The 16 best burgers in NYC right now

Why we love it: Co-owner of Deux Luxe Carrie Denoyer once told me she wasn't the biggest burger person. But then I wondered, how did her Westchester eatery, Café Deux, earn the title of Best Wagyu Burger in Westchester by Westchester Magazine? For Denoyer, it is all about the ingredients. Stripping away the saucy this, and the topping that, Denoyer and her sister Charlotte started with a good basis for their burger. And that base is Wagyu. Around it, they built The Classic, a two Wagyu patty stacked burger with just the right amount of pink in the middle. Its layers spill with cheddar cheese that melts over it all and a thick aioli that is nice and heavy on the garlic. Lettuce? Tomato? It is simply not needed here. 

Time Out tip: You can get a small version if little ones are in tow, as The Classic Jr only comes with one patty. 

Address: 384 Broome St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 11:30am–10pm; Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-midnight 

Why we love it: A little exclusivity never hurt nobody. Which is a bit of Crane Club's whole deal, as the dramatic dining hall from TAO Group Hospitality also functions as one of Chelsea's members-only clubs. But the burger is for all, if you can catch it. You see, chef Melissa Rodriguez only cooks 12 burgers a night, but you won't find it on the menu. Come to the bar between the tight window of 5:30-6pm and ask for the Crane Club Burger. Those who seek will be rewarded with a dry-aged patty, so thick and perfectly pink in the inside, its juices bleed into the bun with every bite. 

Time Out tip: Order one of the condiments to finish off the fries, like the buttery Sauce Choron. 

Address: 85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5–10pm​; Thu–Sat 5–11pm

Why we love it: Recently named as "one of the best gas station restaurants across America," Smacking Burger serves primo patties in the same place you get petrol. Smacking Burger's claim to fame is the smash burger, and The Big Smack does it up right with two griddled patties that have onions pressed right into the beef. Its combination of melty American cheese and a generous squirt of their tangy Smack sauce can leave your hands quite greasy, so just remember some napkins on the way out.

Time Out tip: There is a small corner outside with benches and standing tables for eating. But Jackson Square—well, it is shaped more like a triangle—is right across the street if you'd rather not eat where people pump their gas. 

Address: 51-63 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–11pm; Fri, Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–11pm

Why we love it: George Motz’s new burger joint was an instant—sorry—smash. At just $7.25, his smash burgers are piled with onions and gooey American cheese to create the next big thing between buns. Motz is considered a hamburger expert, or “hamburgerologist,” and he traveled the globe to discover his ideal version. He found it in Oklahoma, where they specialize in the fried-onion burgers that he’s serving up to delighted New Yorkers. Belly up to the griddle, crack a cold High Life and join the crowds being transported to the Sooner State via MacDougal Street.  

Time Out tip: If you need a lil something sweet after all that meaty goodness, get a slice of pie (key lime, chocolate cream or pumpkin) to go. 

Address: 155 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm;  Sun 11am 10pm

Why we love it: Named one of the best burgers in the world is Sip & Guzzle’s take on a burger. And with executive chef Mike Bagale behind it, formerly of Alinea fame, you are getting more than just a tavern take. Bagale starts with a grind of A5 Wagyu bound with a cured Jidori egg yolk, giving unctuous meaty flavor that quite literally melts in the mouth. Its richness is balanced with a binchotan-smoked and lightly fermented cabbage slaw and a housemade Parmesan “Kraft single” that oozes out when bites are taken. Its sesame-studded potato bun crown from Breads Bakery is made even more special, as it's brushed with dry-aged beef tallow. 

Time Out tip: Only 12 are made a day, and it can only be found at Guzzle's bar. 

Address: 29 Cornelia Street, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Guzzle Sun–Thu 4pm–1am; Wed–Sat 4pm–2am; Sip Sun–Tue 5p–1am; Wed–Sat 5pm–2am

Why we love it: One of New York City's best bars also serves terrific food, and the L.I. burger's right up there. A dry-aged beef patty duo is joined by pickles, cheese, fancy sauce and—get this—fries. Reserving a spot in one of the restaurant's many booths near the front or tables around the corner is a nice reprieve for a late night meal.  

Time Out tip: They do cocktails up here nice, so a burger with a martini sounds just about right. 

Address: 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat, Sun 2pm–midnight 

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Why we love it: When Red Hook Tavern first opened its doors in 2019, it had the best new burger in New York City. The quarter fat, dry-aged NY strip and chuck patty is griddled to medium rare, and sandwiched between raw white onion, American cheese and an Italian-style bun of secret origin. The accompanying few wedge fries are merely the notion of a side, but the burger is so good you might not mind a paucity of pommes. 

Time Out tip: Reservations tend to disappear rather quickly on Resy, so time it out when tables open two weeks in advance. If you show up reservation-less, be prepared to wait at the line forming out the door. 

