eaten there says the cooking is inconsistent, sometimes under or overcooking the burger, though the flavor is okay and they praise the lucky sauce. Another person calls it their usual pick in the area, located a bit further uptown in the low 50s.

6 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Jimbo's is recommended across its New York outlets, including Midtown East. One diner calls it a dependable, affordable made-to-order burger, while another praises the smash version. A visitor to Midtown East still remembers their burger fondly, and another commenter recommends the local chain's Bronx outlets.

Midtown East

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Casa 13urger receives recommendations for an affordable burger, with one diner naming it for a late-night smashburger with cowboy butter. Another visitor liked the burger during opening week and also enjoyed the shakes. A separate commenter includes it among their favorite budget picks, while another loves it despite being slightly above the requested budget. Criticism of other businesses is excluded from this summary.

6 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

These recommendations span Skinny Louie's New York outlets and are not all confirmed visits to the representative NoMad location at 1145 Broadway shown here. Skinny Louie draws recommendations for smash burgers, with one visitor calling the cheeseburger their best ever and returning to try it again. Another commenter likes its sauce-heavy style, one calls it a solid smash burger, and a separate diner names it as a budget pick. Another is less impressed when comparing it with other city smash burgers.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diner in Williamsburg receives several burger recommendations. One visitor particularly likes the burger, while another suggests it for the thick-patty style being requested. Other commenters name it as a Brooklyn pick.

Williamsburg

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Two8Two is a burger spot on Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill that draws strong recommendations. One diner suggests getting the hatch chili burger, another calls the pub burger a winner, and a commenter praises the bun's perfect texture, calling it a contender. One person cautions that the burgers are very greasy.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/Queens

Burger City in Ridgewood is recommended as an affordable burger option, with two commenters praising the wider menu too. Views are not unanimous: one diner found the flavor dominated by ketchup and onions, another compares it with competing fast-casual chains, and a third remembers it as reliable takeout but would not make a special trip now.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Manhatta receives burger recommendations, with one diner praising its take on a simple cheeseburger and another saying they still think about the burger. A separate commenter recommends ordering it at the bar with cocktails. The suggestions are brief and positive, without enough detail to promise a particular atmosphere, service experience or low price.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Peter McManus Cafe is recommended for a classic bar burger. One enthusiastic repeat commenter specifically names the PopPop, while other diners praise the hamburger more generally. A separate commenter calls it an underrated, slightly elevated classic. Another likes the bar as a place to spend time, rather than supplying an additional opinion about a specific burger preparation.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Suprema Provisions earns burger recommendations from five independent commenters. One calls it their favorite burger, another places it in their top three, and others suggest it in response to burger requests. The comments support a concise burger pick rather than detailed claims about the room, service or current menu.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Inga's is named by several commenters as a place to get a burger, with one pointing to the Brooklyn Heights location. One diner rates its burger well above Long Island Bar's.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Keens Steakhouse is recommended for its burger, with people pointing to the bar and the pub menu as where to order it. One diner calls the pub burger a great option and singles out the fries as the best. Another suggests simply eating at the bar.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Corner Bar receives repeated burger praise, with one diner calling it possibly their favorite in the city. One lunch visitor found the room comfortable. A couple of commenters highlight the happy hour burger and martini pairing, and one notes the mini burger is a quarter-pound patty rather than a smash burger. One diner says the service is great, and one commenter finds the overall vibe amazing.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Smashy Burger is a smash burger spot people recommend for a cheap, satisfying double, with one commenter calling it the best-tasting and best-value option among several nearby smash burger places. The Union Square location is specifically praised as a solid, affordable choice. One visitor notes the space only has a standing counter inside, so seating is limited.

Union Square

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

The York in the East Village is recommended for smash-style burgers alongside fries and cocktails. One diner likes its burgers in the style of Hamburger America, while another praises the cheeseburger and martinis. A separate commenter enjoys the crowd, and another names it in a discussion of favorite affordable burgers.

Ave B

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Burger Heights receives burger recommendations from diners who like its straightforward style. One prefers it to 7th Street, and another finds it better than Shake Shack, particularly for the fries. A separate commenter praises the smash burger with Heights sauce and the fries' seasoning. Others suggest it for a burger with lettuce and tomato.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Chez Nick receives burger recommendations from five independent commenters on the Upper East Side. Two diners praise the burger's taste, with one also calling it an excellent neighborhood restaurant. Another commenter puts it first among their suggestions. All five recommendations come from one discussion.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Judge Roy Bean Public House receives burger recommendations, including one comment praising the signature burger's pub sauce and fried pickles. Three replies agree with that recommendation, and another commenter includes it among their preferred burger spots. All five recommendations come from one discussion.

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

The Polo Bar has burger fans, including one who makes it their regular order and others who describe it as great. Other diners find it fine but unremarkable or not among their city favorites. Several comments put more emphasis on the room and overall experience than on the food. One diner describes considerable difficulty getting a reservation.

Manhattan

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Cubby's in Hell's Kitchen has fans of its Sylvester Smash and combo value. One diner prefers it to Lovely's, but another wanted a crispier patty and disliked the sauce. A third liked the burger while finding nearby competitors more memorable. Other criticisms include an ordinary overall impression and the cost when fries are ordered separately.

Hell S Kitchen

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Bill's Bar & Burger is recommended across its New York outlets, with Rockefeller Center specifically named. Fans describe a solid burger despite the tourist-heavy setting, and one nearby worker visits for casual work meals. A dissenting commenter finds it generic and prefers another Midtown burger.

Rockefeller Center