12 New York Burger Places That Deserve A Visit
New York City is a burger lover’s dream, with mouthwatering patties sizzling on grills from the heart of Manhattan to the far corners of upstate.
Whether you’re after a no-frills classic or a bold, gourmet twist, there’s a perfect bite waiting for you. These 12 spots capture the true spirit of New York’s burger scene, one delicious bun at a time.
1. J.G. Melon – Manhattan
Tucked away on the Upper East Side since 1972, this cozy pub serves what many locals consider the quintessential New York burger.
The simple, perfectly cooked patties come on a lightly toasted bun with just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth cheese.
The checkered tablecloths and watermelon decor create a charming atmosphere that hasn’t changed much in decades. Cash only and always worth the wait.
2. Paul’s Da Burger Joint – Manhattan
Stepping into Paul’s feels like time-traveling to old-school New York. Their half-pound monsters come loaded with creative toppings – the spicy Eastsider with jalapeños is a neighborhood favorite.
The no-frills atmosphere complements the straightforward approach to burger-making. Walls plastered with vintage photos and newspaper clippings tell stories of the East Village through the decades.
3. Burger Joint (at Thompson Central Park) – Manhattan
Hidden behind a velvet curtain in an upscale hotel lobby lies this unexpected treasure. My first visit felt like discovering a secret club – following a neon burger sign to find a graffiti-covered space serving no-nonsense burgers.
The contrast between the fancy hotel and this deliberately divey spot makes the experience all the more fun. The menu is minimalist: burger with or without cheese, fries, and shakes.
4. Shake Shack (Madison Square Park) – Manhattan
The original Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park before becoming a global phenomenon.
This location still captures the magic that made it famous – custom-blend patties with that signature sear and special ShackSauce.
Eating in the park surrounded by greenery and the Flatiron Building creates an only-in-New-York moment. The lines move quickly despite constant crowds.
5. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer – SoHo, Manhattan
Known initially for their outrageous milkshakes, Black Tap’s burgers deserve equal spotlight. The Greg Norman features wagyu beef, house buttermilk-dill, blue cheese and arugula – a perfect blend of fancy and fun.
I once waited 90 minutes in the rain for a table here, and honestly? Worth every damp minute. The industrial-chic SoHo space with hip-hop soundtrack provides the perfect backdrop for their creative menu.
6. Harlem Shake – Harlem, Manhattan
This retro-styled diner celebrates Harlem’s rich culture while serving up some of the city’s tastiest burgers.
The Hot Mess burger comes topped with pickled cherry peppers, bacon relish, and American cheese – spicy, sweet, and savory all at once.
Vintage photos of Harlem celebrities line the walls, and the classic red booths make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1950s time capsule.
7. 5 Napkin Burger – Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
True to its name, you’ll need multiple napkins to tackle these juicy behemoths. The signature 5 Napkin Burger features 10 ounces of fresh ground chuck topped with Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, and rosemary aioli on a soft white roll.
The Hell’s Kitchen location offers a sleek, modern atmosphere that balances casual comfort with big-city sophistication. Their extensive beer selection makes for perfect burger pairings.
8. Bareburger – Astoria, Queens
Before organic became a marketing buzzword, Bareburger was pioneering sustainable burgers in Queens. Choose from quality proteins like bison – or go plant-based with their Impossible patty – each sourced organic and humanely raised.
My vegetarian sister swears their Impossible Burger rivals any meat version she’s tried before going plant-based.
The Astoria flagship location features reclaimed wood furnishings and a warm, earthy vibe matching their eco-friendly ethos.
9. Minetta Tavern (Black Label Burger) – Greenwich Village, Manhattan
The legendary Black Label Burger justifies its $36 price tag with dry-aged beef cuts blended specifically for Minetta, topped with caramelized onions that take over 3 hours to prepare. No cheese needed – or offered.
The historic tavern’s dark wood paneling, vintage photos, and red banquettes transport you to old New York. Scoring a reservation can be challenging, but the bar area accepts walk-ins for determined burger hunters.
10. Ale ‘n Angus Pub – Syracuse
This family-owned pub has won New York’s Best Burger competition multiple times with their legendary Power Play Burger. Imagine fresh ground beef topped with slow-cooked prime rib, melted cheese, and lettuce on a kaiser roll.
Located near Syracuse’s Oncenter, it’s a perfect pre-game spot before Crunch hockey matches. The friendly staff remembers regulars by name and order, creating that small-town feel even in New York’s fifth-largest city.
11. Swillburger – Rochester
Part arcade, part burger joint, Swillburger transformed an old church into the coolest hangout in Rochester. Build your own burger with toppings like peanut butter, fried egg, or kimchi – nothing is too weird here.
On my 30th birthday, I spent hours playing vintage pinball between bites of their perfectly smashed patties with crispy edges.
The full bar serves boozy milkshakes that pair dangerously well with their hand-cut fries.
12. Meyer’s Olde Dutch Food & Such – Beacon (Hudson Valley)
Just a short walk from Dia: Beacon art museum, this Hudson Valley gem elevates the humble burger to artisanal heights.
The Bacon Jammy pairs a grass-fed beef patty with bacon jam, Gruyère, and special sauce – a combination that haunts dreams.
Bright, airy interiors with vintage touches create a welcoming vibe. Their housemade pickles add the perfect tangy crunch to complement their perfectly seasoned burgers.