The Top 11 Burger Restaurants in NYC

It’s a summertime BBQ staple, but ultimately a year round food favorite amongst practically all Americans… The burger.

That’s right, the all-American, good old fashioned burger. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a nice, big juicy burger. They can be enjoyed by all — even vegans and vegetarians (just swap the beef out for a vegetable patty). What’s so great about burgers is that they can be delicious simply with just a bun and a plain old patty, but then so complex and flavorsome with the more toppings you add. With so many restaurants to choose from in NYC, it’s hard to know which are worth your money and what to order where. No need to fuss because below are some of New York City’s greatest burgers that you must try!

1. Nürnberger Bierhaus

As the name suggests, this is a German-inspired restaurant that houses a ten-ounce prime-beef patty. The popular Nürn-Burger is topped with bacon, fried onions and your choice of cheese. Everything is carefully positioned on a delicious pretzel bun straight from the homeland, as well as sweet and spicy mustard to put on to your liking. While it’s on Staten Island, it’s worth the ferry ride over (it’s free!).

817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, 718-8167461

Via Nürenberger Bierhaus

2. Twist & Smash’d

This sports bar is chock full of plenty of home-run signature burgers, some of which include the chicken with chipotle mayo, veggie with mango salsa, and the angus beef with cheddar. It’s at a great price too — a single will cost you $5.50 while a double is $9.50, which is the typical cost for a regular plain burger at many chain restaurants.

34-02 Steinway St, Queens, 718-806-1542

Via Twist and Smash’d

3. Whitehall

While the decorative touch at Whitehall is British inspired, the burgers couldn’t be anything other than American. The Iowa-imported Angus brisket is set on an open grill and dashed with a bit of salt and pepper. There’s a great sandwich selection as well as their cheddar cheese soup. This is a classy atmosphere to enjoy a nice big burger.

19 Greenwich Ave, 212-675-7261

Via Whitehall

4. Rare Bar & Grill

This bar and grill boasts the M&M burger, which is flambéed in Maker’s Mark bourbon, then topped with cheddar cheese, sweet caramelized shallots and apple smoked bacon. This is just one of the many delicious concoctions you can dive into. They also have fries, the perfect addition to any burger, in three different styles: shoestring, sweet potato, and cottage.

152 W 26th St , 212-807-7273

Via Rare Bar & Grill

5. Eats on Lex

These burgers are freshly ground with special, secret ingredients at Eats on Lex. All placed on a toasted soft bun, they are deliciously seasoned. Their dry-aged steak burger is completely smothered in caramelized onions and American cheese. Just try and finish this beast of a burger!

1055 Lexington Ave, 212-396-3287

Via Eats on Lex

6. Bill’s Bar & Burger

You’ll feel like you’re eating at a family picnic with Bill’’s checkered tablecloths. Get your Bill’s burger cooked medium-rare and enjoy the crisp outer layer and soft pink center. It’s topped with sour pickles, American cheese, lettuce and sliced tomato all on top of a sesame seed bun. It’s the perfect summer taste that you can have all year round under $10.

85 West St, 212-894-3800

Via Bills Bar and Burger

7. Donovan’s Pub

This Irish pub has been around since 1966 and has some of the best charbroiled burgers the city has to offer. Of course, you’ll have to pair whichever burger you choose with a pint of Guinness!

57-24 Roosevelt Ave, 718-429-9339

Via Donovan’s Pub

8. Pork Slope

While the name suggests that they specialize in a different kind of meat, Pork Slope has a fantastic Angus burger. The cheeseburger is topped with American cheese, chopped onions and pickles all in a potato bun. They’ve got an impressive selection of beer on tap and cans as well. (Website is currently down.)

247 Fifth Ave, 718-768-7675

Via Loren Wohl

9. Shake Shack

It isn’t famous just for its cool name! Shake Shack will make you want to come back for more day after day. The only way to go is the Double ShackBurger — you must try this. If you’re vegetarian, no worries! They have a really tasty portable mushroom burger that’s just as satisfying. Make sure to try their amazing crinkle-cut fries as well.

Madison Square Park, 23rd St, 212-889-6600

Via Shake Shack

10. Minetta Tavern

If you are a burger connoisseur, meet your match. This $28 burger is nine ounces of prime-grade, dry-aged rib eye, skirt steak and brisket from Pat LaFrieda. No trace of cheese can be found on this burger — just perfectly caramelized onions and a seeded Balthazar brioche. If you’re willing to spend the bucks, this is an experience of a meal.

113 MacDougal St, 212-475-3850

Via Minetta Tavern

11. Dram Shop

Get your grass-fed beef here at Dram Shop. Their burger is a butter toasted sesame seed bun that holds two patties grilled in grease, American cheese, sliced tomato, chopped onions, shredded lettuce, yellow mustard and mayo.

339 9th St, 718-788-1444

Via Dram Shop