Exploring the Best Burger Restaurants in New York City

As a Brit who has recently moved to New York City, one of the first things I was keen to explore were the local burger restaurants. After all, the Big Apple is renowned for its vibrant food scene, and it seemed the perfect way to get to grips with the city’s culture.

Since I’ve arrived, I’ve eaten my way through many of the best burger restaurants in NYC and can confidently say that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of traditional beef burgers, plant-based alternatives, or something a little more unusual, there’s a burger joint in NYC to suit all tastes.

Best Burger Joints in NYC

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is one of the most popular burger restaurants in NYC, and for good reason. Located throughout the city, Shake Shack offers simple yet delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. I particularly enjoy the ShackBurger – a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce.

Bareburger

Bareburger is perfect for those looking for an alternative to traditional beef burgers. With a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, Bareburger offers an extensive menu of plant-based burgers, as well as options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets. I always opt for the signature Bareburger, which is made with a Beyond Meat patty and topped with vegan cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion.

Burger & Lobster

Burger & Lobster is one of the newer burger restaurants in NYC and has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts. Offering a unique menu of burgers and lobster dishes, Burger & Lobster is a great spot for a special occasion. Although I usually opt for the Lobster Roll, the signature Burger & Lobster Burger is definitely worth a try. It consists of a juicy beef patty, lobster bisque, crispy lobster tail, and a creamy lobster mayo.

J.G. Melon

J.G. Melon is another classic burger joint in NYC. Established in 1972, this Upper East Side institution serves up some of the best burgers in the city. I usually go for the classic cheeseburger, made with a juicy beef patty, American cheese, tomato, onion, and a special Melon sauce – all served on a toasted brioche bun.

Emily

Emily is a popular restaurant chain in NYC, serving up burgers that are anything but ordinary. With unique creations like the Emmy Burger (topped with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, and a special mustard-mayo sauce) and the East Villain (topped with crispy onions, horseradish mayo, and American cheese), Emily’s burgers are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The Best Burger in NYC

Having tried many of the best burger restaurants in NYC, I can confidently say that my favorite is Shake Shack. The ShackBurger is a classic that never disappoints, and the quality and consistency of the food is always excellent.

I’ve also been particularly impressed by Bareburger, which offers a range of delicious plant-based burgers, as well as options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets. The signature Bareburger is particularly good and definitely worth trying.

Conclusions

New York City is home to an incredible array of burger restaurants, offering everything from classic beef burgers to plant-based alternatives. After extensive research, my top picks are Shake Shack, Bareburger, Burger & Lobster, J.G. Melon, and Emily. However, if I had to choose one, it would be Shake Shack – the ShackBurger is simply unbeatable.