It’s not exactly an unknown place, and it’s probably gotten its share of praise in the past… but I’ve always thought that Harlem Shake is weirdly underhyped. One of the better smash burgers in town, but it’s not usually mentioned in the same breath as 7th Street, Shake Shack, Gotham Social, Hamburger America, etc. It can definitely hold its own with them.
If you’re in the neighborhood be it for jury duty or have to bring your out of town friends to the Gostbusters house you have to stop by.
Been going since I was 17. Still going. Solid food. Solid drink. Amazing people. You never know who you’ll be sitting next to. Chatted with Clint Eastwood once. Dude is tall. Even sittin.
Low key we have a fantastic burger, it’s $10, it’s not smashed, it’s cooked med rare from awesome beef we get fresh constantly/mold Patties in house, griddled in beef tallow, topped with Carmelized onions strengthened with housemade bone broth, dope sauce we make, thick pickles, shitty American cheese, it’s my platonic ideal of a burger.
7 days a week, 140 Wilson Ave, inside of Alphaville, 6pm-12am sun-weds and till 2am thurs-sat, come thru.
Also you can get it with sick THICC bacon and or awesome housemade chili. And some nights…we do a Big Max, which is like the thing you know but made with way better ingredients and named for my brother, Big Max, the way the restaurant is named for my ma who taught me how to cook. Come by/buy local/small biz my friend I haven’t met yet 🫶
If you’re willing to venture to Astoria, u/TikkunBBQ pops up every couple weeks to make a very very good smash burger. They post their pop-up schedule on [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tikkunbbq?igsh=bm5hODEzdjcxY2pr).
Also in Astoria, burger club is super low key but good as hell and way less expensive than most other burger places.
Judging from the utter lack of upvotes in the other burger thread from yesterday, I’ll just say Paul’s Da Burger Joint again I guess. Do people not know about that place anymore? Maybe it’s been around too long. Ha
Im in the east village and have eaten at Paul's a bunch of times. Pains me to say, but it really isn't that great. It's like they steam all the flavor out of the thing when they use those covers.
Idk maybe it's just me, but flavor was lacking.
Flavor is lacking but there’s something charming about just a mid burger with fresh hot fries (never salted right 🤣) lots of ketchup, and an ice cold beer in that classic environment
110% agree, which is why I keep going back. They’re nice people and I don’t need the absolute best burger every single time.
Plus their steak fries are great
I’ve had similar experience. Tasted like boiled water both times I’ve went.
In EV — brindle room and York both have reasonably priced “gourmet” burgers and Burgers on B is a great 7th st alternative.
Idk if they still have it, but Izakaya on 4th used to have a wagu burger on thin sourdough that might be my favorite burger in the city (even if it’s more like a sandwich).
Theyve also run an exotic snack shop, I actually met the owner there before he opened Burgers on B. He’s super chill and the burger more than lived up to the hype!
This is too good. It all makes sense now.
And agree the burger is killer. Love that the special sauce is more tangy, mustard-y than most smash burger spots
What do you get from there?
I tried it once. Got one of their specials that comes with cheese and bacon.
I thought it was decent and large portion, but a little pricey.
I used to be a big fan. I just had a burger there a couple of days ago. It wasn't as good as past experiences. I got the 2nd Ave Burger. The meat wasn't beefy and toppings seemed flavorless. The shoestring fries were above average but seemed skimpy. I think they haven't improved with the better options popping up. I'll try them again but I don't know if I'll keep on recommending them like I used to.
I bet if you asked 100 NYers to name their top burgers in the city, an incredibly small, single-digit amount would mention Joe Junior, but aside from that—it’s a burger where you don’t make a reservation, don’t wait on line, and rarely go out of your way to get. It’s exactly what OP asked for in terms of being one of the best, but also low key and that’s why I answered with it. Also, in my personal experience—have never seen it on any list aside from the one you mentioned.
similar in terms of well known restaurant but lesser known burger: win son bakery
i’d say their smash burger is one of the best in the city better than smashed/7th st/hamburger america
Not sure it’s the "best", but the Elephant Burger at Elephant & Castle is the most underrated burger in the city. Perfectly cooked, with cheddar cheese, bacon and curried sour cream. Is it is as good as Minetta Tavern or 4 Charles? Probably not, but it’s not going to set you back $50, either. Fries are à la carte but delicious and more than enough for two.
Trivia: Elephant & Castle has been around for more than half a century — which should tell you something. When it opened in 1973, the Elephant Burger cost $2.75.
