Ultimate NYC Cheeseburger Rankings!

This is the ultimate list I’ve been building over a lifetime: every burger I’ve ever eaten in NYC, ranked! Curating this list has taught me alot, not only have so many legendary burger joints come and gone, but the sheer diversity and creativity of the city’s burger scene is truly remarkable. While the smashburger craze has definitely taken over (you’ll see plenty of those here), there are still plenty of classic thick burgers and unique creations to discover.

For each spot, I’ve included my quick thoughts, a burger description, and the price (noting whether it comes with a side). Whether you’re a burger purist or an adventurous eater, there’s something here for everyone!

Ive also listed out NYC favs that I haven't tried yet, but I’m sure there are even more, so let me know in the comments what I need to eat and add to this list next! And Ill keep updating this list as I eat more!

Some fun facts and tidbits!

⅓ Come with fries

$3.50 is the least expensive

$38.99 is the most expensive

Ave price is $21.34

36% are Smashburgers

How do you spell pattie? Patty?

Do you capitalize American cheese?

Smashburger vs a REALLY smashed burger is interesting to see

Here are some of my favorites, but to see the complete list, check out substack, link below

#2 Lena at Mercado Little Spain- The Txuleburger from Chef Jose Andres’ Lena is unbelievable for a number of reasons, but it all starts with their 8 once patty made from a 60 day dry aged ribeye that's cooked in a charcoal oven that gives is this amazing smokey flavor, and incredible char! Pair that with their secret brava sauce, American cheese, and pickled green peppers, and you have one of the best burgers in the city! $32

#3 Gotham Burger Social Club- From pop up to viral sensation, in a city full of smash burgers, I think Gotham’s is the best! You get that crust, you get that big meat flavor, and then the combo of grilled onions, American cheese, pickles, club sauce, and ketchup is just such a great balance of sweet, heat, savory, vinegar, creaminess, and crunch! It hits everything! $9 for single

#5 Hoexter’s- Their double smash leans a little thicker than other smash burgers, which means this is a juicy one! Paired with New School American cheese for a little bit more oomph in that cheese flavor, and you have a burger that I crave with the addition of pickles, and special sauce on this everything seasoning bun! $29 w/ fries

#9 Greywind- Greywind from Chef Dan Kluger has a giant that starts with a pattie that is made from brisket, chuck, and rib, and that goes onto a sourdough milk bread bun with two sliced of cheddar, an au poivre mayo, bread and butter pickles, and to finish it off, a stack of rosemary potato chips that you have to crunch down to actually get a bite! This burger is rich, and I love that crunch of the chips! $32

#17 Black Tap- the hype may have died along with the allure and coolness that was the original small burger counter in Soho that I loved so much, but I just recently went back to Black Tap a few months ago, and the burger is still incredible! They have a ton to choose from, but just classic worked. The All-American is their prime burger with American cheese, and special sauce on a potato bun, and that’s all you need! $20 with fries

#19 Win Son Bakery- Known more for the pastries, and other breakfast treats, the sleeper on the menu might be their double smash cheeseburger which has bread and butter pickles, scallions, gem lettuce, golden peppadew, white onions, and kewpie mayo onto this incredible super soft milk bun! $19 with fries

#27 Emmett’s on Grove- I crave their Chicago bar style pizzas, but they actually have two must eat burgers on the menu as well using a pattie made with dry aged ribeye! The Char Cheddar burger has caramelized onions, ketchup, mustard sport peppers relish, tomato, and this heaping of an ooey, gooey, sharp cheddar spread on top! $32

#39 Paul’s Da Burger Joint- An East Village mainstay for decades, this burger joint not only has the biggest menu of burgers, but the biggest burgers too! These are enormous ½ pound patties, and they aren't afraid to stack them up either, this is a big bite burger. I got the Eastsider Burger which loads up bacon, ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions on this super soft bun! Definitely a burger experience you need to have, but not my favorite burger. $17.50

SEE WHICH WAS #1