Bringing Jersey-inspired flavors to the heart of the East Village, St. Mark’s Burgers & Dogs is an unassuming, gritty spot focused on delivering quality old-school burgers and deep-fried hot dogs with sharp execution and serious flavor. This spot’s 1 of 1 - there’s nowhere else in NYC doing it like this.
The Burger: Double Cheeseburger (Tier 1). Two patties, onions, white American cheese, pickles, and special house sauce on a Martin’s potato roll. Built from a mix of three cuts of beef, double-ground in-house and packed to order, this burger is the result of experience, experimentation, and a whole lot of love. It’s lightly smashed (but not a smash burger) with thinly sliced onions pancaked into the patty, creating a crisp Maillard crust while keeping the center juicy. The meat is so fresh and fatty, it practically melts in your mouth. Freshly sliced white American cheese adds a creamy layer, while the house sauce is bright, balanced, and carries a subtle kick. Altogether, it’s an absolute unit of a burger that’s greasy, craveable, and surprisingly easy on the stomach. A back-to-basics classic made with serious intention.
Pro Tip: This place does hot dogs right, too. Their deep-fried ripper is a pork and beef mix with a satisfying snap. Go for the chili-cheese-onion-jalapeño combo - every topping is made in-house.
The Occasion & Vibe: Quick. A casual, no-frills spot with just a few counter seats but plenty of regulars. It’s the kind of spot that’s perfect after a night out or when you just need a real-deal burger.
The Location: East Village, St. Mark’s Place & 2nd Avenue.
Bonus Thought: Say hi to the owner, Philippe, while you’re in. He’s friendly, passionate, and always down to talk about the inspiration behind the place. He’ll share how the burger came to be through lots of variations, and why every ingredient is chosen with care.