Address: 329 Van Brunt St, New York, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 5–9:30pm; Lunch Thu–Sun noon–2:45pm

Why we love it: A late-night burger can spell the difference between morbidly hungover or feeling "just okay" the next morning. But a burger that cures what ails you and tastes good in the process? It is a win-win. 7th Street Burger's offerings from the grill easily fall in the latter category as its tight menu of burgers gives you quality, beefy bites in a smashing package. The Spicy Jalapeño Burger is properly spicy, as its jalapeños and ghost pepper sauce if felt on the lips and then all over the tongue. It is also a relatively greasy food that will get on your hands by the end of it. Luckily, most locations have some type of seating to throw it back in lieu of streetside eating.

Time Out tip: Cull the full intensity of the burn by getting a Mexican Coca-Cola from the cold fridge. 

Address: Multiple locations

Why we love it: Minetta Tavern's Black Label burger is a mélange of prime, dry-aged beef cuts topped with caramelized onions on a buttered bun. It’s taste? As tender and fatty as foie gras and as intensely flavored as an aged porterhouse. At $31, it is one of the city’s very best—we’ll leave it to you to decide whether it’s worth the price tag.

Time Out tip: The tavern reads like a time capsule as Keith McNally sought to restore over redo the space, as old black and white snapshots from years long past still sit on the walls. Admire them as your drink in the history. 

Address: 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Lunch Daily Wed–Fri noon–3:30pm; Dinner Daily 5–11pm; Supper Daily 11pm–midnight; Brunch Sat, Sun 11am–3:30pm

Why we love it: It would kind of be sacrilegeous if chef Jae Lee didn't bring his double-stacked smash burger to Bushwick, now wouldn't it? But breathe easy, the kimchi heavy creation made famous in the East Village made its way across the bridge too. All poised on a sesame studded milk bun, the legendary burger features kimchi two ways—one, griddled and caramelized, the other blended down into a bright orange aioli that brings even more ferment-y goodness to it all. 

Time Out tip: Need a side? Skip the Garlic Honey Butter Tots and go for the Chopped Cheese Rice Cakes. Yes, it will double the carbs, beef and cheese of the table, but a little QQ texture? Might as well splurge. 

Address: 507 E 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 10009

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–11pm; Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 2–11pm 

Why we love it: Gertrude’s manages to pull off feeling both familiar and spectacular—much like the celeb we spotted beside us in a booth the last time we dined there. Even non-stars can enjoy the spot’s crispy patty on a toasted milk bun roll at this scene-y spot, where they pile it high with onions, Swiss cheese and a healthy serving of special sauce.

Time Out tip: The burger is served with thin and crispy fries, which are always served pale, although you can swap them for a side of latkes for another $5.

Address: 605 Carlton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm; Brunch Sat, Sun 9:30am–3pm

Why we love it: We are always a sucker for kicking it old school, and no one quite does it like J.G. Melon. The burger keeps a basic build, as the open faced-sandwich comes to the table with a slap of American cheese and a plate of pickles and red onions to pile on as you like. It doesn't come with the cottage fries, but we say it is worth the $8 spend.

Time Out tip: J.G. Melon doesn't take reservations, so people have a tendecy to pile up outside. Putting your name down and crossing the street to Breads Bakery for a coffee and some babka while you wait isn't the worst thing in the world.  

Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–3am; Sun 11:30am–1am

Why we love it: On the fast-foodier end of the spectrum, Blue Collar Burger’s flat-top cheeseburgers perfect the form. A brisket blend is smashed and crowned with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onions and special sauce on a potato bun. It’s also available as a double, with or without American cheese. Even better, it's available for $8.25. 

Time Out tip: Go for an iconic pairing and get a spun-up milkshake with your burger. Go for a classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry or a Nutella and peanut butter. 

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Bushwick, Cobble Hill, Greenpoint and Williamsburg 

Why we love it: After years of limited availability, the burger au poivre has finally made a permanent appearance at brunch. It's topped with Saint-André cheese and cornichons and plated with a pile of pommes frites. The restaurant famously formerly only made a dozen a day, and only served them at the bar, so the burger’s spot on Raoul’s brunch menu is kind of a big deal.

Time Out tip: Class it up and get a glass of bubbles with your burger. The Crémant de Bourgogne served at brunch comes in at $17. 

Address: 180 Prince St, New York NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–11pm; Sat, Sun 11 am–3 pm, 5–11pm

Why we love it: Hospitality superstar Julie Reiner (Clover Club, Leyenda) took over the space that operated under the same name at this Soho address for many happily-received decades. Milady’s 2.0 bears little resemblance to the original, but it’s a great spot in its own right. Sip a terrific martini with a double burger, stacked with smashed patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese and party sauce. 

Time Out tip: Come early for HH for a $14 50/50 Martini. 

Address: 160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon 4pm–midnight; Tue–Thu and Sun noon–midnight; 12am; Fri, Sat noon–2am

Why we love it: Also one of NYC's best steakhouses, some say Luger's best item is its burger. Like many things, it might just depend on the day, but it's always assembled with more than half a pound of beef. Add American cheese, at least, and consider the bacon for one indulgent dish.

Time Out tip: A burger and a beer? A match made in heaven. And lucky for you, Peter Luger's has its own beer: the Luger Lager made in conjunction with Threes Brewing.

Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 11:45am–9:45pm

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