The Best of New York · Eat · Burgers and hot dogs
The best burgers in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 16 places.
There’s nothing quite like burgers in New York City. I’ve been obsessed with finding the best burger New York City for as long as I’ve lived here, and trust me on this one, these spots are the real deal. Grab your appetite and let’s dig in.
From boozy late night necessities, quick bites and first dates to casual casual hangouts with friends, burgers are on constant rotation in my monthly arsenal. Here’s a quick roundup of my favorite burgers in NYC, cheers!
Best burgers in New York, 2026
- 4 Charles Prime RibRestaurant · West VillageYou have the option to add egg and bacon as well, the combination of which is nothing short of perfection.
- 7th Street BurgerRestaurant · East VillageThis gives the burger a crispy caramelized taste, starkly contrasting the thick meaty patties most burger joints serve.
- Au ChevalRestaurant · TribecaOptional (but not really optional) is the addition of a thick slice of bacon, I suggest going that route.
- Bowery Meat CompanyRestaurant · East VillagePaying tribute to the restaurant’s commitment to innovation, there’s no denying this one of the best burgers in New York City.
- Corner BistroRestaurant · West VillageIt’s a classic American burger that never fails to satisfy a serious craving.
- EmilyRestaurant · West Village & BrooklynWhat 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.
- Gramercy TavernRestaurant · GramercyThankfully the burger punches above its weight, so the slight oversight is easy to forgive.
- JG MelonRestaurant · Upper East SideFormer mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
- Minetta TavernRestaurant · West VillageThe burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, earning it a spot on our list of the best burgers in New York City.
- Peter LugerRestaurant · WilliamsburgA 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.
- Peter McManus CafeBar · ChelseaBetter still, the vibes at Peter McManus can’t be beat.
- Red Hook TavernRestaurant · Red HookRed Hook Tavern is reason alone to trek to Red Hook, this my favorite burger in NYC.
- Suprema ProvisionsRestaurant · West VillageSupreme Provision’s iteration of the burger makes it apparent classics can be improved on, to the shock of those resistant to change.
- Black Iron BurgerRestaurant · East VillageThere’s no drying that Black Iron churns out some of the most creative burgers in New York City.
- NowonRestaurant · East VillageI’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.
- PJ Clarke'sRestaurant · MidtownThis beloved New York City burger isn’t flashy or extravagant, just so damn good.
On the map
Where they are.
10 neighborhoods, West Village and East Village most of all.
Chelsea
Gramercy
Midtown
Red Hook
Tribeca
Upper East Side
West Village & Brooklyn
Williamsburg
4 Charles Prime Rib
Restaurant · West Village · 4 Charles St., New York, NY
You have the option to add egg and bacon as well, the combination of which is nothing short of perfection.
7th Street Burger
Restaurant · East Village
This gives the burger a crispy caramelized taste, starkly contrasting the thick meaty patties most burger joints serve.
Au Cheval
Restaurant · Tribeca · 33 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY
Optional (but not really optional) is the addition of a thick slice of bacon, I suggest going that route.
Bowery Meat Company
Restaurant · East Village · 9 East 1st St, New York, NY
Paying tribute to the restaurant’s commitment to innovation, there’s no denying this one of the best burgers in New York City.
Corner Bistro
Restaurant · West Village · 331 West 4th Street, New York, NY
It’s a classic American burger that never fails to satisfy a serious craving.
Emily
Restaurant · West Village & Brooklyn
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.
Gramercy Tavern
Restaurant · Gramercy · 42 E 20th St, New York, NY
Thankfully the burger punches above its weight, so the slight oversight is easy to forgive.
JG Melon
Restaurant · Upper East Side · 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY
Former mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
Minetta Tavern
Restaurant · West Village · 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY
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.
Peter Luger
Restaurant · Williamsburg · 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
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.
Peter McManus Cafe
Bar · Chelsea · 152 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10011
Better still, the vibes at Peter McManus can’t be beat.
Red Hook Tavern
Restaurant · Red Hook · 329 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY
Red Hook Tavern is reason alone to trek to Red Hook, this my favorite burger in NYC.
Suprema Provisions
Restaurant · West Village · 305 Bleecker St, New York, NY
Supreme Provision’s iteration of the burger makes it apparent classics can be improved on, to the shock of those resistant to change.
Black Iron Burger
Restaurant · East Village
There’s no drying that Black Iron churns out some of the most creative burgers in New York City.
Nowon
Restaurant · East Village · 507 E 6th St, New York, NY
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.
PJ Clarke's
Restaurant · Midtown
This beloved New York City burger isn’t flashy or extravagant, just so damn good.
Best burgers in New York, 2026
The seal
If you're on this list, this is yours.
I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.
Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.
The files
SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark
SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.
Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 18 Best Burgers in New York City (Ranked).
