Last updated: 2026-03-02
1

Burger Joint

Midtown ★★★★½ 4.8 $$

Hidden behind a curtain in the Le Méridien hotel. Cash only, no-frills, perfect burger. NYC's worst-kept secret.

2

J.G. Melon

Upper East Side ★★★★½ 4.7 $$

Old-money UES institution. The cottage fries and a burger at the bar is a New York rite of passage.

3

Corner Bistro

West Village ★★★★½ 4.6 $

The Bistro Burger at midnight after three beers is a religious experience. Been serving since 1961.

4

Peter Luger

Williamsburg ★★★★½ 4.7 $$$

Yes, the steakhouse. The lunch burger is made from their dry-aged trimmings and costs a fraction of dinner.

5

Emmy Squared

Williamsburg ★★★★½ 4.6 $$

Detroit-style pizza place with a burger that overshadows the pizza. The Le Big Matt is a double smash masterpiece.

6

Au Cheval NYC

TriBeCa ★★★★½ 4.5 $$$

Chicago import that lives up to the hype. The single is a double, the double is absurd. Egg on top, always.

7

Shake Shack (Madison Sq)

Flatiron ★★★★ 4.3 $$

The original location in Madison Square Park. Tourist trap? Maybe. Still a damn good ShackBurger.

8

Donovan's Pub

Woodside, Queens ★★★★½ 4.5 $$

Queens institution since 1966. No menu — just tell them how you want your burger cooked. Served on a plate, nothing else.

9

Superiority Burger

East Village ★★★★½ 4.4 $

Veggie burger that converts carnivores. Brooks Headley (former Del Posto pastry chef) makes vegetables taste like sin.

10

7th Street Burger

East Village ★★★★ 4.3 $

Smash burger upstart that's earned its spot. Crispy edges, American cheese, special sauce. No gimmicks needed.

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