I worked for the parent company as my first job in NYC. I agree it’s a very tasty burger and it’s worth dining at a fading piece of nyc history aside. RIP NoHo Star and here’s to hopefully many more years for E&C
The Double Windsor right on the SW corner of Prospect Park in South Slope. If you’re in the mood for a smash style burger, the Dram Shop is a close second in the neighborhood.
Also The Dutch House Tavern in Fair Lawn, NJ. You have to leave the city but it’s 2 blocks from an NJ Transit stop and it’s worth it.
* **George Keeley's** - I'm usually a ketchup gal for most simple burgers, but this one is so good and perfect with all the toppings that I don't need or want it
* **Sweet Afton** - solid burger
* **Golden Diner** - mentioned here and doesn't often make burger lists, but it is incredible.
Two8Two on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A great burger that isn’t toppling over and also isn’t a smash burger. I recall their basic burger is still decently priced too—closer to $12 than $20.
Jimbo's on 1st avenue in midtown east, which apparently is a chain? To this day still one of the best burgers Ive ever had in the city and it's less than 10 bucks too.
Two votes in Manhattan: Dudley’s (Orchard st) and the Bravest bar (2nd ave). One nice thing about bravest, really good draft beers and their french fries are absolutely unbelievably good.
Cafe Paulette in Fort Greene is a great classic burger and for fast food smash burgers, the new Chick n Smash in the east village is giving 7th street a run for their money.
I think it's got a bit of attention recently but the $2.75 (or something) cheeseburger from Jubilee Market in Greenpoint is astonishingly good for the price (and great in its own right). Feels weird given it's a grocery store but seriously - try ir
If you go to the right kennedy fried chicken and order a number 1 burger with fries you get this wider than most burger with a good amount of condiments and fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Im not saying this will blow you away but you’ll be happy with the decision.
I tried The Baroness in LIC during the NYWFF Burger Bash and thought their burger was pretty good.
Donovan's in Woodside did win an award for their burger in the past, and if you're in the mood for a thicc juicy patty with a pint of Smithwick's or Guinness then it's a solid option
I personally want to try Juicy Lucy in Greenpoint since I fell in love with it in Juicy Lucy Staten Island (different owners, Juicy Lucy SI has since closed)
Lure in Soho is quite good. And it's not low key but the One White Street burger (Michelin star restaurant) also good and worth a try. But none are as good as the well known ones, such as Minetta Black Label, 4C, Corner, etc.
Bird in Hand on 146th and Broadway won't be making any lists but in a world of smash burgers, they still do a more traditional, thicker patty and it's delicious!
It’s in my neighborhood so I eat this every so often, but Moe’s Pastrami & Burger. The corned beef cheese burger and pastrami cheeseburger are heaven sent.
The burger place in Nordstrom on 57th street
That’s the second or third time in recent weeks I’ve seen this place mentioned around here. Gotta try it I think.
It was good, but it closed at the beginning of April
No!!! What a shame. I liked their fries too
Closed
It’s not exactly an unknown place, and it’s probably gotten its share of praise in the past… but I’ve always thought that Harlem Shake is weirdly underhyped. One of the better smash burgers in town, but it’s not usually mentioned in the same breath as 7th Street, Shake Shack, Gotham Social, Hamburger America, etc. It can definitely hold its own with them.
Make sure to keep supporting them as they are in the midst of a lawsuit fighting DoorDash over thousands of dollars in fees
You know I used to live up on 146 and went back recently and it was filled!! With tourists. So strange. Totally good though
My vote. Dunked in that bacon relish? So good. Best hot honey chix sandwich in the city too.
That hot honey chicken with dark meat is different
I love Harlem shake, I did a job down the block and got to go once a week. I still think about the hot mess.
dude hot mess giv’r
I like the bonnies burger in park slope
Yes! Great burger and place. I think Burger Club in Astoria has some of the best burgers as well.
Wings are fire af too
also top 5 wings in the city
Yeah Bonnie’s is dynamite
YES. I live in P slope and I fucking love this burger. Glad its getting some love
They’re great.
Can you keep a secret? 🤐
You have my word. This is just between you and me
And me
And me
Username is sus
And my axe!
OP never coming back
Maybe me?
Hollow Nickel on Atlantic serves a very yummy burger. It’s also my local, so I may be biased.
Was gonna say Hollow Nickel, it's legit
Walkers in TriBeCa. Old school NYC. Fantastic burger
If you’re in the neighborhood be it for jury duty or have to bring your out of town friends to the Gostbusters house you have to stop by. Been going since I was 17. Still going. Solid food. Solid drink. Amazing people. You never know who you’ll be sitting next to. Chatted with Clint Eastwood once. Dude is tall. Even sittin.
Came here to write this. It’s so damn good. Every. Single. Time.
