9 New York Burger Spots Overcrowded On Labor Day (And 6 Hidden Ones Locals Keep Quiet)
Labor Day weekend in New York signals the end of summer, and for burger lovers, it also means braving massive crowds at the city’s most famous patty destinations.
Over the years, I’ve navigated this ever-growing burger scene, watching both tourists and locals willingly line up for hours just to snap photos and snag a bite at the Instagram-famous spots.
But here’s the secret: beyond the buzz, there’s an entire map of lesser-known burger havens where the flavors are just as bold—and the wait times nearly nonexistent. This guide will show you both worlds, from iconic hotspots to true local treasures.
1. Shake Shack – Madison Square Park, NYC
The original Shake Shack location transforms into burger mayhem central every Labor Day weekend. First time I visited, I foolishly arrived at noon and spent 90 minutes in a line that snaked through half the park!
Their signature ShackBurger – with that special sauce that nobody has successfully replicated – keeps drawing massive crowds despite the wait. The outdoor setting adds to its appeal, with the Flatiron Building looming overhead as you finally bite into your reward.
Locals tip: If you absolutely must go, arrive before 11 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the worst of the lunch rush.
2. J.G. Melon – Upper East Side, NYC
Cash only and consistently packed, J.G. Melon’s charming old-school vibe makes it a Labor Day magnet. My neighbor dragged me here years ago, insisting their perfectly charred burgers would change my life – she wasn’t wrong!
The cottage fries alone are worth battling the holiday crowds. Green checkered tablecloths and watermelon decor create that classic New York atmosphere tourists crave, while the no-frills, juicy burgers keep everyone coming back.
Famous faces frequently spotted here add to the allure, making this Upper East Side institution particularly swamped during holiday weekends.
3. Black Tap Craft Burgers – SoHo, NYC
Monster milkshakes topped with entire slices of cake created Black Tap’s social media fame, but their craft burgers deserve equal spotlight. Last summer I made the rookie mistake of bringing out-of-town friends here during Labor Day – we waited nearly two hours!
The Greg Norman burger with blue cheese and arugula remains their masterpiece. Tourists wielding phones for the perfect milkshake shot create a photographer’s studio atmosphere that’s especially chaotic during holidays.
Worth noting: they’ve expanded to multiple locations, but the SoHo original draws the biggest crowds and longest waits when everyone’s off work.
4. 5 Napkin Burger – Hell’s Kitchen, NYC
Named for its gloriously messy signature burger, 5 Napkin lives up to its promise – my white shirt never survives a visit! Their original Hell’s Kitchen location becomes a tourist trap during holiday weekends, with wait times doubling or tripling.
The 10-ounce original with gruyère, caramelized onions, and rosemary aioli justifies the wait for many. Their full bar and extensive menu beyond burgers make this spot particularly appealing for groups with varied tastes.
Families especially flock here during Labor Day, creating a noisy but fun atmosphere that’s great for people-watching but terrible for conversation.
5. Corner Bistro – West Village, NYC
Stepping into Corner Bistro feels like time-traveling to old New York, which explains why tourists flood this tiny West Village spot every holiday weekend. My first apartment was three blocks away, and watching the Labor Day lines form became an annual tradition.
Their no-frills Bistro Burger – a generous patty topped with American cheese and crispy bacon on a paper plate – represents burger simplicity at its finest. The dive bar atmosphere with wooden booths and cash-only policy adds to its authentic charm.
Beer served in frosty mugs pairs perfectly with their burgers, creating an irresistible combination that keeps the tiny space perpetually jammed.
6. Bareburger – Multiple Locations
Organic, sustainable, and offering exotic meat options like bison and wild boar, Bareburger draws eco-conscious crowds seeking guilt-free indulgence. My vegetarian sister dragged me here reluctantly, but their Impossible Burger converted me into a regular!
Their customization options create decision paralysis at the counter, slowing lines significantly during busy holidays. Rustic-chic interiors with reclaimed wood make for great Instagram backdrops, further attracting the Labor Day weekend crowd.
Family-friendly policies and allergen-conscious menus make this chain particularly packed with parents and children during the long weekend when school’s still out.
7. Minetta Tavern – Greenwich Village, NYC
Snagging a reservation at Minetta Tavern during Labor Day weekend requires planning weeks in advance – I learned this the hard way after being turned away three years straight! Their legendary Black Label Burger, made from dry-aged beef cuts, commands both its $36 price tag and the endless wait list.
The French-inspired bistro’s vintage interior, with its black-and-white photos and red leather banquettes, exudes old-world charm. Celebrity sightings are common, adding to the impossible reservation situation during holidays.
Pro tip: the bar occasionally accepts walk-ins, but during Labor Day, even those spots fill immediately after opening.
8. Peter Luger Steak House – Brooklyn
Famous for their porterhouse, Peter Luger’s lunchtime-only burger remains one of Brooklyn’s best-kept open secrets – except on Labor Day, when the secret’s definitely out! My father insisted on taking me here for my college graduation lunch, only to find ourselves in a 90-minute wait.
