8 New York Burgers That Are Over-The-Top Unhealthy (But Impossible To Resist)

New York City is a playground for food lovers, especially those with a weakness for outrageous burgers.

I’ve spent years hunting down the most deliciously sinful burger creations across the five boroughs.

These calorie-laden masterpieces might make your cardiologist wince, but trust me, the flavor explosion is worth every guilty bite.

Here are nine NYC burgers that completely ignore the rules of healthy eating but will haunt your dreams until you give in.

1. The Half And Half At Two8two (Brooklyn)

I stumbled upon this beauty during a rainy Brooklyn afternoon when nothing but pure comfort food would do. The Half and Half at Two8two Bar & Burger is the stuff of carnivore dreams—literally half bacon, half beef in a single patty.

They grind applewood-smoked bacon directly into the beef, creating this intensely savory, slightly smoky patty that renders ketchup completely unnecessary. Green chile strips add just enough heat to cut through the richness, while the toasted brioche bun somehow manages to contain this beautiful mess.

Located in a cozy brick-walled space in Carroll Gardens, this place feels like Brooklyn’s best-kept secret. Fair warning: after trying this burger, you might find yourself making up excuses to visit this neighborhood regularly.

2. The Lagos Smash At Lagos (Times Square)

Whoever said “too much of a good thing” clearly never tasted this Nigerian-inspired masterpiece. At Lagos, they’ve taken the humble smash burger and cranked the indulgence dial to eleven with their West African twist.

The patty itself is smashed thin and crispy on the edges, then topped with a perfectly runny fried egg that oozes golden goodness with each bite. But what truly makes this burger extraordinary are the plantain fries piled directly ON the burger—not beside it—adding sweet, starchy crunch to every mouthful.

Located right in the heart of Times Square, this spot might look like a tourist trap, but locals know better. One bite of this burger and you’ll understand why I’ve happily waited 45 minutes in line more than once.

3. The Pugliese At Cantiere Hambirreria (East Village)

“Is that… a ball of cheese sitting on top of your burger?” my friend asked incredulously. Yes, my friends, at Cantiere Hambirreria, they crown their Pugliese burger with an entire smoked burrata ball—and it’s absolutely glorious.

This Italian-inspired burger joint doesn’t believe in moderation. The beef patty is already perfection, but then they add prosciutto di Parma, arugula, and that showstopping burrata that slowly melts down the sides as you eat. When you cut into it, the creamy center oozes over everything like a dairy waterfall.

Hidden in a narrow East Village storefront, this place feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret Italian burger laboratory. Pro tip: wear dark colors because there’s absolutely no way to eat this neatly.

4. The Pineapple Express At 98K Hamburger (Chinatown)

Hawaiian pizza lovers, I’ve found your burger soulmate. 98K Hamburger’s Pineapple Express takes the controversial fruit-on-savory debate to new heights with their audacious creation.

The foundation is a perfectly charred Angus beef patty topped with grilled pineapple rings, but what makes this truly decadent is the poppy-seed mayo that drenches the entire thing. It’s thick, creamy, and somehow both sweet and savory at once. Add melted pepper jack cheese and you’ve got a tropical flavor explosion that defies all burger conventions.

Tucked away on a bustling Chinatown street, this hole-in-the-wall spot doesn’t look like much from outside. But the line of locals waiting patiently at lunchtime tells you everything you need to know about what’s happening inside.

5. Emily’s Pizza Burger (West Village)

The first time I paid $31 for a burger, I questioned my life choices. Then I tasted Emily’s infamous creation and immediately apologized to my wallet for doubting it.

This decadent monster features dry-aged Pat LaFrieda beef that’s so buttery it practically melts on your tongue. The secret Emmy sauce (a close cousin to Russian dressing but somehow better) mingles with caramelized onions to create a sweet-tangy symphony. All this goodness comes on a pretzel bun that adds the perfect hint of salt.

What started as a pizza joint in Clinton Hill has become a burger pilgrimage site. They affectionately call this creation their “filthy” burger, and the name fits perfectly. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every penny of that eye-watering price tag.

6. The Doughnut Burger At Barrel & Fare (Hell’s Kitchen)

“You’re not seriously going to eat that,” my girlfriend said, watching in horror as I approached this monstrosity. Barrel & Fare’s unholy creation features a glazed doughnut split in half and griddled until caramelized, forming the “buns” for a half-pound Angus patty.

The heat from the burger melts the glaze, creating this sticky-sweet coating that somehow pairs perfectly with the savory beef. They don’t stop there—crispy bacon, aged cheddar, and a bourbon-infused maple aioli take this into heart-attack territory.

This Hell’s Kitchen gastropub looks unassuming from the outside, but inside they’re pushing culinary boundaries with gleeful abandon. I’ve only managed to finish this beast once, but the sugar-meat coma that followed was strangely worth it.

7. The Breakfast Burger At Egghead (Midtown)

Morning calories don’t count, right? That’s what I tell myself every time I indulge in Egghead’s breakfast abomination that combines every morning favorite into one handheld heart-stopper.

Picture this: a juicy beef patty topped with a hash brown patty (not a side—ON the burger), melted American cheese, bacon, and a perfectly fried egg with that Instagram-worthy runny yolk. The maple-infused brioche bun adds just enough sweetness to tie this morning madness together.

Located in the lobby of the Moxy Hotel in Midtown, this spot draws a mix of hungover tourists and locals seeking the ultimate hangover cure. Pro tip: ask for extra napkins—that egg yolk explosion is coming whether you’re ready or not.

8. The Black Label Burger At Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village)

Sometimes the most dangerous indulgences come disguised as sophistication. Minetta Tavern’s Black Label Burger appears deceptively simple—no egg, no bacon, not even cheese—but don’t be fooled by its minimalist appearance.

The patty is where the decadence hides: a blend of dry-aged ribeye, skirt steak, and brisket with a fat content that would make a cardiologist faint. Topped only with caramelized onions that take three hours to prepare and served on a custom brioche, this $38 burger is pure excess masquerading as restraint.

Nestled in a historic Greenwich Village corner, this Keith McNally establishment combines old-world charm with new-world indulgence. I’ve celebrated three birthdays here, and each time I’ve sworn the burger gets better—or maybe that’s just the Old Fashioneds talking.