Tag: Burger Week

There’s magic in the air when New York Burger Week rolls around.

Maybe it’s the sizzling aroma that escapes every open doorway, or maybe it’s just the city doing what it does best—transforming comfort food into a celebration.

Either way, as someone who’s eaten burgers from Buenos Aires to Bangkok, I knew I had to dive mouth-first into the madness. And oh, what a delicious journey it was.

Let me take you on a personal tour of 10 unforgettable burgers that defined my experience during the NY Burger Week. Whether you love them smashed, stacked, or steeped in steakhouse tradition—there’s something here to make your inner foodie sparkle.

Top 10 Must-Try Burgers from New York Burger Week – Quick Guide

#	Restaurant	Burger Name / Style	Highlights	Location
1	Minetta Tavern	Black Label Burger	Dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, upscale brioche bun	Greenwich Village
2	Bill’s Bar & Burger	Classic Cheeseburger	American cheese, lettuce, comfort-food vibes	Multiple Locations
3	Black Iron Burger	Smash Burger	Crispy edges, juicy thin patty, East Village cool	East Village
4	Peter Luger Steak House	Steakhouse Burger (Lunch Only)	Legendary dry-aged beef, minimalist perfection	Williamsburg, Brooklyn
5	Red Hook Tavern	Dry-Aged Tavern Burger	Juicy thick patty, hidden gem status	Red Hook, Brooklyn
6	7th Street Burger	Signature Burger	Casual, satisfying, great for late-night bites	East Village
7	The Spotted Pig	Roquefort Cheese Burger	Funky blue cheese, classic NYC gastropub	West Village (Note: Check if reopened)
8	4 Charles Prime Rib	Lux Steak Burger	Prime beef, indulgent, candle-lit atmosphere	West Village
9	Sage Bistro Moderne	Bistro Burger	Gourmet toppings, truffle fries, French bistro style	Long Island
10	Hamburger America	Fried Onion Burger	Crispy onions smashed into patty, nostalgic diner vibes	Lower East Side

#1. Minetta Tavern – The Black Label Legend

My first stop was the storied Minetta Tavern, tucked between Greenwich Village nostalgia and modern NYC flair. Their Black Label Burger isn’t just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. The patty, made with a proprietary dry-aged beef blend, is incredibly juicy with a complex, almost nutty richness.

Topped simply with caramelized onions and nestled into a soft brioche bun, this burger whispers elegance in every bite.

Local Tip: Go early or make a reservation—this place is no secret.

#2. Bill’s Bar & Burger – Comfort in Every Bite

Next, I swung by Bill’s Bar & Burger, the kind of place that feels like a cozy hug from a city that never stops moving.

Their burgers don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they perfect it. With crisp lettuce, melted American cheese, and a thick patty cooked just right, it’s the burger I didn’t know I was craving until the first bite.

Personal Note: I devoured mine with a classic milkshake. No regrets.

#3. Black Iron Burger – The Smash Hit

In the East Village, Black Iron Burger brought the crispy edge. Their smash burgers are grilled to perfection—thin, juicy patties with crackly, caramelized bits that burst with flavor.

I sat at the bar and watched them press each patty like a ritual, the aroma filling the air with anticipation.

Travel Glitter Tip: Ask for extra pickles. Trust me.

#4. Peter Luger Steak House – Where Steak Meets Bun

Even legends like Peter Luger step into burger territory during lunch hours. Their burger, made from the same revered dry-aged beef as their steaks, is minimalist heaven.

No cheese, no fluff—just pure beef glory. Sitting in this old-school Brooklyn steakhouse felt like being part of New York culinary history.

Fun Fact: They only serve this burger at lunch. Plan accordingly!

#5. Red Hook Tavern – The Hidden Gem

Brooklyn’s Red Hook Tavern may be a trek, but oh, is it worth it. Their burger is a thick, juicy dream, and the dry-aged beef flavor lingers long after the last bite.

It’s everything you want in a classic burger—nothing more, nothing less, and absolutely perfect.

Monica’s Note: Pair it with their shoestring fries and a cold beer. Instant bliss.

#6. 7th Street Burger – The Anytime Crowd Pleaser

At 7th Street Burger, things feel casual and fun—like discovering your favorite dive bar also makes a killer burger. The menu offers several solid choices, but I stuck with their signature.

Unpretentious and flavorful, it’s the kind of burger that satisfies whether you’re nursing a hangover or just wandering the city.

Vibe Check: Great for a spontaneous burger fix.

#7. The Spotted Pig – A True New York Classic

There’s a reason The Spotted Pig keeps popping up on every “must-eat” list. Their classic American burger is rich, bold, and just indulgent enough.

It’s topped with Roquefort cheese, which adds a funky creaminess I didn’t expect to love—but did.

Cultural Tidbit: This was one of NYC’s first gastropubs. You can taste the legacy.

#8. 4 Charles Prime Rib – The Lux Burger

If you like your burgers with a side of opulence, 4 Charles Prime Rib is your spot. Their burger is basically a love letter to steak lovers.

Juicy, thick, and served in a candle-lit dining room that oozes charm, this is the kind of meal you linger over.

Reservation Tip: Book early—it’s small and wildly popular.

#9. Sage Bistro Moderne – For the Fancy Foodies

Now, if you like your burgers dressed up, Sage Bistro Moderne offers a bistro-style burger that feels like dining at a French café.

The patty is tender, layered with gourmet toppings, and served with truffle fries. Oui, please!

Monica’s Reflection: Sometimes you want a little sophistication with your side of ketchup.

#10. Hamburger America – A Bite of Nostalgia

Last but not least, Hamburger America delivered a burger that felt like it came straight out of a vintage diner. Their Fried Onion Burger has crispy bits of onion smashed right into the patty.

Each bite had the perfect crunch-meets-juiciness ratio. Simple, nostalgic, unforgettable.

Did You Know? This spot is inspired by a film and book that documents America’s great burger joints!

Final Thoughts from the Grill

New York Burger Week wasn’t just about burgers—it was about stories, traditions, and the way food brings people together. Each place had its own vibe, its own rhythm, and its own take on the all-American classic.

So if you’re ever in NYC during Burger Week (or really, any week), skip the same old spots and take your taste buds on a tour. Follow the glitter—it’ll lead you somewhere delicious.

Until the next bite,
– Monica 🍔💫

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.