Thick, juicy, and available only until 3:45 PM, this burger uses the same prime beef as their steaks. The German beer hall atmosphere with gruff veteran waiters adds to the authentic Brooklyn experience tourists crave.
Cash-only policy and limited burger availability create a perfect storm of demand during holiday weekends when everyone’s off work.
9. Wahlburgers – Coney Island, Brooklyn
Celebrity-owned and reality-show famous, Wahlburgers’ Coney Island location becomes absolute madness during Labor Day weekend. Last year I foolishly brought my Wahlberg-obsessed cousin here after a beach day – the line stretched past Nathan’s Famous!
Their signature “Our Burger” with government cheese and special Wahl sauce draws fans hoping for a Wahlberg brother sighting. The beachfront location makes it doubly attractive during the holiday weekend when everyone’s enjoying Coney Island’s final summer hurrah.
Memorabilia and TV clips playing on screens satisfy fans of the reality show while they wait in the inevitable holiday line.
10. Harlem Shake – Harlem, NYC
Tucked away uptown where tourists rarely venture, Harlem Shake serves retro-styled burgers that locals guard jealously. My Harlem-native roommate swore me to secrecy before introducing me to their Hot Mess burger – a glorious stack of bacon, pickled cherry pepper-bacon relish, and American cheese.
The 1950s diner aesthetic complete with checkerboard floors and red vinyl seating creates an authentic vibe without the downtown prices. Their hand-spun shakes, particularly the red velvet flavor, complement any burger perfectly.
Bonus: their “Wall of Fame” features local Harlem celebrities rather than the usual Hollywood faces, cementing its status as a true neighborhood gem.
11. Whitman’s – East Village, NYC
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny East Village hideaway serving what might be the best stuffed burger in Manhattan. My first bite of their signature Juicy Lucy – a burger stuffed with pimento cheese that oozes out when you bite into it – literally made me gasp out loud!
The space feels like someone’s cozy farmhouse kitchen transplanted into the city. Reclaimed wood tables and vintage agricultural tools create a rustic atmosphere that belies the sophisticated flavor combinations coming from the kitchen.
Their seasonal market sides rotate based on what’s fresh, making repeat visits rewarding even beyond the perfect burgers.
12. Emily – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Originally famous for pizza, Emily’s burger has quietly developed a cult following among Brooklyn’s food obsessives. When my pizza-loving friend dragged me here, I nearly ignored the burger section – that would have been the biggest mistake of my culinary life!
Their Emmy Burger, topped with caramelized onions, special Emmy sauce, and Grafton cheddar on a pretzel bun, transforms burger expectations. The Clinton Hill location maintains a neighborhood feel despite growing fame, with friendly staff who remember regulars.
Unlike Manhattan burger spots, Emily’s laid-back Brooklyn vibe persists even on holiday weekends, making it a perfect escape from Labor Day madness.
13. Donovan’s Pub – Woodside, Queens
Venturing to Woodside might seem extreme for a burger, but Donovan’s justifies the journey with their perfectly executed pub-style classic. My Irish grandfather first took me here as a child, insisting no Manhattan burger could match Queens’ best kept secret.
The dark wood interior and stained glass windows create an authentic Irish pub atmosphere that hasn’t changed in decades. Bartenders know many customers by name, creating a Cheers-like vibe that keeps locals coming while deterring tourist crowds.
Their hand-formed patties have perfect char while remaining juicy inside – the hallmark of burger perfection that’s become increasingly rare in trendier establishments.
14. The Dram Shop – Park Slope, Brooklyn
Hidden in plain sight on 9th Street, The Dram Shop serves what locals call the “perfect hangover cure” – a double-stacked burger that rivals any in Manhattan. Moving to Park Slope three years ago, I discovered this neighborhood staple after following a trail of locals on Sunday afternoons.
Pool tables and craft beers create a casual atmosphere where burger connoisseurs gather without pretension. Their classic pub-style double cheeseburger comes wrapped in paper – nothing fancy except the flavor.
Families fill the space during early evenings, while the late-night crowd comes for burgers that taste even better after midnight – a true local’s paradise far from tourist paths.
15. Raoul’s – SoHo, NYC
Raoul’s serves just 12 off-menu burgers nightly – exclusively at the bar – creating perhaps the most exclusive burger experience in NYC. My 40th birthday celebration became legendary when my wife somehow secured us two spots at the bar for these mythical burgers!
The au poivre burger, topped with triple cream Saint-André cheese, watercress, and red onion on a challah bun, comes with a side of cognac-spiked au poivre sauce for dipping. The French bistro setting with vintage posters and dim lighting feels worlds away from typical burger joints.
Served on proper china with real silverware, this burger experience feels like fine dining while maintaining its status as SoHo’s best-kept secret.