The hamburger is an American classic, and along with many other foods, New York City has managed to give it a unique spin. You’ll find countless burger joints across the Big Apple, from tiny neighborhood bistros to popular chain restaurants with lines out the door. We’re here to take you on a tour of the city and show you some of our favorite places to get a hamburger, plus tips on what style of burger to try and where to go to avoid standing in line! Without further ado, here our top 10 burgers in New York City!
1. Shake Shack
Shake Shack in Madison Square Park serves some of the most popular burgers in New York City! (Photo credit: Chelsea Nesvig via Flickr)
Shake Shack has become an institution in New York City following its founding by Danny Meyer in 2004. The popular burger joint started as just one diner in Madison Square Park, but nowadays you can find Shake Shack locations throughout the city. Make a trek to the original Shake Shack in the park to try your first Shake Shack burger. Every patty is made with all-natural Angus beef to help you taste its quality. Try the SmokeShack Burger with a delectable milkshake, or the ‘Shroom Burger is a great vegetarian option!
The Shake Shack in the Flatiron District’s Madison Square Park is known for having long lines. It’s open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., and going early in the morning or late in the evening will minimize your wait time. If you go in the evening, the nearby rooftop bar 230 Fifth is an excellent spot for some after-dinner drinks. Check out our top 5 rooftop bars in New York City for more rooftop ideas!
2. Corner Bistro
Corner Bistro on West 4th Street & Jane Street calls itself “the last bohemian bar in West Greenwich Village,” and you’ll know why the minute you set foot in this old-school bar. The neighborhood staple has been around for several decades and keeps things simple as a place to unwind with a beer and a burger. Be sure to order the Bistro Burger, which is topped with all-American cheddar cheese and bacon. The Corner Bistro is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. during the week and opens at 12:00 p.m. on Sundays. Despite its long hours, lines are common, so we would advise avoiding regular lunch and dinner hours.
3. Five Napkin Burger
The Five Napkin Burger started out as just a dish in an Upper West Side restaurant. It proved to be so popular that creators Andy D’Amico and Simon Oren decided to partner with Robert Guarino to build an entirely new restaurant around the famed burger, which became 5 Napkin Burger on 44th Street & 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. Besides the famous burger, which is made with fresh-ground chuck, the chic burger bistro also offers tasty and unexpected dishes like sushi. Five Napkin Burger has several locations in New York City, but the original Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is the place to go for an authentic entrepreneurial experience. The bistro is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.
4. JG Melon
JG Melon was established in 1972 on 74th Street & 3rd Avenue in the Upper East Side by owners Jack O’Neil and George Mourges (lending their initials, JG, to the restaurant’s name). This burger bar is somewhat out of place in the reputably chic neighborhood of Yorkville. For one thing, the décor has a lot of melon motifs. For another, the burger bar has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, which makes it a great place to gather with friends. The menu is typically American, and the Bacon Cheeseburger is simply divine. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. every day.
5. Burger Joint
This diner on 56th Street & 6th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is definitely one to try. This tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant is inside the Le Parker Meridien hotel, which can be somewhat misleading, but you’ll easily find the neon sign in the lobby! Once inside, you can choose from a small menu that centers on simple, perfected hamburgers or cheeseburgers. The diner is open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
6. Bill’s Bar and Burger
Despite being relatively new to New York City’s burger scene, Bill’s Bar and Burger is quickly making a name for itself. The restaurant at Rockefeller Center is ideally located in Midtown Manhattan and boasts a staggering 400 seats, so you can be fairly sure you won’t have to stand in line! Bill’s Bar and Burger offers deliciously fresh burgers, fries, and shakes. Try the Fat Cat Burger, or for a tasty vegetarian alternative, the Market Veggie Burger. This is also a great family restaurant to which you can take the kids. Try for lunch or dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
7. BLT Burger
BLT Burger is a breath of fresh air. The spacious restaurant on 11th Street & 6th Avenue in the West Village is never too crowded, making it a great place for both lunch and dinner. The menu is known for variety, ranging from a basic Classic Burger to a superb Steakhouse Burger. BLT Burger also offers spiked milkshakes, a novelty for those with a sweet tooth during happy hour! The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Note: As of July 2019, BLT Burger is permanently closed.
8. Bareburger
Bareburger began as a concept in 2002, when Euripedes Pelekanos, owner of the music venue Sputnik in Brooklyn, started serving all-natural organic burgers to his patrons. They were an instant hit, and the first Bareburger restaurant opened in Astoria, Queens, in 2009. There are now several locations across the city. The Bareburger restaurant at LaGuardia Place & Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village offers all the best things from the chain: solid organic ingredients, exotic meats and flavors, and a modern diner experience with a dine-in porch as an added bonus. The Supreme Burger is a solid option for fans of a classic beef burger, and the onion rings are crisp and delicious. Vegetarians and vegans can eat well at Bareburger too! Locations are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
9. Burger & Barrel
The Burger & Barrel Wine Pub is headed by chef Josh Capon and has a more upscale atmosphere for a burger joint. The restaurant at West Houston Street & Mercer Street in SoHo is a great spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner alike. Be sure to look for the autographed wine bottles on display on the ledges! Besides burgers, the pub has a varied menu and an extensive wine list. The onion & bacon jam adds an extra-special touch to the Bash Style Burger, which is served for lunch and dinner.
To learn more about the bustling neighborhood where you can find Burger & Barrel, check out our video tour of SoHo. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a central place to stay during your visit to the city, check out our New York vacation rental apartments! These apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, so you’ll be able to try your hand at cooking a New York City-style burger!
10. Serendipity 3
The last restaurant of our list is arguably the most famous. Serendipity 3 (or Serendipity III) opened at 60th Street & 3rd Avenue in the Upper East Side under the supervision of Stephen Bruce in 1954. The famed restaurant has seen many celebrities pass through its doors, including Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol. It was also featured in its namesake movie Serendipity. Serendipity 3 is famous for its desserts, but the hamburger menu is surprisingly varied. You can’t go wrong with a classic Hamburger with Chili, and be sure to try the celebrated Frrrozen Hot Chocolate for dessert. With a place this popular, it’s no surprise that there are often long lines, so try to go between rush hours to beat the crowds.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of our favorite burger restaurants in New York City! What’s your favorite spot to get a burger?
wow…It looks so yummy and delicious. I like to eat the burgers and hamburger too. Thanks a lot for sharing the tips. Its very informative for me. I will also share it with my friends.