The Best Burgers in New York City
eatingmynyc / March 24, 2023
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Everybody has a different opinion about what makes a good burger. Should it be a thin, crispy patty or a thick, juicy one? What kind of bun should it have? And don’t even get us started on the toppings. Whatever your preference, NYC is the place to get a good burger, whether it’s at your local bar, favorite steakhouse, or even an Italian or fusion restaurant. After a lot of extensive and delicious research, here is our definitive list of the top ten burgers in NYC.
JG Melon
This UES institution from the 1972 is famous for its classic bar burger. Griddled patty (crispy on the outside but still pink and juicy in the center), American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and a lightly toasted potato bun. You can level it up with some griddled onions or bacon, but make sure it comes with the cottage fries. Simple, delicious, and has you coming back time and time again.
Pastis
PC: EatingnycIf you didn’t order the Cheeseburger a l’Americaine at Pastis, you’re doing it all wrong. Ever since they reopened in Meatpacking, customers have been raving about this double patty with cheese slathered in a secret sauce, and for good reason. It’s truly a perfect burger. Of course, it comes as no surprise that the fries here are some of the best in the city, so you’ll be happy to know your burger comes with a generous portion of them!
Peter Luger
PC: Peter LugerIf you’re debating on the best time to go to Peter Luger, the answer is before 3:45PM because that’s when the Luger Burger is on the menu. It’s made with over half a pound of USDA prime grade chuck and served on a fluffy sesame bun with raw white onions. And yes, you can add their famous thick cut bacon, but we’d get that as a separate order so this patty can really speak for itself.
Nowon
PC: EatingnycKorean meets American fare is the definition of every item on Nowon’s menu, and the burgers here are no different. There are three options to choose from: the Legendary Burger, Black Truffle Burger, and the Dry-Aged Steak Burger. They’re all good, but we really come here for the Legendary Burger; it’s a true Asian flavor explosion from the combination of the double smash patty, kimchi mayo, roasted kimchi, American cheese, pickles and onion. Be sure to order the honey butter tots while you’re here too, they’re insanely good.
Minetta Tavern
PC: Shared AppetiteThere’s a reason this burger is called the Black Label Burger… not because of its hefty price tag at $38, but because it tastes like luxury. This burger is made with nine ounces of dry aged beef that’s smokey, charred, cooked to perfection and topped with perfectly caramelized onions. There’s no cheese on Black Label burger, but the meat is so rich that we promise you won’t even notice it’s missing. We also really love the Minetta Burger served with cheddar and onions, maybe even more so than the Black Label – unpopular opinion – but they’re both incredibly delicious.
Emily
PC: EaterWhen you think of Emily, you may first think of their Detroit style pizza. But if you leave without at least one Emmy Double Stack Burger on your table, then you’re really missing out. The Emmy burger starts with a thick Pat LaFrieda dry aged beef patty and is topped with a messy helping of caramelized onions, Grafton cheddar, pickles and Emmy sauce which is made with gochujang. Best part? It’s all sandwiched together between a delicious pretzel bun. Genius!
Red Hook Tavern
PC: EatingnycRed Hook may not be a place in NYC where you often find yourself, but you should 100% make the trip here solely for the burger at Red Hook Tavern. This Dry Aged Burger is extra juicy, made with a mixture of dry-aged strip and fatty chuck patty, which is cooked perfectly and sandwiched with raw white onions and American cheese, all served on an Italian style bun. It’s rich, salty, fatty, and comes with a nice serving of fries too.
Fairfax
PC: EatingnycWe were devastated when West Village hotspot Bar Sardine announced it’s closing during the pandemic, and then sighed a huge wave of relief when they announced the famous burger would still be available at Fairfax, another great establishment by Gabe Stulman. This burger is the perfect balance of a savory patty, smoky cheddar, and sweet BBQ mayo. We love the crispy potato strings inside the burger and are still wondering how they make the bun so flat!
Raoul’s
PC: EaterRaoul’s in Soho is an iconic French bistro that’s been around for over 48 years. If you order anything here it has to be the burger, which is prepared au poivre style; the brisket blend patty is encrusted with black peppercorn, seared in butter, topped with triple cream Saint Andre cheese and a creamy au poivre sauce, all stuffed in a perfect challah bun from Amy’s bread. Oh, and it comes with a dish of extra au poivre sauce just for dipping.
Au Cheval
PC: EatingnycWe were so excited when the iconic Au Cheval made it’s way to NYC from Chicago a few years ago and are proud to say that the burger here rivals some of the very best in the city. Although it’s called the single, it’s really two patties, each topped with its own slice of American cheese, mayo and pickles. It’s good on its own, but you’ll definitely want to add the bacon and sunny side up egg for the full experience. You can find the same burger at sibling restaurant Monkey Bar and with a yolk porn presentation at 4 Charles Prime Rib, if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation.
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