6 Underrated Burger Spots to Try in New York City

The sheer number of burger joints, let alone restaurants, in New York City is so overwhelming, many travelers end up entering the first spot they see when walking down the street from their hotel. But stepping into the city’s restaurant scene with some spots already in mind often makes for a more enjoyable experience, so on your next trip to New York City, make for these six stand-out burger eateries.

© Quality Bistro

French Onion Burger at Quality Bistro

Channeling the restaurant’s already iconic French onion soup, this burger features caramelized onions and a blend of Comte and gruyere cheeses, making for a unique and indulgent burger. This burger is available at Quality Bistro, just south of Central Park, during lunch and weekend brunch.

© l’abeille a cote

Wagyu Teriyaki Burger at l’abeille à côté

Paying homage to fast food burgers eaten as a child in Osaka, Japan, Chef Mitsunobu Nagae crafts this dish with a luxe wagyu twist. Essentially, this burger fuses French and Japanese cuisine, complete with upscale touches like house-made teriyaki, gruyere cheese and pickled vegetables, all served with a side of potato chips.

© Lex Yard

Lex Burger at Lex Yard

Located inside the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York, Lex Yard has a special burger on the menu. Aptly named Lex Burger, this meal boasts melted cheddar, sweet caramelized onions and tangy Thousand Island sauce, all on a soft seeded bun. The burger is a perfect example of the restaurant using regionally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

© Virgil’s BBQ

BBQ Brisket Burger at Virgil’s Real BBQ

This burger truly captures the soul of American BBQ in a single stack. The restaurant’s signature BBQ burger layers a custom, house-made ground beef blend with tender brisket, melted cheddar, house-made BBQ sauce and crispy frizzled onions.

© Mama Mezze

Mama’s Burger with Date Dijon at Mama Mezze

Nomad’s new, all-day hot spot brings the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean into a burger dish, featuring Emmental cheese, sweet and tangy Dijon, caramelized onions, and a spicy pickled pepper spread. And it comes with za’atar fries, of course.

© Arvine

American Wagyu Cheeseburger with Cheddar Fondue at Arvine

Putting an elevated spin on a comfort classic, Arvine pairs wagyu beef with creamy cheddar fondue, applewood-smoked bacon and Thousand Island house sauce for a flavorful meal. It blends nostalgia with a little something new.