The Ultimate NYC Burger Guide

Whether you're into dry-aged masterpieces or greasy smash burgers, New York City’s burger scene is stacked with legendary spots. Here’s a curated guide to the best of the best - https://shortlist.nyc/best-burgers

1. Red Hook Tavern

📍 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn
This cozy Brooklyn tavern has made headlines for its near-perfect dry-aged cheeseburger, stacked with American cheese and white onion on a classic bun.
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2. 4 Charles Prime Rib

📍 4 Charles St, West Village
An upscale, intimate chophouse serving an indulgent burger with prime beef, gooey American cheese, and the option to add crispy bacon or a fried egg.
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3. Little Prince

📍 199 Prince St, SoHo
This French bistro offers a crowd-favorite French onion soup burger, topped with caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese.
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4. Minetta Tavern

📍 113 MacDougal St, Greenwich Village
Home of the legendary Black Label Burger, featuring a custom blend of dry-aged prime beef on a soft bun—simple, rich, unforgettable.
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5. Gotham Burger Social Club

📍 131 Essex St, Lower East Side
Smashburger lovers rejoice. This cult-favorite pop-up turned brick-and-mortar delivers crispy-edged, cheese-laced patties full of nostalgic flair.
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6. J.G. Melon

📍 1291 3rd Ave, Upper East Side
This no-frills NYC institution is famous for its juicy cheeseburger, served with a side of crisp waffle fries in a classic pub setting.
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7. Fairfax

📍 234 W 4th St, West Village
A cozy all-day café with an underrated, elevated burger featuring flavorful beef, American cheese, and a buttered bun.
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8. Petey’s Burger

📍 30-17 30th Ave, Astoria
An Astoria gem serving West Coast-style burgers—stacked, saucy, and always satisfying. Add a milkshake to seal the deal.
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9. burger joint (Le Parker Meridien)

📍 119 W 56th St, Midtown
Hidden behind velvet curtains in a hotel lobby, this iconic dive serves old-school burgers with no frills and all flavor.
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10. The Portrait Bar

📍 1 W 28th St, NoMad
Set inside the Fifth Avenue Hotel, this moody, art-filled bar offers a gourmet burger perfect for pairing with a cocktail.
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11. Café Chelsea

📍 222 W 23rd St, Chelsea
This Parisian-inspired hotel café features a simple yet elegant burger, showcasing quality beef and minimalist toppings.
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12. Raoul’s

📍 180 Prince St, SoHo
A Parisian bistro with a cult-famous burger, topped with triple cream Saint-André cheese and served with au poivre sauce.
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13. Hamburger America

📍 51 MacDougal St, SoHo
Founded by burger historian George Motz, this spot pays homage to regional American burgers, like the Oklahoma fried onion smash.
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14. Rolo’s

📍 853 Onderdonk Ave, Ridgewood
A sleeper hit in Queens serving a chargrilled dry-aged burger that hits all the right smoky, beefy notes.
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15. Au Cheval

📍 33 Cortlandt Alley, Tribeca
This Chicago import delivers decadence: double patties, Dijonnaise, pickles, and thick-cut bacon on a pillowy bun.
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16. Lord’s

📍 506 LaGuardia Pl, Greenwich Village
A British bistro where the burger takes a refined turn—think tangy cheddar, HP sauce, and crispy shallots.
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17. Nowon – East Village

📍 507 E 6th St, East Village
Chef Jae Lee’s Korean-American twist includes a dry-aged patty with kimchi mayo, American cheese, and scallion on a potato bun.
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18. Monkey Bar

📍 60 E 54th St, Midtown East
A historic New York institution since 1936, Monkey Bar combines 1930s charm with contemporary flair. Their standout Wagyu Cheeseburger features two Snake River Farms Wagyu patties, American cheddar, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise, delivering a rich, buttery flavor profile.
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19. Pastis

📍 52 Gansevoort St, Meatpacking District
This French brasserie’s burger is surprisingly classic: juicy beef, American cheese, and house pickles on a sesame bun.
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20. Peter Luger Steak House

📍 178 Broadway, Williamsburg
Known for steak, yes—but the lunchtime-only Luger Burger (topped with bacon and cheese) is an underrated NYC burger icon.
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This article was created using AI-generated research based on publicly available information. While we strive for accuracy and relevance, we recommend verifying details directly with each restaurant, as information may change.