New York · 6 ranked picks
Essex leads this shortlist.
Essex has operated as a reliable anchor of Lower East Side dining for years, and its reputation rests on a straightforward premise: a roomy, energetic American room that knows how to run a high-volume service without the wheels coming off.
Au Cheval is one of the better-known burgers spots in New York, which makes it a practical place to start. Chopped Chicken Liver and Roasted Marrow Bones also give you a decent sense of the menu.
A 24-hour diner is a strange thing to evaluate on Sophie's usual terms — there's no pacing to a room that never closes, no held shape to a night that bleeds into morning.
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7th Street Burger occupies a very specific lane in New York's smash-burger moment — and it does so with unusual discipline.
5 Napkin Burger is one of the better-known burgers spots in New York, which makes it a practical place to start.
Walter's is an easy burgers option in Fort Greene in New York to suggest without needing a long explanation.
The best burgers in New York are Essex, Au Cheval, Diner 24 NYC, and more.
The final six are Essex, Au Cheval, Diner 24 NYC, 7th Street Burger Soho, 5 Napkin Burger, Walter's.
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 →
Lighting, pace, and general energy all need to support the reason someone clicked this guide.
We favored restaurants that feel best suited for the moment, not just restaurants with broad reputation.
The final list tries to give readers enough variation in neighborhood, price, and style to compare real options.
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