New York
The Best Burgers in New York City
Discover New York's finest burgers, as recommended by culinary experts.
Tracing its origins to the bustling docks of early 19th century New York and evolving through iconic establishments, the hamburger has become a quintessential part of the city's food scene, leading us to curate this list of New York's best burgers, ranging from timeless classics to innovative new takes. From the world-famous dry-aged Emmy burger at Emily to the classic institution that is JG Melon, we have only included our favorites on this list. Katz's Deli, although also offering great burgers, is primarily known for their pastrami sandwiches, which anyone looking for something different should try.
As is custom with World of Mouth, all picks are based on recommendations from top chefs and food writers like Gaggan Anand and David P. Leja. So if you're on the hunt for the best burger in New York, any of these spots will guarantee a treat you won't forget soon.
Emily is a restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas, the acclaimed Emmy burger, and other delicious dishes like chicken wings. The Emmy burger, a customer favorite, is made with Pat LaFrieda dry-aged beef, EMMY sauce, caramelized onion, Grafton cheddar, all on a pretzel bun. The restaurant also offers a variety of pizzas, from classic to white pizzas with unique toppings like pistachio and truffle sottocenere.
Recommended by
Emily could be considered a pizzeria, but actually they are famous for their burger! During the week they only offer 25 burgers which pretty much sell out in the first hour of opening and during the weekend brunch, they offer unlimited amounts.We went for the weekend brunch to not risk being left out without the famous Emmy Burger, and we can confirm this is in our opinion the best burger on earth!The Emmy burger looks like this: Pat LaFrieda dry-aged beef, EMMY sauce, caramelized onion, Grafton cheddar and all this on a pretzel bun!
JG Melon, established in 1972, is a favorite spot for late-night burgers on the Upper East Side. The menu features a range of dishes including hearty burgers, chili, sandwiches, and fries, all complemented by a selection of cocktails. Please note, only cash payments are accepted at this establishment.
Recommended by
JG Melon on Upper East Side is great for very drunk midnight burgers. It’s been around since 1972 serving burgers, chili, sandwiches, fries and cocktails. Payment by cash only. When you’re drunk this is the best burger place!
Burger Joint, nestled in the lobby of the renowned Thompson Central Park, serves up some of the best burgers in Manhattan. Contrary to typical luxury hotel fare, this spot boasts a relaxed atmosphere with graffiti-covered wood paneling and affordable vinyl seating. Just a stone's throw from Central Park, this hidden gem offers an original old fast food experience.
Recommended by
Katz's Delicatessen, a renowned NYC deli, is famed for its colossal pastrami on rye, often regarded as a city staple. This iconic establishment has been serving up quintessential Jewish comfort food for over a century, with a menu that includes a rich matzo ball soup and crunchy pickles. Despite the long wait, customers consistently recommend the Pastrami Reuben, describing it as an unforgettable sandwich experience.
Recommended by
Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best.For over a century, this iconic restaurant has been serving up New York City’s quintessential Jewish comfort food. Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best. Tourist trap or not, this is a pretty damn good sandwich. Other items on the menu include the corned beef sandwich, a rich matzo ball soup, and crunchy pickles.
Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg is a go-to spot for brunch enthusiasts, well-known for its legendary pancakes and a wide variety of egg dishes like omelettes and shakshuka. This restaurant also offers a selection of cocktails, complementing their brunch menu. Providing a comfortable atmosphere, Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg is open seven days a week, with extended hours for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Recommended by
Brunch, eggs, and legendary pancakes!Sunday in Brooklyn on Wythe Avenue serves pancakes that are legendary, with good reason. Plenty of brunch egg dishes, like omelettes and shakshuka. Cocktails, too.
Emily is a restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas, the acclaimed Emmy burger, and other delicious dishes like chicken wings. The Emmy burger, a customer favorite, is made with Pat LaFrieda dry-aged beef, EMMY sauce, caramelized onion, Grafton cheddar, all on a pretzel bun. The restaurant also offers a variety of pizzas, from classic to white pizzas with unique toppings like pistachio and truffle sottocenere.
Recommended by
Emily could be considered a pizzeria, but actually they are famous for their burger! During the week they only offer 25 burgers which pretty much sell out in the first hour of opening and during the weekend brunch, they offer unlimited amounts.We went for the weekend brunch to not risk being left out without the famous Emmy Burger, and we can confirm this is in our opinion the best burger on earth!The Emmy burger looks like this: Pat LaFrieda dry-aged beef, EMMY sauce, caramelized onion, Grafton cheddar and all this on a pretzel bun!
JG Melon, established in 1972, is a favorite spot for late-night burgers on the Upper East Side. The menu features a range of dishes including hearty burgers, chili, sandwiches, and fries, all complemented by a selection of cocktails. Please note, only cash payments are accepted at this establishment.
Recommended by
JG Melon on Upper East Side is great for very drunk midnight burgers. It’s been around since 1972 serving burgers, chili, sandwiches, fries and cocktails. Payment by cash only. When you’re drunk this is the best burger place!
Burger Joint, nestled in the lobby of the renowned Thompson Central Park, serves up some of the best burgers in Manhattan. Contrary to typical luxury hotel fare, this spot boasts a relaxed atmosphere with graffiti-covered wood paneling and affordable vinyl seating. Just a stone's throw from Central Park, this hidden gem offers an original old fast food experience.
Recommended by
Katz's Delicatessen, a renowned NYC deli, is famed for its colossal pastrami on rye, often regarded as a city staple. This iconic establishment has been serving up quintessential Jewish comfort food for over a century, with a menu that includes a rich matzo ball soup and crunchy pickles. Despite the long wait, customers consistently recommend the Pastrami Reuben, describing it as an unforgettable sandwich experience.
Recommended by
Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best.For over a century, this iconic restaurant has been serving up New York City’s quintessential Jewish comfort food. Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best. Tourist trap or not, this is a pretty damn good sandwich. Other items on the menu include the corned beef sandwich, a rich matzo ball soup, and crunchy pickles.
Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg is a go-to spot for brunch enthusiasts, well-known for its legendary pancakes and a wide variety of egg dishes like omelettes and shakshuka. This restaurant also offers a selection of cocktails, complementing their brunch menu. Providing a comfortable atmosphere, Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg is open seven days a week, with extended hours for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Recommended by
Brunch, eggs, and legendary pancakes!Sunday in Brooklyn on Wythe Avenue serves pancakes that are legendary, with good reason. Plenty of brunch egg dishes, like omelettes and shakshuka. Cocktails, too.
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