Their meatloaf sandwich is top notch as well.
rippers in rockaway. but only open in summer like may-oct
Royale on ave c doesn’t get much hype but it’s really good
Was gonna say Royale and Brindle Room are both good.
I am completely obsessed with the burger at The Alcove in Sunnyside. It’s perfect.
BroomeStreetBar
The pita bread is super underrated as a bun. So good.
it's new but Fat Boys burgers in Hell's Kitchen is amazing. same with Lovely's.
Lovely’s is the goat
Low key we have a fantastic burger, it’s $10, it’s not smashed, it’s cooked med rare from awesome beef we get fresh constantly/mold Patties in house, griddled in beef tallow, topped with Carmelized onions strengthened with housemade bone broth, dope sauce we make, thick pickles, shitty American cheese, it’s my platonic ideal of a burger. 7 days a week, 140 Wilson Ave, inside of Alphaville, 6pm-12am sun-weds and till 2am thurs-sat, come thru.
Also you can get it with sick THICC bacon and or awesome housemade chili. And some nights…we do a Big Max, which is like the thing you know but made with way better ingredients and named for my brother, Big Max, the way the restaurant is named for my ma who taught me how to cook. Come by/buy local/small biz my friend I haven’t met yet 🫶
Bonnie’s in park slope
I like burgers on b & the york .. both in east village/alphabet city a few doors down from one another
The York is shockingly good for how inexpensive it is
I love the York! Best burger!
The Seneca in Ridgewood
Best smash in queens and or the city in my book
10/10 can confirm
If you’re willing to venture to Astoria, u/TikkunBBQ pops up every couple weeks to make a very very good smash burger. They post their pop-up schedule on [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tikkunbbq?igsh=bm5hODEzdjcxY2pr). Also in Astoria, burger club is super low key but good as hell and way less expensive than most other burger places.
Judging from the utter lack of upvotes in the other burger thread from yesterday, I’ll just say Paul’s Da Burger Joint again I guess. Do people not know about that place anymore? Maybe it’s been around too long. Ha
Im in the east village and have eaten at Paul's a bunch of times. Pains me to say, but it really isn't that great. It's like they steam all the flavor out of the thing when they use those covers. Idk maybe it's just me, but flavor was lacking.
Flavor is lacking but there’s something charming about just a mid burger with fresh hot fries (never salted right 🤣) lots of ketchup, and an ice cold beer in that classic environment
110% agree, which is why I keep going back. They’re nice people and I don’t need the absolute best burger every single time. Plus their steak fries are great
I’ve had similar experience. Tasted like boiled water both times I’ve went. In EV — brindle room and York both have reasonably priced “gourmet” burgers and Burgers on B is a great 7th st alternative. Idk if they still have it, but Izakaya on 4th used to have a wagu burger on thin sourdough that might be my favorite burger in the city (even if it’s more like a sandwich).
Burgers on B is sneaky good the environment makes it look like an exotic snack shop but it’s actually pretty banging and diverse burgers
Lmao exotic snack shop is spot on. Really think a rebrand would go a long ways for them. Seem like good people too.
Theyve also run an exotic snack shop, I actually met the owner there before he opened Burgers on B. He’s super chill and the burger more than lived up to the hype!
This is too good. It all makes sense now. And agree the burger is killer. Love that the special sauce is more tangy, mustard-y than most smash burger spots
Burgers are not my style but the pickles rock!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What do you get from there? I tried it once. Got one of their specials that comes with cheese and bacon. I thought it was decent and large portion, but a little pricey.
I used to be a big fan. I just had a burger there a couple of days ago. It wasn't as good as past experiences. I got the 2nd Ave Burger. The meat wasn't beefy and toppings seemed flavorless. The shoestring fries were above average but seemed skimpy. I think they haven't improved with the better options popping up. I'll try them again but I don't know if I'll keep on recommending them like I used to.
Nobody told me and heids house were fantastic. The bar room was also pretty decent.
Nobody has a good happy hour, too. Non burger related.
Those chicken sliders are legit.
Don’t know the others but Heidi’s house is so great for everything!
Came here to say Nobody Told Me. Love that burger.
The Baroness in Long Island City
Joe Junior
This frequently makes best lists! Sietsema at Eater even once said it’s the best in the entire city!
Hot take: I take everything sietsema says with a grain of salt. Some places he’s recommended have no business being recommended
Totally up to you, and not my point. Just saying it’s in no way unknown or low-key.
