Best burgers in New York, 2026.

Inspired by classic taverns and steakhouses, Red Hook Tavern comes courtesy Billy Durney, the mastermind behind Hometown Bar-B-Que (arguably the best BBQ in NYC).

The succulent burgers at this saloon-style joint draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The draw? The restaurant’s dry aged burger, so simple and punchy it sings.

An ode to Peter Lugar’s famed cheeseburger, Durney’s version is made with a rich blend of dry-aged strip and chuck steak blanketed by two slices of American cheese (a slice of white onion sits under the meaty 8-ounce patty).

The mandatory masterpiece is served alongside cottage fries and a crisp new pickle. Add a beer to the mix. Red Hook Tavern is reason alone to trek to Red Hook, this my favorite burger in NYC.

JG Melon is testament to simplicity. The restaurant’s small menu keeps the focus where it belongs, classic no frills burgers served on checkered tablecloths. Opened in 1972, this Upper East Side institution gained the loyalty of locals for consistently delicious burgers served with a side of NYC’s signature gruff service.

The plump seven-and-a-quarter ounce patty is griddle-cooked to perfection and comes with a side of onions and pickles, to be customized to your liking. I always top mine with cheese and consider the cottage fries a non-negotiable order.

Served in a cozy tavern setting (chock-full of watermelon decor), enjoying a burger at JG Melon is the quintessential New York experience. Don’t just take my word for it. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.

Suprema Provisions is a gastronomic gem known for exciting Italian cuisine and knock-out burgers. A strange combination that’s all the more surprising when you learn these are some of the best burgers in NYC.

The incredible burger is made with brisket and short rib beef blend, Iberico Jamon, bacon jam, black garlic sauce, melted aged cheddar and roasted tomatoes topped with an airy brioche bun.

Supreme Provision’s iteration of the burger makes it apparent classics can be improved on, to the shock of those resistant to change. Alas, the case has been made and the jury rests.

Fair warning for my fellow fry enthusiasts, the burger doesn’t come with fries. You’ll get roasted Brussels sprouts instead. Plus, it’s nice to shake things up every once in a while.

The perfect NYC burger exists, and once you find it, every other burger feels like a compromise.

If you’ve dabble in the city’s fine dining scene then Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern needs no introduction. Dating back to 1994, this iconic NYC restaurant has earned nine prestigious James Beard Awards, including “Outstanding Restaurant” and “Outstanding Chef in America.” But enough with the flattery, let’s talk burgers.

The Tavern’s esteemed burger is made with a ground brisket/short rib blend (sourced from a 100-year old NYC meat purveyor), dressed in smoky onion aioli, bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Sounds simple, and that’s the beauty of it.

The only drawback is the lack of fries. While the restaurant’s duck fat potato chips are delicious, they don’t offer the same satisfaction as proper fries. Thankfully the burger punches above its weight, so the slight oversight is easy to forgive.

Hailing from Chicago, Au Cheval’s burger doesn’t pander to purists. The restaurant’s iteration is topped with an egg (let go of your pearls, it’s an optional add-on) and offers a refined approach to the time-tested classic. Two perfectly seared patties topped with sharp American cheese nestled between a cloud-like brioche bun. Optional (but not really optional) is the addition of a thick slice of bacon, I suggest going that route.

Unpopular opinion. Controversial take. a great burger doesn’t need fancy toppings. Keep it simple.

A steakhouse first and foremost, the menu at Bowery Meat Company houses all the usual suspects, hearty steaks served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. But even humble dishes like the burger are step up under Chef David DiSalvo’s.

The only problem? It’s not on the menu. That’s right, the restaurant’s understated burger likes to keep a low profile. And while you won’t see it on the menu, you can still order it if you’re sitting at the bar (first come, first served).

Made with premium Wagyu beef, the patty is topped with aged Vermont cheddar, caramelized onions and tomato aioli. a holy trinity that seamlessly blends into one perfect sauce. Paying tribute to the restaurant’s commitment to innovation, there’s no denying this one of the best burgers in New York City.

If you’re keen on old-school vibes (think buttery-soft leather booths, cozy wood panels and waiters in waistcoats), make a beeline for Minette Tavern.

Dating back to 1937, Minetta Tavern is a storied West Village establishment that served the likes of Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings. And you know what I usually say, “if it’s good enough for Hemingway, it’s good enough for me.”

But the pièce de résistance these days is the heart-stopping Black Label burger which is made from a blend of prime dry-aged beef enhanced by the unusual addition of caramelized onions. The burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, earning it a spot on our list of the best burgers in New York City.

