The vast, ever-changing food metropolis of New York City has attracted the attention of people from far and wide to savour the taste of the city. New York is a melting pot of traditions, people and cultures and the culinary diversity depict this and is a hotbed of seasonal and locally sourced cuisine. There is a dish to cater to the varying tastes of its locals and tourists alike. New York City spreads an irresistible feast for all. The tantalising cuisine is matched by breathtaking scenery and settings from rooftop bars overlooking the city, little garden cafes in alleyways and an excellent selection of fine-dining restaurants. A visit to New York will not be complete without trying out its legendary burgers by restaurants who add their own twist to American classics, ensuring you enjoy flavour with every bite. Sink your teeth into your guide to the best burger places in New York City.
1. Bar Sardine
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
Discover the delicious offerings of Bar Sardine, which is a laid-back gastropub in the trendy West Village neighbourhood of New York City. Their selection of soulful burgers is matched with a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Couple your scrumptious food with a range of Old World Wines or try an eclectic mix of original cocktail with a twist. Pop in for a snack or for lunch, brunch or dinner and tantalise your taste buds to the vibrant flavours on offer. When you visit Bar Sardine, be sure to try the legendary Fedora Burger which is the crown jewel of the menu. The burger is smothered in a barbecue mayo sauce topped with smoked cheddar, thin crispy potatoes, onions and cucumbers. Other items on the menu include seafood entrees, oyster trough and much more. Bar Sardine offer vegetarian options like the Veggie Burger which includes raclette, pickled beets and green goddess.
Bar Sardine
Address: 183 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014
Website: Bar Sardine
2. 4 Charles Prime Rib
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tucked away in Manhattan’s West Village, savour the tastes of 4 Charles Prime Rib. As the name permits, the restaurants serve up hunks of meat, from hand-carved slices of prime rib, prime steaks to mouth-watering burgers. The design and décor of the restaurant interior pay homage to the historic building where it resides providing an intimate experience with friends and family. The warm, wood-panelled room is furnished with leather upholstery and vintage light fixtures and adorned with original artwork. Be sure to call way in advance for reservation as finding a spot at last minute will be difficult. Try the famed American Cheeseburger which most locals eat as an appetiser before moving onto prime rubs. The friendly staff would even cut the burger four ways for you to share with your group.
4 Charles Prime Rib
Address: 4 Charles St New York, NY 10014
Website: 4 Charles Prime Rib
3. Emily
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Emily’s is a swanky little restaurant teeming with charm and character. The warm hospitality of the staff will delight your heart and will warrant a second visit. The quaint atmosphere of the restaurant is accompanied by the soft sounds of music which linger creating a pleasant dining experience. While Emily is famed for its wood-fired pizzas, the delicious burgers should not be overlooked. Especially the Emmy Burger, which is served on a warm pretzel bun. The beef patty is topped with charred onion, melted cheddar and dripping orange “Emmy sauce”. Lip-smacking goodness.
Emily
Address: 35 Downing Street, New York, NY 10014
Website: Emily
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4. Emmy Squared
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Emmy Squared is the daughter restaurant of Emily and is a restaurant dedicated to serving pizzas, Detroit style. Emmy Squared pizzas are crammed with flavour from the first bite with a cheese fried crunch on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. However, Emmy Squared has a fine selection of burgers to tickle your taste buds. The Le Big Matt Burger is a gourmet burger comprising of two patties topped with cheese and sauce in a crispy pretzel bum. Alternatively, try the spicy chicken sandwich or a spicy meatball sandwich containing meatballs with melted cheese in a pretzel bun.
Emmy Squared
Address: 364 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Website: Emmy Squared
5. Diner Williamsburg
As the name permits, Diner has been designed to provide a traditional diner experience while delivering classic burgers worth your time. Diner was first opened in 1999 in a Pullman car from the twenties and has since captured the magic of the era with its low ceilings, narrow walkways and the waiters even scribble your order onto your butcher-paper tablecloth. Their thick burger patties lie in two soft buns topped with cheese and garnishes. The fries are simply the best additions to your burger.
Diner - Williamsburg
Address: 81 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11249
Website: Diner
6. Minetta Tavern

Minetta Tavern captures the look and feel and is a unique blend of a Parisian Steakhouse and a classic New York tavern. This restaurant has been awarded 1 Michelin Star and was originally opened in 1937. Be sure to sink your teeth into the Black Label Burger, arguably one of the meatiest burgers you will taste. The burger patty is a prime cut of dry-aged LaFrieda ribeye topped with caramelised onions on a lightly toasted brioche bun. Alternatively, try the Minetta Burger which is short rib brisket patty with caramelised onions and cheddar cheese.
Minetta Tavern
Address: 113 MACDOUGAL STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10012
Website: Minetta Tavern
7. Virginia's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make a reservation to visit Virginia’s, a swanky restaurant located in the heart of the East Village. The restaurant grants visitors a taste of Europe as the design is said to emulate a traditional European bistro while still reflecting the vibe of the spunky neighbourhood in which it is situated. The menu compliments the classy vibe with a seasonal twist on American classics. Do yourself a favour and try the Virginia Burger. This insanely rich burger is topped with Cabot Cheddar and Vidalia Onion Marmalade and is simply delicious.
Virginia's
Address: 647 E 11th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Website: Virginia's
8. Shake Shack, New York

Eat like the locals and grab a bite at the Shake Shack. This restaurant started as a hot dog cart serving the residents and tourists at Madison Square Park. Due to the popularity of this franchise, a permanent kiosk was opened in the park in 2004 serving scrumptious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custards and drinks to wash down the food and has been thriving ever since. Shake Shack aims to serve fresh, simple, high-quality versions of classics in picturesque settings. Shake Shack is environmentally friendly, and the burgers are 100% all-natural Angus beef. Shake Shack now offer vegetarian options for health-conscious customers.
Shake Shack
Address: Southeast corner of Madison Square Park (near Madison Avenue & E.23rd Street) & multiple other locations
Website: Shake Shack
9. Cafe Altro Paradiso
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Currently craving this frittata sandwich! Stop by for brunch today. We have heat lamps to keep you cozy outside. #altroparadiso #brunch
Posted by Café Altro Paradiso on Sunday, November 29, 2020
Located on the sunny corner of western SoHo, Café Altro Paradiso’s welcoming ambience and mouth-watering menu lure guests in to experience a stimulating New York dining experience. This café aims to provide warm hospitality from the moment you step into the restaurant coupled with a selection of dishes that is flavoursome. The café specialises in Italian cuisine but do offer burger options with an Italian twist like the Wagyu Burger. The burger contains caramelised radicchio, Gorgonzola and patate fritte.
Cafe Altro Paradiso
Address: 234 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Website: Cafe Altro Paradiso
10. Burger Joint

If you are in search of local hidden gems, then this restaurant definitely fits the bill. Burger Joint is located in the designer Le Parker Meridien hotels. You would need to walk past the receptions, continue through the dimly lit corridor and come across a neon hamburger sign. Guests are left captivated by the rustic charm of the restaurant which is complemented with lip-smacking burgers to sink your teeth into.
Burger Joint
Address: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Website: Burger Joint
Get a taste of New York City

Eat your heart out and experience the vibrant food scene of New York by trying the burgers of these top burger places in New York.
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