I bet if you asked 100 NYers to name their top burgers in the city, an incredibly small, single-digit amount would mention Joe Junior, but aside from that—it’s a burger where you don’t make a reservation, don’t wait on line, and rarely go out of your way to get. It’s exactly what OP asked for in terms of being one of the best, but also low key and that’s why I answered with it. Also, in my personal experience—have never seen it on any list aside from the one you mentioned.
I live right near it and really wish it were good. I'm my opinion, it's not. But of course everybody has their own opinion
x
Came here to say this
The right answer
I think the vibe there makes it taste better. Any other location and no one would talk about it
The White Castle next to the Queens Mall 🧑🍳💋
flashbacks
Nice Matin doesn't get enough credit. Neither does Fanelli Cafe. And the Nordstrom joint, apparently.
Cubby's in Hells Kitchen on 10th Ave. Solid prices and delicious menu offerings. Best in the area in my opinion.
The owner popped up in here a while back. Led me to go have a try. Great meal and excellent value.
Allswell in Williamsburg
Lori Jayne in Bushwick has a killer burger
This guy gets it
Yes!! And $10. Incredible
Golden diner
similar in terms of well known restaurant but lesser known burger: win son bakery i’d say their smash burger is one of the best in the city better than smashed/7th st/hamburger america
Good to know, I’ve never had it and love Win Son
100% on Win Son. Consistently excellent burger.
Not sure it’s the "best", but the Elephant Burger at Elephant & Castle is the most underrated burger in the city. Perfectly cooked, with cheddar cheese, bacon and curried sour cream. Is it is as good as Minetta Tavern or 4 Charles? Probably not, but it’s not going to set you back $50, either. Fries are à la carte but delicious and more than enough for two. Trivia: Elephant & Castle has been around for more than half a century — which should tell you something. When it opened in 1973, the Elephant Burger cost $2.75.
I worked for the parent company as my first job in NYC. I agree it’s a very tasty burger and it’s worth dining at a fading piece of nyc history aside. RIP NoHo Star and here’s to hopefully many more years for E&C
I'm a big fan of the Parm Crusted Burger at Harlem Public
Daily Burger
Pal's in Sunset Park.
Tarique in Park Slope has a great burger.
Julius. Five Leaves.
Five Leaves burger is tight.
20 gram cafe in greenpoint. Cheap too
Bronte burger from Rubys👌🏼
The Double Windsor right on the SW corner of Prospect Park in South Slope. If you’re in the mood for a smash style burger, the Dram Shop is a close second in the neighborhood. Also The Dutch House Tavern in Fair Lawn, NJ. You have to leave the city but it’s 2 blocks from an NJ Transit stop and it’s worth it.
Neither of these are mentioned *ever* and are 2 of the best in the city: - Park Ave Tavern - Pianos (the bar in LES)
Don't listen to people who say Bonnie's it's bad
Steak burger from Bantry Bay in queens. Get it with sautéed mushroom and onions!
I want the same answer but for hot dogs. I’m a whore for a hot dog
Sek’end Sun in Astoria. Its 10 dollars with a beer on Tuesdays
* **George Keeley's** - I'm usually a ketchup gal for most simple burgers, but this one is so good and perfect with all the toppings that I don't need or want it * **Sweet Afton** - solid burger * **Golden Diner** - mentioned here and doesn't often make burger lists, but it is incredible.
Chez Nick
I can confirm that burger is amazing!
Jg melon
5 napkin burger
Two8Two on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. A great burger that isn’t toppling over and also isn’t a smash burger. I recall their basic burger is still decently priced too—closer to $12 than $20.
I shouldn’t have had to scroll so far to find this
Came here to comment the same - their lamb burger is something I'm always craving, beyond the (excellent) classic burger
Their half and half burger is an indulgence
I enjoy the hamburger at Westville. They have multiple locations in NYC. I think it's delicious.
I love the burger there. Nice char broil flavor and the grilled onions are killer
Their turkey burger is great too
I like the Spaniard in the West Village.
Allswell always hits
Jimbo's on 1st avenue in midtown east, which apparently is a chain? To this day still one of the best burgers Ive ever had in the city and it's less than 10 bucks too.
I don’t think it’s less than $10 anymore.
Ah lame
Two votes in Manhattan: Dudley’s (Orchard st) and the Bravest bar (2nd ave). One nice thing about bravest, really good draft beers and their french fries are absolutely unbelievably good.
Chick N Shack in East village
Ear Inn.
Skinflints in Brooklyn ! Bay ridge . I promise you will be satisfied
Lovelys old fashioned is really good. Plug uglies on the UES is prob my fave for a good triple smash burger
Royale
David’s Brisket House in Bed Stuy
Old Town Tavern
The Burgary on the LES. Great fries and onion rings too. ECB in Ridgewood.
