🚕 Where to Get the Best Burgers

Good morning, burger buffs.

Whether you like yours dripping with cheese, stacked with bacon, or packed with all the fixings, today we’re grilling up the best burger spots in NYC.

From classic smash burgers to gourmet creations, this city’s got a patty for every craving.

In today’s juicy edition:

• The top burger joints we think you should try 🍔

• Two new restaurants bringing fresh flavors to the city’s food scene 🍽️

• Our burger spotlight of the day🌟

Let’s get toasty.

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Local Eats

Au Cheval – Extravagant Burgers Off Canal St

Au Cheval in Cortlandt Alley offers a unique, diner-style experience that has earned a great reputation for its extravagant cheeseburgers.

These double burgers can be customized with additions like thick-cut bacon, making them a standout for those craving indulgent flavors.

The ambiance, set with leather booths, a zinc bar, and an open kitchen, adds to the appeal, while the menu expands beyond burgers with items like roasted bone marrow and prime steaks.

However, not everyone is sold on the experience, with some diners noting that it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original Chicago location.

While the atmosphere and burgers impress many, others feel the hype doesn’t always live up to expectations.

Quick Bites:

• Must-try: Double Cheeseburger with Bacon

• Region: American

• Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4.3 | Instagram 📷

Hamburger America – Classic Burgers with No-Fuss Nostalgia

Hamburger America in SoHo, founded by burger expert George Motz, brings classic American burger culture to life with its simple yet high-quality approach.

The menu features straightforward offerings like cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, and a veggie option, with retro-inspired dishes like egg salad and grilled cheese rounding out the selection.

Known for its juicy, flavorful burgers and crispy fries, the restaurant's casual vibe and affordable prices make it a favorite, especially for those seeking nostalgic flavors.

While lunchtime crowds can create a bit of a wait, the fast service ensures you’ll be munching on a burger in no time.

Overall, it's a great spot for those craving a classic burger experience without the fuss.

Quick Bites:

• Must-try: Double Cheeseburger and Milkshake

• Region: American

• Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4.1 | Instagram 📷

Minetta Tavern – High-End Burgers with a Price Tag to Match

Minetta Tavern is a New York City institution known for its upscale French-American cuisine and iconic Black Label Burger.

This dry-aged steak trimmings burger delivers a rich, robust flavor that has earned high praise, even from the late Anthony Bourdain.

While the burger is a standout, the rest of the menu offers upscale items like the $189 Dry-Aged Côte de Boeuf for two and a $75 Bone-In New York Strip, catering to those willing to splurge.

The ambiance and exceptional service contribute to the overall dining experience, making it a must-visit spot for burger lovers.

However, the steep prices might make it a special-occasion destination rather than an everyday go-to.

Quick Bites:

• Must-try: Black Label Burger

• Region: French-American

• Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4.1 | Instagram 📷

Hot & Trending

Bridges – European Bistro with a Parisian Twist in Chinatown

Bridges, the latest venture from chef Sam Lawrence, brings a taste of Parisian bistros and Basque cuisine to the former Hop Shing location in Chinatown.

With standout dishes like the Comté tart with chanterelles, grilled king crab with béarnaise, and roast duck with persimmon, the menu offers a sophisticated yet cozy dining experience.

The global wine list and unique dessert, Vin Jaune gelato with preserved peaches, add a distinctive touch to the restaurant’s offerings.

While still new, Bridges is already gaining attention for its warm atmosphere and carefully curated dishes, making it a promising addition to the NYC dining scene.

Quick Bites:

• Opened: September, 2024

• Must-try: Roast Duck with Persimmon

• Region: Parisian

• Google Maps: 5.0 | Yelp: 5.0 | Instagram 📷

Realmuto Alta Pasticceria – Italian Café in the West Village

Realmuto Alta Pasticceria (Italian for pastry shop) brings a slice of Italian pasticceria culture to the West Village, offering a blend of all-day dining, café, and bar.

The venue, designed with vibrant colors and soft lighting, offers a lively Italian piazza vibe, complete with award-winning pastries like cornetti and cannoli by Pastry Chef Giuseppe Zito.

For those craving heartier meals, Executive Chef Mauro Campanale’s homemade cappellacci alla norma and seafood Mancini tubetti pasta are standout options.

Realmuto also excels in its aperitivo selection, making it the perfect spot for everything from a morning espresso to a late-night Italian snack.

Quick Bites:

• Opened: September 2024

• Must-try: Cornetti and Cappellacci Alla Norma

• Region: Italian

• Google Maps: 4.8 | Yelp: 3.8 | Instagram 📷

NYC Bites Spotlight

Cozy Royale – Nostalgic Eats in Williamsburg

Cozy Royale in Williamsburg offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy simple, tasty food at affordable prices.

Known for its nostalgic charm, the restaurant is a local favorite, especially during happy hour when you can grab a $10 smash burger with fries and $10 martinis.

Despite some chef changes, Cozy Royale continues to deliver unpretentious, delicious food that feels like a comforting escape from the NYC grind.

Quick Tips:

• Special: $10 Smash Burger & Fries + $10 Martini until 7pm

• Vibe: Nostalgic, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed meal

• Google Maps: 4.7 | Yelp: 4.5 | Instagram 📷

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