How does TastyPals choose the best burgers?

We look for restaurants that fit the specific occasion — room tone, food quality, price range, and whether the experience holds up for real dining plans. New York picks are cross-referenced against Google ratings, neighborhood context, and editorial judgment. Read our full methodology at tastypals.com/methodology.

GuideUpdated June 7, 2026

Best Burgers in New York

Q: What are the best burgers in New York?

Minetta Tavern is our top pick in New York. The New York burgers worth seeking out — from a West Village dive bar institution to one of the finest beef preparations in the city. Other strong options include Corner Bistro and Lilia.

The New York burgers worth seeking out — from a West Village dive bar institution to one of the finest beef preparations in the city.

The best burgers in New York are Minetta Tavern, Corner Bistro, Lilia, and more. Start with Minetta Tavern if you want the strongest overall first pick.

By TastyPals Editors•6 ranked picks•Published June 7, 2026•Updated June 7, 2026

Methodology•Editorial team

Minetta Tavern Corner Bistro Lilia

Editorial restaurant image stand-in for Minetta Tavern

Google

Top picks at a glance

These are the fastest answers for people searching for the best burgers in New York, with direct links to the full ranked entries below.

#1 pick

Minetta Tavern

french • New York • $$$

Minetta Tavern is the kind of french restaurant room in New York you reach for when the evening is meant to matter a little more.

#2 pick

Corner Bistro

hamburger • New York • $$

Corner Bistro is an easy hamburger restaurant option in New York in New York to suggest without needing a long explanation.

#3 pick

Lilia

Contemporary • Williamsburg • moderate

Lilia is the kind of contemporary room in Williamsburg you reach for when the evening is meant to matter a little more. Cacio e Pepe Frittelle and Housemade Mozzarella also give you a decent sense of the menu.

Who this guide is for

New York burger culture runs from the unassuming to the extraordinary. These picks cover both ends without wasting your time on anything in between.

Quick picks

Minetta Tavern

french • New York

A strong fit for french with a $$$ spend and a room that feels aligned with the guide.

Corner Bistro

hamburger • New York

A strong fit for this occasion with a $$ spend and a room that feels aligned with the guide.

Lilia

Contemporary • Williamsburg

A strong fit for brooklyn night out with a moderate spend and a room that feels aligned with the guide.

Browse all New York restaurants Back to New York hub

Editorial details

Author: TastyPals Editors

Published: June 7, 2026

Last updated: June 7, 2026

How the restaurants compare

Williamsburg • Contemporary

How we chose

We looked for restaurants that feel like a strong fit for the guide topic, not just the most obvious names in the city. The shortlist favors rooms with clear mood, dependable pacing, and enough distinction to help someone decide faster. Read our full methodology →

Room tone

Lighting, pace, and general energy all need to support the reason someone clicked this guide.

Food fit

We favored restaurants that feel best suited for the moment, not just restaurants with broad reputation.

Useful range

The final list tries to give readers enough variation in neighborhood, price, and style to compare real options.