NYC burger REVIEWS

What I really think, in 200 words or less. Mostly fact, some opinion. 

Last update: April 2024

Contents

Au Cheval

NYC doesn’t have too many alleys, but it's fitting that this Chicago transplant found one. I’ve had this burger multiple times now - both in NYC and Chicago - and it always delivers. In fact, the first time, it left me speechless. 

• The Burger: Double Cheeseburger (Tier 1). Sharp American cheese, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise. The toasted, buttered brioche bun is the perfect vessel. Fries are not included, but a must add with a side of their dijonnaise.

• Pro Tip: Don’t add bacon or egg. The burger is perfection on its own and the additions make it too sloppy. It’s the same burger you’ll get in Chicago, but there the “Single Cheeseburger” comes with two patties. Hmm…

• The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. It’s $2.50 per person just for the right to make a reservation (really!?), but you can also walk in to sit at their bar for no fee. It’s a different vibe than the Chicago location providing an intimate and swanky setting. A must-do NYC experience. 

• The Location: Tribeca, Cortlandt Alley between Walker & White Streets.

Brindle Room

A hidden gem tucked away in the East Village. One of my all time favorites. 

• The Burger: Sebastian’s Steakhouse Burger (Tier 1). Caramelized onions and American cheese on a white bun. A 70/30 blend from dry-aged steak trimmings, the flavor is spot on. A traditional thick patty steakburger cooked so perfectly it melts in your mouth. 

• Pro Tip: No substitutions, order it how Chef Jeremy intended. Check out Guy Fieri’s review on Triple D. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: With Drinks. This is a versatile spot that fits into any category. A cozy, upscale casual neighborhood joint. Find your reason to check them out! 

• The Location: Alphabet City, 11th Street & Avenue C.

Ethyl’s Alcohol & Food

A disco bar that offers gogo dancing at night and one of the best burgers in the city.

• The Burger: Fi-Dolla Burger (Tier 1). American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and their signature gogo sauce on a Martin’s potato roll. I say, ditch the lettuce and tomato and add crispy onions. The meat boasts an ideal char that enhances the overall flavor profile with a satisfying balance of crispiness and juiciness. This is one of those burgers that’ll have you making noises with every bite - it’s that good!

• Pro Tip: Snag your burger during happy hour every Tues-Sun, 5-7pm (they open at 5pm and are closed Mondays). You’ll likely need two to fill you up. Singles > Doubles here…trust me. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: Dive. Come as you are, enjoy the disco ball and non-stop classic movies. Lava lamps and neon signs adorn the walls, and the music is always right.

• The Location: Upper East Side, Second Avenue & 85th Street.

George Motz - Pop Up

The burger GOAT. If you don’t know about George, now you know. He pops up all over the city and country, but you don’t need to wait for that to score his epic burger. Head over to his brick-and-mortar joint, Hamburger America, in SoHo for his famous Fried Onion Cheeseburger and more.  

• The Burger: Fried Onion Cheeseburger (Tier 1). AKA the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger. This burger’s smashed with a generous amount of onions and American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll with pickles on the side. A double burger is the way to go here, packing a punch of flavor. Wrapped up in paper, everything steams together perfectly.

• Pro Tip: Wait a beat to eat this after unwrapping, they come off the griddle screaming hot. Pop up tickets open for presale on Instagram with a pickup time so waits are minimal. Walk-ups are usually available, too. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: Pop Up. Always casual, usually at a restaurant or bar where you can eat/drink inside and also enjoy their menu items.

• The Location: Follow @motzburger to find out where and when.

Read my “Hamburger America” review here.

Gotham Burger Social Club - Pop Up

Probably the hottest burger in town over the past few years, and it’s on point. Busy, chaotic, fun, and delicious - all of the above. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s 2021 Burger Bash People’s Choice award winner. 

• The Burger: Gotham Smash Burger (Tier 1). Each patty is smashed with onions and topped with American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll. Pick your toppings, I say get them all - pickles, jalapenos, special sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard. I usually like my burgers simple, but these blend together perfectly. 

• Pro Tip: People show up to these pop ups. Be prepared for long lines, with wait times sometimes over an hour. Grab a cold one and relax. Shots are usually flowing from the GSBC team. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: Pop Up. Always casual, usually at a restaurant or bar where you can eat/drink inside and also enjoy their menu items.Often outside of Ray’s Bar in the LES.

• The Location: Follow @gothamburgersocialclub to find out where and when. LES, Essex Street & Rivington Street (coming soon).

Hamburger America

George Motz’s Hamburger America brings the essence of classic American burger culture to life. Go on a journey back in time where simplicity and tradition reign.

• The Burger: George Motz’s Fried Onion Burger / The Classic Smash Burger (Tier 1). The former, generously smashed with onions and topped with American cheese, is the house specialty, served with pickles on the side. The latter offered “all the way,” includes mustard, diced onion, crinkle-cut dill pickles, and American cheese. Both are served on a Martin’s potato roll atop perfectly sized white plates. They also feature monthly burger specials spotlighting regional favorites nationwide.

• Pro Tip: "The Chester,” their widely known secret menu item, is essentially a (delicious) patty melt. Yes, George mans the griddle here - primarily during lunch (but not daily). Ask to have your picture added to their Polaroid book!

• The Occasion & Vibe: At The Counter. Take a look inside with George. The space is bright, cozy, and warm and the staff are super attentive. I suggest sitting at the counter (all party members must be present for seating) or find tables upstairs. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, reminiscent of classic hamburger joints.

• The Location: SoHo, Houston Street & MacDougal Street.

Read my “George Motz - pop up” review here.

Minetta Tavern

Tucked away in Greenwich Village, Minetta Tavern delivers a burger experience that's truly iconic and lives up to the hype. It’ll set you back a bit, but it's worth every penny. 

