There’s something magical about New York in May—the sun’s a little warmer, the sidewalks buzz a little louder, and if you’re lucky, you might just find yourself in the middle of the juiciest celebration the city has to offer: New York Burger Week.
As someone who’s eaten burgers on rooftops, in dive bars, and even one handed to me by a guy in a Chewbacca costume (more on that in a minute), I can tell you this isn’t your average food week. This is seven glorious days of creativity, community, and more beef patties than you can count. Let me take you through the events that made this week one for the books.
The Burger Feast at Hudson Common: A Kickoff You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
From the moment I stepped into Hudson Common, I knew Burger Week wasn’t messing around. The energy was infectious—live beats from Lily Vanilli spilled into the air, mixing with the sizzling scent of burgers being flipped just a few feet away.
Each corner was packed with NYC’s finest burger artisans. I devoured a juicy stack from Hard Time Sundaes and then chased it with a smoky bite from Black Iron Burger. And the beer? Perfectly chilled pours from Kelso Beer Co., each one paired to match a different burger’s flavor profile. My tastebuds were in heaven.
Travel Tip: Come hungry and pace yourself—there’s a lot of meat to love.
Burgers for Barkers: Burgers, Booze & Big Hearts
I’ll be honest—this one tugged at the heartstrings. Outside NY Distilling Co, I joined a cheerful crowd huddled around the Hard Time Sundaes truck, scarfing down free burgers while dropping cash donations into a big, friendly-looking tip jar.
The cause? New York Bully Crew, a nonprofit saving pit bulls and other misunderstood pups. Inside, The Shanty served up local spirits, while happy faces toasted to doing good with every bite. The burger was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, but the real reward? Knowing it was helping dogs find loving homes.
READ MORE: Top 10 Must-Try Burgers During New York Burger Week
Boozy Burger Brunch at Beer Culture: Where Flavour Met Firewater
Brunch took a boozy, beefy twist at Beer Culture. The trio of mini burgers from Schweid & Sons—each crafted with a different beef blend—were a juicy education in meat mastery. My personal favorite? The prime chuck patty, hands down.
Each burger was paired with a craft beer or whiskey (I went the whiskey route—bold move before noon, but no regrets). With reps from Two Roads Brewing and Heaven Hill guiding us through each tasting, this brunch was all about discovery—and indulgence.
Star Wars Night at Pounds & Ounces: May the Burger Be With You
Lightsabers. Leia buns. Wagyu beef. I swear I walked into another galaxy.
Pounds & Ounces turned into a burger-loving Mos Eisley for a Star Wars-themed night. I chomped down on a Kobe-Wan Waygu Burger while watching Empire Strikes Back under soft neon. Bonus points for the Dark & Storm Troopery cocktail, which packed more punch than the Millennium Falcon at hyperspeed.
The best part? Fans dressed in full costume, competing for a Schweid & Sons apron and a $100 gift card. I didn’t win, but I did take home a Darth Vader-themed burger napkin I’ll probably keep forever.
Blind Burger Tasting at Genuine Superette: A Flavorful Mystery
Ever eaten a burger blindfolded? I have now.
At Genuine Superette, we were handed three mystery burgers and challenged to guess which was made with standard beef, Schweid & Sons’ prime chuck, and their super-secret blend. The flavors were bold and the guessing? Surprisingly hard!
I only got two out of three right, but I left with a full belly and a newfound respect for what a quality beef blend can do.
Beer Burger Dinner at Beer Authority: Elevated Comfort Food
By the time we hit Beer Authority, I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another burger. But three gourmet creations from Chef Louis changed my mind fast.
Each off-menu burger came with a carefully matched Allagash beer, plus crispy fries and tangy fried pickles on the side. It felt upscale and casual all at once—the kind of event where you clink glasses with strangers and talk about your favorite buns like old friends.
Bubbles & Burgers at New York Burger Co.: The Grand Finale
The week wrapped with a little sparkle—literally.
Inside New York Burger Co., I enjoyed a multi-course burger tasting where every dish came paired with bubbly—from dry Prosecco to rich Champagne. Each sip was designed to enhance the burger’s unique profile. My favorite? A tangy blue cheese burger paired with a fruity Rosé Sparkling that balanced every bite.
Between the elegant setup, the live music, and the knowledgeable hosts from Baron Francis, it was a gourmet sendoff that reminded me just how diverse and joyful burger culture can be.
Final Thoughts
New York Burger Week isn’t just a celebration of meat and buns—it’s a love letter to creativity, community, and the joy of food. It’s where chefs let loose, fans geek out, and strangers bond over their shared obsession with burgers.
If you’re in New York in May, do not miss it. I’ll be there again next year—napkin in hand, appetite ready, and heart full of burger joy.
Ready to plan your Burger Week adventure? Stay tuned to Travel Glitter for more tasty guides and travel-inspired food journeys.
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