Best Burger Harlem, NY

Harlem knows good food. And when it comes to burgers, it doesn’t need flash or gimmicks to recognize the real thing.

Located on 124th Street in the heart of historic Harlem, Harlem Shake^® has become a neighborhood favorite for classic New York burgers, organic shakes, and a laid-back diner vibe that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Whether you’re looking for the best smashburger in Harlem, craving a thick organic milkshake, or just want a reliable spot for lunch or dinner, Harlem Shake^® delivers every time.

About Harlem Shake^® on 124th Street

Harlem Shake^®’s original location on 124th Street is where it all started.

Built on a love for classic American comfort food, Harlem Shake^® opened with a simple goal: make great smashburgers and shakes using real ingredients, no shortcuts, and a lot of personality. From the beginning, it was meant to feel like a neighborhood spot — welcoming, familiar, and easy to come back to.

Set in the cultural heart of Harlem, the space reflects the energy of the neighborhood itself. With old-school diner touches, a relaxed atmosphere, and a menu focused on quality, Harlem Shake^® blends classic flavor with a modern New York point of view.

Over the years, the 124th Street location has become a staple for burger lovers exploring Harlem, and a regular stop for locals who know exactly what they’re craving.

Why Harlem Shake^® Is Known for One of the Best Burgers in Harlem

A great burger in Harlem comes down to a few simple things:

• Quality ingredients
  
• Real flavor
  
• Consistency

Harlem Shake^® has built its reputation by getting those fundamentals right.

Signature Pat LaFrieda Beef Blend

Every burger starts with a custom Pat LaFrieda beef blend, a name that’s long been trusted in New York City kitchens. The patties are smashed and griddled to create a deep, flavorful sear while staying juicy and balanced inside.

That approach delivers:

• Rich beef flavor
  
• A crisp, caramelized crust
  
• A classic texture that never feels overworked

It’s the foundation of what makes Harlem Shake^® smashburgers so satisfying.

Classic Craft, Bold Flavor

Harlem Shake^® focuses on perfecting the classics. Each burger is built so the toppings complement the beef, not compete with it. No unnecessary extras. No overthinking. Just burgers that taste the way they should.

Signature Burgers Worth Trying

These favorites help define what people mean when they talk about the best burger in Harlem, NY.

Harlem Classic

The burger that started it all.

Pat LaFrieda beef patties, American cheese, onions, pickles, and special sauce. Simple, balanced, and endlessly repeatable — a true New York classic.

Impossible Harlem Classic

All the familiar flavors of the original, made vegetarian with Impossible meat. Same toppings, same smash-style preparation, same satisfying bite.

Hot Mess

A burger with a little edge.

Pickled cherry peppers, bacon relish, and melted cheese layered over smashed beef. Sweet, savory, and just spicy enough to earn the name.

Harlem Jerk Classic

A nod to bold flavors with Harlem roots.

Jerk seasoning and jerk mayo add smoky heat and depth, bringing Caribbean influence to a classic New York burger.

Veggie Burger

Made in-house with grains, vegetables, and nuts, this option delivers real texture and flavor — not an afterthought.

Fries & Sides That Complete the Meal

A great burger deserves great sides.

Harlem Shake^® serves crispy, golden fries that are made for dipping, sharing, or finishing long after you said you were full. Add onion rings or seasoned sides to round out the meal — simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want alongside a smashburger.

Don’t Skip the Organic Milkshakes

Burgers and shakes go hand in hand at Harlem Shake^®.

Our Milkshakes are made with:

• Organic NY fresh whole milk
  
• Organic Blue Marble Ice Cream
  
• House-made ingredients like real red velvet cake and scratch-made salted caramel

Thick, creamy, and balanced, they’re the perfect match for a savory burger, and a big reason Harlem Shake^® is just as well known for shakes as it is for burgers.

Beer & Wine Pairings

If you’re in the mood for something beyond soda, Harlem Shake^® offers a curated selection of beer and wine designed to pair well with burgers and fries.

Whether it’s a casual lunch or an easygoing evening with friends, it’s all part of the Harlem Shake^® experience.

The Harlem Shake^® Experience

Walking into Harlem Shake^® on 124th Street feels familiar in the best way.

It’s a place built around:

• Community
  
• Nostalgia
  
• Quality

From the beef blend to the milkshake base, every detail is intentional, creating an experience that feels timeless, comfortable, and right at home in Harlem.

That consistency is why Harlem Shake^® continues to be talked about as one of the go-to spots for the best burger in Harlem, NY.

Visit Harlem Shake^® — 124th Street

Harlem Shake^®
124th Street, Harlem, NY

Serving classic smashburgers, organic milkshakes, crispy fries, and good times in the heart of Harlem.

Whether you’re a neighborhood regular or visiting for the first time, the best burgers in Harlem are closer than you think.

Come hungry.
Leave full.
Don’t skip the shake.