Burgers Worth Traveling for in New York City

The Bacon-Lover’s Soul

New York City might be known for its dazzling skyline, iconic bagels, and world-class pizza, but if you’re a burger connoisseur, this city serves up more than enough reasons to plan your next weekend getaway. Some of the best burgers in the U.S. aren’t where you’d expect them—hidden behind kaiseki counters, tucked into brownstone taverns, or infused with spices from far-off regions. Whether you’re a foodie traveler or a digital nomad in search of new flavors, NYC’s burger scene is reason enough to make it a stop on your autumn travel itinerary.

The Russian Tea Room Revelation
Contrary to what you’d expect, one of the most remarkable burgers in New York can be found in the gilded dining room of the Russian Tea Room. You might assume this space is reserved for vodka, caviar, and stroganoff, but their wagyu–short rib burger with Ossetra caviar proves otherwise. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of discovering fall foliage in Central Park—unexpected, yet breathtaking. It’s a reminder that some of the best autumn destinations serve surprises on the plate, not just in the landscape.

LORE: A Taste of India Meets Brooklyn Cool
In Park Slope, LORE offers a burger that’s anything but ordinary. Chef Jay Kumar, who blends Indian spices with European technique, layers his burger with masala aioli infused with ginger-garlic, cumin, fennel, and black cardamom. It’s smoky, punchy, and herbaceous—ideal if you’re looking to explore sustainable tourism through culturally fused cuisine. Pair it with one of their imaginative desserts for a complete sensory journey.

Delmonico’s: Old-World Elegance with a Burger Twist
Step into the Beaux-Arts majesty of Delmonico’s in the Financial District and you’re stepping into American culinary history. Their lunch-only burger—a dry-aged wagyu patty topped with brie and bacon—is luxury in bite-sized form. It’s an experience suited for fall road trips steeped in heritage and indulgence. Add a glass of red and their signature crab cake, and you’ve got a plate that blends tradition with modern travel trends.

Luana’s Tavern: Brooklyn’s Burger Legacy
If you’re drawn to stories as much as flavors, Luana’s Tavern in Carroll Gardens delivers both. This historic bar—rumored to have hosted Al Capone’s wedding celebration—offers two must-try options: the classic tavern burger and a crispy-edged smashburger. For solo travel or travel for remote workers looking for community and comfort food, this is the kind of local haunt that sticks with you long after the trip.

Pro Tip:

• Start with one burger
• Enjoy a bourbon with the owner at the bar
• Go back for the second burger

Because sometimes, budget travel is less about money and more about maximizing flavor per dollar.

Brooklyn’s Burger Legacy

HALL: Japanese Precision Meets NYC Edge
Near the Michelin-starred Odo Lounge, HALL in Flatiron delivers a burger you’ll be thinking about for weeks. The blend of wagyu and American sirloin is enhanced with soy glaze and sanshō pepper. Topped with cheddar, crispy onions, and nestled in a house-baked milk bun, it’s a zen moment in burger form—ideal for those seeking eco-friendly travel tips that include hyper-local, artisanal food experiences.

Clinton Hall: For the Bacon-Lover’s Soul
In FiDi, Clinton Hall pays tribute to its namesake beer garden with burgers that are rich, flavorful, and unapologetically decadent. The standout? The Bacon Bacon Bacon Burger, featuring cheddar, thick-cut bacon, and bacon jam, balanced with a handful of arugula. Pair it with one of their rotating local beers—perfect for anyone chasing cheap flights for September and craving hearty eats upon landing.

Gotham Burger Social Club: The Texas Spirit in NYC
This Lower East Side spot channels West Texas charm with its outlaw-country playlist and smashburgers on potato rolls. The Oklahoma Burger and the California Burger bring a scratch-made intensity to each bite, especially with their ghost pepper ranch. If you’re a fan of spontaneous weekend getaways and spicy surprises, this place will check all your boxes.

Virgil’s: BBQ Roots, Burger Excellence
You might come to Virgil’s in Times Square for the Memphis ribs or Texas brisket, but stay for the burger. It’s coated with cheddar and barbecue sauce, soaked into a bun that’s built for the job. This is a slice of Americana that even traditionalists will love—just like those cozy fall road trips through small-town diners and autumn leaves.

Miznon: Pita Perfection in Hudson Yards
For something different, Miznon replaces the usual bun with a warm, charred pita. The thin beef patty is crisped on a plancha, with cheddar melted directly into the meat. A hit of aioli, sour cream, and Israeli pickles rounds it out. Ideal for fans of digital nomad visas or solo travel—it’s street food elevated, portable, and unforgettable.

Peter Luger: Old-School Simplicity, Done Right
In Williamsburg, Peter Luger proves that less is often more. Available only at lunch, their Luger Burger is just dry-aged beef, onion, cheese, and a sesame bun. But that simplicity is backed by a century of steakhouse mastery. Add German potatoes and their tangy steak sauce, and you’ve got a meal worth building your fall foliage itinerary around.

A City That Serves Up More Than Views
New York’s burger offerings are as layered and diverse as the city itself. From opulent fine dining to reimagined street food, each burger tells a story of tradition, innovation, and unexpected flavor. Whether you’re planning autumn travel or simply hunting for the next great bite, NYC belongs at the top of your bucket list. After all, when you travel for food, you’re not just satisfying hunger—you’re discovering the true soul of a city.