Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Burger Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Burger Lovers
1. J.G. Melon
An Upper East Side institution since the 1970s, J.G. Melon is the platonic ideal of a classic NYC pub burger. The no-frills patty, toasted bun, and crisp cottage fries arrive fast in a room buzzing with regulars and old-school charm.
✓ Why Go:
For purists who want a perfectly seasoned, straightforward burger that defines New York comfort food.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch on weekdays (2–4 pm) to dodge peak dinner waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for extra pickles and order the cottage fries well-done for maximum crunch.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the consistency and nostalgic vibe—many call it their gold-standard NYC burger.
2. Minetta Tavern
Minetta’s famed Black Label Burger blends prime dry-aged cuts into a deeply beefy, luxurious patty. Served in a vintage Greenwich Village dining room, it feels like a special-occasion burger without losing its tavern soul.
✓ Why Go:
To taste a benchmark dry-aged burger that many consider among the city’s best.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner (5–6 pm) or a late-night seating to avoid the prime-time crush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order medium-rare to showcase the dry-aged flavor; add the caramelized onions for a sweet-savory lift.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely praised for depth of flavor and impeccable execution; reservations are worth it.
3. Corner Bistro
A West Village stalwart where the Bistro Burger—thick, juicy, and unfussy—pairs perfectly with a cold beer. The wood-paneled room and late hours make it a classic nightcap stop for burger lovers.
✓ Why Go:
For an old-New-York burger experience that’s generous, affordable, and satisfying at any hour.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night (after 10 pm) or mid-afternoon to skip lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a booth in the back for quicker service and add bacon and American for the house combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its value and nostalgia—fans call it a quintessential NYC burger.
4. Burger Joint
Hidden behind curtains off 56th Street, this throwback spot slings smash-style burgers with griddled edges and melty cheese. Graffiti-covered walls and a concise menu keep the focus squarely on the burger.
✓ Why Go:
For the fun, speakeasy-esque vibe and a reliably tasty classic cheeseburger in Midtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midweek lunch before noon or after 2 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Know your order at the counter—‘ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions’ is the house default for speed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the hidden-in-plain-sight feel and quick, craveable bites.
5. Emily
Clinton Hill’s Emily is famous for the Emmy Burger: dry-aged beef, EMMY sauce, caramelized onions, Grafton cheddar, and a pretzel bun. It’s a sweet-salty-umami bomb that launched a thousand copycats.
✓ Why Go:
To try a chef-driven burger that balances bold flavors with indulgent textures.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weekdays; weekend openings can fill fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the Emmy Burger and a Detroit-style pizza to sample the house hits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans gush about the pretzel bun and sauce combo—many call it a destination burger.
6. Peter Luger Steak House
At this legendary Williamsburg steakhouse, the lunch-only burger uses dry-aged steak trimmings for serious beef flavor. No frills, just phenomenal meat on a soft bun with classic toppings.
✓ Why Go:
For a steakhouse-level burger that channels Luger’s dry-aging expertise.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch (open to 3 pm typically) to catch the burger menu.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add thick-cut bacon on the side and crown your burger with a slice.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Burger aficionados call it a bucket-list midday meal—simple and unforgettable.
7. Shake Shack Madison Square Park
The original Shack in Madison Square Park turned NYC onto modern fast-casual burgers with craggy-edged patties and pillowy buns. The leafy park setting adds picnic charm to a quick-serve classic.
✓ Why Go:
To taste the OG ShackBurger where the phenomenon started.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays; winter months mean shorter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mobile-order for pickup and snag a bench on the park’s north side for shade.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the setting and consistency—many say it’s a must on a first NYC trip.
8. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
SoHo’s Black Tap pairs juicy burgers with over-the-top ‘CrazyShakes’ in a lively, industrial space. Despite the spectacle, the burgers hold their own with quality beef and well-balanced toppings.
✓ Why Go:
For a fun, photo-friendly burger stop that still prioritizes flavor.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons between lunch and dinner to avoid weekend queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic All-American and share one CrazyShake for the table.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved; diners praise the balance of hype and taste.
9. Superiority Burger
This East Village icon reimagines the veggie burger with texture and flavor that win over carnivores. The expanded space keeps its punk-spirited creativity while showcasing seasonal, produce-forward sides.
✓ Why Go:
To experience a plant-based burger that’s a culinary achievement, not a compromise.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights right at open to secure a seat; weekends get busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair the namesake burger with whatever seasonal salad is on the board for contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A cult favorite lauded for originality—many say it changed their mind about veggie burgers.
10. Au Cheval
The Chicago import’s Tribeca outpost serves a glossy, double-patty burger layered with cheese and Dijonnaise on a soft bun. It’s rich, messy, and meticulously engineered for maximum satisfaction.
✓ Why Go:
For a modern classic that’s often cited among America’s best burgers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner on weekdays; expect a wait during peak hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add thick-cut bacon and a fried egg for the full Au Cheval experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly rated for its indulgent bite and consistency—worth the line for many.