• The Burger: Black Label Burger / Minetta Burger (Tier 1). Two featured burgers on the menu, and you can’t go wrong with either. The Black Label is a dry-aged blend cooked in tons of butter, topped with caramelized onions on a brioche bun. No cheese is needed, but you can add it if you like. The Minetta Burger features a different blend of meat with the same toppings and an added layer of Cheddar. Order them medium rare for a melt in your mouth bite, and skip the lettuce and tomato that the burger is paired with. 

• Pro Tip: Reservations book up almost immediately. The bar seating is first come first served and seats you shoulder to shoulder with your neighbor. Pair your burger with their outstanding cocktails for a complete dining experience.

• The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. The dimly lit tavern creates an intimate ambiance. Paired with its touch of old-world charm, it’s perfect for an upscale night out. 

• The Location: Greenwich Village, MacDougal Street & Minetta Lane.

Oh Boy

A cozy vibe meets upbeat energy at Oh Boy, a quintessential Brooklyn spot serving up coffee, food, and drinks in a charming atmosphere. 

• The Burger: Oh Boy Burger (Tier 1). A brisket short-rib beef blend double patty smashed with onion, American cheese, pickle, and Oh Boy sauce on a toasted Martin’s potato roll. It’s smashed super thin with just the right amount of onions, providing a nice crispy crunch and a hint of sweetness throughout. Thin and abundant pickles add a nice snap and acidity, while the Oh Boy sauce provides a zesty flavor and a subtle kick of heat. This double eats very light, incredibly easy to enjoy - the definition of a perfectly balanced smash burger.

• Pro Tip: You can order this burger in the morning; enjoy it with a coffee! Don't miss the full menu, especially the McGriddy.

• The Occasion & Vibe: Quick / Casual. Oh Boy is one-of-a-kind. Inside, small tables nestle among record jackets, polaroids, and plants. Outside, sidewalk seating and a shed offer a relaxed vibe. Upbeat tunes play, matching their slogan "a place for friends" - a warm, welcoming haven that defies categories.

• The Location: Williamsburg, Metropolitan Ave & Havemeyer Street.

Bonus Thought: That Oh Boy sauce is insane - so unique and flavorful. In a world where everyone has their own “special sauce” this one really stands out.

P.J. Clarke's

The most simple burger - done right. There’s something about the red and white checkered tablecloths that just let you know you’ve come to the right place. A perennial classic that has stood the test of time.

• The Burger: The Clarke Cheeseburger / The Cadillac (Tier 1). There's a few burgers on the menu here and they are all it. For me, less is more. These two are the same, but The Cadillac adds bacon. American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion - that's it. The simplicity of their ingredients allows the flavors to shine, making it a nostalgic and satisfying choice.

• Pro Tip: Simple, grab a cold one and enjoy. The Third Ave location is their original since 1884. Seating is tight, but this is the best experience. Their other locations have more abundant seating. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: With Drinks. A quintessential New York spot that provides a welcoming and lively atmosphere. P.J. Clarke's is perfect for a casual gathering with friends or a quick bite during a bustling day in the city.

• The Location: Multiple locations across the city (and Philly, DC). Overlooking the Hudson, Lincoln Square for dinner and a show, and the OG on Third Avenue & 55th Street.

Raoul's

Raoul’s is a unique experience. Only 12 burgers a night, served at the bar from 5pm. Wait in line to get your spot, first come first served. I didn’t want to like it on principle, but it hit the mark and is one of the best around. 

• The Burger: Burger au Poivre (Tier 1). Elevating the traditional burger, this creation boasts a pepper-crusted patty paired with a delicious peppercorn sauce for dipping that complements the juicy patty. Served with fries that are as incredible as they are plentiful. 

• Pro Tip: Order “the burger” as it’s not on the menu. With only 8 seats at the bar and limited availability, get there early; especially since others arrive just to score a non-reservation seat. You can also do brunch where the burger isn’t limited and available at a table, inside or out. All the credit there goes to @cheatdayeats and @jaymeesire - thanks for the tip!

• The Occasion & Vibe: At The Counter. A sophisticated bistro setting. While seated at the bar, those in line for the burger will be literally right behind you breathing down your neck waiting for their seat to open up.

• The Location: SoHo, Prince Street & Thompson Street.

Shy’s Burger and Frys - Pop Up

An obscure pop up with the most eclectic announcements. Sidewalk smash burgers that you can eat a thousand of - because they are that good. 

• The Burger: What's in a name? The menu is a little different every time with burger styles identified by number. A thin smash burger with American cheese and other stuff on a Martin’s potato roll. Fits perfectly in your hand and even better in your belly. 

• Pro Tip: Bring your own drink and be prepared to stand on the sidewalk. Wait times are reasonable and you get to watch Shy cook ‘em right in front of you. Sometimes you can shop for vintage threads at the pop ups. 

• The Occasion & Vibe: Pop Up. Always casual, usually outside on a city sidewalk. Sometimes at a restaurant, where you can eat/drink inside and also enjoy their menu items.

• The Location: Follow @shysburgers to find out where and when.

White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is a bar’s bar. Founded in 1880, it’s NYC’s second oldest pub and it features a dynamite burger. 

• The Burger: Double Smash Burger (Tier 1). Two 3oz smash patties seared to perfection, each with a slice of American cheese. Topped with onion, pickle, and their amazing Comeback Sauce, this is one you need to try. Served with crinkle-cut fries. 

• Pro Tip: No substitutions.

• The Occasion & Vibe: Dive. Embrace the tavern's historic ambiance and laid-back charm. Whether you're seeking a quiet evening, a lively night with friends, or need to grab a pint alone, the White Horse Tavern caters to all.

• The Location: West Village, Hudson Street & 11th Street.