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Peter Luger is a legendary steakhouse that dates back to 1887. The cash-only establishment churns out some of the most famous steaks in NYC, but locals know the burger is worth a trek as well. Crafted from the same quality dry-aged beef as the restaurant’s signature steaks, Peter Luger’s burger is nothing short of stunning.

On par with Luger’s reputation, simplicity is top of mind and excellence is non-negotiable. The buttery patty takes center stage (a juicy blend made primarily of prime grade chuck) complemented by a soft bun and minimal toppings to let the ingredients sing.

You’ll be given an option to add cheese and the restaurant’s legendary bacon, which I highly recommend. A classic New York City burger, Peter Luger’s creation is a shining example of New York’s enduring love for classic, expertly prepared dishes without fanfare and frills.

Charming the West Village for more than five decades, Corner Bistro is the neighborhood haunt locals rely on for classic NYC burgers late into the night. Open until 2am (4am on Fridays and Saturdays), this casual burger joint checks all the boxes.

Priced at less than $15, you can choose from a hamburger, cheeseburger, portabello mushroom burger and the crowd-favorite Bistro burger. The signature burger comes with a half-pound patty topped with crispy bacon, American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. It’s a classic American burger that never fails to satisfy a serious craving.

Serving New Yorkers proper pints of Guinness since 1936, Peter McManus is the longest-running family-owned bar in New York City. The Irish pub proclaims to serve the best burgers in New York City, something I had to test for myself.

I invited some friends and we ordered the restaurant’s top-sellers. Pop Pop Top-Shelf Cheeseburger and the Cheeseburger. The Pop Pop Cheeseburger comes with. The burger is topped with aged cheddar, red onion, pickle, and fancy sauce, served with a side of fries or tots.

The Cheeseburger comes with a half pound all beef patty topped with bacon, onion, & tomato. Oddly enough, most of the crew preferred the cheeseburger (we felt the fancy sauce on the Pop Pop burger complicated things a bit). But at the end of the day, both burgers were excellent. Better still, the vibes at Peter McManus can’t be beat.

The older sister of Au Cheval, 4 Charles Prime Rib can’t do anything half way. The restaurant is keen to impress burger lovers with an step up take on the tried-and-true American staple.

Crafted with a tender 10-ounce Wagyu patty, this indulgent NYC burger is crowned with a thick slice of American cheese, pickles and dijonnaise. You have the option to add egg and bacon as well, the combination of which is nothing short of perfection.

Coined the “Cadillac of hamburgers” by Nat King Cole, PJ Clarke’s dishes out some of the best burgers in NYC (averaging 400 burgers a day). There’s four burgers on the menu, but the one that takes the cake is the Cadillac. Crafted from freshly ground beef, cooked to perfection and topped with double-smoked country bacon, American cheese, lettuce, onions & tomato. This beloved New York City burger isn’t flashy or extravagant, just so damn good.

Black Iron Burgers specializes in responsibly-sourced hormone-free beef, operating under the belief that unethical practices make it difficult to enjoy meat. The restaurant’s unapologetic commitment to all natural, steroid & hormone free meats is only half the draw, the burgers mean serious business.

The menu has a range of creative burgers, like the Iberico (beef patty, Manchego cheese, Iberico ham, fried egg, arugula, tumaca) and Epic (white cheddar, fried egg, onion rings, caramelized red peppers). But the restaurant’s namesake (all beef patty, horseradish cheddar, caramelized onions) remains a personal favorite.

There’s no drying that Black Iron churns out some of the most creative burgers in New York City.

Nowon is a fairly new Korean-American restaurant named after chef’s Jae Lee’s hometown in Seoul. Located in the East Village (a second location just opened in Bushwick), you’ll find locals from all five boroughs making pilgrimages to this popular joint for tantalizing New York City burgers.

The menu offers three burger options. Legendary Cheeseburger, Dry Aged Steak Burger and Smoked Truffle Burger. I’m partial to the Legendary Cheeseburger (smashed double patties, kimchi special sauce, roasted kimchi, American cheese, pickles and onions) but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Churning out the most creative burgers in NYC, Emily is home to the famed Emmy Burger. A harmonious blend of dry-aged beef richly complemented by the secret Emmy sauce and blanketed by a generous serving of melted cheese. What sets it apart is the pretzel bun, making Emily a go-to destination for burger enthusiasts on the hunt for unique burgers in New York City.

“Smash burgers” have seen quite the rise in popularity in recent years. The signature flavor of 7th Street Burger’s is achieved by smashing the patty as soon as it hits the grill to ensure optimal searing. This gives the burger a crispy caramelized taste, starkly contrasting the thick meaty patties most burger joints serve.

At 7th Street Burger, the menu couldn’t be simpler, choose between a cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, impossible burger and fries. Each burger comes with the restaurant’s signature sauce, grilled onions, pickles and cheese.