Top 10 Best Cheeseburgers in New York

New York’s burger scene extends far beyond Manhattan’s celebrated restaurants. Across the state, burger lovers can find dry-aged destination burgers in Brooklyn, old-fashioned pub cheeseburgers in Queens, award-winning creations in Rochester and Syracuse, Black Angus burgers in the Finger Lakes, and imaginative combinations in Buffalo and the Southern Tier. This Discovery Matt Food Map ranking highlights New York cheeseburgers that stand out for beef quality, preparation, consistency, local reputation, originality, historical significance, and geographic reach.

1. 1

   Emily

   Brooklyn

   Emily takes the top spot behind one of the most celebrated modern cheeseburgers in New York. The Emmy Burger combines dry-aged beef with Emmy sauce, caramelized onions, Grafton cheddar, and a pretzel bun, creating a rich balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Its distinctive construction and national reputation make it the strongest overall choice for No. 1.

   Known for: Emmy Burger, dry-aged beef, Grafton cheddar, pretzel bun

2. 2

   Red Hook Tavern

   Brooklyn

   Red Hook Tavern serves a thick, deeply flavored cheeseburger designed to keep the focus on the beef. Its dry-aged patty is topped simply with American cheese and white onion before being served with fries. The restrained toppings, tavern atmosphere, and exceptional crust on the patty have turned it into a destination meal for serious burger enthusiasts.

   Known for: Dry-aged beef, American cheese, white onion, old-school tavern atmosphere

3. 3

   Au Cheval

   Manhattan

   Au Cheval brings its nationally recognized griddled cheeseburger to a dark, club-like dining room in Lower Manhattan. The signature order features two prime beef patties with sharp American cheddar, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise, with bacon and a fried egg available as additions. Its rich flavor and carefully balanced construction make it one of New York City’s most indulgent burgers.

   Known for: Double cheeseburger, prime beef patties, sharp American cheddar, optional bacon and egg

4. 4

   Donovan’s Pub

   Woodside

   Donovan’s Pub represents the classic New York neighborhood cheeseburger. The longtime Irish pub has earned decades of loyalty for thick, straightforward burgers served without the elaborate presentation found at many modern restaurants. Its casual Queens atmosphere and enduring reputation prove that a great cheeseburger does not need to be complicated.

   Known for: Classic pub cheeseburger, thick patties, Irish-pub setting, Woodside tradition

5. 5

   The Tap It Bar & Grill

   Rochester

   The Tap It Bar & Grill gives Rochester one of the state’s strongest collections of creative burgers. Its menu includes substantial eight-ounce patties topped with combinations such as smoked brisket, bacon jam, beer cheese, fried eggs, hash browns, and house-made sauces. Recent recognition in statewide burger competition has helped establish it as an important Upstate destination.

   Known for: Award-winning burgers, eight-ounce patties, bacon jam, creative house toppings

6. 6

   Ale ’n’ Angus Pub

   Syracuse

   Ale ’n’ Angus Pub is one of Central New York’s most decorated burger restaurants. Located near Syracuse University, the neighborhood sports pub has earned repeated statewide recognition for its large, inventive burgers and signature seasoning. Its combination of quality, generous construction, and loyal local support makes it a Syracuse institution.

   Known for: Award-winning burgers, signature seasoning, generous portions, Syracuse sports-pub atmosphere

7. 7

   Maria’s Tavern

   Watkins Glen

   Maria’s Tavern offers a straightforward Finger Lakes burger experience in an unpretentious neighborhood setting. Its cheeseburgers begin with fresh-ground Black Angus beef, charbroiled and served on a locally baked roll. The combination of quality beef, traditional preparation, and small-town tavern character makes it a worthwhile Watkins Glen stop.

   Known for: Black Angus beef, charbroiled burgers, locally baked rolls, casual tavern setting

8. 8

   Allen Burger Venture

   Buffalo

   Allen Burger Venture is one of Western New York’s leading destinations for creative cheeseburgers. The restaurant uses dry-aged, grass-fed Angus beef and offers everything from simple smashburgers with American cheese to elaborate combinations featuring Gruyère, bacon marmalade, goat cheese, eggs, avocado, and caramelized onions. Its focus on carefully sourced beef gives the menu a strong foundation beneath the creative toppings.

   Known for: Dry-aged Angus beef, numbered specialty burgers, creative toppings, Buffalo craft-beer atmosphere

9. 9

   Black Iron Burger

   Manhattan

   Black Iron Burger has built its reputation around chef-driven burgers served in a relaxed Manhattan setting. Its menu balances traditional American cheeseburgers with more distinctive combinations influenced by the restaurant’s international ownership and culinary background. Consistently cooked patties and approachable customization make it an underrated option within New York City’s crowded burger scene.

   Known for: Chef-driven burgers, customizable toppings, fresh patties, casual Manhattan dining

10. 10

    Shelley’s Deli

    Endicott

    Shelley’s Deli rounds out the ranking with one of the Southern Tier’s most ambitious burger menus. Its signature creations include smashburgers and heavily loaded combinations featuring sharp cheeses, bacon, pickles, fried onions, and house-made bacon jam. Strong regional support and recent statewide attention make Shelley’s a worthy representative for Endicott.

    Known for: Moo York Boss Burger, smashburgers, bacon jam, Southern Tier following