Best Burgers in NYC

New York City has never been short on opinions, especially when it comes to burgers. From old-school diners and neighborhood joints to buzzy newcomers and over-the-top builds, everyone has a favorite.

But strip it all back, and a great New York burger still comes down to the same things it always has: balance, quality, and a little attitude.

That’s where Harlem Shake® comes in.

With locations in Harlem and Brooklyn, Harlem Shake® has earned a reputation for doing burgers the right way, using a custom Pat LaFrieda signature beef blend, smashed and griddled just right, paired with classic toppings, house-made sauces, and absolutely zero shortcuts. No gimmicks. No trends for trend’s sake. Just one of the best burgers in New York, done consistently well.

In 2026, with more burger options than ever, Harlem Shake® continues to be a go-to for locals, visitors, and anyone serious about finding the best burger in NYC.

What Makes a Great Burger in New York City?

In a city full of choices, the burgers that stand out tend to share a few things in common:

• High-quality beef with real flavor

• A proper smash and sear — crisp on the outside, juicy inside
  
• Toppings that complement the burger instead of overpowering it
  
• A bun that holds everything together without stealing the spotlight
  
• Consistency, every single time

At Harlem Shake®, everything starts with the beef.

Pat LaFrieda Beef: The Foundation of a Harlem Shake® Burger

Every Harlem Shake® burger is made with a custom Pat LaFrieda beef blend — a name that’s deeply rooted in New York City’s food scene.

If you’ve eaten at some of the city’s most respected steakhouses or burger spots, you’ve probably already had LaFrieda beef. It’s known for rich flavor, quality sourcing, and the ability to shine with simple preparation.

The blend used at Harlem Shake® is designed specifically for smashburgers:

• Deep beef flavor without excess grease
  
• Ideal for a hard sear on the griddle
  
• Juicy on the inside with a crave-worthy crust

Each patty is smashed and griddled to develop that signature sear, the kind that makes a burger satisfying from the very first bite.

Smashburgers, the Harlem Shake® Way

Smashburgers may be everywhere now, but Harlem Shake® has always done them with intention.

The approach is straightforward:

• Patties are smashed directly onto a hot griddle
  
• The surface caramelizes instantly
  
• Edges crisp while the center stays juicy
  
• Cheese melts right into the meat

The result is a burger that’s rich, savory, and balanced, without needing towering height or excessive toppings. It’s a style that’s become synonymous with Harlem Shake® and a big reason the restaurant continues to show up in conversations about the best smashburgers in NYC.

Classic Burgers That Set the Standard

Rather than overloading the menu, Harlem Shake® focuses on getting the classics right, with just enough personality to keep things interesting.

Harlem Classic

This is the burger that defines Harlem Shake®.

• Pat LaFrieda beef patties
  
• American cheese
  
• Onions and pickles
  
• Signature special sauce

It’s familiar, balanced, and endlessly repeatable, the kind of burger you come back for again and again. No distractions. Just a classic New York burger done properly.

Impossible Harlem Classic

Harlem Shake® brings the same approach to its plant-based option. The Impossible Harlem Classic delivers bold flavor, familiar toppings, and the same smash-style preparation, proving that great burgers aren’t limited to beef.

Burgers With a Little More Attitude

New York burgers don’t have to play it safe. Harlem Shake®’s menu includes options that add heat and personality while keeping everything balanced.

Hot Mess

A classic burger with an edge:

• Pickled cherry peppers
  
• Bacon relish
  
• Melted cheese

It’s messy, bold, and unapologetically flavorful, exactly as the name suggests.

Harlem Jerk Classic

A nod to global flavors with a New York backbone:

• Jerk spices
  
• Jerk mayo
  
• Deep, smoky heat layered over a juicy beef patty

It’s a reminder that New York burgers evolve with the city itself.

Burgers for Every Appetite

Harlem Shake®’s menu is designed to be flexible, whether you want to keep things simple or customize your burger.

Veggie Burger

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

Build It Your Way

Optional add-ons let you personalize without overcomplicating:

• Applewood smoked bacon
  
• Organic egg
  
• Grilled onions or mushrooms
  
• Truffle oil
  
• Specialty sauces like smoky chipotle mayo or jerk mayo

It’s an approach that keeps Harlem Shake® relevant for anyone searching for the best burger in NYC in 2026, no matter their preference.

Fries Matter, and Harlem Shake® Knows It

No great burger experience is complete without fries.

Harlem Shake® serves crispy, golden fries that are sturdy enough for dipping, sharing, and finishing long after you said you were full. Keep them classic or pair them with sauces, either way, they do exactly what fries are supposed to do.

No Burger Is Complete Without the Best Milkshake in NYC

At Harlem Shake®, burgers and milkshakes go hand in hand.

The restaurant is just as well known for its organic, handcrafted milkshakes as it is for its burgers, and that’s by design.

Milkshakes are made with:

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

Pairing a smash burger with a thick, creamy milkshake is part of the full Harlem Shake® experience, and a big reason the restaurant is often mentioned among both the best burgers in NYC and the best milkshakes in NYC.

Two NYC Locations, Same Legendary Burgers

Harlem

The original location — a neighborhood favorite with classic diner vibes, outdoor seating, and deep roots in the community.

Brooklyn (Sterling Place)

A more intimate setting that delivers the same burgers, shakes, and attention to detail in a Brooklyn neighborhood atmosphere.

No matter which location you visit, the experience stays the same, which is exactly what you want when you’re hunting for the best burger in New York.

Why Harlem Shake® Continues to Stand Out

In a city that loves food trends, Harlem Shake® stands out by focusing on the fundamentals:

• Premium Pat LaFrieda beef
  
• Smash-griddled burgers done right
  
• Balanced, thoughtful toppings
  
• A menu that respects classics while adding personality
  
• Milkshakes that complete the meal

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being consistent, and doing things well, every time.

Final Bite: Best Burger in NYC, 2026

If you’re searching for the best burgers in NYC, Harlem Shake® belongs at the top of the list, not because it’s loud, but because it delivers.

Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone determined to eat your way through the city’s burger scene, Harlem Shake® offers a reminder of why burgers became iconic in the first place.

Great beef.
Great technique.
Great shakes.

That’s how you do burgers in New York.