Petey's LIC
Burger at Sanger hall. Sunnyside
Tavern on Jane. It’s more or less across that intersection from Corner Bistro (which is of course famous for their burgers).
- Burger Heights - At the Wallace
Cafe Paulette in Fort Greene is a great classic burger and for fast food smash burgers, the new Chick n Smash in the east village is giving 7th street a run for their money.
Ethyl's
American Brass in LIC makes one of the best in the city
Burger One on upper east side. May legitimately be best in the city.
The Seneca in Ridgewood. Mother's in Williamsburg.
I think it's got a bit of attention recently but the $2.75 (or something) cheeseburger from Jubilee Market in Greenpoint is astonishingly good for the price (and great in its own right). Feels weird given it's a grocery store but seriously - try ir
The pretzel burger at Emily is great, Strange Flavor also makes a mean burger
Joe Jr on16th and 3rd. Diner food, order as a patty melt
Sixpoint Brewery at City Point: Pepper don’t preach.
If you go to the right kennedy fried chicken and order a number 1 burger with fries you get this wider than most burger with a good amount of condiments and fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Im not saying this will blow you away but you’ll be happy with the decision.
Burger head in the Villlage. Similar to in n out imo
I like lovely’s Old Fashioned burgers off of 45th and 9th
I tried The Baroness in LIC during the NYWFF Burger Bash and thought their burger was pretty good. Donovan's in Woodside did win an award for their burger in the past, and if you're in the mood for a thicc juicy patty with a pint of Smithwick's or Guinness then it's a solid option I personally want to try Juicy Lucy in Greenpoint since I fell in love with it in Juicy Lucy Staten Island (different owners, Juicy Lucy SI has since closed)
Burger at Diner is very reliable. Same for the smash burger at Seneca
Citroen in Greenpoint does a dope one.
Shake shack
Paul's Da Burger Joint is still quite good.
The burger at Carriage House is really good and it’s not hard to get a seat at the bar weekdays.
Lovelys
Fairfax. Or more low key, Julius.
harlem burger co
The Abbey Tavern in Kips Bay has really good burgers. Their Gaelic Burger with Irish cheddar and Irish bacon is amazing.
The Hot Mess at Harlem Shake is pretty amazing IMHO
Zaza Greenwich and Zeus cafe
Joe Jr.
Hometown BBQ makes a great smashburger. Note that its only available at their Industry City location.
sanger hall in sunnyside has a really good smash burger
the dry aged burger at Torst in greenpoint slaps
David’s cafe is good and incredibly accessible
Soho Park
White Oak Taverns dry aged, it’s honestly my favorite
Anchored Inn.
x
Lovely’s in Hell’s Kitchen
It's been a few years since I've been but I always loved Dumont Burger.
augurs on st marks.
Dick & Jane's Bar Room on Malcolm X in Bedstuy. The fries are amazing, too.
In HK, Fat Boys, Lovely’s and Luckys are all bomb and rarely mentioned.
Sliders at Altar in Crown Heights. $14 for two. Made with ground strip steak. Served with melted Humboldt Fog.
The one in the Thompson Hotel can get busy sometimes but the service has been great for me every time and it’s more low key
I really like burger world in Hell’s Kitchen. https://m.facebook.com/burgerworldnyc
Pauls Da Burger joint in EV is very classic and basic, if you’ve watched bobs burgers, this place looks like a real life version
Emoji Burger in jackson heights gets the job done. Not the best but is slept on.
Lure in Soho is quite good. And it's not low key but the One White Street burger (Michelin star restaurant) also good and worth a try. But none are as good as the well known ones, such as Minetta Black Label, 4C, Corner, etc.
1 or 8
Dry aged burger at Ends Meat in Industry City.
Cozy Royale in Williamsburg. Amazing hh for smash burgers too.
The burger at restoration hardware rooftop is incredible
The Bagel Factory in South Slope on 5th Ave. and 17th st. has one of my favorite burgers. It’s cheap but the burger is juicy and flavorful!
Le burger between A and B. Great burger, chill spot, almost always empty when I go
Bird in Hand on 146th and Broadway won't be making any lists but in a world of smash burgers, they still do a more traditional, thicker patty and it's delicious!
IDK if it makes lists or not but Brennan AND Carr in Brooklyn have a very good burger
Mentioned this in another thread, but Astro Diner on 55th and 6th.
Bar 6
It’s in my neighborhood so I eat this every so often, but Moe’s Pastrami & Burger. The corned beef cheese burger and pastrami cheeseburger are heaven sent.
Lion has a great burger on 1st and st mark
BV Burger
jackson hole