With a new trendy restaurant opening on every corner, the New York restaurant scene is sizzling hot.
And what New Yorker doesn’t love a big, juicy burger? Well, probably the Upper East Side moms who exclusively eat kale and think Equinox is for “commoners.” But that’s a totally different story.
For the most part, we're a culture obsessed with cheeseburgers the size of our botox-covered faces, and truffle fries.
With a side of spicy aioli, only if we’re feeling crazy! Is mayo Keto?
Since burgers are a very contentious topic amongst New Yorkers (similar to pizza, steaks, and of course, omakase), we’ve decided to settle the debate once and for all.
See Also: The Most Outrageous Pizza Slices In NYC
Keep reading for the most outrageous burgers in New York City, from Instagram favorites to hidden gems.
View this post on Instagram
39 Grove St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re having a blue day, look no further than Emmetts On Grove to cheer you up. The Blues Burger is truly one of the most magical things we have ever tasted and is guaranteed to turn that frown upside down. Ok, we know that was super (blue) cheesy, but you get the point. The melt-in-your-mouth beef patty is stuffed with delicious blue cheese sure to convert even the biggest of opponents. While the burger can stand on its own, the dish is taken to the next level with caramelized onions that taste sweeter than candy. *Mouth Waters*
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve seen the famous Emmy Double Staked Burger a million and one times on Instagram. Although it's plastered all over your social media feed, this burger is not the slightest bit overrated. In fact, pictures don’t do this dish enough justice. Prepared with dry-aged grass feed beef, Emmy sauce, caramelized onions, American cheese, and pickles, The Emmy is bursting with traditional and eclectic flavors. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the patty is served on a doughy pretzel bun with a side of steaming hot waffle fries. A+!
View this post on Instagram
650 W 42nd St, Manhattan/Website
If Kobe is in the name, you know it must be legendary. This hole-in-the-wall hamburger restaurant serves some of the best burgers in New York City, minus the ridiculous prices and frilly atmosphere. Made with creamy burrata cheese, crunchy baby arugula, zesty stone fruit relish, and drizzled with tangy yet sweet balsamic glaze, the Better Than Caesar burger lives up to its name and then some. Why have a salad when you can have a burger? We know all the health #kweens are going to come at us about plant-based and blah blah, but hey at least there’s arugula! Diners can choose between a half-pound or full-pound burger, but naturally, we’re going hard or going home.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
You probably associate Black Tap with those ginormous milkshakes, but we come here for their legendary burger. And usually the milkshake with a side of fries, but that’s getting off-topic. The prime beef patty is topped with provolone cheese, hot cherry peppers, prosciutto, soppressata, roasted garlic aioli, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s like dining at your favorite Italian deli, but a million times better. Once you have Black Tap’s Mulberry Street Burger, you’ll never be satisfied with your run-of-the-mill cheeseburger again.
View this post on Instagram
172 Orchard St, Manhattan/Website
A burger made out of dry-aged ribeye and short rib? Please stop, we’re salivating at our desk. Made with pork pate, Maggi gravy, mayo, pickles, jalapeño, and cilantro, this revolutionary burger is taking the traditional Banh Mi sandwich and flipping it on its head. We’re taught to never judge a book by its cover, but the second you make eye contact with the beautifully buttery brioche bun, you know you’re in for a treat. And the crispiest shoestring fries we ever did eat? In the words of Chandler Bing, could it BE any better?
View this post on Instagram
4 Charles St, Manhattan/Website
The Double Wagyu Cheeseburger from 4 Charles needs no introduction. Belonging in the same category as Carbone’s Spicy Rigatoni, and Don Angie’s Pinwheel Lasagna, this burger truly belongs in New York’s food hall of fame. The Wagyu patty is topped with American cheese, pickles, and dijonnaise, taking the flavors of the meat from great to mindblowing. And you obviously can’t order this dish without adding the fried farm egg and thick-cut bacon. And when we say thick-cut, we mean thiccc with three c’s. Damn, girlie.
View this post on Instagram
177 Orchard St, Manhattan/Website
It’s no secret that BBQ sauce is one of the most elite condiments to exist. *Preparing for the sauce enthusiasts to come at us with a rebuttal* Made with onion rings (yes, you heard us correctly), jalapeño, bacon, American cheese, and the star of the show, the BBQ sauce, this burger is truly a party in your mouth! And while it’s what’s on the inside that counts, the scrumptious potato roll is our favorite part of this meal. It’s squishy, sweet, and oh so fantastic.
View this post on Instagram
199 Prince St, Manhattan/Website
You’re craving the taste of French Onion soup, but it’s too hot to even think about sipping on soup. Like seriously, you’ll sweat more than when you’re forced to take the subway all the way uptown. Yes, that is possible. Enter Little Prince to sweep you off your feet like your very own Prince Charming. Prepared with melty gruyere cheese, caramelized onion, dijon, and vegan garlic aioli, this dish is truly the best of both worlds. And can we take a moment of silence for the gruyere? Cheese pull game STRONG.
View this post on Instagram
507 E 6th St, Manhattan/Website
Many restaurants in the city make truffle burgers, but Nowon’s Black Truffle Burger belongs in a totally different category. This double stack burger (Yasss girls who #eat) comes with truffled kimchi mayo, mozzarella, onion, and seasonal truffle. We absolutely hate when places are stingy with truffle, and this Korean eatery is the exact opposite. In fact, they are quite generous. The truffle is perfectly pungent, yet manages not to be too overwhelming. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add the sweet and salty bacon. Yum.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
It's game day and your boyfriend is forcing you to sit at a sports bar with him. All. Day. Long. *Sigh* But when he suggests you watch the first quarter at the Ainsworth, your mouth immediately begins to water. The Ainsworth is home to the famous Mac Burger, made with an Angus patty and melted cheddar cheese on top of a fried mac-n-cheese patty. And if you didn’t already get your cheese fix, the fried patty is topped with another oozing layer of mac n-cheese, and Ainsworth’s special sauce. Our chubby ten-year-old selves are screaming.
Photography by: Chad Montano, Unsplash
