We ate a lot of hamburgers when we lived and worked in NYC and we’ve made it our mission to eat more each time we return to the Big Apple. With a diverse range of sizes, shapes and flavors, these burgers never bore us. In fact, we have no problem eating a different hamburger every day during a week-long visit.
These are our favorite hamburgers in Manhattan and Brooklyn:
1. Red Hook Tavern – Best Hamburger in NYC
You may be surprised that our pick for the best New York City hamburger is in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. We were surprised too, especially since getting to Red Hook is quite the schlep. But choosing Red Hook Tavern for this honor was a no brainer once we bit into a dry-aged Red Hook Tavern burger. That burger was nothing short of a monstrous, juicy masterpiece.
Open since 2019, Red Hook Tavern is one of New York City’s great gastropubs with a bustling saloon vibe and a menu filled with elevated pub dishes including one of best wedge salads we’ve ever eaten. Billy Durney first achieved fame for his smoked meat at Hometown Bar-B-Que, also in Red Hook, and now his burger is in the spotlight.
Thick and juicy, Durney’s dry-aged patties are perfectly cooked to a mid-rare pink before they’re simply adorned with American cheese and raw white onion slices. Crinkly potato rounds are a welcome addition that complete the dish.
Pro Tip
Save room for dessert and walk over to Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie where you can eat a key lime tart with a view of the Statue of Liberty. If you’re feeling frisky, order a Swingle. Hand-dipped in molten Belgian chocolate, the frozen key lime tart is like a popsicle but more decadent.
Price Level: Premium
Reservations: Recommended
Burger to Order: Dry-Aged Red Hook Tavern Burger
Red Hook Tavern is located at 329 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States.
