Top 10 burgers in New York City

The hamburger is a real American classic, and like so many other foods, the Big Apple has managed to own it. You’ll find endless burger joints across New York City, from tiny family-run bistros to popular chain restaurants – there’s a burger to suit every taste, with almost every imaginable combination of toppings to choose from.  Here’s our mouth-watering list of top 10 burgers in New York City.

1. Five Napkin Burger
Besides the famous burger, made with freshly ground meat, the chic burger bistro also offers other favourites like sushi. You can find Five Napkin Burger in several locations, but the original Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is the place to go for a local restaurant experience.  It is dripping with juice (hence a “five napkin burger”) and slathered with melting gruyere cheese, onions and rosemary aioli.

2. Shake Shack
Shake Shack serves some of the most popular burgers in New York City, with many locations dotted across the city. Each patty is made with all-natural Angus beef, and served with crisp French fries. Try the SmokeShack Burger (approx. $8.80 for a double) together with a deliciously thick milkshake. The ‘Shroom Burger (approx. $6.85) is a great vegetarian option if you’re not a big meat eater.

3. Corner Bistro
New Yorkers have been sinking their teeth into this half-pound favourite for nearly 50 years and its popularity isn’t slowing down. It’s a great place to unwind and tuck in to a beer and a burger. Get the Bistro Burger (approx. $8.75), topped with all-American cheddar cheese, sliced tomato, iceberg lettuce and tangles of yummy deep-fried bacon (approx. $8.90).

4. JG Melon
This is about as simple as burgers get, but looks can be deceiving – it’s a stand-out burger nonetheless. Several ounces of coarsely ground, loosely packed beef, with its succulent juices break through the griddled crust. The meat is complemented by slices of raw red onion, pickles and melted American cheese. Divine!

5. Burger Joint
If you’re a true burger-lover, this one is not to miss. Located in Le Parker Meridien, it's a tiny burger spot that keeps it simple: burgers, fries, soft drinks. Simple, delicious, old-fashioned burgers are what you’ll find at Burger Joint in New York City. Choose from a small menu that centres on a regular Hamburger (approx. $7.80) or Cheeseburger (approx. $8.30).

6. Bareburger
Bareburger offers all the best things from the chain: solid organic ingredients, exotic meats and flavours, and a modern diner experience with a lovely porch as an added bonus. The Supreme Burger (approx. $11.95) is a solid option if exotic meats are a little too much for you, and the onion rings are truly delicious. Bareburger also caters to Vegetarians and vegans.

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 variety of burgers on the menu is also fantastic, ranging from its superb Steakhouse Burger (approx. $18) to a delectable Classic Burger (approx. $9). Wash it all down with a classic BLT burger milkshake.

8. Bill’s Bar and Burger
A relatively new addition 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 400 seats, so you need not worry about waiting in line. Sink your teeth in to the Fat Cat Burger (approx. $8.95) for a burger with a crisp outer crust and pink, juicy centre, topped with sour pickles, American cheese, market lettuce, sliced tomato and a sesame-seed bun. For a tasty vegetarian alternative, the Market Veggie Burger (approx. $7.95) is a must-try.

9. Burger & Barrel
Besides burgers, the Burger & Barrel Wine Pub has a very varied menu and, of course, an extensive wine list – a great spot for brunch, lunch and dinner. The onion & bacon jam really adds something extra to the Bash Style Burger (approx. $16), which is a great choice for both lunch and dinner.

10. Whitman’s
This charmingly low-key East Village burger spot won fame for its Juicy Lucy; a burger with pimento cheese stuffed into the centre, resulting in a hot, gooey core. But Whitman’s other burgers are equally worth an order, such as its Upstate Burger, a simple but super-juicy creation with onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and special sauce. However, an little extra cheese never hurt anyone.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of our favourite burger restaurants in New York City! What’s your favourite burger joint?

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